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Mark Schlabach, ESPN senior writer
The PGA Tour is moving next month’s Genesis Invitational to another site after wildfires near the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif., and other parts of Los Angeles killed at least 25 people and destroyed buildings. thousands of structures.
The Genesis Invitational, hosted by Tiger Woods, was scheduled to be played at Riviera Country Club February 13-16.
“The PGA Tour continues to focus on the safety and well-being of those affected by the unprecedented natural disaster in Greater Los Angeles,” the tour said in a statement Thursday. “We are grateful for the efforts of first responders to save lives and the tireless work done to end the tragic wildfires.
“In collaboration with Genesis, The Riviera Country Club and TGR Live, and out of respect for the current situation, we have determined that the 2025 Genesis Invitational will be played at an alternate location the week of February 10-16.”
The PGA Tour said the alternate course would be announced in the coming days.
Among the potential sites under consideration, according to sources, are the La Quinta Country Club in La Quinta, Calif., the site of this week’s American Express, and Torrey Pines in La Jolla, Calif., which will host the Next week’s Farmers Insurance Open.
The PGA Tour could also be held in consecutive weeks at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona, site of the WM Phoenix Open Feb. 6-9. Another possibility is Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, which has been the site of the CJ Cup in the past and an LPGA match-play event for the past four years.
The Riviera Country Club was not damaged by the fires, but its surrounding area was heavily impacted. Genesis is one of the PGA Tour’s flagship events, with a purse of $20 million.
Riviera Country Club has hosted a professional men’s tournament 60 times since 1929 and almost every year since 1973. The Genesis Invitational benefits Woods’ TGR Foundation.
After making his debut in a TGL match at the SoFi Center in Florida on Tuesday night, Woods said his organization’s goal was “to try to figure everything out and make sure everyone is safe.”
“But right now we’re not really focused on the tournament,” Woods said. “It’s more about what we can do to help everyone who is struggling, who has lost their home and whose lives have changed. It’s just difficult.”
