Rory McIlroy has voiced strong disapproval of changes to the fourth hole at Riviera Country Club ahead of the 2026 Genesis Invitational. The Northern Irish golfer described the extension as a 'horrible change' that fails to enhance the hole's playability. Other PGA Tour stars have echoed concerns about the modification to the classic par-3.
The Genesis Invitational, a prestigious PGA Tour event, is set to return to Riviera Country Club in 2026 after being relocated to Torrey Pines in 2025 due to Los Angeles wildfires. However, modifications to the course have drawn criticism from top players, particularly regarding the fourth hole, a renowned Redan-style par-3.
Originally measuring around 230 yards, the hole was one of the toughest at the previous event, with only a small percentage of the field—about 15%—hitting the green in regulation. Riviera officials extended it by nearly 40 yards to approximately 273 yards from the new back tee, aiming to align with designer George Thomas’s original vision. This change requires players to use fairway woods or drivers, limiting traditional shot options like running the ball up the slope.
'I don’t think No. 4 plays any differently,' McIlroy told reporters. 'You’re just hitting a slightly longer club. I actually think it’s a horrible change. Well, like 15% of the field hit the green last time when it was played at its original yardage at 230. If you want it to be a 275-yard par-3, you have to change the apron leading up onto the green.'
McIlroy is not alone in his critique. Jordan Spieth has questioned the alteration, while recent AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am winner Collin Morikawa called it a 'very long par-3.' J.J. Spaun noted that the Redan design cannot be utilized as intended due to the thick kikuyu grass around the green, which complicates approaches: shots with too much spin may bound over the back, and those falling short fail to release onto the front.
Despite his reservations about the fourth hole, McIlroy expressed overall admiration for Riviera Country Club, highlighting its enduring appeal amid ongoing PGA Tour debates.
