Penn State Turf Club

By Tyler Bloom
GCSAA Student President

Aside from walking Rodeo Drive, conversing with Southern Cal Trojan fans, and visiting many tourist hot spots, one of the key highlights of my four-day Rose Bowl trip was a pit stop at historic Riveria Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.

My uncle and I took a "scenic" route to the golf course, but eventually found the course tucked inside a heavily secure neighborhood off of Sunset Drive. We couldn't have asked for better weather - clear and cool temperatures with the sun peaking off the San Gabriel Mountains around 10 a.m.

From the moment we made our way through the clubhouse, I was completely awestruck at the history and layout of the golf course. To say the golf course was immaculate would be an understatement. Matt Morton, golf course superintendent, and his staff really have a gem to work with.

The 1926 George C. Thomas design has played host to five major championships, and has been nicknamed "Hogan's Alley" for his unprecedented three straight tournament victories at Riveria. Also, the club hosts the Northern Trust Open, one of the more prolific annual PGA Tour events. Phil Mickelson won his second consecutive NTO title last month.

"The Riv" has such a unique layout and appeal to it. The tight fairways, small target type greens, and picturesque views were far different than golf courses in the East. The course is a par 71, at a length of 6,950 from the back tees.

The Nittany Lions' loss to the Men of Troy made the trip a little bittersweet, but touring the facilities at Riviera was special.

Note of interest: In 1998, Penn State turfgrass alum, Mr. Paul R. Latshaw, hosted the 1998 Men's Senior PGA Championship at Riveria Country Club.