Wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area and forced more than 180,000 people to flee their homes could prompt the PGA Tour to move its third flagship event of the season to Riviera Country Club or postpone the Genesis Invitational.
In a memo sent to players Thursday, the Tour said it was too early to decide whether to play the Genesis Invitational on Feb. 13-16 at the famed Pacific Palisades facility in California.
“The PGA Tour is monitoring devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County. At this time, it is too early to discuss any potential impact on the Genesis Invitational,” the memo reads. “While the wildfires have not directly impacted Riviera Country Club, our immediate concern is the health and well-being of residents of affected communities, including all of our members with ties to Southern California.
“We will keep the membership updated as the situation develops.”
The Palisades Fire, the largest of several blazes burning the Los Angeles area, has burned approximately 26.9 square miles and was fueled by high winds and drought in Santa Ana.
Wednesday’s NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames was and was not postponed due to the fires, and the NBA also postponed Thursday’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets. The NFL is monitoring the situation in connection with the upcoming Monday wild card playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings.
The tour could move the Genesis Invitational, hosted by Tiger Woods and benefiting from his foundation, to another course in the Los Angeles area or to another city, such as the NFL, where the Rams would be played in Glendale, Ariz. Vikings, if necessary.
