There are few courses with no weaknesses, but the Riviera Country Club can take the moniker. It’s a truly remarkable golf course routed across less than ideal terrain.
Riviera Country Club
There are few courses with no weaknesses, but the Riviera Country Club can take the moniker. It’s a truly remarkable golf course routed across less than ideal terrain.
The 18-hole layout at Riviera Country Club is undoubtedly an important course, not just because of its magnetic appeal to many famous members, including Glen Campbell, Dean Martin, and Gregory Peck, but also because this is a masterpiece in architectural design.
George C. Thomas Jr. designed Riviera, or should we say manufactured Riviera. When the course opened for play in 1926, the construction bill was almost $250,000 and this was one of the first courses where literally the earth moved in mysterious ways. Thomas was perhaps the most underrated architect of his time and much of his work has been lost through the perennial remodeling programs and the same is true to a greater extent here at Riviera. Fortunately some holes do still play in the strategic spirit that Thomas intended where he who dares and wins will be rewarded.
Riviera was one of Ben Hogan’s favourite courses and it’s sometimes referred to as “Hogan’s Alley”. Perhaps so named because Hogan took the tight but more rewarding driving line here at Riviera, just as he did on the 5th hole at Carnoustie during the 1953 Open. We suspect it may be because it was here that Hogan set his Open record of 276 or perhaps it was because he made his historic comeback at Riviera after his horrific car crash in 1950. Does anybody know?
Hogan declared that Riviera's one-shot 4th Redan is "The greatest Par 3 hole in America" and his statement is commemorated by a plaque stating: "In 1987, the 4th hole at Riviera Country Club was chosen by Mr. Hogan as the site for filming his club company's commercials. It was the only time his golf swing was ever seen in the Hogan commercials."
The Los Angeles Open was first played at Riviera Country Club in 1929, but the event began a long-term relationship with the club in 1973. Since 1973, The LA Open has been played here every year except 1983 and 1988 when Riviera played host to the PGA Championship and the U.S. Senior Open respectively. Jack Nicklaus pocketed his first pay packet here at Riviera in the 1962 LA Open. His 50th place banked him a modest $33 but the Riviera Country Club remained one of the few PGA Tour courses where the Golden Bear never claimed a victory.
There are few layouts with no weaknesses, but Riviera might be one. It’s undoubtedly a special course that's routed across less than ideal terrain. We therefore doff our caps to Mr Thomas.
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
Kansas, United States
County Kerry, Ireland
California, United States
Michigan, United States
County Clare, Ireland
Olympic Golf: Your Complete Travel Guide ⛳ Golf returns to the Olympic stage at two of the world's most storied venues over the next decade. Los Angeles welcomes the world in 2028 at the legendary Riviera Country Club, whilst Brisbane showcases Australian golf heritage in 2032 at Royal Queensland Golf Club. Both tournaments promise unforgettable championship golf within the spectacle of the Olympic Games. Olympic Golf: A Modern Renaissance Golf's modern Olympic renaissance continues to gather momentum. After a 112-year absence from the Games, the sport returned in Rio 2016 and has since cemented its place on the Olympic programme. The Paris 2024 edition, won by Scottie Scheffler and Lydia Ko, attracted over 30,000 spectators daily and produced thrilling championship golf that silenced remaining doubters about the sport's Olympic credentials. The Olympic qualification system remains consistent across editions. The top 15 world-ranked players in both men's and women's categories earn automatic entry, subject to a maximum of four players per nation. Countries may field up to two additional players based on world rankings, ensuring global representation whilst maintaining elite competition standards. Each continent receives guaranteed representation, with 60 players in both men's and women's fields creating truly international tournaments. The 2028 Los Angeles Games mark a watershed moment for Olympic golf. For the first time, the competition will include a mixed team event alongside the individual tournaments, with 16 pairs competing in alternate shot and four-ball formats between the men's and women's individual competitions. This addition expands golf's medal count and creates compelling new storylines as nations unite their best male and female players. Olympic golf tournaments follow a straightforward 72-hole stroke play format over four days, with no cut after 36 holes. All 60 players complete the full four rounds, ensuring every competitor experiences championship golf throughout the week. Sudden-death playoffs determine medal positions if players finish tied after regulation play, adding dramatic potential to final-round competition. Recent Olympic champions have demonstrated that these gold medals carry genuine prestige. Justin Rose's 2016 victory, Xander Schauffele's 2020 triumph, and Scottie Scheffler's 2024 gold established the Olympics as meaningful achievements in professional golf. Lydia Ko's remarkable medal collection—silver in 2016, bronze in 2020, and gold in 2024—secured her LPGA Hall of Fame induction, highlighting the tournaments' significance within the sport's hierarchy. Los Angeles 2028: Riviera Country Club Quick Facts Dates: 14-27 July 2028 (Golf competitions typically first week) Venue: Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California Distance from LAX: 24 kilometres (15 miles), approximately 30 minutes Tournament Format: 72-hole stroke play (men's and women's individual) plus mixed team event Prize Prestige: Olympic gold medals plus exemptions into major championships Los Angeles will host the Summer Games for the third time in history, following successful editions in 1932 and 1984. The 2028 Games return championship golf to American soil for the first time since the sport's modern Olympic reintroduction. The Venue: Riviera Country Club Few courses embody American golf's golden age quite like Riviera Country Club. Founded in 1926 by the Los Angeles Athletic Club, the course emerged from the vision of architect George C Thomas Jr and construction supervisor William P Bell, who transformed Santa Monica Canyon into one of golf's architectural masterpieces. The project cost $243,827, an astronomical sum for its era, establishing Riviera as an immediate statement of ambition and quality. Thomas designed Riviera to challenge thinking golfers rather than simply overpower them. The routing flows naturally through barrancas and canyons, with kikuyu grass fairways and poa annua greens creating distinctive playing characteristics. The course measures approximately 7,040 yards from the championship tees at par 71, though its strategic demands extend far beyond mere distance. Thomas incorporated dramatic contours, elevated greens and optical illusions that continue to confound even the world's best players. Several holes at Riviera rank amongst golf's most celebrated. The par-three 6th features a bunker set directly into the green's surface, creating a unique challenge that has tormented generations of champions. The driveable par-four 10th tempts aggressive players to attack whilst punishing mistakes severely. The par-three 4th, a formidable Redan-style hole, plays significantly longer than its yardage suggests due to the prevailing wind and intimidating green complex. The closing hole's natural amphitheatre creates one of golf's most dramatic finishing stages, perfect for Olympic medal-deciding moments. Riviera's championship pedigree runs deep through American golf history. Ben Hogan won three Los Angeles Opens here and captured the 1948 U.S. Open at Riviera, leading to the course's nickname "Hogan's Alley." The venue hosted PGA Championships in 1983 and 1995, won by Hal Sutton and Steve Elkington respectively, and the 1998 U.S. Senior Open. More recently, Riviera hosted the 2017 U.S. Amateur and will welcome the U.S. Women's Open in 2026 before staging the U.S. Open again in 2031. Since 1973, Riviera has served as annual home to the PGA Tour's Los Angeles tournament, now known as the Genesis Invitational. Tiger Woods assumed hosting duties in 2005, adding prestige to an event that already boasted legendary winners including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Fred Couples and Phil Mickelson. Recent champions like Hideki Matsuyama, Max Homa and Patrick Cantlay have demonstrated the course's enduring challenge for contemporary players. Interestingly, Riviera hosted portions of the equestrian and modern pentathlon competitions during the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, establishing an Olympic connection nearly a century before golf's return. The club's Hollywood proximity has attracted celebrity members throughout its history, including Humphrey Bogart, Dean Martin and Katherine Hepburn, adding glamorous mystique to its sporting excellence. Golf Around Los Angeles Southern California's golf scene ranks amongst the world's finest, with numerous championship venues within easy striking distance of Riviera. The region's Mediterranean climate permits year-round golf, whilst architectural diversity ensures varied experiences across different layouts. Championship Public Access Courses Rustic Canyon provides accessible excellence north of Los Angeles in Moorpark. Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner and Geoff Shackelford designed this minimalist gem through a seasonal stream bed in the foothills, creating strategic interest without artificial complications. Wide fairways encourage aggressive play, whilst subtle green contours reward thoughtful approaches. Weekend rates hover around £60 (€70/$80), representing exceptional value for championship-quality golf. Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Palos Verdes offers spectacular Pacific Ocean views from every hole. Pete Dye routed the course along dramatic cliffs, creating both stunning beauty and significant challenge. Public access comes at premium pricing, with weekend rates approaching £255 (€300/$350), though the views justify costs for those prioritising scenery alongside championship golf. Los Angeles Beyond Golf Los Angeles offers endless exploration opportunities beyond championship golf. The Getty Center in Brentwood, minutes from Riviera, showcases world-class art collections within Richard Meier's architectural masterpiece. The hilltop location provides spectacular city and ocean views, whilst admission remains free despite the exceptional quality. Griffith Observatory delivers iconic Los Angeles experiences with Hollywood Sign views, planetarium shows and free public telescopes. The Art Deco building crowns Griffith Park, creating memorable skyline perspectives particularly stunning at sunset. Santa Monica Pier and Beach provide classic California coastal experiences within 16 kilometres (10 miles) of Riviera. The historic pier features a solar-powered Ferris wheel, arcade games and seafood restaurants, whilst the beach stretches for miles in both directions. Venice Beach Boardwalk presents Los Angeles's eclectic character through street performers, muscle beach workouts and diverse humanity. Los Angeles's dining scene spans from celebrity-chef establishments to food trucks, with Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills offering concentrated restaurant options. The city's multicultural character ensures diverse cuisines at every price point, from casual taco stands to Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy. Planning Your LA 2028 Visit Accommodation Begin accommodation searches 18-24 months before the Games. Pacific Palisades offers almost no commercial hotels, pushing visitors toward Santa Monica, Brentwood or further afield. Consider Venice, Marina del Rey or Manhattan Beach as alternatives offering reasonable access whilst potentially providing better availability and value. Transportation Official Olympic shuttles will operate between major hotels and Riviera, providing reliable transport whilst avoiding parking headaches. Los Angeles traffic congestion worsens significantly during major events, making shuttles preferable to driving. Weather Los Angeles in July delivers reliably warm, dry conditions with daytime temperatures typically reaching 26-29°C (79-84°F) and cool mornings around 17-19°C (63-66°F). Rain remains extremely unlikely. Pack sun protection as absolute priority, including high-factor sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Bring comfortable walking shoes and light layers for early morning starts. Tickets Olympic golf tickets will be sold through LA28.org official channels. Registration typically opens 18-24 months before Games commence. Early rounds generally prove easier to access than weekend finals when medals are decided, with prices ranging from £30-40 (€35-45/$40-55) for practice rounds to £85-170 (€100-200/$115-230) for weekend finals. Brisbane 2032: Royal Queensland Golf Club Quick Facts Dates: 23 July - 8 August 2032 (Golf competitions throughout) Venue: Royal Queensland Golf Club, Eagle Farm, Brisbane Distance from Brisbane Airport: 10 kilometres (6 miles), approximately 15 minutes Tournament Format: 72-hole stroke play (men's and women's individual) plus mixed team event Prize Prestige: Olympic gold medals plus exemptions into major championships Australia hosts the Olympic Games for the third time, following Melbourne 1956 and Sydney 2000, though neither previous Games included golf. Brisbane 2032 will showcase Australian golf heritage to the world whilst providing world-class facilities for future generations. The Venue: Royal Queensland Golf Club Established in 1920 by prominent Brisbane citizens, Royal Queensland Golf Club represents Australian golf's distinguished heritage. The club originally occupied approximately 170 hectares fronting the Brisbane River at Parker Island, since reduced to around 97 hectares whilst maintaining its championship credentials. King George V granted the Royal Charter in 1921, cementing the club's status amongst Australia's golfing elite. Original Australian Open champion Carnegie Clark designed the inaugural layout, which Governor-General Lord Forster officially opened in 1921. The course gained international architectural significance when legendary designer Dr Alister MacKenzie visited in 1926, refining Clark's work with his characteristic strategic brilliance. MacKenzie's influence remains evident throughout the routing, particularly in the green complexes and strategic bunkering that reward thoughtful play. The championship layout measures approximately 6,300 metres from the back tees at par 72, though precise yardage matters less than the course's strategic sophistication. Fairways bordered by towering eucalyptus trees demand accuracy from the tee, whilst the greens' subtle contours require precise approach play. Water hazards come into play on multiple holes, adding both beauty and strategic complexity to the round. Former U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy, who leads the company overseeing Olympic preparations, describes Royal Queensland as fundamentally sound with strategic interest throughout. The course avoids driver-everywhere monotony, instead presenting thoughtful options from every tee. According to Ogilvy, the layout will test the world's best without requiring dramatic alterations, suggesting MacKenzie's design remains relevant nearly a century after his consultation. Significant upgrades are underway ahead of the 2032 Olympics. The club is reclaiming long-unused land east of the Gateway bridges to create a new nine-hole layout, riverside pavilion and enhanced training facilities. The redevelopment will restore the original 14th hole, a challenging par three near the Tangalooma ferry that older members fondly remember. Construction commenced in 2024, with the new course opening by early 2026, followed by continued improvements through 2028. The club's Brisbane River setting provides stunning natural beauty that will showcase Southeast Queensland's landscape to global television audiences. The Olympic tournament will offer public audiences a rare opportunity to experience this exclusive championship venue, potentially inspiring increased interest in Australian golf. Brisbane & Queensland Beyond Golf Brisbane's South Bank Parklands transform former industrial waterfront into gardens, museums and entertainment venues. The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art ranks amongst Australia's premier contemporary art institutions, whilst the nearby Queensland Museum explores natural history and cultural heritage. Both institutions offer free general admission. