A small aircraft made an emergency landing Friday afternoon as golfers looked on at the famed Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. The plane was originally headed for Santa Monica Airport, according to local media outlets, and touched down safely just before 1 p.m. PT on the revered golf course.
Emergency crews from both the Los Angeles and Santa Monica fire departments responded to the scene and confirmed that all three people on board were uninjured, LAFD spokesperson Brian Lantz told FOX 11.
Traffic News Los Angeles posted on X, formerly Twitter, “A small single-engine airplane made an emergency landing on the fairway of the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, startling golfers and staff. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and police responded promptly to the incident at 1250 N Capri Dr, reporting no injuries among the three passengers aboard.
The post continued, “The pilot, facing apparent engine issues, skillfully maneuvered the plane to avoid hazards, landing safely on the golf course. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause, while the incident temporarily disrupted activities at the prestigious club, known for hosting the Genesis Invitational.”
Newsweek has reached out to the Riviera Country Club on Friday afternoon for comment
What to Know About Riviera Country Club
The Riviera Country Club is one of the most storied golf courses in the United States. Established in 1926, the course was designed by renowned architect George C. Thomas Jr., with assistance from William P. Bell. Nestled in a canyon just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, Riviera quickly gained a reputation for its challenging layout, iconic holes—like the par-3 sixth with a bunker in the middle of the green—and picturesque setting. It has been a regular stop on the PGA Tour for decades, most notably hosting the annual Genesis Invitational.
Over the years, Riviera has played host to numerous major tournaments, including the 1948 U.S. Open and the PGA Championship in 1983 and 1995. It also served as a key venue for Olympic qualifying events and is set to play a prominent role in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. Riviera has featured some of golf’s biggest names—from Ben Hogan, who famously dominated there in the late 1940s, to Tiger Woods, who made his PGA Tour debut at the course in 1992. Beyond golf, the club has been a staple of Los Angeles’ social scene, reflecting a blend of sports prestige and Hollywood glamour.
Update: 5/2/25, 6:46 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update: 5/2/25, 8:11 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
Scottie Scheffler hits a tee shot during the second round of the Genesis Invitational on February 16, 2024, at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.
Scottie Scheffler hits a tee shot during the second round of the Genesis Invitational on February 16, 2024, at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.
Associated Press
