Tiger Woods has supplied his help to these affected by the Los Angeles wildfires and admitted he’s not sure what is going to occur with subsequent month’s Genesis Invitational that he hosts within the space.
Woods is because of host the PGA Tour Signature Occasion from February 13-16 at Riviera Nation Membership in Pacific Palisades, one of many neighbourhoods hardest hit by the most damaging wildfire in California’s historical past.
The previous world No 1 – who grew up in southern California – stated he is aware of “a couple people that have lost everything” within the fires, whereas no choice has at present been made on whether or not the event can nonetheless go forward at Riviera.
Woods hosts the Genesis Invitational by way of his basis annually
“We’re trying to just figure everything out and make sure that everyone is safe and we have meetings scheduled going forward,” Woods stated on Tuesday, following his debut within the TGL.
“As of right now, 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. There’s so many other things that are bigger than that [tournament].”
Tickets are nonetheless at present being offered for the Genesis, regardless of uncertainly on whether or not it is going to be potential to play an occasion within the space, with a press release from event organisers on January 10 saying “our immediate concern is the health and welfare of those in the affected areas”.
Forward of his TGL debut, Woods had posted on X: “The devastation that is ongoing with the LA fires is such a tragedy and being from California, it hits home. My heart is with those who have suffered unimaginable loss.
“Thank you to the incredible heroes that are the first responders helping to contain and save the community of Los Angeles. We plan to provide an update on our own charitable efforts to help those communities in the coming weeks. Stay strong LA!”
‘Foolish to be centered on the event’
Woods’ Jupiter Hyperlinks crew misplaced 12-1 of their TGL opener to the Los Angeles Golf Membership, with team-mate Max Homa – one other southern California native – additionally believing the Genesis Invitational’s standing must be removed from anybody’s thoughts proper now.
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A glance again at one of the best of the motion from Woods’ TGL debut, the place Jupiter Hyperlinks Golf Membership had been thrashed by Los Angeles Golf Membership
“This was the first one [natural disaster] I can remember where every news clip, every time someone mentioned an area, I could picture it so well,” Homa stated. “It was very eerie. Fortunately, all my friends and family are safe.
“Homes not essentially nonetheless all intact, nevertheless it was good to have the ability to discuss to fairly just a few individuals, and I feel their perspective has been superb about, ‘Hey, we’re secure, and that is what issues most’.
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Highlights of the ultimate spherical of the 2024 Genesis Invitational from Riviera Nation Membership, the place Hideki Matsuyama gained
“No offence to Tiger and TGL and Genesis, but it seems silly at the moment to be overly focused on a golf tournament when people are still continuing to have this go on and living in a bit of fear in So Cal. It’s been really tough, but again, I’m just very happy that a lot of people have gotten out, been safe.”
Collin Morikawa – a part of the profitable facet on Tuesday – stated representing the town weighed closely on him and team-mates Justin Rose and Sahith Theegala, with the two-time main champion amongst these to be sporting an ‘LA Robust’ T-shirt that’s being offered to lift cash for hearth aid efforts.
“You think it’s over, but it’s not,” Morikawa stated. “Winds are picking up. Fires are still going. People are still out there, fighting the fires, protecting their houses, helping their neighbours, helping communities. That’s why LA is, to me, such a great city. You see all the people coming together.
“We’re most likely the most recent crew in LA, however to get back-to-back wins with the [Los Angeles] Rams after which us…you snicker at that, I do know. However look, we do not take this frivolously.”
Watch the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational live from February 13-16 on Sky Sports Golf. Stream PGA Tour, majors and extra with NOW.
