Top regulators from major gaming states will identify the challenges and outline their plans to guide the industry through a period of significant change at the 29th Annual East Coast Gaming Congress, to be held 14-15 April 2026, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Atlantic City.
With the 2026 theme Gaming in Transition, ECGC – the longest-running gaming conference in the country – will help explore the future of gaming with experienced speakers who understand the forces reshaping the landscape. The panel Gaming Regulation in Transition: Charting a New Course in a Changing Future will examine key issues including emerging gaming verticals, evolving licensure standards, and an influx of new applicants.
“The entire history of legal gaming in the United States is a story of adapting and responding to everything from emerging technologies to political challenges,” noted conference co-founder and Cooper Levenson CEO Lloyd D. Levenson. “This panel is particularly well suited to build on the past and create that new future.”
Conference co-founder and Spectrum Gaming Group Senior Policy Advisor Michael Pollock added, “While the conference focuses on an industry in transition, one constant remains: gaming will continue to be regulated, and these speakers are central to its past, present and future.”
Confirmed speakers are:
Moderator: Lucas R. Levenson, Partner, Cooper Levenson
Everett Browning, Sr., Chair, Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission
Mary Jo Flaherty, Interim Director, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
Kevin O’Toole, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
Kurt Steinkamp, Chief of Staff, Michigan Gaming Control Board
Alana Zimmer, Executive Director, Florida Gaming Control Commission
A distinguished group of gaming CEOs and other leaders will deliver keynote addresses at the event. Additional speakers and panel topics will be announced in coming weeks.
The entire 2026 ECGC program will tackle key issues including artificial intelligence, prediction markets, iGaming expansion, and the anticipated impact following the development of full-service casino resorts in the Downstate New York market.
ECGC will also present its Lifetime Achievement Award to the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) in recognition of its longstanding commitment to the integrity and principles of gaming licensure.
Over nearly three decades, ECGC has welcomed an unmatched roster of speakers, including six sitting, former, and acting governors of New Jersey and every CEO who has led the American Gaming Association. The 2026 conference will again offer premier opportunities for sponsorship, networking, professional development, and high-level business-to-business engagement.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board has filed a civil enforcement action in the District Court for Carson City against Kalshi, seeking a judicial declaration and injunction to halt what the Board alleges is unlicensed wagering activity in violation of Nevada law.
According to the complaint, filed Tuesday, 17 February, Kalshi operates a derivatives exchange and prediction market offering “event contracts” through its website and mobile application. These products are available to customers in Nevada. The Board asserts that offering sports‑related event contracts, or certain other event‑based derivatives, constitutes wagering activity under NRS 463.0193 and NRS 463.01962, and therefore requires a Nevada gaming license.
The Board alleges that Kalshi is conducting gaming operations without the required authorization, in violation of NRS 463.160, NRS 463.350, NRS 465.086, and NRS 465.092.
“The Board continues to vigorously fulfill its obligation to safeguard Nevada residents and gaming patrons, and uphold the integrity of a thriving gaming industry,” said Board Chairman Mike Dreitzer.
Nevada law declares the gaming industry to be vital to the state’s economy and the general welfare of its residents, and mandates that all gaming activity be licensed, controlled, and supervised to protect public health, safety, morals, good order, and the general welfare of the state.
HELSINKI – Finland’s gambling regulator will begin accepting online gambling license applications on March 1, 2027, as the country prepares to open its competitive iGaming market on July 1 of that year.
Officials said secondary legislation and the technical requirements needed to submit a complete application are expected to be published soon. While details have not yet been released, industry observers expect Finland’s regulatory framework to differ significantly from those in neighboring Nordic markets such as Sweden and Denmark.
In response to growing interest from operators, Gaming in Finland will host a webinar on March 5 titled “How Finland Is Different,” aimed at helping prospective applicants understand the new system.
“This webinar comes at a most opportune time — one or perhaps two weeks after the publication of the secondary legislation that is necessary to submit your license application,” said Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in Finland. “We are particularly grateful to our local partners for helping us make sense of the license application process and the associated technical requirements.”
Webinar Topics and Speakers
The session will cover:
Regulatory update
Frequently asked questions on the license application form
Technical requirements and acceptable solutions
Confirmed speakers include:
Morten Ronde, Founding Partner, Nordic Legal
Pekka Ilmivalta, Head of Finnish Office, Nordic Legal
The Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will conclude on Thursday with 39 PWHL players competing for gold and six PWHL players in the bronze medal game.
