Tiger Woods has offered his support to those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires and admitted he's not sure what will happen to next month's Genesis Invitational in the area.
Woods is scheduled to host the PGA Tour Signature Event Feb. 13-16 at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods 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” in the fires, while no decision has been made on whether the tournament can still be held on the Riviera.
Woods hosts the Genesis Invitational every year through his foundation
“We're trying to figure it all out and make sure everyone's safe and we've got appointments going forward,” Woods said Tuesday after his TGL debut.
“At the moment, we are not really focused on the tournament. It's more about what we can do to help everyone who is struggling, who have lost their homes and whose lives have been changed. There are so many other things that are bigger than that (tournament).”
Tickets are still on sale for Genesis, despite uncertainty over whether it will be possible to play an event in the area, with a statement from tournament organizers on January 10 saying “our immediate concern is the health and well-being of those affected in the area”.
Ahead of his TGL debut, Woods posted on X: “The ongoing devastation of 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 hero 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 LA!”
'Stupid to be focused on the tournament'
Woods' Jupiter Links team lost 12-1 in its TGL opener to Los Angeles Golf Club, and teammate Max Homa – another Southern California native – also believes the status of the Genesis Invitational should be far from his mind right now.
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A look back at the best of the action from Woods' TGL debut, where Jupiter Links Golf Club defeated Los Angeles Golf Club
“This was the first (natural disaster) that I can remember where every news clip, every time someone mentioned an area, I could picture it so well,” Homa said. “It was very creepy. Fortunately, all my friends and family are safe.
“The houses aren't necessarily all intact, but it was nice to be able to talk to a lot of people, and I think their perspective was amazing about, '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 at this point to be too focused on the golf tournament when people are still going through this and living in a little bit of fear in So Cal. It's been really tough, but again, very I'm happy that a lot of people got out, were safe.”
Collin Morikawa – part of Tuesday's winning side – said representing the city weighed heavily on him and team-mates Justin Rose and Sahith Theegal, with the two-time major champion among those to wear 'LA Strong' t-shirt which is being sold to raise money for firefighting efforts.
“You think it's over, but it's not,” Morikawa said. “The winds are picking up. The fires are still going. People are still out there fighting fires, protecting their homes, helping their neighbors, helping their communities. That's why LA is such a great city to me. You see all the people coming together.
“We're probably the newest team in LA, but to come off back-to-back wins with the (Los Angeles) Rams and then us … you're laughing at that, I know. But look, we're not taking this lightly.”
Watch the PGA Tour Genesis Invitational live from February 13-16 on Sky Sports Golf. Pursue the PGA Tour, majors and more with NOW.