Preview And Quick Roundup, 2017 Genesis Open

The tournament formerly known as the Los Angeles Glen Campbell Presented by Nissan Northern Trust Open kicks off with a new sponsor, new identity and same old classic course. Riviera, though mildly defaced by a few too many plastic surgeries, remains a stellar test and fantastic venue.

The forecast remains bleak but we'll just wait and see. In the meantime, the strongest field in recent memory has assembled to tackle a perfectly-groomed course. So sit back and enjoy!

A few pre-tournament stories and videos:

Tournament favorite Jordan Spieth revealed that players are watching him to figure out the mystery of putting poa annua greens. Wes Bryan even Tweeted some video as part of his research.

Thomas Pieters returns to the site of his 2012 NCAA Individual title and kicks off a PGA Tour portion to his 2017 schedule.

Lost ball rough has been added on the ninth hole to prevent players who are said to not be hitting the ball longer from bombing and gouging. I report for Golf Central:

Tournament host Tiger Woods cancelled his press conference but is in LA. Jason Sobel tries to read into the latest matter.

In lieu of Tiger regaling us with stories today, here is my chat with him from media day a few weeks ago about the change in touranment operations to his TGR Ventures and foundation.



Michael Shamburger with a swell round up of TV Times, key tee times and odds. The main TV times here:

CBS coverage (ET):

Saturday and Sunday: (3:00–6:00 PM, ET and 3:00-6:30 PM, ET)

Golf Channel coverage (ET):
 
Thursday         2-6 p.m. (Live) / 7-11 p.m. (Replay)
Friday              2-6 p.m. (Live) / 7-11 p.m. (Replay)
Saturday          1-2:30 p.m. (Live) / 7-9 p.m. (Replay)
Sunday            1-2:30 p.m. (Live) / 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. (Replay)
 
Golf Central Pre and Post Round Coverage on Golf Channel (Eastern):
Thursday         1:30-2 p.m. (Live) / 6-7 p.m. (Live)
Friday              1:30-2 p.m. (Live) / 6-7 p.m. (Live)
Saturday          Noon-1 p.m. (Live) / 6-7 p.m. (Live)
Sunday            Noon-1 p.m. (Live) / 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Live)

My first ever Golfweek video preview: