Rory McIlroy is aiming to get his 2026 season up and running this week at Riviera, as the Genesis Invitational arrives in Los Angeles.
He won three times on the PGA Tour last year, including a victory at The Masters that completed his career Grand Slam.
He also took home the Irish Open title on the DP World Tour and played a major role in Europe’s Ryder Cup win at Bethpage Black in September.
This year has not started quite as quickly for him, but he will be looking to turn that around at this week’s Genesis Invitational.
McIlroy heads into the Genesis Invitational still searching for his first win of 2026, but his recent form suggests it might not be far off.
Despite strong showings elsewhere, the Northern Irishman has never lifted the trophy at Riviera. In nine starts at the Genesis Invitational, he has only managed three top-10 finishes.
One reason might be that Riviera does not suit every aspect of his game. Even for someone with McIlroy’s wide-ranging skills, there are always courses that do not quite click.
And on Wednesday, when speaking to the media, the world number two made a point of mentioning one change to the golf course that he strongly dislikes.
Rory McIlroy says Riviera has made a ‘horrible change’ for the Genesis Invitational
McIlroy has never been shy about giving his opinion, and he was open with his thoughts on one of the notable changes at Riviera this year.
The par-three fourth hole, which was already a challenging 230 yards, has been pushed back to 270 yards for this year’s event.
Asked about the alteration during Wednesday’s press conference, McIlroy did not mince his words.
“I don’t think 4 plays any differently, you’re just hitting a slightly longer club,” he said.
“I actually think it’s a horrible change.”
It is not often players are thrilled about par threes stretching past the 200-yard mark, and this change is unlikely to shift that view.
The design of these long holes can often feel uninspired, and it does not tend to make for the most engaging golf to watch either.
Rory McIlroy shares his views on Riviera’s changes
McIlroy was open about his thoughts when asked why he does not support the new length of the 4th hole at Riviera.
“Well, like 15 percent of the field hit the green last time when it was played at its original yardage at 230,” he began by saying.
“Like 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.
“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.”
Long par threes have become more common recently, but many argue they do not offer much strategic interest.
The most celebrated short holes around: Augusta National’s 12th, Pebble Beach’s seventh and Royal Troon’s eighth all measure under 150 yards.
It is clear McIlroy is not impressed with how Riviera has adjusted its fourth hole, but whether those concerns lead to further changes remains an open question.
Read more: