The fourth hole at Riviera Country Club, once hailed as Ben Hogan's 'greatest par-3 hole in America', has undergone a transformation that has left some golfers in a state of disbelief. This iconic hole, a Redan design, has been extended to over 270 yards, making it the longest par-3 on the PGA Tour. But this change has sparked a debate among players and fans alike, as the hole's original charm and challenge are now in question.
The Redan hole is known for its unique design, requiring golfers to use a longer club to reach a green set at a 45-degree angle. The original hole at Riviera, measuring 236 yards, had a classic Redan feel with a large bunker in front, a penal bunker behind, and a kicker slope. However, the recent changes have altered the hole's character.
The new length of 273 yards, coupled with the move of the tee box to accommodate the 18th hole, has eliminated much of the classic Redan angle. This has led to concerns that the hole no longer plays true to its original design. Jordan Spieth, a former champion at Riviera, expressed his doubts, stating, 'I’m not sure it’s going to change much. Instead of a 2-iron or hybrid, you’re hitting 3-wood. It was always kind of a crapshoot if you were going to hit the green anyway.'
The changes have also modified the greenside to promote more ball movement, but the kikuyu rough and soft conditions around the putting surface continue to hinder the true Redan style. Rory McIlroy, a prominent golfer, was blunt in his criticism, saying, 'I actually think it’s a horrible change.'
The hole's new length has been met with mixed reactions. While some players believe it is too long for a par-3, others argue that it is a necessary change to keep up with modern golf. The hole's performance at the Genesis Invitational two years ago, where it played 0.204 shots over par, suggests that it may be a challenge even for the pros. Despite the changes, the hole's new length has made it a topic of discussion and debate among golfers and fans, leaving many to wonder if the original Redan charm has been lost.
