Riviera Country Club Showcases Golden Age Golf Architecture

The PGA Tour heads to the iconic Los Angeles course for the Genesis Invitational.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The PGA Tour's final stop on the 'West Coast Swing' is at the storied Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, a masterpiece of minimalist golf course architecture designed by George C. Thomas and William P. Bell in the early 20th century. The course features several iconic holes that highlight the genius of the 'Golden Age' of golf design, including the challenging par-3 4th, the unique pot bunker on the par-3 6th, and the drivable par-4 10th.

Why it matters

Riviera Country Club is considered one of the greatest championship golf courses in the United States, a testament to the timeless design principles of Thomas and Bell. As the PGA Tour's top players compete at Riviera, it shines a spotlight on the enduring appeal of 'Golden Age' golf architecture and how strategic, minimalist course design can still challenge the modern game.

The details

Riviera sits on a relatively flat, canyon-bottom property, but Thomas and Bell maximized the natural terrain to create a masterpiece of minimalist design. The par-3 4th hole features a Redan-style green that falls severely from right to left, making it one of the most difficult par 3s on Tour. The par-3 6th hole has a unique pot bunker in the center of the green, creating four distinct quadrants and forcing players to carefully consider their shot selection. The drivable par-4 10th has been altered over the years by technology, with most players now opting to hit driver and play aggressively, rather than the more strategic play Thomas originally envisioned.

  • Riviera Country Club opened in the early 1920s.
  • The Genesis Invitational is being held at Riviera this week (February 21-24, 2026).
  • In 2002, Tom Fazio redesigned the 8th hole to restore the original barranca feature.

The players

George C. Thomas

An amateur architect who designed Riviera Country Club for the Los Angeles Athletic Club, Thomas was part of the 'Philadelphia School' of golf course design and went on to create several other acclaimed courses in California.

William P. Bell

A golf course architect who collaborated with Thomas on Riviera Country Club and other notable California courses such as Bel-Air Country Club and Los Angeles Country Club.

Ben Hogan

The legendary golfer who once called Riviera's par-3 4th hole 'the greatest par 3 hole in America.'

Viktor Hovland

A PGA Tour player who has hit driver down the 17th fairway at Riviera, which runs parallel to the 15th hole, prompting the club to add trees to prevent that play.

Justin Thomas

A PGA Tour player who made a miraculous par save by hitting a flop shot or chip while on the green to get over the pot bunker on the par-3 6th hole at Riviera.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Riviera Country Club stands as a testament to the enduring genius of 'Golden Age' golf course architecture, showcasing how strategic design and elegant bunkering can create a timeless championship venue that continues to challenge the world's best players even as the game evolves. The upcoming Genesis Invitational at Riviera will highlight the course's iconic holes and the lasting impact of Thomas and Bell's minimalist masterpiece.