Tiger Woods has offered his support to those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires and admitted he is unsure what will happen to next month’s Genesis Invitational, which he will host in the area.
Woods is scheduled to host the PGA Tour Signature Event Feb. 13-16 at Riviera Country Club of the Pacific, located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. the most destructive forest fire In California History.
The former world No. 1, who grew up in southern California, said he knew “a few people who lost everything” to the fires, while no decision has been made on whether the tournament can still go ahead on the Riviera.
Woods hosts the Genesis Invitational each year through his foundation
“We’re trying to figure things out and make sure everyone’s safe and we’ll have some meetings coming up,” 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’s been struggling, who’s lost their homes and had their lives changed. There’s a lot of other things that are bigger , than that (tournament).
Tickets are still on sale for Genesis, despite uncertainty over whether any events will be held in the area, with tournament organizers saying in a statement on January 10 that “our immediate concern is the health and well-being of those affected”.
Prior to his TGL debut, Woods posted on X: “The devastation of the Los Angeles fires is such a tragedy, and being from California, it hits home. My heart goes out to those who have suffered unimaginable losses.
“Thank you to the incredible first responders who are helping to contain and save the Los Angeles community. We plan to provide updates on our own charitable efforts to help those communities in the coming weeks. Stay strong in Los Angeles.”
“It’s stupid to focus on the tournament”
Woods’ Jupiter Links team lost 12-1 in its TGL opener to Los Angeles Golf Club, and teammate Max Homan, another Southern California native, also felt the status of the Genesis Invitational should be far from anyone’s mind at this point. :
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A look back at the best 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 story, every time someone mentioned an area, I could picture it so well,” Homa said. luckily all my friends and family are safe.
“It’s not necessarily that the houses are still intact, but it was nice to be able to talk to quite a few people and I think their perspective was amazing. “Hey, we’re safe and that’s the most important thing.”
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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, TGL and Genesis, but it seems silly to focus too much on the golf tournament at this point when people are still going at it and living in a little bit of fear in So Cal : , but again, I’m just very happy that a lot of people got out, were safe.”
Colin Morikawa, part of Tuesday’s winning side, said representing the city had put a lot of weight on him and teammates Justin Rose and Sahit Theegala, with the two-time major champion among those wearing the jersey. “LA Strong” T-shirt which is sold to raise money for firefighting efforts.
“You think it’s over, but it’s not,” Morikawa said. “The fires are still out there, fighting the fires, helping their neighbors, helping communities. That’s why Los Angeles is a great city for me. You see all the people coming together.
“We’re probably the newest team in Los Angeles, but to beat the Rams and then us… you’re laughing at that. But look, we don’t take it 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.
