The Riviera Country Club
1250 Capri Dr
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 USA
(310) 454-6591
Geographic Coordinates: 34.049794, -118.501338
Temperature Range: -2.0°C to 32.0°C (28°F to 90°F)
The Riviera Country Club, Nestled in the picturesque neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, California, Is a renowned golfing destination that has captured the hearts of golf enthusiasts for decades. This historic club, Established in 1926 and designed by George C. Thomas Jr., Offers a truly exceptional golfing experience with its immaculate fairways, Challenging greens, And breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. As you step onto the course at Riviera Country Club, You are immediately greeted by lush greenery and towering eucalyptus trees that line the fairways.
The meticulously manicured 18-hole layout spans over 7, 300 yards and is known for its strategic design that demands precision and shot-making skills from players of all levels. The course features undulating terrain with subtle elevation changes that add an extra layer of challenge to each hole. One of the most iconic holes at Riviera is the par-3 6th hole known as Hogan’s Alley. This hole was named after legendary golfer Ben Hogan who famously hit his tee shot down a narrow tree-lined corridor to set up his approach to the green during the 1948 U.S. Open held at Riviera.
This hole showcases both beauty and difficulty as players must navigate their tee shots through this challenging alleyway. Beyond its remarkable layout, Riviera Country Club has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments throughout its history. It annually hosts one of the most revered events on PGA Tour – The Genesis Invitational – which attracts top players from around the world. In addition to professional tournaments, Riveting amateur championships have also been held here including multiple U.S Amateur Championships. Apart from golfing excellence, Riviera boasts exceptional facilities that cater to every golfer’s needs.
The clubhouse exudes elegance and offers panoramic views over Santa Monica Bay while providing members with luxurious amenities such as fine dining options state-of-the-art practice facilities including a driving range and putting greens and a well-stocked pro shop offering the latest golfing equipment and apparel. The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades is an iconic golfing destination that combines rich history, Challenging course design, Stunning natural beauty, And world-class facilities.
Whether you are a seasoned golfer looking for a memorable round or simply an admirer of the sport seeking to immerse yourself in its heritage, This legendary club will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression as it continues to shape the future of golf.
Fun Facts and Other Tidbits
- History: The Riviera Country Club was founded in 1926 and designed by golf course architect George C. Thomas Jr.
- PGA Tour’s Los Angeles Open: The club has hosted the PGA Tour’s Los Angeles Open (now known as the Genesis Invitational) since 1929, making it one of the longest-running tournaments on the tour.
- Major Championships: The Riviera has also hosted major championships like the U.S. Open (1948) and the PGA Championship (1983).
- Signature Hole: One of its most famous holes is the par-4 10th hole known as Ben Hogan’s Alley. It gained this name after Ben Hogan hit a famous one-iron shot from there during his victory at the 1950 U.S. Open.
- Celebrity Involvement: Over the years, many celebrities have been members or regular players at Riviera, including actors such as Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable.
- Historic Matches: Notable historic matches include Tiger Woods winning his first PGA Tour event at Riviera in 1992 when he was just 16 years old.
- Renovations: The course underwent significant renovations in recent years to restore it to its original design intent by George C. Thomas Jr.
Additionally, various social events and charity tournaments take place annually at The Riviera Country Club, further contributing to its significance within both golfing history and local community engagement in Pacific Palisades.
Please note that this information is not exhaustive but provides an overview of some notable aspects related to The Riviera Country Club’s history and significance within golfing circles.
Important Landmarks
- Eames House (Case Study House #8): A world-renowned architectural landmark designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1949. It is known for its innovative design and contribution to modern architecture.
- Getty Villa: An art museum modeled after the Villa dei Papiri, a Roman country house in Herculaneum, Italy. It houses an extensive collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art.
- Will Rogers State Historic Park: The former estate of actor and humorist Will Rogers turned into a state park. It includes his ranch house as well as hiking trails with stunning views over the Pacific Ocean.
- Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine: A beautiful meditation garden dedicated to promoting peace and harmony among various religions. It features a serene lake surrounded by lush gardens with numerous shrines.
- Temescal Gateway Park: A large park offering hiking trails through canyons along with picnic areas and recreational facilities such as tennis courts.
- Murphy Ranch: Although it’s not officially recognized or accessible due to safety concerns, Murphy Ranch is an abandoned compound that was built during World War II by Nazi sympathizers seeking refuge in California.
- Palisades Village: This upscale shopping center offers a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options for residents and visitors alike.
- Rustic Canyon Park: A picturesque park with hiking trails nestled within the Santa Monica Mountains offering scenic views of the surrounding area.
Sports Teams
- Palisades High School Dolphins: The local high school team, the Dolphins, has a strong athletic program across various sports. Their football team has had successful seasons over the years and has produced several notable players.
- Palisades Tennis Club: Located in Pacific Palisades, this private tennis club offers a range of programs for all ages and skill levels. The club hosts tournaments and events throughout the year.
- Riviera Country Club: This prestigious golf course is situated in Pacific Palisades and is known for hosting PGA Tour events such as the Genesis Invitational.
- Brentwood Country Club: Although technically located in nearby Brentwood, this country club is just minutes away from Pacific Palisades and offers golfing facilities along with other recreational activities.
- Pali Blues Soccer Club: Founded in 2008 as part of the United Soccer Leagues (USL), Pali Blues was a women’s soccer team based in Pacific Palisades until 2014 when it ceased operations due to financial reasons.
It’s important to note that while these teams/organizations have ties to Pacific Palisades or are located nearby, they may not exclusively represent or be associated with the community itself as it primarily serves as a residential area rather than a hub for professional sports teams.
Museums and Things To See
- The Getty Villa: A stunning museum dedicated to ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art. It is located in the nearby Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.
- Will Rogers State Historic Park: This park not only offers beautiful hiking trails and picnic spots but also houses the historic ranch house of Will Rogers, a famous actor and humorist.
- Skirball Cultural Center: Located in neighboring Brentwood, this center features rotating art exhibitions along with performances, film screenings, and educational programs focused on Jewish heritage and American democratic ideals.
- Santa Monica Pier Aquarium: Situated just south of Pacific Palisades at Santa Monica Pier, this small but fascinating aquarium showcases marine life from the California coast.
- Edgemar Center for the Arts: This theater complex in Santa Monica hosts various productions including plays, musicals, comedy shows, and dance performances.
- Bergamot Station Arts Center: Located near Pacific Palisades in Santa Monica’s Olympic Boulevard area, this former railway station now houses several contemporary art galleries featuring works by local artists.
- Annenberg Community Beach House: This beachfront facility offers cultural events such as concerts and exhibitions while providing public access to swimming pools, a splash pad area for kids, volleyball courts, and more.
Please note that some locations may be subject to temporary closures or modified operations due to COVID-19 restrictions or other factors; therefore it’s advisable to check their websites or contact them directly before planning your visit.