By Mark Lamport-Stokes PACIFIC PALISADES, California, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Golf courses very rarely compete with the players for top billing but Rory McIlroy is more than happy to share the spotlight with Riviera Country Club at this week's Northern Trust Open. Competing in the long-established PGA Tour event for the first time after being tempted here by the recommendations of many of his peers, McIlroy has already relished the multiple challenges posed by the classic par-71 layout. More...