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, established in 1927, remains the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. Visitors can cuddle koalas, hand-feed kangaroos and encounter platypuses and other Australian wildlife. Located 11 kilometres (7 miles) from Brisbane CBD, the sanctuary provides authentic Australian animal experiences. The Sunshine Coast, 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Brisbane, offers pristine beaches, national parks and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Australia Zoo, founded by Steve Irwin's family, continues his conservation legacy through spectacular wildlife presentations. Gold Coast beaches stretch for 57 kilometres (35 miles) of golden sand and consistent surf breaks, with Burleigh Heads providing relaxed village atmosphere favoured by locals. Tamborine Mountain, 64 kilometres (40 miles) from Brisbane, offers rainforest walks, boutique wineries and spectacular hinterland views. The mountain provides cooler temperatures and lush scenery contrasting with coastal environments, whilst walking tracks reveal ancient Antarctic beech trees and dramatic waterfalls. Brisbane's culinary scene emphasises fresh Queensland produce, particularly seafood. Moreton Bay bugs, Queensland mud crabs and barramundi feature prominently on menus. Gauge and Agnes represent Brisbane's fine dining excellence, whilst riverside venues provide casual settings for post-round refreshments. Queensland's craft beer scene flourishes throughout Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with outdoor seating taking advantage of pleasant winter weather during Olympic weeks. Planning Your Brisbane 2032 Visit Accommodation Book 12 months ahead for properties near Royal Queensland in Hamilton or Ascot. South Bank and Brisbane CBD offer excellent hotel concentrations with good public transport access to Eagle Farm. Gold Coast properties provide abundant accommodation options roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the venue, creating viable alternatives if Brisbane sells out completely. Transportation Royal Queensland sits approximately 15 minutes from Brisbane CBD via major roads, with public transport options including buses connecting to Eagle Farm. Official Olympic shuttles will simplify access during competition days. Brisbane's less congested roads make driving viable for those renting vehicles. Queensland's extensive motorway network facilitates exploration, with the Bruce Highway connecting northward to the Sunshine Coast and the Pacific Motorway linking southward to the Gold Coast. Weather Brisbane in late July experiences pleasant winter conditions with daytime temperatures around 21-22°C (70-72°F) and cool nights dropping to 10-12°C (50-54°F). Queensland's subtropical climate produces occasional winter rain, though July ranks amongst Brisbane's driest months. Pack versatile layers including light waterproof jacket, warm jumper for morning starts, and sun protection for midday conditions. Tickets Olympic golf tickets will be sold through Olympics.com Brisbane 2032 official channels. Registration and lottery systems will determine initial allocations for popular sessions, with pricing expected to range from £25-35 (€30-40/$35-45) for early rounds to £70-145 (€80-170/$95-195) for weekend finals. Frequently Asked Questions Can I play Riviera or Royal Queensland during Olympic weeks? Neither venue will be available for public play during Olympic competition periods. Both clubs will close weeks before tournaments commence, allowing organisers to prepare championship conditions. Neither course offers regular public access outside Olympic periods—both remain strictly private with no public tee times. Golf enthusiasts should explore the excellent public and resort options detailed in this guide for championship experiences during their Olympic visits. What's the best strategy for securing golf tee times? Book tee times immediately upon confirming Olympic travel plans. Championship courses near both venues will experience unprecedented demand during Games periods. For Los Angeles, courses like Rustic Canyon and Trump National require advance booking, whilst municipal courses like Rancho Park accept bookings closer to play dates. For Brisbane, resort courses including Palmer Coolum and Royal Pines welcome advance reservations, whilst booking 2-3 months ahead ensures optimal tee times during Olympic periods. How do Olympic golf tournaments differ from regular tour events? Olympic golf creates unique atmosphere where national pride supersedes individual achievement. The multi-sport festival environment generates energy rarely found at typical tournaments, with spectators from dozens of nations creating truly international ambience. The four-year Olympic cycle adds once-in-a-lifetime quality absent from annual events. Additionally, the no-cut format ensures all 60 players complete four rounds, whilst the new mixed team event debuts in 2028, adding compelling team competition alongside individual tournaments. Which destination offers better value for international visitors? Both destinations provide excellent value depending on priorities. Los Angeles offers world-famous attractions, beaches and entertainment alongside Olympic golf, though accommodation and dining costs run higher than Brisbane. Queensland