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McIlroy Slams Riviera's Lengthened Par-3 Ahead of Genesis

2/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rory McIlroy criticized Riviera Country Club's decision to lengthen the par-3 fourth hole to 273 yards for the 2026 Genesis Invitational, calling it a "horrible change."
He noted that only 15% of players hit the green at the previous 230-yard length.
Jordan Spieth and Collin Morikawa echoed concerns about the hole's difficulty and potential impact on scoring opportunities, as the tournament begins Thursday.

History

Historical Context

The PGA Tour standardized golf course lengths in 1936, shaping competitive play. Riviera Country Club's recent extension of the fourth hole to 273 yards has sparked debate among players like Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, as only 15% previously reached the green at 230 yards. This change reflects ongoing discussions about course difficulty and player accessibility in modern golf.

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Story summary

Rory McIlroy criticized Riviera Country Club's decision to lengthen the par-3 fourth hole to 273 yards for the 2026 Genesis Invitational, calling it a "horrible change."
He noted that only 15% of players hit the green at the previous 230-yard length.
Jordan Spieth and Collin Morikawa echoed concerns about the hole's difficulty and potential impact on scoring opportunities, as the tournament begins Thursday.

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