Riviera’s No. 10: A Golf Hole Dividing Players and Sparking Debate
Riviera Country Club’s 10th hole, a 315-yard par-4, continues to be one of the most talked-about holes in golf. Opinions range from “the best hole in the world” to “the worst,” and the debate shows no signs of slowing down. Recent comments from Rory McIlroy, Max Homa, Jon Rahm, and Collin Morikawa highlight the strong feelings this short par-4 evokes.
Fitzpatrick Joins the Chorus of Criticism
Matthew Fitzpatrick became the latest player to express frustration with the hole during the second round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational. After making par on Thursday with a favorable pin position, Fitzpatrick struggled on Friday when the pin was placed closer to the left edge. A wayward tee shot led to a bogey, despite a solid overall round of 66.
“It was a great round. Felt like I played really solid. Just bogey on 10, the world’s most impossible golf hole. I’ll leave it there,” Fitzpatrick stated, adding he didn’t want to discuss it further to avoid becoming “wound up.” Aaron Rai and Garrick Higgo also carded bogeys on the same hole.
The Kikuyu Grass Factor and Calls for Change
The debate isn’t just about the hole’s length or design; the kikuyu grass surrounding the green is a major point of contention. Rory McIlroy previously suggested that re-grassing the area to allow for more run-up shots or softening the greens could improve the hole. Currently, McIlroy believes there’s little skill involved, relying heavily on luck.
Fitzpatrick echoed the sentiment, stating the hole simply isn’t “fair.” The difficulty stems from the lack of predictable roll and the potential for unpredictable bounces, turning a seemingly straightforward approach into a gamble.
A History of Controversy
The 10th at Riviera has long been a source of discussion among professionals. Its unique design, featuring a challenging green complex and often-firm conditions, demands precision and a bit of fortune. The hole’s difficulty is amplified by the surrounding bunkers and collection areas, which can quickly turn a good shot into a challenging recovery.
The Future of Riviera’s No. 10
Whether Riviera will develop changes to the 10th hole remains to be seen. Although, the consistent criticism from top players suggests a need for evaluation. Potential modifications could include adjusting the grass type, softening the green, or altering the hole’s length. Any changes would need to carefully balance maintaining the hole’s challenge with ensuring fairness.
Pro Tip:
When approaching Riviera’s 10th, prioritize accuracy over distance. A well-placed tee shot, even if short of the green, is often preferable to a powerful shot that finds trouble. Focus on avoiding the bunkers and collection areas, and be prepared for unpredictable greens.
FAQ
Q: Why is Riviera’s 10th hole so controversial?
A: Players disagree on whether the hole requires skill or relies too much on luck due to the kikuyu grass and challenging green complex.
Q: Have any changes been made to the hole in the past?
A: Information regarding past changes to the hole is not available in the provided sources.
Q: What have players suggested to improve the hole?
A: Rory McIlroy suggested re-grassing the area around the green or softening the greens. Matthew Fitzpatrick believes the hole simply isn’t fair.
Q: Is the 10th hole at Riviera considered difficult for amateur golfers?
A: The provided sources do not contain information about the hole’s difficulty for amateur golfers.
Want to learn more about challenging golf holes? Check out the leaderboard and course information from the Genesis Invitational.