delivers more affordable accommodation, exceptional value golf courses, and unique Australian wildlife experiences. Brisbane's compact geography simplifies logistics compared to sprawling Los Angeles, whilst both destinations ensure unforgettable Olympic experiences with world-class golf at historic championship venues. Why These Experiences Matter Olympic golf represents where sporting excellence meets global celebration, creating experiences transcending typical tournament attendance. Witnessing the world's best golfers compete for national glory rather than prize money adds emotional depth rarely present in professional golf. The gold medal's significance becomes palpable through celebrations and disappointments playing out across championship layouts. Both venues deliver architectural significance beyond their Olympic hosting. Riviera's George C Thomas design influenced generations of American golf architecture, whilst Royal Queensland's Alister MacKenzie consultation connects to golf's golden age. Walking these historic grounds during Olympic competition creates memories intertwining sporting achievement with architectural appreciation. The host cities offer complementary attractions ensuring full holiday experiences around tournament attendance. Los Angeles provides world-famous beaches, entertainment and cultural institutions requiring weeks to properly explore. Brisbane's subtropical beauty, friendly character and proximity to spectacular Queensland destinations create equally compelling reasons for extended visits. Olympic golf's rarity makes these opportunities precious. Four-year cycles mean limited chances to witness this unique competition, whilst the 2028 and 2032 tournaments represent specific moments in golf's Olympic evolution. Start planning now, book early, and prepare for golf experiences unlike any other on the sporting calendar. Golf & The Olympics - An Ongoing Controversy Of interest, the International Golf Federation is the governing body for the sport at the Olympics rather than the R&A or USGA. The IGF exists to run the Olympics, the Eisenhower Trophy and Espirito Santo Trophy (biennial world team championships for amateur men and women, respectively). The IGF use the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) to determine eligibility, and with the ongoing LIV vs PGA Tour saga, it is only adding fuel to the fire. Qualification is based on the Official World Golf Rankings for men and the Women's World Golf Rankings for ladies. Because of the current rift in professional golf, many will cry foul, with the majority of LIV golfers not qualifying due to not being awarded OWGR points. Some would suggest the issue isn't the points system but rather the depth of the American side. The Top 15 on the OWGR are eligible, with a maximum of four from a single country. The rest consist of the two top-ranked players from each country. A total of 60 will compete for gold. Modern History of Olympic Golf Golf at the Olympics has a sordid past. Some of the most incredible stories and historically significant events of the modern Olympiad are linked to golf… Summer Olympics 1900 Paris Golf debuted at the Paris Olympics in 1900. The Compeigne Golf Club served as the host. The golf course was north of Paris on a golf course designed by M.W. Freemantle inside a horse racing track reminiscent of Musselburgh Old. One of 25 golf courses in France at the time, it was described as flat with thick rough and tiny greens. 36 holes on a single day decided the men's victor and 9 holes the following day decided the victor of the women. Done without much fanfare, Margaret Abbott, the women's golf medalist never knew she was competing in the Olympics. Incredible that she was the first woman to ever win an Olympic medal and she never knew! France, Great Britain, United States, and Greece all entered competitors with the USA taking home 4 of the 6 medals and Great Britain taking home the remaining two. Other associated events were also held, for example, putting; but these were not considered Olympic Events. Summer Olympics 1904 St Louis The 1904 Olympics were held in St Louis, MO, USA. Two rounds of stroke play whittled down the field of 3 Canadians and 72 Americans to just 32. The matchplay component was a 36-hole match, which reduced the field from 32 to just 2 in five rounds. Between September 19 and 24, 1904, the eventual winner would have potentially played 216 holes if all matches went the distance… 36 holes a day for 5 days. In the end, George Lyon from Ontario, Canada, a 46-year-old who picked up the game just 8 years earlier, took home the gold medal. He would end up winning the Canadian Amateur 8 times. There was also a team event. 6 teams entered, 2 showed up on the day and 1 was formed at the last minute - a team representing the USGA. The three 10-man teams competed with the Western Golf Association, defeating the Trans-Mississippi Golf Association, which allowed the USGA squad to take home a guaranteed bronze. Summer Olympics 1908 London George Lyon would travel to London in 1908 to defend the gold medal, and was awarded it by default as the event was cancelled at the last minute. He refused to accept the medal after the organisers and the R&A couldn't agree on the format and the event was called off. The British and Americans were either disqualified or withdrawn, and the lone man standing was George Lyon. In perhaps the greatest display of sportsmanship, he refused the medal as sport was a gentlemanly affair, through which an award should only be accepted 'through proper competition.' The