The Genesis Invitational

February 19-22, 2026
Riviera Country Club | Pacific Palisades, California
Purse: $20M

Riviera Country Club is a staple of the Pacific Palisades, which suffered the most destructive fire in Los Angeles’s history just one year ago. After having to relocate the event to Torrey Pines last year, The Genesis Invitational now returns to Riviera with the full support of Los Angeles behind it.

The Genesis Invitational is the season’s second Signature Event in as many weeks, and it will mean even more to LA-natives Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala.

The Origin Story — 100 Years of Riviera

In 1925, the Los Angeles Athletic Club sought to build a world-class golf course on the outskirts of the city. This was, of course, when Santa Monica and the Pacific Palisades were considered the outskirts of the city.

The site they chose was a rocky, dry riverbed in a Santa Monica canyon that offered little promise. Course architect George Thomas wasn’t thrilled about the land.

But Frank Garbutt, the club's founder, persisted. Thomas eventually agreed on one condition: his construction supervisor, William "Billy" Bell, would have access to all resources required to solve the soil and drainage problems.

Starting in January 1926, Thomas and Bell transformed the flat floor and sheer sides of the canyon into a stunning course. They bought the land for $264,500. They built the course for another $250,000. Then they spent $450,000 to build the clubhouse — all immense sums for the time.

Thomas told a local newspaper "it will vie for America's best in every detail." Dr. Alister MacKenzie agreed, saying that "Thomas had not only provided for every shot known to the game, but he had devised the sportiest and most interesting settings in which to make them.”

Thomas knew it would be great, and it was, and it still is. The Riviera Country Club celebrates 100 years this year, and The Genesis Invitational plays a major role in that celebration.

Tournament History

Riviera has hosted an annual PGA TOUR event since 1929, initially as the Los Angeles Open, which evolved into the current Genesis Invitational event and became a fixture at the course starting in 1973. The tournament, one of the oldest on the PGA TOUR with roots dating to 1926, relocated frequently in the Los Angeles area before establishing Riviera as its primary venue.

Past 5 winners of The Genesis Invitational:

2025: Ludvig Åberg (-12)
2024: Hideki Matsuyama (-17)
2023: Jon Rahm (-17)
2022: Joaquín Neimann (-19)
2021: Max Homa (-12)

The club has hosted three major championships: the U.S. Open in 1948, and the PGA Championship in 1983 and 1995. The club is scheduled to host the 2026 U.S. Women's Open, golf at the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the 2031 U.S. Open.

Sahith Theegala Storylines

Theegala received the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption into this week's field, an honor that recognizes his talent and his standing in the game. After a string of strong finishes to start the year, Theegala sits in the FedExCup Top 20 and will look to build on that momentum this week.

Theegala is an LA native and Pepperdine alum. Many in his home community were impacted by the fires in early 2025, so he plays with a little extra purpose this week.

Collin Morikawa Storylines

Collin Morikawa is coming off his best weekend in years, securing his first ever Signature win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Riviera rewards precision, and Morikawa's iron play is as pure as anyone's on TOUR. If he can carry the Pebble Beach magic into Pacific Palisades, who’s to say he can’t win back-to-back Signature Events?

Tommy Fleetwood Storylines

Tommy Fleetwood made his 2026 TOUR debut last week, firing off a -20 to tie for fourth place.

What we’ve seen from Tommy since the middle of last year is nothing short of remarkable. Look for Tommy to continue the momentum and be in contention come Sunday afternoon.

Justin Rose Storylines

We know what Justin Rose is capable of — we saw it at the Farmers Insurance Open. If Rose has a hot start, expect him to be in the mix late.

He’s currently 6th in FedExCup points, and he could rise with a strong performance this weekend.

What to Watch

The tournament celebrates its 100th anniversary. The field includes all of the world's top 10 and defending champion Ludvig Åberg.

LAGC as a unit has seen incredible success in 2026. It feels like every weekend, we have something (and someone) to celebrate. We look forward to what’s coming this weekend at The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club.

A quote from the club’s founder lives on Riviera’s website:

“Only the best is good enough” — Frank Garbutt

We’re certain to see the best golfers on one of the world’s best courses this weekend. Tune into coverage across ESPN+, CBS, and the Golf Channel throughout the weekend.

About the Author: Luke Mangan

A product of the "post-college I must get better at golf" philosophy, Luke fell in love with the game on municipal courses across Los Angeles. After what most would call a failed early career in sales, Luke found writing as an outlet to tell stories and bring joy to his readers. He now writes for several golf brands and has his own golf newsletter, On Golf.