In golf construction art and utility meet; both are absolutely vital; one is utterly ruined without the other. GEORGE THOMAS
It’s back!
Twenty years later Tatra Press has kindly allowed me to bring back Grounds For Golf now that golf architecture is of more interest to the masses. A new Introduction looks at what’s driven the interest growth and two new chapters I had a blast adding (plus a few edits to keep things up-to-date).
The Amazon purchase page for the book arriving June 15, 2026.
MJ Fed Up With Bears Club Pace & Looking To Develop Course?
/"We haven't seen a drop like this since Tiger Woods."
/Video: Part 2 Of Pebble vs. Riviera
/Through 9-holes the match is all even after Pebble Beach's ocean stretch of holes 7-9 walzed over Riv's architecturally disrepaired stretch, setting up the toughest call of the day: Riviera's 10th vs Pebble's 10th. Both American classics...who will start the back off with a win?
Fred Couples: If Not For Davis Love Getting The Ryder Cup Job, "I’d have a different attitude toward this"
/What Could Go Wrong Files: $50 Million Topgolf In Vegas Edition
/The 2015 NoTrust Open Is Ready And Set For Riviera!
/With the demise of the WGC Match Play as a February event, the 2015 Northern Trust Open field at Riviera took a noticeable star power hit.
In 2014, with the match play the week after the Northern Trust Open, the field included 16 of the world's top 30 and 26 of the top 50.
This year, it's 11 of the world top 30 are in the field and 18 of the top 50.
SB Nation has a nice round up of viewing times and tournament notes.
I discussed Riviera's history with Matt Ginella on Wednesday's Morning Drive.
Earlier in the week we talked Riviera's design.
As always, the 10th hole is receiving much attention and now gets long overdue "Live@" coverage starting at 7 am PT and going all day.
Here's the link. DirecTV subscribers can also watch the coverage all four days on their televisions (the PGA Tour and DirecTV just re-upped for give years).
DVR Alert: Royal Melbourne On Golf Channel
/Video: (1) Pebble Beach Vs. (2) Riviera
/The Brothers Morrissett introduced me to the joys of using match play to settle the most vital debate of all: "which course is better." By no means a perfect argument-settler, match playing holes somehow ends up working itself out over 18 holes.
In another installment of the UnShackeled series, I match up the two best designs on the PGA Tour and two of my favorite courses on the planet (even if both have seen betters days architecturally, something that factors into this match).
So here goes, the first nine of top seed Pebble Beach taking on Riviera. The back nine and match victor will be resolved tomorrow.