THURSDAY’S FINAL SCHEDULE
GOLD MEDAL GAME, 1:10 P.M. ET: UNITED STATES VS. CANADA
BRONZE MEDAL GAME, 8:40 A.M. ET: SWITZERLAND VS. SWEDEN
OLYMPIC HISTORY
Thursday will be the seventh time in Olympic women’s ice hockey history where gold will be decided between Canada and the United States. The Canadians have won four of their five gold medals against the Americans, with the U.S. emerging victorious twice. Four of the six games have been decided by one goal, each by 3-2 scores, with one going to overtime and one to shootout. Sweden and Switzerland both have one bronze medal each and last went head-to-head in 2014. Here’s a closer look at the history of gold and bronze medal games at the Olympics.
BEIJING 2022
GOLD: CANADA (3) VS. UNITED STATES (2)
Montréal captain Marie-Philip Poulin scored her third Olympic gold medal game-winning goal and added two assists to lift Canada to a fifth Olympic goldtriumph. Vancouver’s Sarah Nurse scored the opening goal and set an Olympic tournament record with 18 points, and Ottawa captain Brianne Jenner had the primary assist on the winning goal and earned Tournament MVP honors after tying the Olympic record for goals in a single tournament with nine. Victoire goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens made 38 saves, with one of the U.S. goals scored shorthanded by Seattle captain Hilary Knight.
BRONZE: FINLAND (4) VS. SWITZERLAND (0)
Boston’s Susanna Tapani and Vancouver’s Michelle Karvinen both scored goals and Ottawa’s Ronja Savolainen picked up an assist to lead Finland to a second straight bronze medal.
PYEONGCHANG 2018
GOLD: UNITED STATES (3) VS. CANADA (2) SO
Minnesota’s Maddie Rooney made 29 saves and turned aside four of six shootout attempts to secure the second gold medal in U.S. Olympic women’s hockey history. Knight scored the first U.S. goal and Minnesota’s Kelly Pannek assisted on the game-tying tally late in the third period. Poulin and Haley Irwin, now an assistant coach with Ottawa, scored for Canada. Canadian Mélodie Daoust, who played the inaugural season with Montréal, earned MVP honors.
BRONZE: FINLAND (3) VS. OAR (2)
Tapani scored a goal and an assist and Karvinen picked up a helper to secure the third of four all-time Olympic bronze medals for Finland.
SOCHI 2014GOLD: CANADA (3) VS. UNITED STATES (2) OT Poulin scored twice, including the overtime winner, to lead Canada to a fourth straight Olympic gold. Jenner scored in regulation, with U.S. goals tallied by Seattle’s Alex Carpenter and Meghan Duggan, PWHL Special Consultant to Hockey Operations. PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jayna Hefford and Hayley Wickenheiser earned their fifth Olympic medals and, alongside Montréal Assistant Coach Caroline Ouellette, became the first hockey players to win four Olympic gold medals.
BRONZE: SWITZERLAND (4) VS. SWEDEN (3) Boston’s Alina Müller recorded two points, including the winning goal to make history as the youngest player in women’s hockey history to win an Olympic medal at age 15. Goaltender Florence Schelling, co-host of the PWHL’s Jocks Next Gen podcast, earned Tournament MVP honors as Switzerland won its first-ever Olympic medal.
VANCOUVER 2010GOLD: CANADA (2) VS. UNITED STATES (0) Poulin, at age 18, capped her first of five Olympic appearances by scoring both of Canada’s goals in the first of what will be four straight gold medal matchups against the U.S. The only shutout in Olympic gold medal game history was recorded by Shannon Szabados, and MVP honors went to fellow Canadian Meghan Agosta who led the tournament with 15 points in five games.
BRONZE: FINLAND (3) VS. SWEDEN (2) OT Karvinen, also playing in her first of five Olympics for Finland, scored to earn her first of three career bronze medals.
TORINO 2006GOLD: CANADA (4) VS. SWEDEN (1) Hefford scored and set up Ouellette for the winning goal in the only Olympic gold medal game that has not featured both Canada and the United States. Vancouver Player Development Consultant Charline Labonté was the winning goaltender, and Wickenheiser earned her first of two consecutive MVP honors with 17 points in five games.
BRONZE: UNITED STATES (4) VS. FINLAND (0) Katie (King) Crowley scored a hat-trick to lead the U.S. to its first and only bronze medal in Olympic history.
SALT LAKE 2002GOLD: CANADA (3) VS. UNITED STATES (2) Hefford scored the winning goal, assisted by PWHL Broadcast Analyst Becky Kellar, to secure Canada’s first Olympic gold. Ouellette scored Canada’s first goal and Kim St-Pierre, Montréal Director of Business Operations, earned the win between the pipes. BRONZE: SWEDEN (2) VS. FINLAND (1)Evelina Samuelsson scored twice to secure Sweden’s first and only bronze medal in Olympic history.
