0

Riviera’s 10th: To Drive or Not to Drive

If you read anything about the past great architects or listen to the accomplished designers of today you hear things like options, challenges, play-ability when they talk about a golf hole.

With today’s unencumbered distances and ball smashing swings of the longest golfers in the world it is difficult to design a hole that can challenge both the long driver and the short hitter.

But George C. Thomas found the magic formula,actually we should call it the “Classic Formula” as his ageless tenth hole at Riviera Country Club is close to 90 years old. And it’s a hole that will reward and frustrate, penalize and inspire many golfers this week. And that could happen all in a matter of a few strokes.Northern Trust Open - Round Three

Adam Schupak of Golfweek talked to a few of the Champions Tour players that have seen it all on the so-called “driveable “ par four tenth hole.

If designers truly want players to have options the stats on the tenth hole prove this is a great example.

“According to ShotLink data, last year at the 10th, 51 percent of the 436 tee shots were fired toward the flag and 49 percent were layups. The bold players scored a combined 14 under; the cautious were 52 over. How’s that for risk-reward?”

I love what Tom Kite who won here in 1993 had to say,“It is pure genius. Everyone tries to design a hole like that now, and they come up short. I’ve tried to, but I haven’t come close.”

But what Kirk Triplett, the 2000 Northern Trust Open Champ says is music to an architect’s ears. “A short par 4 is a chance for an architect to show his creativity, and I don’t think you could get a better example. It’s all about the angle of your second shot. It’s that oblong green. I think these guys now get in more trouble because they are always trying to drive the green. When you’re out of position, it becomes a very difficult par hole.”

The consensus, if there can be one here is that if you are going to try for the green you better not miss it right. Or you can take a tip from Riviera’s pro and layup for a great chance at birdie.

Either way we are in for some exciting stuff from this classic masterpiece.

Share

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.