Tiger Woods and Max Homa should have met in an epic showdown at Torrey Pines this week at the Genesis Invitational. But sometimes, golf’s greatest moments happen far from the course. Woods withdrew from the Genesis Invitational, still mourning the loss of his mother, Kultida Woods, who passed away on February 4th. Meanwhile, Homa faces a challenge that changes how he sees the game.

The story of an anticipated battle transformed into something more profound. As Woods tends to family matters, Homa discovered meaning beyond competition. Sometimes, the most significant victories happen far from the fairways.

For Max Homa, the week took an unexpected turn when he joined the ‘Chippin’ In’ initiative, a heartfelt collaboration between FedEx and the California Fire Foundation. Initially hesitant about whether their efforts would be enough, Homa discovered that sometimes the smallest gestures create the biggest impact.“We’ve been trying to think of things to do. I think your gut reaction to most ideas is that’s not enough, we need to do something bigger,” Homa admitted. But what started as a simple charity appearance became a profound lesson in humanity when he helped present a Genesis vehicle to the Cruz family.

The California native found himself deeply moved by Chris Cruz’s story—a man who, despite losing his house and his father’s car to the devastating fires, continues to work tirelessly helping others at relief sites. Even in the face of complete devastation, Cruz’s unwavering commitment to his community exemplifies the kind of resilience that puts professional sports into perspective.

“What I guess I kind of realized yesterday getting to see the Cruz family in person react to getting their gifts and hearing what Genesis and the Tour was doing to help, getting to see their faces and the emotion, almost a bit of like relief from how awful their story is,” Homa shared, his voice carrying the weight of the moment. “It’s heavy. It’s sad to hear the story. I know that it’s not going to change their life completely, but you start to realize that if you can do anything, do it.”

The encounter left Homa questioning the traditional notion of heroism in sports. “I hate when we get told that people look up to us because I hit a golf ball for a living,” Homa reflected, shaking his head. “People like that have massive hearts and they deserve the world.”

While Homa discovered his inspiration through the Cruz family, he joined a larger movement led by Woods’ foundation to support wildfire victims.

Max Homa following Woods, leads a community mission

The Genesis Invitational now serves as a beacon of hope. The California Rises initiative, spearheaded by the TGR Foundation alongside Genesis and the PGA Tour, commits $8 million to support four major organizations: the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, California Fire Foundation, and Genesis Inspiration Foundation. Woods might be absent, but his foundation’s impact reaches deep into affected communities.

The initiative, a collaboration between the TGR Foundation, Genesis, and the PGA Tour, extends far beyond the ropes. Every shot carries extra meaning, with $300 donated for each birdie and eagle scored. Genesis’s vehicle donation program has put 100 SUVs on the ground, valued at $7.5 million, ensuring critical supplies reach those in need.

Through strategic partnerships with the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, and California Fire Foundation, the combined efforts address everything from emergency shelters to mental health services for affected families. The TGR Foundation’s involvement ensures these resources reach the communities most impacted by the devastating fires.

Torrey Pines watches both men fight different battles now. Woods faces personal loss. Homa connects with community pain. Their paths show golf’s greatest moments don’t need a scorecard. “To see that he is still the same helpful, good-spirited person is something that is incredibly inspiring,” Homa said about Cruz. This week taught us true champions don’t always carry golf clubs.