Tiger Woods has supplied his assist to these affected by the Los Angeles wildfires and admitted he’s not sure what’s 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 destructive wildfire in California’s historical past.
The previous world No 1 – who grew up in southern California – mentioned he is aware of “a pair those that have misplaced all the things” 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 his basis annually
“We’re making an attempt to simply determine all the things out and guarantee that everyone seems to be protected and we’ve got conferences scheduled going ahead,” Woods mentioned on Tuesday, following his debut within the TGL.
“As of proper now, we’re not likely centered on the event. It is extra about what we are able to do to assist everybody who’s struggling, who’s misplaced houses and had their lives modified. There’s so many different issues which might be greater than that [tournament].”
Tickets are nonetheless at present being bought for the Genesis, regardless of uncertainly on whether or not it will likely be attainable to play an occasion within the space, with a press release from event organisers on January 10 saying “our rapid concern is the well being and welfare of these within the affected areas”.
Forward of his TGL debut, Woods had posted on X: “The devastation that’s ongoing with the LA fires is such a tragedy and being from California, it hits residence. My coronary heart is with those that have suffered unimaginable loss.
“Thanks to the unimaginable heroes which might be the primary responders serving to to comprise and save the neighborhood of Los Angeles. We plan to supply an replace on our personal charitable efforts to assist these communities within the coming weeks. Keep robust LA!”
‘Foolish to be centered on the event’
Woods’ Jupiter Hyperlinks staff 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 ought to be removed from anybody’s thoughts proper now.
A glance again at the very best of the motion from Woods’ TGL debut, the place Jupiter Hyperlinks Golf Membership have been thrashed by Los Angeles Golf Membership
“This was the primary one [natural disaster] I can keep in mind the place each information clip, each time somebody talked about an space, I might image it so nicely,” Homa mentioned. “It was very eerie. Fortuitously, all my family and friends are protected.
“Homes not essentially nonetheless all intact, nevertheless it was good to have the ability to discuss to fairly a number of folks, and I feel their perspective has been wonderful about, ‘Hey, we’re protected, and that is what issues most’.
Highlights of the ultimate spherical of the 2024 Genesis Invitational from Riviera Nation Membership, the place Hideki Matsuyama received
“No offence to Tiger and TGL and Genesis, nevertheless it appears foolish in the intervening time to be overly centered on a golf event when individuals are nonetheless persevering with to have this go on and dwelling in a little bit of worry in So Cal. It has been actually powerful, however once more, I am simply very pleased that lots of people have gotten out, been protected.”
Collin Morikawa – a part of the successful facet on Tuesday – mentioned 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 carrying an ‘LA Strong’ T-shirt that’s being bought to lift cash for hearth reduction efforts.
“You suppose it is over, nevertheless it’s not,” Morikawa mentioned. “Winds are choosing up. Fires are nonetheless going. Individuals are nonetheless on the market, preventing the fires, defending their homes, serving to their neighbours, serving to communities. That is why LA is, to me, such an awesome metropolis. You see all of the folks coming collectively.
“We’re in all probability the most recent staff in LA, however to get back-to-back wins with the [Los Angeles] Rams after which us…you snigger at that, I do know. However look, we do not take this evenly.”
Watch the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational reside from February 13-16 on Sky Sports activities Golf. Stream PGA Tour, majors and more with NOW.
