Are the Riviera putting surfaces the equal of Augusta?

[mike_malone]

The complexity and the interest seems tip top.

[Tim_Weiman]

The complexity and the interest seems tip top.

Mike,


It has been a long time since I played Riviera, but I don’t remember there being much interest on the greens. Seems like the interest was in the strategy of playing the holes rather than putting.

[mike_malone]

The complexity and the interest seems tip top.

Mike,


It has been a long time since I played Riviera, but I don’t remember there being much interest on the greens. Seems like the interest was in the strategy of playing the holes rather than putting.

The pros seem baffled and cautious.

[Matt_Cohn]

The complexity and the interest seems tip top.

The variety in size, shape, and design is the equal of anywhere. I think that's the most notable aspect of them.

[mike_malone]

The complexity and the interest seems tip top.

The variety in size, shape, and design is the equal of anywhere. I think that's the most notable aspect of them.

I’m trying to think which one is easy.

[Ben Sims]

Riviera is Ballyneal’s brother from another mother. That’s the best comparison I can make with Riviera and other great courses. The variety from hole to hole is quite distinct. Combined with the challenge around the greens, it makes for a very memorable golf course.


But as good as the greens are, there are at least two sets of greens in California that better Riv. And even those two, in my mind, don’t equal Augusta’s greens. 

[Tom_Doak]

The pros seem baffled and cautious.

I used to be pretty good at reading greens, but down in the valley, those are really hard to read.  You have to keep in mind the general fall toward #6, but it's much harder when you're down in the valley . . . you just have to estimate what to add to the break.


I never thought about it before, but after #1 you play four holes down valley.  The back to front greens like 2 and 3 don't pitch back toward you as much as they appear, so you think there is less break in general.  And then #4 goes away down valley and breaks a ton, and you're confused.

[Kalen Braley]

15 has always seemed to be a bit of mystery never having seen it in person.

And how does Tiger put into the bunker at 6?

[Niall C]

And how does Tiger put into the bunker at 6?

Maybe he was putting from the wrong angle ? 


Niall

[Alex Miller]

15 has always seemed to be a bit of mystery never having seen it in person.

And how does Tiger put into the bunker at 6?

Quite frankly one of the worst decisions I've seen from him. Would have thought he could have played it left and wrapped it around with the sideboard / backboard.




I think the speeds which these greens play to for the tournament (and frankly probably often at Riv and other Poa greens of SoCal in the winter when they're best) brings out the interest as well.