Due to the devastating wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles, the PGA Tour has announced that The Genesis Invitational, a prestigious golf tournament run by the Tiger Woods Foundation, will move this year. The event will now be hosted at a new location instead of the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, where it was originally planned to take place from February 13 to 16.
The PGA Tour Voices Concern
The PGA Tour said in a statement on Thursday that its top priority is the safety of people affected by the historic wildfires. “The safety and well-being of those impacted by the unprecedented natural disaster in Greater Los Angeles remain our top priorities,” the statement said.
Additionally, the statement expressed appreciation for the valiant efforts of first responders who are putting in endless hours to put out the flames. The PGA Tour went on to say, “We are thankful for the first responders’ life-saving efforts and the tireless work being done to put an end to the tragic wildfires.”
Tiger Woods Regarding the Choice
It was decided to move the 2025 Genesis Invitational to a different venue in consideration of the current predicament. “We have decided that The Genesis Invitational 2025 will take place at a different venue the week of February 10–16 out of consideration for the current circumstances. In the upcoming days, more competition details and a location update will be made available,” the announcement said.
At least 27 people have died as a result of the wildfires so far, and firefighters are currently fighting the flames throughout Los Angeles County. As firefighters strive to advance ahead of another wave of strong winds that are predicted to worsen the fires next week, there is cautious hope.
As recovery operations continue, many households may be stranded for months, and over 170,000 residents are still under evacuation orders.
Tiger Woods Communicates His Loss
Formerly known as the Los Angeles Open, the Genesis Invitational is one of the PGA Tour’s marquee tournaments. This move is a big adjustment for the event because the Riviera Country Club has been its longtime home for years.
Earlier this week, California native Tiger Woods expressed his feelings about the destruction caused by the fires. Being from California, I can relate to the horror of the continued destruction caused by the LA flames. Those who have experienced unfathomable tragedy have my deepest sympathies,” Woods said on X (previously Twitter).
Additionally, Woods thanked the first responders for their tireless efforts to keep the neighborhood safe. He stated, “I want to express my gratitude to the amazing heroes who are the first responders helping to contain and save the community of Los Angeles.”
