18 of the world’s top 20 players are present at Riviera this week. While they were gearing up to storm the par-71 layout, an actual storm hit the Pacific Palisades. The 18th green was under a river of rainwater. The course was as soft as a marshland. 

Yesterday, Scottie Scheffler’s approach on the 16th landed on the green. But we couldn’t spot the ball, and neither can you. That’s because it was buried in the turf—notice closely in this picture.

Scottie, by the way, has improved every time he has teed off here in the last three years (T12, T10, T3). As has Tommy Fleetwood (T20, T10, T5). So expect both to be in contention, similar to Pebble Beach, where they tied for 4th. But as things stand, Rory McIlroy has the advantage.

Riviera favors bombers, and Rory’s average driving distance at Riviera (302.8 yards) is the third highest since 2003. With a victory here, he will become the first in 19 years to bag 30 PGA Tour titles.

Meanwhile, Ludvig Aberg has a chance to become the first repeat winner at Genesis in 17 years. On the other hand, Chris Gotterup can become the first pro with three wins in his initial six Tour starts since Johnny Miller in 1975. 

Course:

Riviera has increased the length by up to 61 yards to 7,383 yards. The par-3 fourth now tips at 273 yards—37 yards longer, enough to irk Rory McIlroy and others. New trees have been planted near the 15th tee to block Viktor Hovland from crisscrossing the 17th fairway to reach the 15th green. Quite a lot is new at Riviera this week. And quite a lot to look forward to.

An age-old debate is blazing up again: Is Scottie Scheffler the most boring dominant golfer ever? He's the ultimate low-key family man of deep faith. Unlike Rory, who doesn’t shy away from spitting knee-jerk opinions. Or Bryson, who is always camera-ready. Scottie? He won’t perform.

So, how does the World No. 1 ditch this straitjacket? Pick fights? Scream at his clubs? Or, throw his golf balls? He has already done that. Watch him chuck his ball in disgust at the Genesis Invitational only two years ago. He was asked about it yesterday.

Scottie’s response? 30 seconds of pure comedy. Never have we seen Scottie laugh so hysterically as we did yesterday. Check it out below.

He is human, after all.

And like every one of us mortals, he is, well, extremely dramatic. At times. Remember this uncharacteristic, snarky comment about LIV Golfers? He can lose his mind, too. Or throw a random joke when you least expect him to. Here is one about Bubba Watson. 

Granted, Scottie doesn’t pull off Spieth-level chaos, but he can play poorly one day, then vapor-lock his way into the low 60s on the weekend. You sit wondering if he’s going to win after another disastrous opening round. Yes, he might not be the silver-tongued charmer born to dazzle crowds. But Scottie doesn't need that. He's wired to chase greatness.

And that in itself is anything but boring.

Many of us weekend warriors hit down on our drivers, resulting in lower launch, excessive spin, and short carries. Pros like Rory McIlroy, however, sweep up on it with a positive attack angle, launching the ball high for massive distance. The key is setup and ball position, and Tommy Fleetwood is here to help.

• Place the ball further forward. Widen your stance by putting your trail leg slightly behind. This tilts your spine right, making an upsweep natural.

• Keep your head behind the ball. Stay centered or slightly back through impact to create a sweeping motion. Avoid getting "on top" of the ball, which causes spinny slices.

• Tommy suggests sticking a second tee in the ground in front of your actual ball. Your job is to miss that one in your follow-through. What should be the distance between the two tees? Check it out in the video below.

Brush the ball off the tee with the low point behind it, not at or in front, for optimal launch. Practice this. Then incorporate these other tips.

Where's the ultimate spot to raise kids if you're dead set on raising a family of golf sickos? A devoted golf parent can nurture that passion anywhere, of course, but it's far easier with community support. Which is why this dad spent an unfathomable amount of time to scrounge for every home near golf courses in Florida.

Turns out he wasn’t alone in his quest. Most weekend warriors consider living near golf courses. Do you? If you’re nearing retirement age, Scottsdale and Phoenix rank among the best destinations for golfers, with plenty of muni courses available as well.