The History of The Genesis Invitational

Tiger Woods carries on the history of The Genesis Invitational

The Los Angeles Open marked its debut in 1926, heralding what would evolve into the 

prestigious Genesis Invitational. This golf tournament, now a highlight on the PGA Tour, was first won by Harry Cooper.  In 1969 Cobbs Creek Golf Club's own legendary Charlie Sifford won the Los Angeles Open. Scheduled from February 15-18 in 2024, the Genesis Invitational stands out as a PGA Tour Signature Event, boasting a generous $20 million purse and offering 700 FedExCup points to the champion.  

Charlie Sifford

Fast forward to the present, the Genesis Invitational, under the stewardship of Tiger Woods, has become a cornerstone event held at the Riviera Country Club.  Despite Tiger Woods' strong association with the tournament, Riviera remains one of the rare venues where Tiger has not won, though he has frequently been in contention. Over the decades, the event has been graced by victories from golf legends such as Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Charlie Sifford, Phil Mickelson, and Dustin Johnson.

The tournament has undergone various name changes and sponsorships since its inception in 1926, with titles such as the Genesis Open, Northern Trust Open, and Nissan Open among others. Besides its current home at Riviera, the event has been hosted at ten other prestigious clubs throughout its history, with Rancho Park Golf Course having the distinction of hosting 17 times.

Since Hyundai Motor Group's Genesis Motors assumed title sponsorship in 2017, the tournament has seen elevated  prestige. Tiger Woods Foundation took over the event's organization in 2020, further solidifying Tiger Woods' role as the face of the tournament.

The history of The Genesis Invitational is rich with repeat winners, notably Macdonald Smith and Lloyd Mangrum, each securing four victories. In recent years, Bubba Watson has distinguished himself with three wins. The record for the lowest tournament score is held by Lanny Wadkins, who shot a remarkable -20 (264) in 1985, a record nearly matched by Joaquín Niemann in 2022 with -19 (265).

Playoffs have decided the tournament 20 times, the most recent being in 2021 when Max Homa triumphed over Tony Finau. The event saw its largest winning margin in 1962 when Phil Rodgers led by nine strokes.

From its modest beginnings with a $10,000 purse to the substantial $20 million in 2023, the Genesis Invitational's growth mirrors the evolution of professional golf. Riviera Country Club, celebrated for its iconic 10th hole, combines strategic design with natural beauty, making it a favorite among golf architecture aficionados.

Beyond its role as host to the Genesis Invitational, Riviera Country Club is a storied venue in American golf, having hosted major championships and set to welcome the U.S. Women’s Open and the Olympics in the coming years. Known affectionately as "Hogan’s Alley" for Ben Hogan's notable successes, Riviera is not just a golf club but a cultural landmark, attracting celebrities and sports legends alike.