Los Angeles golf course destroyed in California wildfires

A local golf course in Southern California has fallen victim to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

Altadena Golf Course, located northeast of Pasadena, announced that it ‘did not survive’ the flames, as the clubhouse was destroyed.

The club posted a video on Instagram that showed flames burning from the ground and a smouldering building surrounded by debris.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of Altadena Golf Course,” the club wrote.

“During this time, we’re focused on supporting our community, employees, and everyone affected by this tragic event.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the brave firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who are working through this.”

Writing of the nine-hole course which opened in 1910, general manager Johnny Eusebio said it would “come back stronger”.

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The Palisades fire, the most destructive in LA history, started on Tuesday morning and intensified within a matter of hours.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, five fires – including the Palisades Fire – continue to grow in the area.

Only two fires, the Woodley and Olivas, have been contained.

One still burning is the Eaton Fire, which is the second largest fire burning north of Pasadena. It’s burnt more than 10,000 acres and at least five deaths have been reported.

The National Weather Service has warned that the dry Santa Ana winds moving in from the northeast will “continue over Eaton Fire through the next few days”.

That is where Altadena Golf Course lies, ravaged by the fires and winds that topped almost 100 mph in places on Tuesday night.

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It is said to have started close to the golf course and firefighters worked all night to put it out.

Meanwhile, the iconic Riviera Country Club, in the Pacific Palisades, remains in the mandatory evacuation zone for the region northwest of LA.

The venue was pictured on Wednesday with a backdrop of thick, black smoke and raging wildfires.

Updated video of the wildfires rapidly approaching Riviera Country Club.

Reporters in the area have estimated the fires are moving at 2-3 football fields PER MINUTE. pic.twitter.com/U7KZjCMv84

— Tee Times (@TeeTimesPub) January 8, 2025

It has avoided the spread of fire so far, however, and is unharmed.

Riviera stages the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational each year, hosted by Tiger Woods, and the 2025 edition is scheduled to be played February 13-16.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.