Southern California's No. 1 Golf Source
STROKE OF THE DAY |
"The players themselves can be classified into two groups- the attractions and the entry fees." |
-Jimmy Demaret |
SITE
SEARCH
GOLF
CALENDAR
NEWS
|
||||
 Taking over title sponsorship for a PGA Tour event is a huge undertaking. It’s even more arduous if you have just four months to prepare. But with the unveiling of a brand-new winner’s trophy along with the announcement of significant changes to the event, Northern Trust appears to be up to the task. The newest sponsor of what was formerly the Nissan Open at Riviera Country Club stopped by Tiffany and Co. in Beverly Hills on Monday to show off the new hardware — an oval-shaped cup with flat handles that sits on a silver base inspired by the architecture of Riviera’s clubhouse. It stands nearly 2 feet and weighs just over 16 pounds. “The amount of time that the trophy was made in was an incredible feat on the part of our designers and artists,” said Nellie Seddigh, vice president of Tiffany and Co., Los Angeles. But that’s not the only difference players and patrons will notice when the event returns to Pacific Palisades February 14-17. This year’s purse will climb to $6.2 million, an increase of $1 million over last year. In addition, a hospitality tent will be set up to accommodate the world’s top players and their loved ones. “In planning for this year’s inaugural Northern Trust Open, we looked at how we could improve the experience for everyone involved, from the players and their families to tournament viewers worldwide,” said Rick Waddell, CEO of Northern Trust. Southland golf enthusiasts also are in for a few nice surprises. There will be no charge for parking and the first 400 spectators through the gate will receive a handheld device called myLEADERBOARD, which allows fans to locate players on the course, find individual scores and statistics, tournament trivia and breaking news, as well as directions to concessions stands, first aid stations and restrooms. In addition, artwork and photographs of past champions will be on display throughout the property. The community will benefit as well. It’s estimated that $2.5 dollars will be raised for the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce. “We are committed to improving the tournament each year, shining the spotlight on this historic event, establishing Southern California as the destination for the Tour’s global spectators and increasing the amount we give back to the community,” Waddell said. Charles Howell III is expected to defend his title, which he claimed in a playoff over Phil Mickelson last year. For more information on the Northern Trust Open, visit northerntrustopen.com. |
||||
RSS Subscribe
Digg This Article
