Sports

Northern Trust Open Day One: Fans Flock to Riviera

The first round of the tournament kicks off Thursday.

UPDATE 5:51 p.m.: Play was called due to darkness. Those who didn't finish the first round will continue tomorrow. More golf in the morning!

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UPDATE 5:35 p.m.: There was a huge roar from the crowd as Phil Mickelson birdied the 18th hole ... minutes before the sun went down at the Riviera.

Find out what's happening in Pacific Palisadeswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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UPDATE 4:38 p.m.: The skies are sunny, but the wind really is blowing. Spectators are out in their warm-weather attire, but are beginning to grab their jackets! The media tent was even shaking for a while!

Find out what's happening in Pacific Palisadeswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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The Riviera Country Club opened the golf course to the public Thursday at 6 a.m. for the first round of the Northern Trust Open in Pacific Palisades.

Pro golfers, like defending champion Aaron Baddeley and Bubba Watson, teed off in the morning. Fred Couples, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els all teed off around noon.

While the course was almost bare Wednesday during the practice round—thanks to all the rain—the grass bustled with fans Thursday afternoon. The tournament, formerly known as the LA Open, has a history of not being the most popular PGA event. However, in recent years, the buzz has reportedly returned.

Pali Patch has set up shop in the media tent near the first hole, right between the station for Golfchannel.com and Latino Sports Network. We'll be bringing you updates from a local spectator standpoint. After all, we know you'll be checking in with the Golf Channel and ESPN for the expert play-by-play analysis.

  • For the story about military moms-to-be who were honored at the Riviera during the practice round, click here.
  • For a story from the LA Times about the buzz surrounding this year's tournament, click here.


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