PGA Golf Tournament Won’t Be Held at Riviera Country Club Because of L.A. Wildfires
The Genesis Invitational, the flagship PGA golf tournament that usually takes place every February at the Riviera Country Club, won’t be held at the historic course this year because of the L.A. wildfires, it was announced Thursday.
“Our focus continues to be on the safety and well-being of those affected by the unprecedented natural disaster in Greater Los Angeles,” organizers said in a statement. “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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“Out of respect for the unfolding situation, we have determined that the 2025 Genesis Invitational 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.”
Part of the tour’s West Coast Swing, the event is held in conjunction with the Tiger Woods Foundation. Woods, who because of injuries rarely plays these days, usually makes an effort to tee it up at Riviera.
“We’re trying to just figure everything out and make sure that everyone is safe and we have meetings scheduled going forward,” he said recently. “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.”
The tournament was first played at Riviera as the Los Angeles Open in 1929 but for various reasons has been held elsewhere over the years at spots including Rancho Park Golf Course, Hillcrest Country Club, Wilshire Country Club, Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena and most recently, in 1988, at the Valencia Country Club.
Though the course and clubhouse at Riviera have not been damaged, the surrounding area has suffered tremendous losses.
The PGA Tour, Genesis and Riviera are “identifying the most impactful ways the tournament can support the Los Angeles community and the ongoing relief efforts,” the statement said.
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