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?

UnShackeled part 2:

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). 

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.