NAGANO 1998GOLD: UNITED STATES (3) VS. CANADA (1) Sandra Whyte scored a goal and two assists to lead the U.S. to victory and a perfect 6-0 record in the first-ever Olympic women’s ice hockey tournament.
BRONZE: FINLAND (4) VS. CHINA (1) Riikka Nieminen scored a goal and an assist for Finland and led the first-ever Olympic tournament in scoring with 12 points in six games. Tuula Puputti, Toronto Sceptres Director of Hockey Operations, earned the win in goal.
The Honda LPGA Thailand marks the second event of the 2026 LPGA Tour season, returning after a three-week hiatus following Nelly Korda’s victory at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. This no-cut, 72-hole stroke-play tournament features a 72-player field competing for a $1.8 million purse at the Siam Country Club Old Course. As the 19th edition, it highlights a strong international contingent, including three past champions and eight Thai players, emphasizing precision iron play and putting on a classic parkland layout. Defending champion Angel Yin returns after her record-setting -28 performance in 2025, facing top-ranked challengers like world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul and recent LET Saudi Ladies International winner Charley Hull (who is skipping this event). The field boasts a 69% strength rating, up significantly from 2025’s 58.5%, with 76% from the LPGA Priority List and 62% from Rolex Rankings.
Venue Location
The tournament takes place at Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand, approximately 90 minutes southeast of Bangkok and near the Gulf of Thailand. Founded in 1971 by Dr. Thaworn Phornprapha and renovated in 2007, this 800-rai (320-acre) parkland course is tree-lined with rolling fairways and strategic bunkering, sitting at sea level with ocean breezes influencing play. It has hosted the event since 2007 (except 2020 due to COVID), making it a staple for Thailand’s premier LPGA-sanctioned tournament.
Tee time is scheduled for
Round 1 (Thursday): First tee times begin at 7:45 AM ICT (UTC+7; 4:45 PM PST on February 18). Notable early groups include 7:45 AM (Tee 10): Somi Lee, Jin Hee Im; 7:50 AM (Tee 1): Cassie Porter, Wei-Ling Hsu.
Round 2 (Friday): Tee times start around 7:45 AM ICT, with groups reversed.
Rounds 3-4 (Weekend): Tee times from approximately 7:45 AM ICT, with leaders in the afternoon based on standings.
TV Coverage: Golf Channel (US): 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM ET Thursday/Friday (7:00 PM – 12:00 AM PST); 10:30 PM – 3:30 AM ET Saturday/Sunday. Streaming via LPGA app and ESPN+.
All rounds at Siam Country Club Old Course.
Weather Conditions
Pattaya’s tropical climate promises warm, humid conditions with potential afternoon breezes from the Gulf. Forecast for Chonburi (all times ICT, highs/lows in °F):
Day
High/Low
Precipitation Chance
Wind
Conditions
Thursday (Feb 19)
89/78
58% (possible early showers)
9-11 mph (SSE, gusts to 15 mph)
Partly cloudy, humid; breezes may affect approaches.
Friday (Feb 20)
90/78
22% (isolated showers)
11 mph (S)
Mostly sunny, warm.
Saturday (Feb 21)
88/80
15%
14 mph (S, gusts to 18 mph)
Partly cloudy, breezy.
Sunday (Feb 22)
88/80
5%
14 mph (S)
Sunny, stable.
Humidity around 68-79%; light rain early could soften greens, but winds favor accurate ball-strikers.
Course Conditions
Siam Country Club Old Course is a par-72 layout measuring 6,649 yards, with tree-lined fairways, water hazards on 11 holes, and 89 bunkers. It rewards straight driving and strong approaches on undulating Bentgrass/Poa annua greens.
Key features:
Fairways/Rough: Narrow Kikuyu fairways with 2-3 inch rough, penalizing errant drives but allowing recovery from semi-rough.
Greens: Medium-sized (average 6,000 sq ft), running at 11-12 on the Stimpmeter—firm, true, and sloped, testing lag putting and short game.
Bunkers/Hazards: Deep bunkers and water (e.g., par-3 17th island green); doglegs emphasize positioning.
Difficulty: Scoring average around 69-70 in recent years; toughest holes include par-4 10th (450 yds) and par-5 18th (550 yds). Warm weather may yield low scores, but breezes add challenge.
Tournament History
Established in 2006, this event has seen 18 editions (skipped 2020), with international winners dominating. Multiple champions include Ariya Jutanugarn (2013, 2018) and Amy Yang (2015, 2017, 2019). Thai players often contend, with Jeeno Thitikul’s T4 in 2025 a highlight. Recent winners set low scores due to birdie-friendly conditions.
