Genesis Invitational Relocates Amid Los Angeles Wildfires

In a significant change ahead of the prestigious Genesis Invitational, the PGA Tour announced that the tournament will be relocated from the iconic Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades due to the catastrophic wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. This tragic event, described as the most destructive fire in the region's history, has already consumed over 23,000 acres, significantly impacting local communities and wildlife.

Scheduled to take place from February 13 to 16, the Genesis Invitational, organized by the Tiger Woods Foundation, is one of the eight signature events on the PGA Tour calendar for 2025, boasting an impressive prize purse of $20 million (£16.3 million). While the new venue is yet to be confirmed, tournament organizers are committed to keeping the public informed as the situation progresses.

The PGA Tour issued a statement emphasizing its dedication to the safety and wellbeing of those affected by this unprecedented natural disaster. "We extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders whose heroic efforts are vital in combating these wildfires and supporting the communities in distress," the statement read.

Riviera Country Club has been the cherished home of the Genesis Invitational, previously known as the Los Angeles Open, for many years and is slated to welcome both men's and women's golf tournaments as part of the 2028 LA Olympics.

Tiger Woods, a central figure in the event's organization, highlighted that the immediate focus should be on assisting those impacted by the fires rather than the tournament itself. "Right now, our priority is on helping those who have lost their homes and had their lives irreversibly changed," Woods asserted, underscoring the event’s deeper responsibility to the community.

As the PGA Tour navigates these challenges, the golf community is reminded of the sport's resilience and the importance of supporting one another during tough times.