The Dream Is Born
Immigration to the United States boomed in the early 1900's. Many Italian immigrants found their way to ColumbusOhio due to the economic opportunity and business prospects available in a growing Midwest town. They settled in the areas around Columbus known as Flytown, the Bottoms, Grandview, Milo, Saint Clair and San Margherita.
In the 1930's and early 1940's many of the young Italian boys caddied at the old Arlington golf course under the watchful eye of caddie master Pat Guidi. Pat would often arrange caddie tournaments on Mondays that helped many of the boys fall in love with the game of golf. Caddying also occurred around the city at Brookside, Scioto, TwinRivers and Dublin.
The money the boys earned as caddies was often turned over to their parents who would save it for items such as school clothes. It was commonplace for them to hold out a nickel or two and spend this money at OlentangyPark on candy or to ride the Red Devil.
When World War II was declared, many of the American Italian boys joined the various branches of the service. After defending the rights of their fellow Americans, most of them returned home to Columbus. Now as young men, with their dreams centered on family, they also dreamed about participating in the game of golf in a more organized manner.
Organized golfing events began to form. They enjoyed the brotherhood of friendships built from the time of adolescence through adulthood. While these young golfers were developing into adult sportsmen, several of them were beginning to mold the dreams of the future. They were dreaming of forming a group that would eventually become an association perpetuating the game of golf and contributing to the community.
The membership of the Gladdington Heights club merged into the AIGA furthering this growth. It was evident that a clubhouse was necessary. After many planning sessions
and contributions from members and Italian businessmen, a 33 acre tract of land on Wilson Road was purchased.
In order to develop the Wilson Road property, all members were asked to apply their skills. Many of the members were stilled at construction and due to the strong work ethic work was quickly begun. The physical work of clearing the grounds, digging ditches & sewer lines, and creating foundations, found many willing and able bodies.
Growing Pains - The 1950's
The young club, with its vital and diverse members, began to branch out into all directions. Annual golf tournaments were formed such as the Brother-Brother, where teams of brothers competed against one another. On June 3, 1954, the new clubhouse at Wilson Road was officially opened which finally provided a permanent home for the AIGA membership.
As the 50's neared the end, it was necessary to rethink the organization of the AIGA. Committees were developed to help determine future plans and goals for the organization. The largest of these goals was to build or purchase a golf course to serve as the home of the AIGA.
Milestones - The 1960's
Initially, plans called for the building of a 6 hole golf course at the Wilson Road property. The AIGA membership decided a full 9 hole golf course would be more desirable, and by 1962 raised enough money to acquire controlling stock in the Groveport Golf Club. Further funds were made possible by the sale of the Wilson Road property to the State of Ohio for the Columbus outer belt highway. With the purchase of Groveport the big dream had come true and it had an address.
In 1964, club member Mario Gelonese, a land acquisition specialist, was appointed by the club to keep an eye out for a farm or property that could be used to build an 18 hole golf course, preferably in the Northwest area of the county. Mario came across a farm on Avery Road in the Dublin area and brought his findings to the club. After an inspection by the membership, it was decided to purchase the farm for future development. The farm of 142 acres was then sharecropped for several years until the construction of Riviera Country Club began. It is said that Mario wrote a check to put a retainer on the property and then asked his wife if they had enough funds to cover it!
Riviera & the 1970's
The late 60's saw the formulation of plans to build Riviera County Club on the Avery Road property in Dublin. In 1967, an additional 25 acres was purchased and financed. Jack Kidwell was commissioned to furnish drawings and estimates for construction of the golf course. Construction on Riviera Country Club began in 1969 and Groveport Golf Club was sold. Riviera officially opened on June 15, 1970 and AIGA league play started on June 30. From day 1 the Riviera Country Club members for all parts of the city, with no regard for their race creed or color It was all about advancing the idea that everyone should have the right to play golf at a private club if they so choose.
The AIGA flourished in their new home. Soon, the LPGA made Riviera a regular stop with the Pabst and Borden Classics. This annual event brought national attention to Riviera and the AIGA hosts and became a fixture in the Columbus sports environment.
The Second Generation - The 1980's and 1990's
Enhancements to Riviera continued annually and culminated with a large scale golf course improvement project in 1999. David Pandel Savic was hired to enhance and modernize Riviera. Course improvements included newly deepened sand traps and a new irrigation system. Holes 2, 9, and 15 received the most extensive renovations that included the reshaping of the water hazards. As a result of these renovations, Riviera has continued to remain a difficult and challenging layout that can compete with Central Ohio's best courses.