McIlroy Slams Riviera's New 273-Yard Par-3

Rory McIlroy has sharply criticized the significant lengthening of Riviera Country Club's fourth hole to 273 yards, deeming the modification a 'horrible change.' He highlighted that even at its previous 230-yard length, only about 15 percent of the field could accurately reach the green. This adjustment, made for the upcoming 2026 Genesis Invitational, has drawn further critique from other top golfers.

Jordan Spieth described the hole as the course's only weak spot, while Collin Morikawa noted the difficulty in controlling shots with such a lengthy par-3. The design, inspired by the famed Redan hole at North Berwick, usually features a green protected and sloped to reward specific shot shapes. However, the current kikuyu grass on the apron makes running shots onto the green problematic, impacting strategic play.

In the 2024 Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines, the hole played as the third toughest, yielding few birdies and significant over-par scores. Players like J.J. Spaun have practiced hitting 3-woods to manage the distance, but concerns remain about the lack of strategic options beyond simply trying to find the green. The true test and player reactions will become evident when the tournament commences.