Tiger Foundation To Run Tourney Long Known As The L.A. Open

With the NoTrust years behind us, the expected announcement of the Tiger Woods Foundation serving as host for the L.A. Open is certainly welcome news on many fronts.

First off, Tiger might actually play the event where he got his first big sponsor's invite, ending his ten year hiatus. Though Steve Stricker tells Golf.com's Jessica Marksbury that he could see Tiger staying away all year this year, so anything is possible.

Secondly, combined with Orange County-based Hyundai, this has the L.A. Open controlled by two entities with strong local ties.

And finally, the Woods Foundations returns to receiving proceeds from a tournament in the backyard of the beautiful (no emails Emily...I'll be there soon) learning center. They are trading spots with the Boston area's Deutsche Bank Championship, which will now be run by PGA Tour Championship Management.

To be determined is the event name, but there is a sense that Hyundai wants to promote its answer to Lexus and Acura, and therefore may call it the Genesis Open.

For Immediate Release:

Tiger Woods Foundation To Host PGA TOUR’s
Hyundai-Sponsored Tournament in Los Angeles

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (March 29, 2016) – The PGA TOUR announced today that the Tiger Woods Foundation will become the new Host Organization of the TOUR’s historic tournament at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. Tiger Woods, who grew up in the Los Angeles area and whose Foundation is headquartered in nearby Irvine, is expanding his commitment to his native California by serving as the host and becoming actively involved in the tournament. The transition follows the recent announcement that Hyundai Motor America will become the tournament’s title sponsor also beginning with the 2017 event. PGA TOUR Championship Management has operated the tournament since 2009.

Commissioner Finchem is not going down without a jargon fight! Corresponding that transition!

“Recognizing Tiger’s ongoing connection to his home state through his Foundation, we saw an opportunity to correspond the transition of the tournament operation with the new long-term sponsorship by Hyundai,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “With Hyundai Motor America also based in the Los Angeles area, we see this as a very positive move that further strengthens the local ties of the tournament. Further, with Tiger’s personal involvement, we believe it will continue to elevate its stature on the PGA TOUR.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity for my Foundation,” Tiger Woods said. “This is the first PGA TOUR event I ever played, and it means a lot to contribute to a community that has supported me and my Foundation for more than 20 years. I’m committed to playing in my Foundation’s events, and it will be exciting to return to Riviera.”