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1922
With golf’s popularity on the rise, and desiring a first-class course for his organization, Los Angeles Athletic Club Vice President Frank A. Garbutt (right) leads the search for the site upon which Riviera is to be built. To purchase the land formerly owned by oil millionaire Alfonzo Bell (left), a syndicate is formed. Final negotiations and financing details for the deal take nearly three years to complete.
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1925
Having just finished the design and construction of the nearby Bel-Air Country Club, prominent golf architect George C. Thomas Jr. is, perhaps, uniquely suited to design a world-class course for Riviera. Though initially unimpressed by the fledgling club’s barren Santa Monica Canyon site, Thomas accepts the job under the condition of having a carte-blanche with the project’s budget, and of being allowed to hire William (Billy) P. Bell as Construction Supervisor.
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1926
After laboring over fifteen possible course layouts, George Thomas (center in photo at top left) arrives at his final design, with construction commencing under the daily supervision of Billy Bell (at left in top photo). During this time, the renowned golf architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie (at center in bottom photo) pays a visit to inspect Thomas’s work. Following his tour of the property, Dr. MacKenzie remarks that the site “...was as fine as any I have seen.”, and that Thomas’ design is “As nearly perfect as man could make it.” It is also during 1926 that the formation of the club is made official, with the writing of by-laws, and memberships are made available for purchase.
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