The "kikuyu kills it" argument is dramatically overplayed. GCA populist groupthink not based on the relaity of the situation.
Kikuyu has its downsides, but at Riviera and The Lakes, where the clubs have the $$$ to manage it well, it's actually a decent grass to play on. The more I play on quality kikuyu, the more I like it.
I agree that if anything, Riviera is underrated. Few courses have the sheer number of great holes and brilliant greens that Riviera has.
It's notable that with some very average land in the middle of the property, the holes there - 2, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16 - are bloody good thanks to smart bunkering and inventive greens.