I had the pleasure of playing the Riviera Country Club in the Spring of 2006, and let me say, it was everything I hoped it would be.

I arrived earlier than my friends (a threesome), and spent some time in the pro shop, meeting the people who worked there, who were very open and friendly. Bought more than I probably should have, but when am I going to get this opportunity again? Lots of presents for friends and family.

My friends showed up, and we hit the range prior to our round. We used caddies to ??????get the full effect??????. For those of you who have never used caddies, if you get the chance, do it. They not only add value in searching for balls, reading greens, etc. They also add a lot of local knowledge. It was great hearing the story about the owner of the Red Sox??????s house, and the tree removal, and also about Mel Brooks?????? rosebushes. A treat for sure.

I wasn??????t able to take pictures of every hole (like I prefer to do), but I was on pretty hallowed ground, so decided I??????d just get as many as I could.

One of the best shots of the set was from the first fairway, looking back at the clubhouse. Here I was on the first hole, and already had one of the best views on the course. Amazing, and the anticipation was pretty high.

The fourth hole is a LONG par 3 (236 yards), into the wind. I seriously considered driver. If I remember correctly, I used three wood (which I usually hit 250), and it landed in the bunker in front of the green. I??????m sure I didn??????t up and down, but did escape with a bogey.

The 6th is another par 3, but this is the one that has the bunker in the middle of the green. The pin was back left, and so, of course, I put it front right. I had to putt over and through the fringe that surrounded the bunker. What a great hole.

The rest of the review and lots of pictures at: http://danperry.com/wordpress/riviera-country-club/

definitely not boring. Change hole 1 to a long par 4 and you have one brute of a par 70,fit for majors again.Too bad that new equipment has hurt overall scoring,but the players still seem to rave about ...

on without a Member, but it can be done if you are a Member of a private club. they will charge a hefty greens fee for a non member playing as a guest of the club, $350. ...

speaks volumes of the courses character and challenges. The courses typical set-up offers a fair test to all golfers who are fortunate enough to play this renowned course. ...