Prime Viewing Spots for the Northern Trust Open

February 18, 2015

There might not be a bad spectator position at Riviera CC, site of this year’s Northern Trust Open. Greens and tees often cluster closely on a 7,032-yard layout designed in the mid-1920s by George Thomas. But here are some of the most strategic viewer locations, according to Riviera CC Director of Golf Todd Yoshitake:

No. 10 Green	This 315-yard par-4 is one of the most exciting holes on the course when the pros compete. To drive or not to drive the green? Here, you’ll be able to see drives that skip off the back, find the bunkers or hold the sloped green. The lay-ups make for some intriguing chips, too. Take up a position back left and you can turn around to observe tee shots on No. 11.
No. 9 Tee	This is certainly a scenic spot, with the Riviera clubhouse providing the backdrop behind the tee on this uphill fairway. Pivot around to catch the action on the eighth and 13th green.
No. 6 Green	OK, this is pure novelty, but it’s still fun to watch – the bunker in the middle of the green, and the strategy employed when that darned thing ends up between a player’s ball and the hole. Will someone chip from the green?
No. 10 Tee	Yet another convergence of greens and tees, right at the base of the cart path that plunges down from the clubhouse. The 10th provides the aforementioned quandary for a player on the tee, while the action on the greens at Nos. 2 and 18 can also be taken in.
No. 18 Green	Observe the pros as they try to keep their tee shots right – where eucalyptus trees loom – and muscle them uphill to an elevated landing area. The greens at Nos. 3 and 4 are close by, too.

And when you’re ready for a break, stop by the SCGA booth near the main entrance. We’ve got gifts for all SCGA members, a putting contest and other fun games!