Genesis will continue its partnership with golf legend Tiger Woods through 2030.
Genesis held a contract renewal ceremony on Feb. 17 at Riviera Country Club in California with the PGA Tour and TGR Foundation to extend its title sponsorship of the Genesis Invitational through 2030. Having served as title sponsor since 2017, the partnership will span 14 years.
Attending the event were Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon, Hyundai Motor CEO José Muñoz, North America Regional Head Randy Parker, Genesis Business Division Head Lee Si-hyuk, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp, and Woods, whose TGR Foundation operates the tournament.
"I am very pleased to expand our partnership with the PGA Tour and TGR Foundation and continue sponsoring the tournament through 2030," Chung said. "The Genesis Invitational, with its 100-year tradition, is a stage that showcases the values of authenticity, respect, and excellence that define both the sport of golf and the Genesis brand."
Woods said, "Our time with Genesis has been an opportunity to find new ways to develop the tournament. I am grateful for the continued interest and support for both the tournament and the TGR Foundation."
Genesis signed an official automotive sponsorship agreement with the PGA Tour through 2030 in May last year and extended its Genesis Scottish Open title sponsorship through 2030 in July.
The Genesis Invitational is one of the premier events on the PGA Tour, the world's most prestigious professional golf tour. It is one of eight Signature Events with total prize money of $20 million among the tour's 45 regular-season tournaments, made more special by Woods serving as tournament host.
Woods nearly lost his life in a rollover accident near Los Angeles in February 2021 but miraculously returned to the course after leg surgery. The Genesis GV80 he was driving at the time gained attention as "the car that saved Woods."
The Genesis Invitational originated as the LA Open, founded in 1926. This year's centennial edition runs for four days starting Feb. 19 at Riviera CC, with winner's prize money of $4 million. The champion also receives a GV80 Coupe Black model. Last year's tournament was relocated to San Diego due to major wildfires in the LA area but returns to Riviera this year.
All players ranked in the world top 10 and FedExCup top 10 will compete. Kim Si-woo, who has been flying high with a runner-up finish and a third-place finish in five PGA Tour events this year, will be paired with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and world No. 13 Xander Schauffele in the first two rounds. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy is grouped with Tommy Fleetwood and Collin Morikawa.
Woods, who underwent back disc surgery last October, is still rehabilitating and will not compete as a player this year. At the press conference, when asked if there was no possibility of playing in the Masters, the season's first major in April, Woods drew attention by answering "No."
"I'm still in rehab and my return schedule hasn't been set," Woods said. "I can say I'm 'still working on it.' I can make full swing shots now, but my body isn't ready to do it every day."
Woods, born in 1975 and eligible for the Champions Tour for players 50 and older, was asked about Anthony Kim's victory. "It was touching," he replied.
Kim, born in 1985 and once a rival to Woods, claimed his first victory in 16 years by winning the LIV Golf Adelaide event on Feb. 15.
"Anthony Kim was very talented. He was born with a lot and could hit any shot he wanted," Woods said. "He later stepped away from golf and even left the golf world, then overcame many difficulties to win again. Seeing his dedication to his family was very touching."