Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words

Articles written by Robert Butchko


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  • There's a lot to do at the 2024 Genesis Invitational, Even if Golf is not your Game.

    Robert Butchko, Observer Staff Writer|Feb 14, 2024

    Tiger Woods is usually the focus of attention at the Genesis Invitational, LA's stop on the men's professional golf tour, where he serves as the tournament host. However, February's weather sometimes takes center stage with pounding rain that wreaks havoc on the final rounds- and this may be one of those years. Woods comes into this year's event at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades with much more modest expectations put upon him by the fans. Still working to recover from his near-fatal...

  • On Day II, It Seemed that the 2022 Genesis Golf Invitational Would Become the Joaquin Neimann Run Away and Hide. 

    Robert Butchko, Observer Staff Writer|Feb 21, 2022

    Midway through the second round, it looked like the 2022 Genesis Invitational was going to turn into the Joaquin Neimann Run Away and Hide.  Chile's best-known PGA  tour member-and, other than Mito Pereira, its only one-opened the tournament with a record-tying first round score and promptly broke the rule that the hardest thing to do was follow up a great round with a good one. Neimann's second round was not better than his first round, but it was exactly as good.  His second 8-eight 63 in a...

  • Genesis: Chilean Joaquin Niemann tied Charlie Sifford's first-round course record with an eight under par 63 to open up a three shot lead.

    Robert Butchko, Observer Staff Writer|Feb 17, 2022

    This year's return of the fans to Riviera after a Covid-restricted tournament last year coincides with perhaps the strongest field of players outside of the major tournaments, with every member of the top ten appearing. World number two Colin Morikawa gave the best showing in the group, coming in at four under and in prime position to make a move. Dustin Johnson, fifth-ranked in the world and a former winner at Riviera, fought a balky putter and fell afoul of the sand traps on the short tenth...

  • Clouds, Uncertainty Reign in Golf Genesis Open Thursday at Riviera Country Club

    Robert Butchko, Observer Sports Writer|Feb 15, 2019

    Uncertainty is the keyword for this year's Genesis Open at Riviera.  If the weather allows play, the brightest names in golf will hit the course in an event where nothing can be taken for granted.             Tiger Woods returns to Los Angeles to take on a course where he has had little success.  Despite being the most dominant figure in modern golf, Tiger has not been a major factor at Riviera this century.  Tiger's best finish was a tie for second in 1999, and, although he has...

  • Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, Jim Furyk & Jordan Speith To Headline Genesis Open a the Riviera

    Robert Butchko, Observer sports writer|Feb 4, 2019

    Bubba Watson was preparing for his post-golf life around at this time last year when his win in the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club reassured him that his talent was still there. This year's tournament starts on Valentine's Day and offers the chance for another pro to rediscover his love for the game. Tiger Woods, last year's big draw, is back again after his own redemption with his first win since 2013 at September's Tour Championship. Who will be the next to break through? Dustin Johnson...

  • Lawsuit Alleges Santa Monica's Elections System is Racist

    Robert Butchko, Observer Staff Writer|Jul 15, 2017

    Arguments are currently being heard in court with the aim of forcing Santa Monica to change its electoral system to elect council members by district, a miniature version of the US House of Representatives, in order to force the city to give more representation to minorities. The suit filed by Pico Neighborhood Association alleges that the current 'at large' elections are racially biased against the Latino community and thus violate the California Voting Rights Act. At a NOMA (North of Montana...

  • Tiger Woods Pulls back, Pulls Out of Genesis Open Golf Tournament

    Robert Butchko, Observer Staff Writer|Feb 16, 2017

    Tiger Woods’ much-anticipated return to the Riviera Country Club for the Genesis Open took a disappointing turn Friday, as the former top-ranked player announced his withdrawal from the event due to back problems. Woods will attend in the role of tournament host, but will not play. Woods missed the majority of the last year for similar reasons and has played only sporadically on the tour since 2014. He has had three surgeries on his back since that time, and has repeatedly attempted to resume...

  • Tiger Woods is back at the Riviera Country Club for the Genesis Open Golf Tournament

    Robert Butchko, Observer Staff Writer|Feb 7, 2017

    Riviera Country Club is bringing back Tiger Woods for the first time in ten years and introducing a raft of changes for Westside golf fans. When the newly-renamed Genesis Open tees off on February 16, 2017, it will have its greatest star power in years and what it hopes will be a streamlined fan experience. At a January 23rd press conference, Tiger spoke of making his tour debut at Riviera at the age of sixteen. "I've never felt a club that heavy in my life," he said. "I realized I have so far...