Recent winners:
Year
Winner
Score
To Par
Margin
Runner-Up(s)
2025
Angel Yin (USA)
260
-28
1 stroke
Akie Iwai
2024
Patty Tavatanakit (THA)
267
-21
1 stroke
Albane Valenzuela
2023
Lilia Vu (USA)
266
-22
1 stroke
Natthakritta Vongtaveelap
2022
Nanna Koerstz Madsen (DEN)
262
-26
Playoff
Xiyu Lin
2021
Ariya Jutanugarn (THA)
266
-22
5 strokes
Atthaya Thitikul
Notable: Record low score by Yin in 2025; event promotes Thai golf with local exemptions like Chanoknan Angurasaranee.
Recent Player Forms
The 2026 LPGA season opened with Nelly Korda’s win at the HGV TOC (canceled final round due to weather), where she led at -10, followed by Amy Yang (-9). Many players competed in the LET’s PIF Saudi Ladies International last week, boosting form. Based on SG: Total, top-10s, and recent trends (including Rolex Rankings):
Jeeno Thitikul (THA, World No. 1): T10 at HGV TOC; strong history here (T4 in 2025); leads SG: Approach early 2026.
Akie Iwai (JPN): T2 at LET Saudi (-18); runner-up here in 2025; hot putter (top-5 SG: Putting).
Angel Yin (USA, Defending Champ): T15 at HGV TOC; excels on long courses (top-10 Driving Distance).
Hye-Jin Choi (KOR): T4 at LET Saudi (-17); consistent irons (ranked 8th SG: Approach 2025).
Carlota Ciganda (ESP): T4 at LET Saudi (-17); strong scrambler (78% up-and-down).
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Others Trending Up: Rio Takeda (top-10 HGV TOC, accurate driver); Nanna Koerstz Madsen (2022 winner, T20 HGV); Amy Yang (runner-up HGV, multi-winner here). Rookies like Youmin Hwang (5th HGV) and Gianna Clemente add depth. Top skips: Nelly Korda, Charley Hull, Minjee Lee.
Player Matchups
Round 1 tee times (ICT, selected from Tee 1/10; all times approximate):
7:45 AM (Tee 10): Somi Lee, Jin Hee Im.
7:50 AM (Tee 1): Cassie Porter, Wei-Ling Hsu.
8:02 AM (Tee 1): Gurleen Kaur, Pauline Roussin-Bouchard.
8:09 AM (Tee 10): Lindy Duncan, Minami Katsu, Megan Khang.
8:26 AM (Tee 1): Danielle Kang, Auston Kim, Robyn Choi.
Featured Groups: Jeeno Thitikul, Angel Yin, Akie Iwai (time TBD); Jin Young Ko, Yan Liu (8:14 AM Tee 1); Ariya Jutanugarn with locals.
Key head-to-heads: Thitikul vs. Yin (No. 1 vs. defending); Iwai vs. Choi (recent LET standouts).
The Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa returns to the DP World Tour schedule as the 10th event of the 2026 season and the opener of a three-week African swing, following a one-week break. This marks the 57th edition of the tournament, which has been part of the DP World Tour since 2019 after years on the Challenge Tour. With a $2.7 million purse and 144 players in the field, it’s a full-field event with a 36-hole cut to the top 65 and ties. The tournament rotates venues in Nairobi but shifts back to Karen Country Club for 2026 after four years at Muthaiga Golf Club. Defending champion Jacques Kruyswijk headlines a field featuring five of the past six winners, emphasizing strong iron play and altitude-adjusted distance control on a classical layout.
Recent form favors players like Angel Ayora and Thriston Lawrence, who have excelled in the early 2026 Race to Dubai.
Venue Location
Karen Country Club is located in the upscale Karen suburb of Nairobi, Kenya, at the foot of the Ngong Hills, approximately 10 miles southwest of the city center. Established in 1937 and designed by Remy Martin, this private members’ club has hosted the Magical Kenya Open 12 times previously (most recently in 2021). The course sits at an elevation of about 1,850 meters (6,070 feet) above sea level, which reduces effective playing distances by 10-15% due to thinner air. No water hazards dominate, but tree-lined fairways and undulating terrain demand precision.
The club also features non-golf amenities like tennis courts and a pool, but the focus is on its championship-caliber golf course.
Tee time is scheduled for:
Round 1 (Thursday): First tee times start at 6:30 AM EAT (UTC+3; 10:30 PM PST on February 18). Notable early groups include 6:30 AM: John Axelsen, Joel Girrbach, Manuel Elvira; 7:30 AM: Jacques Kruyswijk (defending champ), Darius van Driel, Guido Migliozzi.
Round 2 (Friday): Tee times begin around 6:30 AM EAT, with groups reversed from Round 1.
Rounds 3-4 (Weekend): Tee times from approximately 7:00 AM EAT onward, based on standings, with leaders teeing off in the afternoon.
