Skip to content
Toggle menu
SportsTravel SportsTravel

Breaking News, Podcasts and Analysis Serving People who Organize, Manage and Host Sports Events

Primary Menu
  • News
    • Hosts & Suppliers
    • Recently Awarded
    • Sports Organizations
    • Sports Venues
    • Sponsors & Media
  • IN DEPTH
    • Feature Story
    • On Assignment
    • Perspectives
    • Technology in Sports
  • Podcasts
  • Sports
    • CATEGORY
      • Amateur Sports
      • Youth Sports
      • Collegiate Sports
      • Professional Sports
      • Olympic Sports
      • Paralympic Sports
      • National Governing Body
      • Adaptive Sports
      • Sustainability
      • Water Sports
      • Winter Sports
      • Women’s Sports
    • INDIVIDUAL SPORTS
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Bowling
      • Cycling
      • Football
      • Golf
      • Gymnastics
      • Hockey
      • Lacrosse
      • Motorsports
      • Pickleball
      • Rugby
      • Running
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • Swimming
      • Tennis
      • Track & Field
      • Triathlon
      • Volleyball
      • Wrestling
  • Esports
    • Esports News
    • Esports Guide
    • EsportsTravel Summit
  • Resources
    • Bid Bowl
      • Bid Bowl Listings
      • Submission Form
        • About Bid Bowl
    • Destination Spotlight
    • Destination Guides
    • Downloadable Guides
    • Venue Guides
    • Media Kit
      • Media Kit
      • 2022 Editorial Calendar
    • Digital Edition
  • Subscribe
    • Subscribe to E-Newsletter
  • EVENTS
    • TEAMS CONFERENCE & EXPO
    • EsportsTravel Summit
    • SportsTravel Road Trip
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram


Home > Feature Story > On Assignment: Four Days of Golf, A Year in the Making

On Assignment: Four Days of Golf, A Year in the Making

For PGA Tour events such as Genesis Invitational, plenty goes into the planning

Posted On : February 19, 2020 By : Matt Traub
RivieraSunday

When fans enter the gates at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, they can gawk at the elevation changes and some of the most historic holes in championship golf. They can enjoy activations and different sponsorship stands at almost every fairway.

And if they think because the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational is a four-day affair that it was an easy event to organize, they would be very, very wrong.

“It is a 365-day process,” Tournament Director Mike Antolini said as the tournament was getting underway on February 13. While the tournament does maintain an office at Riviera and the building of stands and sponsor venues begins in December, “we’re thinking year-round how we can elevate the tournament inside the ropes and outside the ropes. It’s fun seeing it all come together — especially when the gates open.”

The Riviera Country Club has hosted the Genesis Invitational more than 60 times and brought out big crowds all weekend, with fans able to see the action at the green for the second hole (foreground) as well as the fairway for the ninth hole (back right) and the tee for the 10th hole (back left). Photo by Matt Traub

Antolini works for Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation, which serves as the tournament organizer. He described the preparation process as focusing on the tournament experience from various points of view from players to fans to sponsors and media. The early days of tournament week are used to work out any early wrinkles before the first round begins on Thursday.

“There’s a true privilege running the Genesis Invitational, it’s not something we take lightly,” Antolini said. “There’s so much history here. The event is more than 90 years old and goes back to (when it was called) the LA Open. We started managing the event in 2017 and Tiger’s role as official tournament host has continued to elevate it.”

The TGR Foundation’s role with the event extends beyond serving as event organizer. On Saturday, a youth golf exhibition was held on the driving range and the Tee Off for Youth program provided complimentary tickets and transportation to 14 youth groups totaling approximately 640 kids. New to the 2020 tournament was a Kids Club with a personalized membership card, front row viewing zones on holes 8, 10 and 14, and access to autograph alley by the clubhouse.

As part of its hosting of the Genesis Invitational, the TGR Foundation had activations for youth throughout the course at Riviera Country Club. Photo by Matt Traub.

“Tiger’s great at managing all the demands of him as a player and similarly as a tournament host,” Antolini said. “This event benefits the TGR Foundation and it means so much to him. Tiger knows as tournament host his support is critical. Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday, he is certainly fulfilling his duties and responsibilities as official tournament host. We also know at the same time that he has a dual role as a competitor. Now that the first round is here (on Thursday), it’s all business and inside the ropes and we respect that.”

And while Woods did not fare particularly well, hosting an event on a course with Riviera’s history has resonated with players. The site of three previous major championships and the future site for golf at the 2028 Olympic Summer Games, this year was the 56th time that the tournament has been held at the country club.

