After the wildfires in Los Angeles, the PGA Tour is looking to relocate the Genesis Invitational. Rumors speculate that the Genesis Invitational will be moved to Torrey Pines in San Diego. The move may have caused some players to withdraw from the Farmers Insurance Open, which is usually played on the North and South courses of Torrey Pines. While there is no confirmation of the move, tournament host Tiger Woods will be the deciding factor.
PGA Tour Moves Genesis Invitational To Torrey Pines
The Genesis Invitational has been held at the iconic Riviera Country Club for 60 years, but the course has closed due to the damage caused during the Los Angeles wildfires. The PGA Tour has had no choice in relocating the event, however, it’s unclear which course will host the signature event.
There are many speculations that Torrey Pines is expected to host the Genesis Invitational, but other venues like PGA West and TPC Scottsdale are in the mix. While the PGA Tour and Tiger Woods’ foundation haven’t confirmed plans for a move, Torrey Pines is the rumored spot.
There were many withdrawals at the Farmers Insurance Open this week, including Collin Morikawa, but right before his tee times, Will Zalatoris withdrew from the event without any reason. It has led fans to believe that players are missing the event to not have to play on Torrey Pines twice.
Is Tiger Woods Playing in Genesis Invitational?
While Tiger Woods hasn’t confirmed he was playing, he has a lot of history at Torrey Pines. He’s won a PGA Tour event there eight times and won the 2008 U.S. Open in San Diego. Torrey Pines is an iconic course and it could play a factor for Tiger Woods to make his return to the PGA Tour on a familiar course.
Torrey Pines also happens to be the last course that Woods finished in the top-10. It would be fitting for him to make his return back from back surgery at Torrey Pines. Woods is expected to play but has admitted that his form is not there yet.
“As far as playing, I walked all three rounds at PNC (last month), had a great time there, and the walking is not the issue. It’s my game is not very good,” said Woods.
The Genesis Invitational is scheduled from February 13th to 16th, and a final verdict on the course should be announced soon.