TV Coverage: Live on Sky Sports Golf in Europe (starting 10:00 AM GMT Thursday/Friday), Golf Channel in the US (times vary by region), and streaming via DP World Tour app.
All rounds are at Karen Country Club, with standard 72-hole stroke play.
Weather Conditions
Nairobi’s high-altitude climate (semi-arid with afternoon breezes) could influence play, especially with potential softening from pre-tournament rain. Forecast for Karen (all times EAT, highs/lows in °C/°F):
Day
High/Low (°C/°F)
Precipitation Chance
Wind
Conditions
Thursday (Feb 19)
29/16 (84/61)
20% (isolated afternoon showers)
5-10 mph (gusts to 15 mph)
Mostly sunny, warm; light winds favor scoring.
Friday (Feb 20)
30/17 (86/63)
10%
5-8 mph
Sunny, dry; ideal for low rounds.
Saturday (Feb 21)
29/17 (84/63)
15% (possible light rain)
8-12 mph
Partly cloudy, mild breezes.
Sunday (Feb 22)
27/16 (81/61)
40% (showers, potentially heavier)
10-15 mph (gusts to 20 mph)
Cooler, wetter; could firm up leaderboard battles.
Overnight rain on Wednesday (February 18) may soften fairways initially, but dry conditions Thursday-Saturday should allow for faster play. Winds remain light overall, but Sunday’s moisture could challenge approaches and putting.
Course Conditions
Karen Country Club is a par-70 layout measuring 7,056 yards (reduced effective length at altitude). It’s a classical parkland course with tree-lined fairways, small undulating Bentgrass greens, and strategic bunkering.
Key features:
Fairways/Rough: Narrow Kikuyu grass fairways (tree-lined but not overly tight) with Kikuyu-mix rough up to 3 inches, punishing offline shots but allowing recovery.
Greens: Small Bentgrass surfaces (re-laid in 2015) averaging 5,000 sq ft, running at 12-12.5 on the Stimpmeter—fast, true, and sloped, rewarding accurate irons and lag putting.
Bunkers/Hazards: 58 bunkers and occasional streams; no major water, but doglegs and elevation changes (hilly front nine) emphasize positioning.
Difficulty: Stroke average was 69.76 in 2021 (last at Karen); toughest holes include the par-4 3rd (now shortened from par-5, 519 yards) and par-4 18th (456 yards).
Recent updates: Routing reversed to members’ play, par adjusted to 70; pre-event rain may soften conditions, but expect firm greens by weekend.
Tournament History
Founded in 1967 as the Kenya Open, this event has a storied legacy with winners including legends like Seve Ballesteros (1978) and Ian Woosnam (1986). It joined the DP World Tour in 2019, elevating its status. Multiple winners include Maurice Bembridge (3 times: 1969, 1971, 1979). Recent editions have seen international dominance, with no Kenyan winner since the inaugural event (though locals like Dismas Indiza often contend).
Recent winners:
Year
Winner
Score
To Par
Margin
Runner-Up(s)
Venue
2025
Jacques Kruyswijk (RSA)
266
-18
2 strokes
John Parry
Muthaiga GC
2024
Darius van Driel (NED)
270
-14
2 strokes
Joe Dean, Nacho Elvira
Muthaiga GC
2023
Jorge Campillo (ESP)
266
-18
2 strokes
Masahiro Kawamura
Muthaiga GC
2022
Ashun Wu (CHN)
268
-16
4 strokes
Hurly Long, Thriston Lawrence, Aaron Cockerill, David Samooja
Muthaiga GC
2021
Justin Harding (RSA)
263
-21
2 strokes
Kurt Kitayama
Karen CC
Notable: The event often produces first-time DP World Tour winners (e.g., van Driel in 2024). Kenyan exemptions include top locals like Mutahi Kibugu.
Recent Player Forms
The 2026 DP World Tour season is underway with the International Swing, highlighted by Patrick Reed’s dominance (two wins, leading Race to Dubai). Breakout stars and consistent performers shine, based on SG: Total, top-10s, and early results.
Angel Ayora (ESP): Rookie sensation with 11 top-10s in 2025; two early 2026 top-10s; strong irons (ranked 12th SG: Approach).
Thriston Lawrence (RSA): T2 in 2022 here; two 2026 wins; 2nd in Race to Dubai; excels in accuracy (top-5 Driving Accuracy).
Hennie du Plessis (RSA): T5 at Karen in 2021; recent top-10 streak (3 in last 4); +2.1 SG: Tee-to-Green.
Calum Hill (SCO): Best current form (eight top-10s in last 12); T5 here in 2025; leads SG: Approach in recent starts.
Jacques Kruyswijk (RSA, Defending Champ): Bogey-free weekend in 2025 win; two top-10s early 2026; strong scrambler (78%).
Others Trending Up: Jayden Schaper (2 wins, 2nd Race to Dubai); Veer Ahlawat (8 straight top-6s on PGTI); Dan Bradbury (consistent top-20s); Ewen Ferguson (back-to-back wins late 2025).
Newcomers like Marco Penge (3 wins in 2025) add depth.
Player Matchups
Round 1 tee times (EAT, selected notable groups from Tee 1 unless noted):
6:30 AM: John Axelsen, Joel Girrbach, Manuel Elvira.
6:50 AM: Calum Hill, Antoine Rozner, Jacob Skov Olesen (strong form trio).
The Genesis Invitational returns to its iconic home at Riviera Country Club in 2026 after a one-year relocation to Torrey Pines due to wildfires in 2025. This marks the 100th playing of the event, formerly known as the Los Angeles Open, and serves as the second Signature Event of the PGA Tour season with a $20 million purse and no-cut format for the top 50 and ties (or within 10 shots of the lead) after 36 holes. Hosted by Tiger Woods, the tournament features a star-studded field of 72 players, including all of the world’s top 10, emphasizing precision tee-to-green play on one of the Tour’s most demanding non-major venues.
With recent winners like Hideki Matsuyama (2024 at Riviera) and Ludvig Åberg (2025 at Torrey Pines), expect a battle among elite ball-strikers.
Venue Location
The tournament is held at The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, just outside Los Angeles and a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Designed by George C. Thomas Jr. in 1926, the course is nestled in a canyon below Sunset Boulevard and has hosted the event since 1973 (with the 2025 exception).
It’s renowned for its strategic design, with no water hazards but challenging barrancas (deep ditches) and elevation changes that demand course management.
Tee Time is set for
Round 1 (Thursday): Gates open at 7:00 AM PST; first tee times around 7:15 AM PST (e.g., Aldrich Potgieter, Ryan Fox, Sam Stevens at 7:15 AM).
Round 2 (Friday): Similar start times, around 7:00 AM PST.
Rounds 3-4 (Weekend): Tee times begin around 7:00 AM PST, with leaders teeing off later.
TV Coverage: ESPN+ for early rounds (7:30 AM-1 PM PST Thursday/Friday), Golf Channel (1-5 PM PST), and CBS for weekend afternoons.
The field plays all four rounds at Riviera, with a 36-hole cut.
Weather Conditions
Weather could impact play, especially early, due to recent heavy rain in Southern California (up to 2 inches Monday-Tuesday).
Here’s the forecast for Pacific Palisades (all times PST, highs/lows in °F):
Day
High/Low
Precipitation Chance
Wind
Conditions
Thursday (Feb 19)
56-59/43-46
80-91% (rain/showers, especially morning)
10-16 mph (gusts to 24-25 mph)
Cool, wet; potential delays.
Friday (Feb 20)
60/44
9%
5-10 mph (gusts to 10 mph)
Mostly sunny, drier.
Saturday (Feb 21)
63/47
4% (possible light early rain)
5-8 mph
Sunny, mild.
Sunday (Feb 22)
68/52
6%
5 mph (gusts to 12 mph)
Sunny, warming up.
Thursday’s rain may soften the course, favoring players who adapt to slower conditions, but winds could challenge approaches.
Course Conditions
Riviera is a par-71 layout stretching to 7,383 yards (extended by 61 yards for 2026, including a 24-yard addition to the par-4 18th).
Key features:
Fairways/Rough: Tight Kikuyu grass fairways (37 acres) with 2-inch Kikuyu rough (no intermediate cut), punishing errant drives and creating unpredictable lies.
Greens: Large Poa annua surfaces (7,500 sq ft average) running at 12.5 on the Stimpmeter—firm, fast, and undulating, emphasizing approach accuracy and short-game creativity.
Bunkers/Hazards: 58 bunkers (fewest on Tour this year) and barrancas add strategy; no water, but doglegs and sloping fairways demand precision.
si.com +1
Difficulty: Ranked 19th toughest on Tour in 2024 (scoring avg. 70.104); hardest hole: par-4 12th (479 yards, +0.363 over par).
Recent rain (January/February) may green it up slightly, but it’s still a tee-to-green test favoring aggressive drivers with strong irons.
Tournament History
Dating back to 1926, this is the 100th edition, with a rich legacy including multiple wins by legends.
Most wins: Macdonald Smith and Lloyd Mangrum (4 each); Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Bubba Watson (3 each).