trifecta of golf courses planned to be used were: Princes Golf Club, Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club and Royal St George's Golf Club. Sandwich was to hold the first 36-hole matches, followed by Princes and culminating at Deal. Summer Olympics 1920 Antwerp Golf at the Olympics was again mired in controversy, with the event being cancelled due to a lack of entries. Although no golf was played, Cappelan's Golf Club was the venue. Golf at the Olympics had run its course. After 4 attempts, two of the games were not even contested, and the others were shambles. Golf at the Olympics would have to wait for over a century to be seen again. Summer Olympics Rio 2016 Golf made its triumphant return to the Olympics in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Justin Rose would take the gold, Henrik Stenson and Matt Kuchar the bronze for the men. Inbee Park, Lydia Ko and Shashan Feng would be the champions in the women's event. Summer Olympics Tokyo 2020 A somewhat subdued COVID-19 pandemic-tainted games, they were contested in 2021 without spectators behind closed doors on the East Course at the Kasumigaseki Country Club in Japan. Xander Schauffele, Rory Sabbatini and CT Pan took gold, silver and bronze in the individual men's stroke play with Nelly Korda, Mone Inami and Lyda Ko taking home the medals in the women's individual stroke play. Summer Olympics Paris 2024 Golf's Olympic renaissance reached new heights at Le Golf National outside Paris, where massive galleries and world-class competition silenced any remaining doubts about the sport's Olympic credentials. Scottie Scheffler produced a breathtaking final-round 62 to surge from four shots behind and claim gold at 19-under par, with Great Britain's Tommy Fleetwood earning silver and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama securing bronze. The women's competition crowned Lydia Ko's remarkable Olympic career, as she completed her medal collection with gold after winning silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2020, securing the final points needed for LPGA Hall of Fame induction whilst defeating Switzerland's Morgane Metraux.
Courses nearby to Wilshire, Los Angeles Los Angeles is not just a bustling metropolis famous for Hollywood, diverse culture, and sunny beaches; it also offers some of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in the United States. Nestled within this vibrant city are various prestigious golf clubs, each with unique features that cater to golf enthusiasts of all levels. The city's favourable climate allows for year-round play, attracting both local and visiting golfers who seek to test their skills against the backdrop of Southern California's stunning landscapes. Los Angeles (North) Riviera Country Club: Located in the upscale neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades, Riviera Country Club is one of the most prestigious and exclusive golf clubs in Los Angeles. Known simply as "The Riv," it boasts a history rich with professional golf tournaments, including the Genesis Invitational. The course is celebrated for its challenging layout and iconic holes, such as the par-4 10th, which is famously difficult despite its short distance. Bel-Air Country Club: This exclusive private club, situated in the luxurious enclave of Bel-Air, is known for its tight fairways and undulating greens, providing a challenge to even the most skilled golfers. The course's unique features include several tunnels and an elevator, which add to its distinctive character. Surrounded by lush vegetation and panoramic views of Los Angeles, Bel-Air offers a serene yet challenging golfing experience. Los Angeles (South) Golf Club: Often overshadowed by its more famous northern counterparts, the Los Angeles (South) region is home to several noteworthy golf courses that offer a variety of play styles. These courses generally feature more accessible options for the public and are known for their laid-back atmosphere and well-maintained greens. These golf courses in Los Angeles not only provide exceptional golfing experiences but also serve as vital green spaces that enhance the urban landscape, offering an oasis of tranquillity and recreation amid the city's hustle and bustle. Whether you're seeking the exclusivity of private clubs or the more democratic atmosphere of public courses, Los Angeles's golf offerings are as diverse and inviting as the city itself. Find out more about travel toWilshire Country Club in Los Angeles Why not register today to be the 1st to Receive US Rankings releases for 2024. Lockhart Travel Club Concierge Services FAQ What is the Lockhart Travel Club? Lockhart Travel Club is dedicated to offering its members unique opportunities for world-class golf exploration and adventure. It connects members with like-minded individuals worldwide, aiming to fulfil their desire to play at the best golf courses globally. The club originated from Robert Lockhart's passion, a Scotsman who introduced golf to America in the late 19th century, and it continues to embody his spirit of golf travel (Lockhart Travel Club). Who are the members of the Lockhart Travel Club? Members are individuals from some of the world's greatest clubs, sharing a common passion for golf and adventure. The club welcomes golfers eager to travel, play, and check off their bucket list of courses. They are driven by the opportunity to see and play the best courses worldwide, taking advantage of the club's network. What kind of experiences does Lockhart Travel Club offer? In 2023, the club provided