By Mike May
Those who truly appreciate the creature comforts of home will experience that same feeling at the Riviera Country Club, in Ormond Beach, Florida, very near Daytona Beach. The course originally opened as a nine-hole layout in the 1930’s, but was later expanded to 18 holes in 1954 and is now listed as one of the courses on the Florida Historic Golf Trail.
Riviera has established itself as a place where golf can be celebrated and enjoyed every day of the year. As the club’s brochure states, the Riviera Country Club offers a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere and welcomes golfers from around the world.
The atmosphere is so laid back that, NO tee times are required, just show up, pay and play. 
Riviera has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the “Best Places to Play.” With all 18 greens having been replaced in 2014, Riviera is better now than it has ever been. The new putting surfaces are true, consistent, firm, quick, smooth, and fair.
“We have great owners in Eric and Charlotte Meyers and, it trickles down from there to everybody on staff,” noted Mike Boss, the Director of Golf at Riviera. “We put the needs of our customers and members first. It’s all about customer service. The key word is ‘tidy.’ Our attention to detail is what makes the Riviera experience so special for golfers.”
Riviera is called “The Friendly Cub” and their commitment to courteous customer service is sincere, which makes every player feel right at home.
Another element of Riviera is the many old oak trees with Spanish moss dripping from their branches like icicles. The various ponds on the course serve as a home for turtles, fish, heron, cranes, ospreys, as well as, a few errant tee shots. All of this adds to the feel of the course and harkens back to ‘Old Florida.’ Close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means that refreshing breezes often cool golfers.
“Anybody who plays and excels in the game of golf in the greater Daytona Beach area seems to come through this club,” says longtime area resident David Baliker, who has played at Riviera since the 1980s. “It’s a great place to learn how to play all the shots in golf.”
At less than 6,300 yards from the back tees, this par 71-layout is not exceptionally long, but its various subtle nuances, twists, and turns will test golfers of all abilities.
From a historical perspective, Riviera hosts the longest running mini-tour event in the nation. The Riviera Open began in 1960 and has been won by several pros, who have gone on to win on the PGA Tour. Former golf legend, Moe Norman spent the winter months practicing at the club and also competed in the Riviera Open.
To get the full Riviera experience, come early for breakfast, warm-up on the range and short game area, visit the pro shop for your golf necessities, play 18 holes, and then have lunch. Play a second 18 and then enjoy a delicious dinner at the club
It’s a perfect way to spend the day, especially if you want an outing that is golf’s version of experiencing the creature comforts of home.
For more information visit: https://www.rivcc.com/index.html
