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1927
Culminating an 18-month construction process, the Riviera Country Club officially opens on June 24, 1927, with George Thomas himself hitting the inaugural drive off the first tee. Following this ceremonial shot, a foursome comprised of SCGA champion Paul Hunter, reigning U.S. Amateur champion George Von Elm, future Riviera pro Willie Hunter (the 1921 British Amateur champion) and Los Angeles Country Club pro Vic D’Alberto play the golf course. The total cost of construction amounts to $243,827.63, making Riviera the second most expensive 18-hole layout in the world.
George Thomas (center) shaking hands with LAAC President William Garland, First foursome (left) in white shirts.
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1928
Known as the “Grand Hotel of Golf,” Riviera’s Clubhouse officially opens in 1928, managed by Captain W. J. Brown. Plans commenced between Frank Garbutt, Hal Roach, Will Rogers, and Snowy Baker for the building of the Riviera Polo Club and Equestrian Center, a project which will take over five years to complete. Douglas Fairbanks and his wife, Mary Pickford, join Riviera and bring with them a host of Hollywood’s most prominent figures. During this year, Fairbanks makes several efforts to draw national attention to the club by offering purses of up to $1,000 for anyone who can break 70. This includes bringing in a 1927 Open tournament to attract the top players from the east coast.
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1929
Based upon its championship design and an ability to accommodate large crowds, Riviera is selected by the Junior Chamber of Commerce (left) to host the 4th Annual Los Angeles Open. Played over a layout modestly upgraded by George Thomas for the occasion, the tournament boasts an enormous $10,000 purse, which is won by MacDonald Smith, with a 285 total.
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