by On Thursday the PGA Tour announced that the upcoming Genesis Invitational, Feb. 10-16, at The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, would be played at an alternate location due to the tragic wildfires that have impacted the Greater Los Angeles area.
The Tour also noted that a venue update would be provided in the coming days. While that bit of information is very unimportant in the larger scheme of things, this is a golf newsletter, and the staff have some thoughts on potential substitute venues for the signature event.
Before we get to it, all of us at Fried Egg Golf have those affected by the natural disaster on our minds this week. Two ways you can help the Los Angeles community are by supporting the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross.
Serious Suggestions
Omni La Costa (CA): While I’m sure those looking to vacation that weekend would be rather upset, this seems like a natural synergy with the Omni partnership with the PGA Tour. The newly redesigned Gil Hanse course presented well during its debut in the 2024 NCAA Championships and could present a reasonable test for the Tour. – Will Knights
Concession Golf Club (FL): Concession was a unique and fun venue to test professional golfers back when the last PGA Tour event was held there in 2021. – Joseph LaMagna
TPC Harding Park (CA): It’s in a major metropolitan area in California. I don’t really have anything to say about its architecture other than it’s a monotonous slog with heavy rough and thick air. Perfect for PGA Tour golf. – Andy Johnson
The Park (FL): I don’t think it would stand up from a scoring perspective, but The Park it would present some holes that have some serious shot value for PGA Tour players. – Will Knights
Shadow Creek (NV): They probably couldn’t shuttle everyone in limousines as they do with their day-to-day play but the club certainly seems open to hosting big-time events under the right circumstances. The guys would have to play fast though if they want to leave the parkas at home. – Will Knights
Anywhere But Torrey Pines (CA): It’s probably going to be Torrey Pines. – Garrett Morrison
Semi-serious Suggestions
Whisper Rock (AZ): Home to a ton of PGA Tour members, this would be a big change of pace and a look inside a club that most never get to see. A la Concession back in 2021, this would almost certainly be a one-off trip yet could be a memorable one. – Will Knights
TPC Scottsdale (AZ): Exactly one year removed from debauchery and drunkenness run amuck, let’s let the heathens loose for two straight weeks. – Will Knights
La Quinta Country Club (CA): One of three courses hosting the American Express this week, it’d be an easy lift to welcome the Tour back in a month. – Adam Woodard
Longshot Suggestions
Austin Country Club (TX): The Tour should call up their good friends at ACC to see if they’d be interested in hosting. That’s a great golf course, not just for match play! – Joseph LaMagna
Southern Highlands (NV): UNLV hosts one of the best college tournaments – the Southern Highlands Collegiate – here every year, with past champions such as Phil Mickelson, David Duval, Stewart Cink, Ryan Moore, and Camilo Villegas. – Adam Woodard
Sherwood Country Club (CA): And in true Robin Hood fashion, the entire purse is spread around to those in need affected by the fires. – Brendan Porath
Interlachen Country Club (MN): Let’s see the world’s best take on the fierce winter in Minneapolis. – Andy Johnson
Perfect Suggestions
The SoFi Center: And while we’re at it, move the PGA Championship there too. – Joseph LaMagna
This piece originally appeared in the Fried Egg Golf newsletter. Subscribe for free and receive golf news and insight every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
