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Riviera's 10th hole: Risk/reward at its finest

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The PGA Tour visits Riviera Country Club this week for the Genesis Open, one of the glamour stops for the players.

A historic course with 18 gorgeous golf holes, it's the short par-4 10th that stands out.

"The most demanding par-4 I've ever played in my life," Bubba Watson said Wednesday. "No matter whether it's 500 yards or it's 200 yards. Demanding is the nicest way I can say it."

At just 315 yards from an elevated tee, the length and angle of the hole entices players to go for the green - but failure to execute the shot will lead to a struggle to make par.

"If you don't make it on the green, you're going to make five or six really quick," said 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus. "The worst place to miss is short and right."

If players choose to layup, that doesn't necessarily give them a chance for birdie or a guaranteed par. The small green is protected by bunkers and can become rock hard - propelling even the shortest wedge shots.

"It gets so firm, you land it on the green and it can bounce over the green," said Watson, a two-time winner of the event.

2016 Round 4 stats
Players 76
Yardage 303
Birdies 10
Pars 50
Bogeys 12
Other 4

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