The Genesis Invitational, hosted by Tiger Woods, is one of the marquee events on the PGA Tour, and in 2025. As the third signature event of the year, the tournament will feature a larger purse, no cut, and a star-studded field. But there’s one big difference this year: the location. Due to devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, the tournament will be moving from its usual home at Riviera Country Club to Torrey Pines in San Diego.
In this preview, we’ll cover everything you need to know about The Genesis Invitational, including the golf course, the current field, how to watch, and our picks to win. Let’s tee it up!
What is the Genesis Invitational?
The Genesis Invitational has a rich history dating back to 1926 when it was first played as the LA Open. This year marks the 99th edition of the tournament. Over the years, the event has been known by various sponsor names, including the Genesis Open, Northern Trust Open, and Nissan Open. Traditionally, the tournament has been played at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.
From its inception until 2020, the LA Open (and later the Genesis Open) followed an open format, with 144 golfers vying for a spot through a Monday qualifying round. However, in 2020, Tiger Woods took over as host, and the event was restructured as an invitational. This means a smaller, handpicked field, selected by Tiger Woods and the PGA Tour. The only other PGA Tour tournaments that follow this format are the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Memorial Tournament (Jack Nicklaus’s Invitational).
In 2025, The Genesis Invitational will be held at Torrey Pines in San Diego due to the ongoing effects of the wildfires in LA. This marks the first time since 1998 that the tournament won’t be played at Riviera, a change that happened then because Riviera was slated to host the U.S. Senior Open.
The Golf Course: Torrey Pines South
Torrey Pines South, a municipal course managed by the city of San Diego, is one of the most iconic golf venues in the world. Situated along the Pacific Ocean, it offers stunning views and unique topography. What makes it special is that it’s a public course, meaning anyone can play there, not just professional golfers.
Torrey Pines South gained global recognition when it hosted the U.S. Open in 2008 and 2021. Designed by William Bell Sr. in 1957, the course has been the home of the Farmers Insurance Open since 1968. This year, it will also serve as the host for The Genesis Invitational for the first time.
Over the years, the course has undergone several renovations, notably in 2001 and 2019 by architect Rees Jones. These redesigns made Torrey Pines South the longest course on the PGA Tour and one of the most challenging, particularly with thick rough and difficult greens. While the course is known for its tough conditions, it’s also a fan favorite, with its breathtaking views and dramatic layout.
For those who are interested in the course's history and challenges, I highly recommend checking out Andy Johnson's article Nature’s Hazards at Fried Egg Golf for a deeper dive into Torrey Pines’ unique features and how they are not being utilized.
The Genesis Open Field
The field at The Genesis Invitational is always one of the best on the PGA Tour, and 2025 is no exception. Seven of the top 10 golfers in the world will be in attendance, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, 2024 champion Hideki Matsuyama, Ludvig Åberg, Wyndham Clark, and Viktor Hovland.
If you’d like to see the full field, visit the PGA Tour’s website for the most up-to-date information. This is especially helpful for those looking to place bets or track specific players.
How to Watch The Genesis Invitational
If you’ve been following golf recently, you’ll be familiar with the two-network format used for this event. Here are the TV viewing windows for The Genesis Invitational:
Thursday, Feb. 13: 4-8 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
Friday, Feb. 14: 4-8 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
Saturday, Feb. 15: 1-3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); 3-7 p.m. ET (CBS)
Sunday, Feb. 16: 1-3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); 3-6:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
For those who want all-day coverage, ESPN+ will offer exclusive streaming, including a main feed and featured group coverage. The streaming schedule is as follows:
Thursday and Friday: 12:30 p.m. ET
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. ET
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. ET
Our Picks for the 2025 Genesis Invitational
Winner Pick: Ludvig Åberg
Ludvig Åberg shot a 9 under 63 with his first round at the Farmers and had command of his game before falling ill and losing momentum. Hhas said that he loves to play Torrey Pines and its one of his favorite places.
Top-5 Pick: Viktor Hovland
Hovland’s is currently 9th in the world and his ball-striking is among the best, and his consistency in tough conditions makes him a natural for Torrey Pines. A top-10 finish is a strong possibility for the young Norwegian, after a strong start to the 2025 season.
Top-10 Pick: Keegan Bradley
Bradley thrives on challenging layouts, and he has been charging to try and make it inside the top 6 for the upcoming Ryder Cup. He had a strong week at the Farmers finishing T-15th, I look for him to improve that at the Genesis.
Top-20 Pick: Taylor Pendrith
This season, Pendrith has competed in four events, securing two top-10 finishes and placing inside the top 25 three times. Taylor is on an upward trajectory, and, to be honest, selecting him for a top-20 finish feels like a safe and solid choice.
Underdog Winner Pick: Jason Day
Jason has been trending, but he is still at +5000 odds. He has one top-10 finish this year at the American Express. He played well at the Farmers, but shot a final round 76 to push him to T-32. I like Jason to make a run this week, he seems healthy and I like the direction of his game.
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