Hole 16 at Riviera Country Club, The

Par 3 • 166 Yards • Pacific Palisades, California

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Challenging

Known as part of "Hogan's Alley," Riviera's 16th hole embodies the strategic precision that made Ben Hogan legendary at this historic venue. This demanding par-3 requires the same exacting shot-making that defined Hogan's 1948 U.S. Open victory here. The hole exemplifies Riviera's reputation for rewarding accuracy over power.

Tees:

166y166y148y125y

Green:23y × 21y

5 Bunkers dogleg

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Riviera Country Club, The

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 166 yds
Green: 2944 sq ft
Bunkers: 5
Course Slope: 141
Course Rating: 73.9

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Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

At 166 yards, this par-3 demands precise club selection and commitment. The distance puts most players in the 6-8 iron range, making it crucial to take one extra club and swing smoothly rather than forcing a shorter iron.

green

The compact 2944 square foot green (23y x 21y) leaves little room for error. With such a small target, prioritize accuracy over distance - aim for the center of the green and let your putting handle the rest.

hazard warning

Bunkers positioned at 168.6 yards create a significant threat just past pin-high. These greenside bunkers are strategically placed to catch shots that are slightly long, so err on the side of being pin-high or slightly short.

approach

With no fairway landing zone available, this is a pure target golf hole - it's green or trouble. Focus on a smooth, balanced swing with proper tempo rather than trying to overpower the shot.

green

The narrow 21-yard width of the green means missing left or right is equally penal. Study the pin position carefully and aim for the fat part of the green, especially when the pin is tucked near the edges.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 166 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (7-iron to 8-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 16?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: small green.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 16?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 16?

The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 16?

This hole is a solid par with birdie chances for precise approach shots. Making par is a good result here. Focus on hitting the green and avoiding three-putts.

Can I practice hole 16 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Riviera Country Club, The. You can play this exact par 3 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →