Golf insider issues disheartening update on Tiger Woods' Genesis Invitational home course following California fires

The Genesis Invitational, hosted by Tiger Woods, may face significant challenges in light of the devastating wildfires that have swept through Southern California. The tournament's home course, Riviera Country Club, was moved under the mandatory evacuation zone on January 8 and continues to be under the warning zone.

On Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio's Golf Channel Podcast with Rex and Law, a golf insider shed light on the dire situation. According to a member of the Riviera Country Club, the course itself has escaped damages. However, the fires have heavily impacted the surrounding areas and communities.

The host of the podcast noted (via Sirius XM PGA Tour):

“I spoke with a member today at Rivera and he said the club is fine. The golf course didn’t receive any damage. The clubhouse hasn’t received any damage. But everything around it is devastated...But, this member told me they’re still in evacuation mode. People can’t really get anywhere near the golf course. You can’t get into the community even if the golf course is fine."

The insider intends to visit Los Angeles soon to assess the situation firsthand but is skeptical about the tournament proceeding as planned. The Woods-hosted tournament is scheduled to be played at Riviera from February 13 to 16.

The speaker stated that even if the front-line workers and firefighters can control the fire, hosting the tournament would be a "drain on the resources" of the Pacific Palisades community. He said (via Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio):

"Even if you can’t logistically cut it off, I think it would be such a drain on the resources of that community. I don’t know how you have it there, what is it 3 weeks away now. I just don’t see it happening.”

As the devastating fire continues to affect the lives of people and animals in the Southern California region, the hosts of the podcast envision an alternate solution for Tiger Woods to host the Genesis Invitational.

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Golf insiders propose an alternative for Tiger Woods' Genesis Invitational amid the raging California fires

The hosts of the Golf Channel Podcast stated that the optics of a high-profile event like the Genesis Invitational and its $20 million purse present a dilemma. They said (via Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio):

“It’s hard to imagine that they can play at Rivera because it looks straight out of Armageddon. I also don’t love the optics of the PGA Tour coming to town having eclipsing a Signature event with a $20 million purse when so many people have lost so much."

The hosts reflected on the 2020 Zozo Championship changing their home course from Japan to the United States of America during the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Players embraced the change and used the platform to raise awareness and aid those who fell victim to the virus.

Rex and Law recommended that Woods and the PGA Tour think of shifting courses this year. This move would enable players to still participate while also giving back to Southern California. They said (via Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio):

"They had an event [2020 Zozo Championship] a couple of years ago during COVID where they couldn’t have it overseas. So, they brought it to Sherwood [Country Club in California]. It went off just fine. I know it's not ideal but it’s still a way to have a Signature event with a marquee field and give back to the greater Southern California community.”

As the fires continue to take lives and precious memories of Southern California residents, the golf world sympathizes with the community. Woods has since announced a watch party for the TGL match on January 14, the proceeds of which will go directly to relief efforts. The 15-time major championship winner is also hosting a resources drive on the same day.