As the Genesis Invitational returns to Riviera Country Club, fans and professionals notice a significant difference in the fourth and 18th holes. And Rory McIlroy believes the change is “horrible.”

Talking to the media at the pre-tournament press conference, the world number two said, “I don't think four plays any differently, you're just hitting a slightly longer club. I actually think it's a horrible change.”

The fourth hole at Riviera has been stretched to about 273 yards. That’s around 40 yards longer than before. This has made it one of the longest par-3s on the PGA Tour. But why doesn’t McIlroy like this change?

“Well, like 15 percent of the field hit the green last time when it was played at its original yardage at 230,” he said. “If you want it to be a 275-yard par-3, you have to change the apron leading up onto the green.”

“It can't be Kikuyu. It has to be another type of grass that can help you run it onto the green because again, in the right conditions, you try to fly that ball on the green with a 3-iron, it's going to land. It's going to finish up on the fifth tee box. That's sort of what I mean by why it's not a great change.”

But McIlroy had some good words for the 18th hole modification. The yardage stretched to 499 yards via a new tee. This makes the finishing hole play significantly bigger. 

“18 played downwind today, and I hit driver, 8-iron. So certainly it's a bigger hole than it was, so 18's probably the better change.”

Despite his dislike for the fourth hole modification, McIlroy was still in awe of the Riviera Country Club. 

Rory McIlroy Is Still a Fan of Riviera Country Club

“I think the green complexes are a big part of it,” the 36-year-old said as he reflected on the course getting ready for the 100th playing of the tournament.

McIlroy recalled that he hadn’t been at the venue for a year, since the 2025 LA wildfires moved the Genesis Invitational to Torrey Pines. 

“So the greens provide a challenge in themselves,” Rory McIlroy continued. “Then you get a little bit of wind, and it starts to swirl in this valley a bit, and it starts to play pretty tricky.”

McIlroy expects the course to challenge players throughout the Genesis Invitational. But for the fourth hole change, his warning regarding realistic scoring options seems to be a worry. 

What do you think of the change? Tell us in the comments!

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Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu