Tiger Woods has offered his support to those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires and admitted he is not sure what will happen to next month’s Genesis Invitational, which he will host in the area.
Woods is set to host the PGA Tour Signature Event Feb. 13-16 at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, one of the neighborhoods hardest hit by the the most destructive fire in California history.
The former world No 1 – who grew up in southern California – said he knows “a few people who have lost everything” in the fires, while no decision has yet been made on whether the tournament can go ahead on the Riviera.
Woods hosts the Genesis Invitational through his foundation every year
“We’re trying to figure everything out and make sure everyone is safe and we have meetings scheduled in the future,” Woods said Tuesday after his TGL debut.
“Right now, we’re not really focused on the tournament. It’s more about what we can do to help everyone who is struggling, who have lost homes and changed their lives. There are so many other things that are bigger than this (tournament) “
Tickets are currently still on sale for Genesis, despite uncertainty over whether it will be possible to hold an event in the area, with a statement from tournament organizers on January 10 saying “our immediate concern is the health and the well-being of the affected areas’.
Before his TGL debut, Woods had posted on X: “The devastation going on with the LA fires is such a tragedy and being from California, it hits home. My heart goes out to those who have suffered unimaginable loss.
“Thank you to the incredible heroes who are the first responders to contain and save the Los Angeles community. We plan to provide an update on our own charitable efforts to help these communities in the coming weeks. Stay strong LA!”
“Stupid to be focused on the tournament”
Woods’ Jupiter Links team lost 12-1 in its first TGL to Los Angeles Golf Club, with teammate Max Homa – another Southern California native – also believing Genesis Invitational status should not be on anyone’s mind. the moment.
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A look back at the best of the action from Woods’ TGL debut, where Jupiter Links Golf Club was crushed by Los Angeles Golf Club
“This was the first (natural disaster) I can remember where every news clip, every time someone mentioned an area, I could picture it so well,” Homa said. “It was very eerie. Fortunately, all my friends and family are safe.
“The houses aren’t necessarily all intact yet, but it was nice to be able to talk to a number of people, and I think their perspective was amazing about, ‘Hey, we’re safe, and that’s what matters most.’
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Highlights from the final round of the 2024 Genesis Invitational from Riviera Country Club, where Hideki Matsuyama won
“No offense to Tiger and TGL and Genesis, but it seems silly right now to be overly focused on a golf tournament when people are still going through this and living in a little bit of fear in So Cal. It’s been very difficult, but also again, I’m very happy that a lot of people are out, they’re safe.”
Collin Morikawa – part of the winning side on Tuesday – said representing the city weighed heavily on him and team-mates Justin Rose and Sahith Theegala, with the two-time major champion among those wearing a ‘LA Strong’ T-Shirt which is being sold to raise money for fire relief efforts.
“You think it’s over, but it’s not,” Morikawa said. “The winds are picking up. The fires are still going on. People are still out there fighting fires, protecting their homes, helping their neighbors, helping communities. That’s why Los Angeles is, to me, such a great city .You see all the people coming together.
“We’re probably the youngest team in Los Angeles, but to come off a back-to-back with the (Los Angeles) Rams and then us … you’re laughing at that, I know. But look, we don’t take this lightly.”
Watch the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational live from February 13-16 on Sky Sports Golf. Stream PGA Tour, majors and more with NOW.