opportunities to play in various top-ranked courses and locations, including the Sand Hills of Nebraska and Colorado, the best of Japan and Korea, the English Heathlands, the classic courses of France, and the best of New Zealand’s North Island. The 2024 schedule promises unique experiences in 19 different countries, including Thailand & China, Brazil, South Africa, the Northeast USA, and Australia. How do I join Lockhart Travel Club? Interested individuals can inquire about membership by contacting the club directly via their official email. The club values connections among golf enthusiasts and strives to plan unique, unforgettable opportunities for its members throughout the year. For more detailed inquiries or to apply for membership, please refer directly to the Lockhart Travel Club's official website or contact their membership services. Lockhart Travel Club About Us: Learn more about the club Top 100 Golf Courses - Lockhart Travel Club: Explore member experiences and trips
US Pacific Division Best in State Rankings 2020 It’s two years since we revised the rankings for our US Best in State listings so now’s the time to refresh the numbers and publish the new charts. We’ll do this over the next few months in nine geographical groupings, starting in this edition with Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, before eventually ending on the opposite side of the country in New England. The five Pacific Division states now feature 205 courses in total as we’ve just added another ten to Washington. All told, twenty-four courses make a first appearance in our updated charts and, with sixteen of the more established top tracks occupying a place in our national Top 100, that gives you a good idea of the quality to be found across the entire region. Alaska We have a new No. 1 for the Last Frontier State and it’s the golf course at Settlers Bay, located an hour’s drive north of Anchorage in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Set within the enormous Fairway Estates residential community, the layout originally started out as a 9-hole course in the late 1970s before an additional nine was opened for play towards the end of the 1990s. Since then, greens have been converted to bent grass, bunkers are all now refurbished and new tees added to make the playing experience more enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. Settlers Bay Rank/ Click the link to see full details of our latest Alaska Best in State rankings California Five of the Top 10 layouts in California remain in the same position and one of the non-movers is the state No.1, Cypress Point Club, which also happens to be the #1 course in both our US and World Top 100 rankings. Recent comments from reviewers for this Alister MacKenzie masterpiece include: “CPC has that perfect combination of great strategic design, wonderful variety of terrain, and gorgeous ocean backdrops… the perfect golf course, every hole is memorable, each improving slightly from the previous… shot value, shot choice and the journey from sand to forest to sea is amazing.” Cypress Point A one-place upward move might at a glance seem like nothing much to get excited about, but when it’s made within the Top 10 tier of a very strong golfing state like California then such a modest advance has to be regarded as significant. Three courses make exactly that sort of short stride towards the top rung on the ladder. The first of these climbers is George C. Thomas Junior’s Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades (up 1 to #4), followed by Alister MacKenzie’s Valley Club of Montecito in Santa Barbara (up 1 to #8) then the Dunes course at Monterey Peninsula Country Club in Pebble Beach (up 1 to #10), which is currently reaping the rewards of a recent renovation by Tom Fazio and his former associates at Jackson Khan Design. Valley Club of Montecito The highest of ten new entries in our Californian listings arrives at No. 21 and it’s the South course at Los Angeles Country Club, where a sympathetic restoration of the layout was conducted a couple of years ago. For far too long this track had lurked in the shadow of its celebrated sibling, the North course, but that’s no longer the case, with the artistic talents of Gil Hanse bringing it out into the light. Los Angeles Country Club South course A couple of courses make prodigious leaps forward in the bottom half of the table. Leading the way with a jump from #97 to #54 is the old 1920s John Duncan Dunn layout at Santa Ana Country Club, located 20 miles southeast of Long Beach, which Jay Blasi totally redesigned in 2016 to improve safety, add variety and make better use of the natural landforms on the property. Santa Ana Country Club Not far behind at #61 (up 23 places) comes the 18-hole layout at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, where Kyle Phillips conducted an extensive redesign of the property back in 2006. In a recent post, the course was described by our regular contributor M. James Ward as “a mega shining star.” In his considered opinion “there’s no question The Golden State is blessed with many superior courses but Del Paso may be the most underrated.” Click the link to see full details of our latest California Best in State rankings Hawaii The David McLay Kidd-designed layout at Nanea Golf Club on the west coast of the Big Island remains the #1 course in Hawaii. Described in the past by our US Correspondent Fergal O’Leary as “the most under-rated course in the US,” Nanea received another review last year from somebody who said “it’s the best course you’ll ever