The esteemed Riviera Nation Membership in Pacific Palisades, California, is not going to host this yr’s Genesis Invitational, the PGA Tour introduced on Thursday.
The explanation for shifting this Signature Occasion is sort of obvious: wildfires throughout the larger Los Angeles Metropolitan space have wreaked havoc on the area. In response to NBC Information, firefighters have contained solely 22% of the Pacific Palisades fireplace, which got here near Riviera a couple of days in the past. In truth, the well-known membership fell throughout the necessary evacuation zone final week, and residents had no alternative however to flee.
Therefore, the tour desires first responders, firefighters, native governments, and inns to focus their efforts on supporting the displaced residents of Southern California — not a golf event that’s of little significance in comparison with the restoration efforts.
“We’re probably not centered on the event as of proper now,” mentioned Genesis Invitational host Tiger Woods on Tuesday.
“There’s so many different issues which are larger than that. It’s extra about what we are able to do to assist everybody who’s struggling, who’s misplaced properties and had their lives modified.”
Twenty-seven individuals have sadly succumbed to the blazes throughout the area, whereas nearly 13,000 buildings have been misplaced. The complete nation has rallied round Los Angeles, as the town might face harmful conditions within the coming days. The Nationwide Climate Service predicts the notorious Santa Ana winds will choose up once more subsequent week, seemingly re-igniting wildfires within the space.
Due to this fact, the tour has determined to maneuver the event to a location that can be introduced within the coming days.
Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying Via. Observe him on X @jack_milko.
