The Los Angeles wildfires have been wreaking havoc on the city, with the Palisades wildfire being the largest in LA. Mandatory evacuation orders have been extended to parts of Brentwood and Encino, including the Getty Center. The fires have already burned over 35,000 acres, with hundreds of thousands forced to leave their homes. The economic toll is expected to surpass $50 billion, with California’s insurance industry facing severe challenges. The death toll has risen to 11, with five lives lost in the Palisades Fire and six in the Eaton Fire and everyone is just hoping for this sad time to pass.

PGA Tour pros David Lipsky and Sahith Theegala, who have strong ties to the Los Angeles area, were visibly shaken by the news. Lipsky, who grew up in the Palisades, fought back tears as he spoke about the devastation in the latest YouTube video by Golf Channel. “It’s devastating. I grew up three miles from there… I have a lot of friends who live up there, a lot of restaurants I went to growing up burned down. It’s so sad to see, and I’m not sure what to do right now.” He struggled to hold back his emotions, clearly overcome with sadness and concern for the people and places he loves.

Theegala, who also has friends and family in the affected areas, showed emotional restraint, but his eyes welled up with tears. “It’s really sad… I know a few of them had to evacuate, thankfully everybody I know is safe… definitely had some friends and family had houses burned down, which, you never think it’s reality until it happens to someone close to you.” California native Theegala’s heart remains with his home state as devastating wildfires rage on. This week, he’ll tee off at the Sony Open in Hawaii with a noble mission which is to raise crucial funds for fire-relief efforts. Both pros expressed their concern and sadness for the people affected by the wildfires, and their thoughts were with those who have lost their homes and loved ones.

However, the LA Fire incident is sad for the golf community for more reasons than just one.

Golf community in shock as Riviera Country Club falls into evacuation zone

The golf world is reeling in shock as the devastating Los Angeles wildfires continue to spread, claiming lives and destroying homes. The situation is dire, with over 10,000 people forced to evacuate and the city’s water resources dwindling. Firefighters are facing a daunting task, with empty fire hydrants and strong winds hindering their efforts. The golf community is particularly concerned, as the prestigious Riviera Country Club, home to the Genesis Invitational, falls within the evacuation zone. With the tournament just a month away, uncertainty hangs in the air. As Bob Estes, a 4-time PGA Tour winner, aptly put it, “No more water to fight the fires in LA and fire coverage canceled by many insurance companies. Very sad.”

The Riviera Country Club holds a special place in the hearts of golf enthusiasts, and its potential impact on the Genesis Invitational has sent shockwaves through the community. Former LGPAT pro-Michelle Wie West, a California resident, expressed her heartbreak on social media, while Jena Sims, Brooks Koepka’s wife, described the situation as “beyond devastating.” The fact that insurance companies have pulled out of the area has only added to the distress, leaving many to wonder how the community will recover from this disaster. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear, the Los Angeles wildfires have left an indelible mark on the golf world and more.