play, next to Augusta”. Now that’s a very bold statement to make, but a handful of 6-ball reviews posted by golfers who have played here certainly adds credence to the claim. Nanea Golf Club Sixteen of the Top 30 move upwards in the new chart and the biggest four-place move is reserved for a couple of courses: the Ted Robinson layout at King Kamehameha Golf Club in the foothills of the West Maui Mountains (at #15) and Robin Nelson’s design at Puakea Golf Club on the southeast coast of Kauai island (at #23). King Kamehameha Golf Club The only new entry into our chart is The Dunes at Maui Lani at #30. Robin Nelson designed this public facility at the end of the 1990s and because it’s set out on a long, narrow tract the fairways are orientated in either a northwest or southeast direction, with the prevailing wind cutting across the holes when it gets breezy, adding an extra degree of challenge when playing here. The Dunes at Maui Lani The Robert Trent Jones Junior-designed Prince course at the Princeville resort on the North Shore of Kauai island is still closed while ownership issues continue to drag on (it's also in need of some repair work to storm-damaged sections of the layout). Once these matters are resolved, and the course is restored to its former glory, there’s no doubt it should slot back in near the top of the state rankings. Click the link to see full details of our latest Hawaii Best in State rankings Oregon There are no surprises at the top of the table in Oregon, with all four of the currently world-ranked courses at the Bandon Dunes resort retaining their ranking position in the chart. That means Tom Doak’s Pacific Dunes course holds onto the coveted No. 1 slot, though it will be interesting to see where Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s brand new Sheep Ranch layout slots into the resort’s pecking order when the next biennial review is conducted. Bandon Dunes - Sheep Ranch For now, at least, Pacific Dunes rules the roost on the Oregon coast, with M. James Ward an unabashed proponent of its majesty, as articulated in his review of last month: “When Tom Doak came forward in 2001 with his tour de force effort at the mega-course facility he actually exceeded all the fanfare that the original Bandon Dunes created… the phrase ‘must play’ is mouthed to the point of being a mindless cliché. However, in this particular case, it’s worthy on all counts.” Two of the three new entries in the latest Oregon state listings are located at the same venue. The Craddock and Hankins courses at the Silvies Valley Ranch boutique eco-resort (new at #8 and #10) are part of a reversible 36-hole set-up that uses 27 greens for the two 18-hole layouts, with nine shared greens and nine stand-alone greens for each track. Designed by Dan Hixson and constructed over the best part of a decade, the two courses are configured so that only eight holes, four on each course, do not share common ground. Silvies Valley Ranch - Craddock course Only six courses make any numerical progress in the new chart and the biggest move is made by the 18-hole layout at the semi-private Eagle Point Golf Club (up three to #23), where Robert Trent Jones Jr. fashioned the fairways in the mid-1990s. The front nine occupies a flat, open landscape while the back nine is laid out on more undulating terrain, with sand-capping of fairways during construction ensuring optimum playing conditions no matter how hard it rains. Click the link to see full details of our latest Oregon Best in State rankings Washington The top five courses in the Evergreen State rankings stay as they were in 2018. Having ousted Chambers Bay from the top spot last time, Gamble Sands emerges with its No. 1 status intact. With another 14-hole layout (called Quicksand) from David McLay Kidd due to appear here very soon, it looks like the Gebbers family (who own this Brewster golf facility) aren’t content to rest on their laurels. Gamble Sands Our International Correspondent David Davis had this to say about the course in his review last year: “The fairways are very wide but the visuals are excellent, the bunker shaping fits perfectly into the Eastern Washington dune country… It plays very firm and fast and that may be new for many PNW players, especially if they haven’t been to Bandon Dunes or Chambers Bay… It opens up options to use the ground game and percentage-wise this doesn’t happen often enough in the US.” Two courses make impressive five-place gains in the new standings. The first of these is the 18-hole layout at the Desert Canyon Golf Resort in Orondo (now at #11), comprising the Lakes and Desert nines, which enjoys a fantastic setting on high ground above the Columbia River, with the Cascade Mountains to the west. The other big mover is the course at Kalispel Golf & Country Club in Spokane and this layout, originally established in 1910 as Spokane Country Club, is now owned and operated by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Sand Point Country Club The highest of the ten new entries is the old 1927 layout at Sand Point Country Club, located above the shores of Lake Washington, close to downtown Seattle. Nick Schaan from DMK Design has just completed a renovation here, re-building some of the holes, re-bunkering all the sand traps, and removing many of the trees that were blocking the fabulous long views across the lake. Click the link to see full details of our latest Washington Best in State rankings Next up – the Mountain Division states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Jim McCann Editor Top 100 Golf Courses
