The Genesis Invitational has been relocated (Image: Getty Images)
The has been forced to relocate the Genesis Invitational from its traditional Riviera Country Club setting amid the catastrophic wildfires engulfing parts of Los Angeles.
The tournament, which Tiger Woods hosts and attracts golf’s elite annually to the Riviera, was under threat as the dreadful fires began their relentless destruction across the city.
Neighbourhoods have been decimated, countless properties and businesses have been lost, and the death toll has tragically reached 25.
Reports surfaced last week about the tournament’s potential cancellation with the venue itself situated in an evacuation zone. While the course remains untouched by flames, it had to be cleared out and has been deserted ever since.
With the crisis ongoing and first responders valiantly combating the fire, Thursday brought the inevitable announcement from PGA Tour officials that shifting the event was the only possible decision. Maintaining its original schedule, the tournament boasts a star-studded, invitation-only lineup that includes golfers such as Scottie Scheffler, , Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, and Collin Morikawa.
In their released statement, the PGA Tour said: “The PGA TOUR’s focus continues to be on the safety and well-being of those affected by the unprecedented natural disaster in Greater Los Angeles. We are grateful for the life-saving efforts of first responders and the tireless work being done to put an end to the tragic wildfires.
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The Genesis Invitational has been impacted by the fires (Image: Getty Images)
“In collaboration with Genesis, The Riviera Country Club and TGR Live, and out of respect for the unfolding situation, we have determined that The Genesis Invitational 2025 will be played at an alternate location the week of Feb. 10-16. A venue update and additional tournament information will be provided in the coming days.
“The PGA TOUR is identifying the most impactful ways the tournament can support the Los Angeles community and the ongoing relief efforts. We encourage fans to join the support at PGATOUR.com/SupportLA.”
expressed his sorrow, stating: “It’s just sad. Max [Homa] and I have grown up there. We’re So Cal kids.
Tiger Woods has released a statement (Image: Getty)
“To see what has happened, I’ve known a couple people that have lost everything, so it’s just hard. As far as the Genesis, we’re trying to just figure everything out and make sure that everyone is safe and we have meetings scheduled going forward.
“But as of right now, we’re not really focused on the tournament. It’s more about what we can do to help everyone who’s struggling, who’s lost homes and had their lives changed.”