Riviera Course
Pacific Palisades, CA, USA
Riviera Country Club is synonymous with Hollywood glamour, where legends of the silver screen once mingled with golf's elite, solidifying its status as a uniquely Californian institution. Nestled in the heart of Pacific Palisades, the parkland course, sculpted from the rugged canyon terrain, plays longer than its yardage suggests, rewarding strategic shot-making over pure power, but be ready for the kikuyu grass. The famed 10th hole—a drivable par-4 with a devilish bunker guarding the green—tempts bold plays and can swing matches in an instant. Designed by George C. Thomas Jr. in the Golden Age of course architecture, Riviera remains largely true to his original vision, though subtle refinements have been made over the years to maintain its championship pedigree. The course annually hosts the Genesis Invitational, drawing the world's top players and solidifying its place on the PGA Tour. The club has hosted three major championships including the 1948 U.S. Open and the 1995 PGA Championship. It also hosted the 2017 U.S. Amateur, and the 2023 U.S. Women's Amateur as well as the golf competition for the 1932 Summer Olympics. The course will host the golf competition for the 2028 Summer Olympics, as well. Beyond its architectural significance, Riviera boasts a membership steeped in tradition, including a long list of prominent figures from entertainment, business, and sports. The clubhouse, a stately Spanish Colonial Revival structure, serves as a gathering place for generations of members, fostering a sense of community that extends far beyond the fairways. After a round, members and guests alike gather to the 19th hole to enjoy a cold beverage and discuss the challenges and beauty of Riviera. Riviera holds a distinguished position among the nation's most revered golf clubs, a testament to its challenging layout, rich history, and the enduring allure of its location in the shadows of Hollywood.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
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Best in USA
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Best in CA
All courses
Golfers say Riviera is a world-class classic that lives up to its storied reputation, with most praising the layout's strategic shot values, unique holes, and dramatic setting in its natural bowl surrounded by hillside homes. Reviewers consistently highlight standout moments like the iconic first tee shot and the famous par-3 10th, though one notes the latter works best for longer hitters, while holes like the challenging 4th and fun 8th also earn specific praise. Most find the course exceptional across the board with no weak holes, though one player felt the routing was somewhat repetitive compared to other elite LA courses. The clubhouse and overall experience draw universal acclaim, with several calling it a gift to play such a historic venue, though a few mention temporary greens affected their round.
9.2
131 players
Epic experience. Wonderful layout with every hole being fairly unique. Setting in the bowl with the mansions above is pretty awesome. Unusual grass very difficult to chop through. World class clubhouse and tee shot on one is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Number 10 lives up to the hype.
Probably the best “cutters” golf course. A true classic that is somehow underrated. Makes complete sense this course rates highly by the pros as one of the favorite spots on tour. Really wish there was a scene here and it would be an 11/10. Probably 1 and 1A with this and LACC North for best of LA.
Played the US Amateur here the year Doc Redman won. Was very challenging but a bit repetitive in my mind. Enjoyed the other host course for the Am (Bel-Aire CC) more. Still an amazing place and course with lots of history.
MR, Steve Rabin, Larry (member)
Played temp greens on 6,10,16. Rating would be higher if we had seen those signature holes
World class, and almost always a perfect day to tee it at Riv. Special spot with no weak holes.
Another case of playing in what feels like a museum. Absolute gift of a golf course.
The best of the best the elite
I lived in Los Angeles for 20 years before playing it. I'd probably walked it 50 times. It was just as good as I expected. Shot values to the max. Recovery options available. #4 has to be on the list of hardest holes I've ever played. #8 has to be on the list of most fun. I'm actually down on #10 unless you can carry the ball 305. I think it's a layup hole if you can't. But it's not like laying up to 70 yards is easy given that the green is six paces wide. I digress. Riviera is A+
Public courses closest to Riviera.
Los Angeles International Airport serves as the primary gateway, positioned roughly twenty miles southeast of the club, while Van Nuys and Santa Monica airports cater to private arrivals with considerably shorter ground transfers. The drive from LAX traces the coastline north along the Pacific Coast Highway before turning inland through the verdant canyon corridors of Pacific Palisades, where the urban sprawl softens into eucalyptus-shaded residential streets. Riviera Country Club reveals itself quietly at the end of a palm-lined approach, its understated entrance belying the storied championship ground that has hosted legends since 1926 - a fitting arrival for one of Southern California's most revered and exclusive sporting sanctuaries.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Riviera has a Course Vaults score of 9.2 out of 10 based on 70 explicit golfer ratings.
Riviera was designed by George C. Thomas and Ron Forse.
Riviera is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Riviera is 71.
Riviera plays 7,040 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Riviera is 135.
