Kikuyu grass impacts play at the U.S. Women's Open
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 1, 2026, 12:27 PM
Last updated Jun 1, 2026
This summer, the U.S. Women's Open takes place at Riviera Country Club, featuring Kikuyu grass that challenges players differently than common turf types. Kikuyu, known for its spongy texture, can halt balls abruptly and complicate bump-and-run shots. Previous changes to the famous par-3 fourth hole, now stretching to 192 yards for the women's tournament, have sparked discussion about its playing conditions. Pros like Rory McIlroy have expressed concerns over the setup, indicating it may hinder certain shot strategies.
- •The U.S. Women's Open is held this summer at Riviera Country Club.
- •Kikuyu grass poses unique challenges compared to common turf types.
- •The fourth hole was recently modified to 192 yards ahead of the tournament.
- •Rory McIlroy criticized the changes to the hole's setup.
- •Kikuyu grass affects shot strategy and ball behavior significantly.
- 12:27 PMYahoo Sports — Riviera's Kikuyu grass, explained
"Here are the basics to understanding why Kikuyu grass poses a unique test at Riviera Country Club during the U.S. Women's Open
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- PGA Tour•Sep 26, 2026, 3:01 AMCaddie shares details of argument that made him quit on pro mid-round
PGA Tour•Sep 26, 2026, 3:00 AMTony Finau returns home for Bank of Utah Championship
PGA Tour•Sep 26, 2026, 1:17 AMNick Taylor waited forever for his Presidents Cup moment. Then he delivered
PGA Tour•Sep 26, 2026, 12:26 AMWinners, losers from Day 2 of Presidents Cup as U.S. is on upset alert
PGA Tour•Sep 26, 2026, 12:24 AMPresidents Cup recap: 'Relentless' Internationals sweep Friday foursomes
PGA Tour•Sep 25, 2026, 11:54 PMPresidents Cup leaderboard, Day 2 updates, tee times, foursome lineups