Recent winners:
Year
Winner
Score
To Par
Margin
Runner-Up(s)
2025
Ludvig Åberg
276
-12
1 stroke
Maverick McNealy
2024
Hideki Matsuyama
267
-17
3 strokes
Will Zalatoris, Luke List
2023
Jon Rahm
267
-17
2 strokes
Max Homa
2022
Joaquin Niemann
265
-19
2 strokes
Collin Morikawa, Cameron Young
2021
Max Homa
272
-12
Playoff
Tony Finau
Notable: International winners have dominated recently (e.g., Adam Scott in 2005/2020, Mike Weir in 2003/2004).
The event honors Charlie Sifford with an exemption (Sahith Theegala in 2026).
Recent Player Forms
The 2026 season is young, but trends emerge from early events like Pebble Beach (won by Collin Morikawa) and Phoenix (won by Chris Gotterup).
Top performers (based on SG: Total, top-10s, and recent trends):
Scottie Scheffler (World No. 1): 3 top-10s in 2026, including T4 at Pebble; 18-event top-10 streak; +1.8 mph ball speed gain.
Strong at Riviera (top-10 in 2022/2024).
Collin Morikawa: Won Pebble; 2 top-10s; +1.9 mph ball speed; T2 at Riviera in 2022.
Hideki Matsuyama: 2024 Riviera winner; strong form (T3 at Phoenix); top scrambler (78.57%).
Chris Gotterup: 2 wins in 4 starts; rising odds.
Rory McIlroy: T14 at Pebble (season debut); seeking first Genesis win.
Tommy Fleetwood: FedExCup champ; consistent contender.
Others Trending Up: Justin Rose (+3.1 mph ball speed), Sam Burns (+3.0 mph), Si Woo Kim (3 top-10s, strong approaches).
Players like Ludvig Åberg (defending champ) seek form rebound.
Player Matchups
Notable Round 1 tee times (PST, from Wave 1 unless noted):
7:15 AM: Aldrich Potgieter, Ryan Fox, Sam Stevens.
7:27 AM: Tom Kim, Rickie Fowler, Max Greyserman.
7:39 AM: Lucas Glover, Tony Finau, Max McGreevy.
10:51 AM: Garrick Higgo, Aaron Rai, Matt Fitzpatrick.
11:03 AM: Jason Day, Wyndham Clark, Marco Penge (Wave 2 example).
Featured: Scottie Scheffler often pairs with elites; check official for updates due to weather.
Key head-to-heads: Morikawa vs. Matsuyama (recent winners), Scheffler vs. McIlroy (top-ranked duel).
The John Battaglia Memorial Stakes is a key Kentucky Derby prep race on the Turfway Park card, offering 20-10-6-4-2 qualifying points to the top five finishers. This $175,000 listed stakes event is restricted to 3-year-olds and is contested over 1 1/16 miles on the all-weather Tapeta surface. Named after a former Turfway Park general manager, it serves as a local stepping stone to the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks on March 21, 2026. The overflow field of 13 (with one also-eligible) features a mix of synthetic specialists, turf shippers, and dirt runners testing the surface, with early speed likely to play a prominent role given the track’s configuration.
Venue Location
Turfway Park is located in Florence, Kentucky, USA, just south of Cincinnati, Ohio. The facility features a one-mile all-weather Tapeta oval, known for its consistent surface that minimizes weather impacts and often favors tactical speed in routes. It hosts Thoroughbred racing during its winter/spring meet from December to March, with a capacity for up to 10,000 fans and additional amenities like a casino and simulcast wagering.
Scheduled Post Time9:55 PM Eastern Time (ET). The full card begins with the first post at 5:55 PM ET, making this the evening feature on a 10-race program.
Expected Weather Conditions
Cool and overcast with a high around 49°F (9°C) and a low of 32°F (0°C). Winds from the west at 8-10 mph, with a 30-40% chance of light rain (up to 0.2 inches) and humidity around 50%. Conditions should remain dry enough for comfortable racing, but any precipitation could slightly soften the Tapeta.
Track Conditions
Turfway Park’s all-weather Tapeta surface is expected to be fast, as it’s designed to drain efficiently and perform consistently regardless of weather. Recent meet trends show a slight bias toward early speed in synthetic routes (28% wire-to-wire winners at 1 1/16 miles), with the rail fair but outside paths benefiting closers in contested paces. No significant biases reported this week; the surface favors adaptable runners transitioning from dirt or turf.
Full Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field includes 12 main entries plus one also-eligible, all carrying 122 lbs. Morning line odds are estimates based on form and expert previews, as official lines were not fully available (e.g., Street Beast as the likely favorite). Recent finishes focus on key races with approximate speed figures (Beyer equivalents inferred from performances). All are 3-year-old colts (C) or geldings (G).
PP
Horse (Age/Sex, Sire – Dam)
Recent Finishes (Last Speed Figure)
ML Odds (Est.)
