Lowdown: The PGA Tour stays in California this week for the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club. Bill Haas defends the title but a strong field has assembled, including two-time winner Phil Mickelson.
Designed by Captain George C. Thomas, and updated by Tom Fazio in 2008, Riviera is a well bunkered, undulating layout where creative shot-making is key to success. This will be the 50th year Riviera has been the venue for the Northern Trust Open. Back in 1983 Riviera was also host to the PGA Championship.
The event began life as the Los Angeles Open back in 1926 and has been won by some big names over the years including Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Johnny Miller. Riviera became known as "Hogan's Alley" as the Texan won here three times in the late 1940s.
Player Watch: Jimmy Walker - Tied third at Pebble Beach and something of a Riviera specialist. He was tied fourth in the Northern Trust Opens of both 2011 and 2012. He's on a great run at the moment and will look to continue it this week.
Retief Goosen - Just sneaking back towards form, somewhat under the radar. He was tied 9th at Pebble Beach and has said he's back to full fitness following back surgery. Has never excelled at Riviera but has recorded a few decent finishes in this event. Key hole: 18th. The 475-yard par 4 is one of the hardest holes on the course. It's a blind tee shot from below the level of the fairway then a testing approach into a kidney shaped green that sits surrounded by a natural amphitheatre.