“It’s a place that I absolutely love coming every year,” said Matt Kuchar after shooting a 7-under 64 on Thursday on his way to a second-place finish. “I think it’s one of the few courses that has truly stood the test of time. It was a great test of golf 50 years ago when Ben Hogan was playing, it’s a great test today with Tiger Woods and all the young boys playing.”

“It’s such a cool place, cool golf course. I would love it to host a major again one day,” said Rory McIlroy on Saturday.

“It might be the best course we play on tour,” Dustin Johnson added Saturday. “It’s just so good, it’s right in front of you, there’s nothing tricky, no rough really, but it’s just hard.”

Hard is also what organizing an event the size of the Genesis Invitational entails, but Antolini said perspective for those involved is also emphasized.

“Although it’s long days and short nights and not much sleep and we have to use our time wisely, it can go by fast,” he said. “What you don’t want to have happen is Monday morning or even Sunday evening, you say ‘Oh no, I didn’t get to experience this, that or the other thing.’ Whether that’s a 10-minute walk in the morning before gates open to appreciate the course and the scenery and venue, you can sit back and know there was a lot of passionate, hard work that went into making the Genesis Invitational what it has become.”

Tiger Woods tees off on the fourth hole during Thursday’s first round of The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, an event run and hosted by Woods’ TGR Foundation. Photo by Matt Traub

About the Tournament

  • First played in 1926 as the Los Angeles Open.
  • Held at Riviera Country Club 56 times and also held throughout L.A. at 10 other sites.
  • Tiger Woods’ first PGA Tour event was the 1992 tournament at Riviera Country Club.
  • Jack Nicklaus won his first PGA Tour paycheck at the 1962 tournament, earning under $30.

About Riviera Country Club

  • Opened in 1926 as the Los Angeles Athletic Club Golf Course.
  • Hosted the 1948 U.S. Open (won by Ben Hogan) plus the 1983 and 1995 PGA Championships, along with the 1998 U.S. Senior Open.
  • Scheduled to host golf in the 2028 Olympic Summer Games; hosted dressage equestrian and the riding part of the modern pentathlon competition in the 1932 Summer Olympics.
  • Guests must play the course with a member; a collared shirt and either Bermuda shorts or slacks are required, and jeans are not allowed.
  • Among the club’s famous members include Humphrey Bogart, Peter Falk, Dean Martin, Gregory Peck and Walt Disney.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Email
Posted in: Feature Story, Golf, Olympic Sports, On Assignment, Professional Sports, Sports VenuesTagged : Dustin Johnson,Golf,Matt Kucher,Mike Antolini,PGA Tour,Riviera Country Club,Rory McIlroy,TGR Foundation,The Genesis Invitational,Tiger Woods

Post navigation

Hard Rock Hotel to Sponsor New Atlantic City Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon
New Adaptive Sports Conference Launches in Denver

Follow us on Twitter

My Tweets

sportstravel

SportsTravel was on location today in Atlanta at t SportsTravel was on location today in Atlanta at the Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup, presented by Collegiate Sports Management Group, EsportsU and Skillshot Media at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta. More than 400 collegiate players from all over the country competed with more than 2,000 attendees. #CECCAtlanta2022 #esportsindustry
SportsTravel is on location for the #NCAA beach vo SportsTravel is on location for the #NCAA beach volleyball championships in Gulf Shores, Alabama. @gsob_sportsandevents is a partnership among Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (GSOBT), the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, Gulf State Park and the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In 2007, the organization became a department within GSOBT. In this role, the GSOB Sports & Events – along with assistance from both cities – works to bring quality athletic and leisure events to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. 

#GSOBsports
#GSOBsportsandevents
#GulfShores
#orangebeach
Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a great chat wi Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a great chat with Scott Howson, president of @theahl about how the hockey league survived the pandemic and what competition and events look like on the other side. We also explore his journey from player to executive.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major platforms.

#podcast #sportspodcast #hockey #hockeypodcast #AHL #sports #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness
SportsTravel is celebrating its 25th anniversary o SportsTravel is celebrating its 25th anniversary of issue one this year. We recently caught up on the SportsTravel Podcast with magazine founder Tim Schneider to talk about the origin of the publication, what those early days were like and where the industry is headed next.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

And special thanks to @myrtlebeachconventioncenter for sponsoring this episode!

#podcast #sportspodcast #sports #sportstourism #sportstravel #magazine #magazineindustry #sportsbusiness #sportsbiz
The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a conversation The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a conversation with @julius_journeys of @marriotthotels on the company’s @ncaa sponsorship and activation at the recent Women’s Final Four in Minneapolis. We also delve into his take on how sports have helped the travel industry recover. 

Take a listen at SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

#podcast #sportspodcast #hotelindustry #sportssponsorship #basketball #womensbasketball #womensfinalfour @meetminneapolis
ICYMI: Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a must-l ICYMI: Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a must-listen with Tom Cove, the president and CEO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, where we go into which sports are trending up and which are trending down when it come to participation. More important, we explore what sports organizations and destinations should do depending where those trends are going.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms. Special thanks to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center for sponsoring this episode!

@thesfia @myrtlebeachconventioncenter #podcast #sportspodcast #sports  #research #data #sportsparticipation #youthsports #pickleball #pickleballpodcast #sportsresearch
Two years ago, the cancellation of the BNP Paribas Two years ago, the cancellation of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells was one of the first major sporting events that went away because of COVID-19. This year’s #BNPPO22 crowds have roared on some of #tennis’ biggest stars including Rafael #Nadal and more. With COVID restrictions recently lifted in California and a vaccine mandate in place, attendance over the middle weekend of the tournament—which runs through March 20—was close to 75 percent of its biggest years. Here is a look around the grounds at what a return to normalcy in the sports world looks like (fingers crossed). Saturday’s tight three-set match between Nadal and up-and-coming young American Sebastian Korda drew a close-to-capacity crowd and something that hasn’t been heard in awhile—legions of screaming fans, while the outer courts at the appropriately named @indianwellstennisgarden are a popular spot. Doubles action between John Isner and Jack Sock of the U.S. and Nick Kyrios and Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia was a popular draw on Stadium 2 but those not inside the stadiums can still watch the action on big screens on the lawn outside. Organizers of the @bnpparibasopen are happy to welcome fans back to what they call “Tennis Paradise."
College basketball is full of venues that reflect College basketball is full of venues that reflect the community teams play in and one such place is the Reilly Center at St. Bonaventure University. Since it opened in 1966, the Reilly Center has served as the focal point on @bonnies_mbb and @bonnies_wbb game nights not only for the campus community but throughout the region. In 2016, ESPN selected it as the most difficult place for opponents to play in the Atlantic 10 and one of the top 10 such venues in the nation. In the summer of 2007, a state-of-the-art floor was installed and named "Bob Lanier Court" in honor of the 1970 @stbonaventureuniversity  graduate, All-American and Basketball Hall of Famer. Tuesday’s win over Rhode Island was in front of just under 4,000 fans in an atmosphere that sounded like twice as many people were there.
NEW EPISODE! With the @ciaasports men’s and wome NEW EPISODE! With the @ciaasports men’s and women’s basketball tournaments tipping off this week, we sit down with Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams to learn why the event has moved to Baltimore after years in Charlotte, the importance of ancillary events to the festivities and the pace of DEI efforts in collegiate sports hiring. Listen at SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major #podcast platforms.

And special thanks to @marylandsportscommission for sponsoring this episode!

#sportspodcast #ciaa #basketball #collegebasketball #sportstourism #sportstravel @visitbmore #baltimore #maryland #hbcu #hbcubasketball
The Carrier Dome is the largest structure of its k The Carrier Dome is the largest structure of its kind on a college campus with tens of thousands every season coming to watch stars such as Dwayne "Pearl" Washington, Rony Seikaly, Sherman Douglas, Derrick Coleman and 2003 NCAA champions Carmelo Anthony and Gerry McNamara. The Dome has hosted five NCAA East Regional since 2000 and also hosts SU's football team, the 11-time NCAA champion men's lacrosse team, the women's lacrosse squad and the women's basketball team. It’s iconic dome structure has been replaced with a more modern look in recent years. Saturday’s crowd saw the Orange beat Boston College 76-56.
The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a chat with Stu The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a chat with Stu Upson, CEO of @usapickleball. We discuss what’s behind the phenomenon that SFIA says is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, the status of pickleball venues and the landscape for events.

Listen at SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms. And special thanks to @playacsports for sponsoring this episode!

#pickleball #podcast #podcasts #sportspodcast #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness #sportstourism #sportstravel
SportsTravel was excited to be on hand for today’s historic opening of the new @usabmx headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The venue includes office space for the NGB but even more importantly a world-class arena and a permanent home for the BMX Hall of Fame. Stay tuned for our upcoming coverage at SportsTravelMagazine.com.

#bmx #tulsa @visittulsa @tulsasportscommission #ngb #cycling
As part of its continuing 20th anniversary celebra As part of its continuing 20th anniversary celebrations of hosting the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, a public exhibition of sports including curling and biathlon was held outside along with pin trading, music and a climbing wall. Nearby at the @teamusa USA house with graphics designed by @infinite_scale, dignitaries and Olympic supporters from around the area gathered to watch the action from Beijing. Part of the afternoon included a visit from Senator Mitt Romney, who was part of the 2002 SLC leadership along with Fraser Bullock, with both speaking to a crowd that included Olympic legend Eric Heiden.
What does this robot bartender have anything to do What does this robot bartender have anything to do with the Olympic Winter Games? It’s one of the many quirky aspects of being in the “closed loop.” Visit SportsTravelMagazine.com for Lisa Delpy Neirotti’s inside look at what life is like in the loop.

#beijing #beijing2022 #robot #bartender @gwsportmngt #olympics
With its prime location near many of the most impo With its prime location near many of the most important business hubs in the northeast, Ocean City, Maryland, is a supremely accessible and scenic destination for groups. Planners can choose from a diverse array of group-friendly venues and treat their attendees to activities that include relaxing along 10 miles of white-sand beach, strolling a three-mile Boardwalk, trying their swing at any of 17 championship golf courses and savoring the cuisine at more than 200 restaurants. Find out more in our destination guide here: https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/guide-to-sports-events-and-venues-in-ocean-city
Stay close to the action and reserve your room now Stay close to the action and reserve your room now at the official host hotel of the EsportsTravel Summit, the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. Located at the edge of one of the most famous beaches in the world, the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort offers elegant oceanside rooms and provides convenient access to the EsportsTravel Summit, including the educational sessions and the Destination & Supplier Marketplace. Book your room at the EsportsTravel Summit special rate today and be part of the world’s largest gathering of esports tournament and video-game event organizers at the only event focused on the travel side of the esports industry. Visit esportstravelsummit.com for more information.
To mark the 20-year anniversary of Salt Lake City To mark the 20-year anniversary of Salt Lake City hosting the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the torch at Rice-Eccles Stadium was re-lit during a Tuesday night ceremony. Governor Spencer Cox, Mayor Erin Mendenhall and 2002 Games CEO Fraser Bullock each spoke during the event, which included 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games athletes as well as current youth athletes representing the Children of Light, a theme from the 2002 opening and closing ceremonies. The torch will remain lit through this week.

#Olympics2022 #Olympics #WinterOlympics #TeamUSA  #saltlakecity #slc2030
With skiing and snowboarding underway in Beijing, With skiing and snowboarding underway in Beijing, be sure to check out our most recent episode of the SportsTravel Podcast, which features U.S. Ski & Snowboard CEO Sophie Goldschmidt. We talk to her about the logistics of getting her team’s athletes to China, the growth of both sports and her being one of the few women to lead an NGB.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

@usskiteam @teamusa @beijing2022 #beijing #beijing2022 #ski #snowboard #skiing #snowboarding #olympics
Our @gwsportmngt Lisa Delpy Neirotti is in Beijing Our @gwsportmngt Lisa Delpy Neirotti is in Beijing and reports that despite the limited crowds, organizers are still providing a DJ and other entertainment, similar to what organizers did in Tokyo under similar circumstances. That was the case as the U.S. women’s hockey team dominated the Russian Olympic Committee team.
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers tries his hand Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers tries his hand at curling during a kickoff to a weekend celebration at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum called Downtown Winter Fest. Two-time Paralympian John Register was also on hand for the announcement of the festival, which begins with a daylong event on Saturday to celebrate the Beijing Games. Olympians including Peggy Fleming will be on hand for autographs and attendees at the free event can see other sport demonstrations and experience a torch relay. Events are planned at the downtown museum throughout the Games.

@usopmuseum @visitcos @olympiccityusa @thesportscorp @teamusa #olympics #paralympics @springsgov #usopm #museum #beijing2022
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Sarasota County Hoping to Add $40 Million Project for Local Sports
  • Tour de France Brings Unique Flavor and Racing Competition to U.S.
  • How COVID Has Affected Sports:
    Kyrie Irving’s Actions During Pandemic
    May Have Consequences
  • Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Names Kelsey Rush as President and CEO in Waiting
  • FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Adds U.S. Stops to 2022–2023 Schedule
Sports Travel Magazine

About Us

Since 1997, SportsTravel magazine has served the sports‐related travel and event industry. It is the only publication written and designed to serve the people who organize, manage and host sporting events of all types at all levels.

  • Subscribe to E-Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • SportsTravel Foundation
  • Supplied Content
  • Privacy
  • Terms

NORTHSTAR TRAVEL MEDIA SITES

  • Northstar Meetings Group
  • Meetings & Conventions
  • Meetings & Conventions Asia
  • Meetings & Conventions China
  • Successful Meetings
  • Incentive
  • Meeting News
  • Retail Travel
  • Travel Technology
  • Corporate Travel
  • Hotel Investment
  • Data Products
  • See All Northstar Brands

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Sports ETA

Destinations International
Northstar Travel Media LLC Copyright © 2022 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 100 Lighting Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094-3626 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000
scroll to top
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.