So, I finally got out to Riviera. You hear about it, you see it on TV, but actually stepping onto that course, man, it’s a whole different ball game. And the first thing that pops into your head, or at least mine, is that number: par. What does it even mean on a course like this?
I’ve played a fair bit of golf in my time, all sorts of tracks. But Riviera, it just has this aura. Before I even teed off, I was looking at the scorecard, doing the mental math. Thinking, okay, par 71. Sounds straightforward enough, right? Wrong. So very wrong.
The first few holes, I was just trying to soak it all in. The history, the layout. Beautiful, absolutely. But tough. Every shot needs your full attention. I remember thinking, “Just try to make a few pars, keep it steady.” That was the plan, anyway. Riviera has other plans for you, most of the time.
Let me tell you, chasing par there felt like chasing a ghost. You think you’re close, then poof, it’s gone.
Here’s what I found especially tricky when thinking about making par:
- The angles. You gotta be on the right side of the fairway. If not, par becomes a distant dream.
- Those bunkers. They’re not just there for show, they’re strategically placed to gobble up anything slightly off.
- And the greens. Oh, the greens. Subtle breaks, super quick. Putting for par felt like a tightrope walk.
There was this one par-4, I won’t even say which one, but I hit a great drive. Best of the day, probably. Walked up to my ball feeling pretty good. Then I saw the approach shot. The green looked tiny, guarded by all sorts of trouble. My “easy par” thought evaporated pretty quick. Walked off with a bogey, and honestly, I wasn’t even mad. That’s Riviera for you.
My Battle with the Scorecard
So, how did I do against this mythical Riviera par? Well, let’s just say the course won. Big time. There were a few moments of glory, a par here and there that felt like a birdie. But there were also plenty of those “other” numbers on the card. The kind you don’t write home about.
I remember standing on the 18th tee, looking back. The sun was starting to set, and the course looked absolutely stunning. My score relative to par? Not what I’d hoped for. Not even in the same ballpark. But you know what? I wasn’t even too fussed about it by then.
Playing a course like Riviera, it puts things into perspective. You realize how incredibly skilled the pros are to shoot under par there, day in and day out. For us regular folks, just experiencing it, hitting a few good shots, and enjoying the walk is a win in itself. That par on the scorecard? It’s a benchmark, a challenge, sure. But it’s not the whole story.
I went there thinking about par, about a number. I left with a memory of a truly special place, a deeper appreciation for the game, and a healthy dose of humility. And I’d do it all again in a heartbeat, even if par remains a distant acquaintance.
