PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — Riviera’s par-4 10th hole is arguably one of the coolest holes in golf let alone the best short par-4 on the PGA Tour.
At just 315 yards, the hole will tempt the majority of the field at the Genesis Invitational to try to drive the green. But here’s the stat of the week: Only 62.45 percent of competitors hit the 10th green in regulation from inside 75 yards in the last 10 seasons, the toughest green to hit in regulation from within this distance on the PGA Tour (min 350 attempts). Who said these guys are good?
Since last year’s tournament the green has undergone some subtle revisions that were meant to increase the pinnable area and there may be a new hole location or two this week.
Nevertheless, it’s a hole that will reward and frustrate, penalize and inspire many golfers this week.
Tom Kite who won here in 1993 had this to say about George C. Thomas Jr.’s handiwork: “It is pure genius. Everyone tries to design a hole like that now, and they come up short. I’ve tried to, but I haven’t come close.”
Kirk Triplett added: “A short par 4 is a chance for an architect to show his creativity, and I don’t think you could get a better example. It’s all about the angle of your second shot. It’s that oblong green. I think these guys now get in more trouble because they are always trying to drive the green. When you’re out of position, it becomes a very difficult par hole.”
Here are some more stats on the hole based on Shotlink data provided by the PGA Tour.