Jockey (Analysis)
Trainer (Analysis)
Overall Horse Analysis
1
Street Beast (3/C, Street Sense – Flower Party (IRE))
1st Leonatus S. (TP, Jan 2026, speed 95); Prior turf unplaced (e.g., 4th Aqueduct MSW, Dec 2025, speed 85).
5/2
Luan Machado: Leading rider at meet (25% wins); excels on front-runners (28% wire jobs). Rail draw perfect for speed.
Ben Colebrook: 18% stakes; strong local (20% TP). Develops synthetic specialists.
Likely favorite with sharp Tapeta debut win; front-runner who could wire again. Strong pedigree for distance.
2
Steel Imperium (3/C, Essential Quality – Summer Solo)
1st MSW (6f, TP debut, Dec 2025, speed 92); No prior starts.
8/1
Dylan Machado: Solid (16% wins); good with debuting colts (18% first-timers). Inner post aids.
Caio Caramori: 15% stakes; underrated with Quality progeny (17% routes). Barn emerging.
Debut winner stretching out; stamina from Belmont-winning sire. Upside but class test.
3
Maximus Prime (3/C, Maximus Mischief – Sweet Alternative)
2nd MSW (TP, Jan 2026, speed 88); 4th prior (7 starts maiden, Dec 2025, speed 82).
20/1
Walter Rodriguez: Apprentice (14% wins); tactical speed (16% mid-pack). Versatile.
Anthony Mitchell: 12% stakes; focuses on claimers (15% maidens). Low-key barn.
Maiden after 7 tries; late speed but overmatched. Longshot for exotics. Blinkers on.
The Wishing Well Stakes is a restricted stakes race on the Santa Anita Park card, serving as an early-season test for older fillies and mares on the turf. This $100,000 event is open to fillies and mares four years old and up who have not won a graded stakes since August 1, 2025. Run over 6 furlongs on the turf, it often favors horses with tactical speed capable of handling the unique layout of Santa Anita’s turf course. The field of nine includes a mix of graded performers dropping in class and up-and-comers seeking black-type success, with pace likely contested by multiple front-runners.
Venue Location
Santa Anita Park is located in Arcadia, California, USA, nestled against the San Gabriel Mountains. The facility features a one-mile dirt oval with a unique downhill turf course, known for its fast surfaces and scenic backdrop. It hosts Thoroughbred racing during its Classic Meet from December to June, drawing crowds of up to 40,000 on major days with additional amenities like a casino and infield activities.
Scheduled Post Time3:30 PM Pacific Time (PT). The full card begins with the first post at 12:30 PM PT, with approximate 30-minute intervals between races on a 10-race program.
Expected Weather Conditions
Sunny and mild with a high of 66°F and a low of 49°F. Winds from the southwest at 5-10 mph, humidity around 50%, and no chance of precipitation. Ideal conditions for firm turf racing.
Track Conditions
Santa Anita’s turf course for this 6-furlong sprint is expected to be firm, given the dry and sunny forecast. Recent meet data shows a bias toward early speed in turf sprints (25% wire-to-wire winners at 6f), with the rail playing fair but outside paths advantageous for closers if the pace is contested. No significant biases reported this week; the downhill start can reward quick breakers.
Full Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field of nine features international flair with French, Irish, and South African imports, alongside domestic talent. Morning line odds reflect class and form; recent finishes include speed figures (Equibase or equivalent) where available. All are fillies (F) or mares (M).
6th in Del Mar allowance (Aug 2025, speed 83); Won Chu allowance (Jun 2024, speed 83); 6th in Sta allowance (May 2024, speed 83).
30/1
Tiago Josue Pereira: Local rider with 14% win rate at Santa Anita; patient style suits longshots (16% in turf sprints). Handles rail draws well.
Vladimir Cerin: 18% stakes success; excels with imports (20% turf). Barn consistent with veterans.
French import with modest U.S. form; inside post aids but low figs suggest upset only if pace collapses. Durable but unproven in stakes. Owner: Unknown.
2
Amorita (4/F, Liam’s Map – Cara Bella)
Won maiden at SA (Nov 2025, speed 98); 6th in San Clemente (Jul 2025, speed 91); 2nd in allowance (May 2025, speed 95).
15/1
Mirco Demuro: International talent (22% wins); aggressive on closers (24% turf). Inner post for rally.
Richard E. Mandella: Hall of Famer (25% stakes); master developer (28% fillies). Peak form.
Improving filly with speed; recent maiden breaker sharp. Value if sets up for late run. Owner: Unknown.
3
Imaboutago (IRE) (5/M, Calyx (GB) – Unknown)
3rd in allowance (Jan 2026, speed 90); Won allowance at SA (Feb 2026, speed 85); 6th in stake (Dec 2025, speed 83).
