[PHOTO: Josh Edelson]

The PGA Tour announced it is moving next month’s Genesis Invitational from Riviera Country Club amid the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County.

The move, which has been expected for several days, was finalised today, although the tour nor tournament officials publicly announced a new tournament site.

“In collaboration with Genesis, the Riviera Country Club and TGR Live, and out of respect for the unfolding situation, we have determined that the Genesis Invitational 2025 will be played at an alternate location the week of February 10-16,” read a statement. “A venue update and additional tournament information will be provided in the coming days.”

Though the course and clubhouse at Riviera have not been damaged most of the surrounding area has suffered significant losses. In the Pacific Palisades alone more than 23,000 acres have been hit, and less than a quarter of the fires have been contained. On Monday night, tournament host Tiger Woods had expressed doubt the tournament could or should remain at Riviera.

“We’re trying to just figure everything out and make sure that everyone is safe and we have meetings scheduled going forward,” Woods said, adding he knew “a couple people that have lost everything” in the fire. “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.”

Should the PGA Tour want to stay in southern California, there are several viable options – including the host of this week’s American Express tournament, PGA West. The WM Phoenix Open is scheduled for the week before the Genesis.