Why is the 12th hole at Riviera Country Club called the 'Tarzan Hole'?

The 12th hole at Riviera Country Club is called the 'Tarzan Hole' due to an incident where Jack Nicholson, after hooking his drive into trees, grabbed vines that swung him into the air like Tarzan.

What is Jack Nicholson's golf handicap?

Jack Nicholson has historically maintained a golf handicap of around 12, with reports in 2011 placing his index at 14.7.

What is Riviera Country Club known for besides golf?

Riviera Country Club, located in Los Angeles, is known for its deep connection to the film industry and Hollywood elites, also earning the nickname 'Hogan's Alley'.

Home / Lifestyle / Riviera's 'Tarzan Hole': Jack Nicholson's Golfing Embarrassment

Riviera's 'Tarzan Hole': Jack Nicholson's Golfing Embarrassment

24 Jan

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Summary

Riviera Country Club, a legendary Hollywood-infused golf venue.
The 12th hole is nicknamed 'Tarzan Hole' after Nicholson's mishap.
Nicholson maintained a handicap around 12, known for quiet focus.

Riviera's 'Tarzan Hole': Jack Nicholson's Golfing Embarrassment

Riviera Country Club, an iconic golf venue in Los Angeles since its 1926 opening, boasts a rich history intertwined with Hollywood elites and the film industry. Celebrities like Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson have frequented the club, earning it the moniker "Hogan's Alley" due to Ben Hogan's past dominance.

The club's 12th hole bears the unique name "Tarzan Hole," a testament to an embarrassing yet memorable incident involving Jack Nicholson. He once hooked his drive into trees, and in frustration, he grabbed vines that swung him through the air. This event became a running joke among members, forever linking Nicholson to the "Tarzan" moniker on that specific hole.

Despite this golf course anecdote, Jack Nicholson is recognized as a calculated and strategic player, historically maintaining a golf handicap of around 12. In 2011, his handicap was reportedly 14.7. He would typically shoot in the mid-to-high 80s on demanding courses. While known for occasional extravagance, such as custom gold-plated irons, he was generally focused and quiet on the course.