GOLF ARCHITECTURE / That bunker in the middle of the green at Riviera’s famous par-3 6th

Just why would you stick a bunker in the middle of the green? Well here’s why on this occasion, it works.

A treat for golf architecture fans this week with the Women’s Australian Open being hosted at Kooyonga Golf Club and the PGA Tour arriving at Riviera CC for the Genesis Open.

Arguably the most famous feature at Riviera is the bunker that sits in the middle of the green at the par-3 6th hole at Riviera and Geoff Shackelford went through just what golf designer George Thomas was thinking via a video for the Golf Channel. For some reference, the tee is in the background.

For a closer look and a better idea of just how thick the rough was around the green a few years ago, here is Shackelford’s video of the green complex from 2011.

Everyone’s getting pretty excited about this week’s Genesis Open and a Thursday/Friday grouping of Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas and Tiger Woods has golf fans busting out the popcorn.

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