Northern Trust extends sponsorship through 2016

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Vijay Singh hits his approach shot at the iconic 18th at Riviera C.C. in 2011.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- The PGA TOUR and Northern Trust announced a four-year sponsorship extension for the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles through 2016. Northern Trust's original five-year agreement expires after the 2012 tournament.

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"When Northern Trust first came on board as title sponsor in 2008, its executive team clearly was committed to invigorating this historic tournament and reestablishing its profile as a premier event," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "Over the past four years, we have seen tremendous strides and a renewed energy surrounding the Northern Trust Open, particularly with the addition and leadership of Jerry West as Executive Director. With today's announcement of Northern Trust's four-year extension, the tournament undoubtedly is going to continue to grow and have a positive influence on the Los Angeles area."

While the charitable impact of the 2011 tournament has yet to be announced, last year's Northern Trust Open generated nearly $1.5 million. Since Northern Trust's title sponsorship began, the tournament has raised more than $5 million.

"We are proud to renew our commitment to the Northern Trust Open," said Northern Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frederick H. Waddell. "This is a terrific event that attracts some of the world's best professional golfers while supporting our business goals. The Northern Trust Open provides a premiere event for clients, improves brand awareness, and helps the community by generating substantial charitable donations and economic activity."

A study commissioned last year by the PGA TOUR with Beacon Economics showed the Northern Trust Open is responsible for an economic impact of more than $21 million on Los Angeles County. The impact includes the equivalent of 201 full-time jobs for a year created by the event, with earnings of approximately $7.4 million and local tax revenues of $350,000.

"Northern Trust is an engaged, committed, passionate title sponsor, and the organization's leadership has helped reestablish the tournament as a major sporting event in Los Angeles," said Jerry West, Northern Trust Open executive director. "Northern Trust's continued commitment will help the tournament continue to grow and make a bigger difference in the lives of our neighbors in need."

Two significant developments relating to the Northern Trust Open's operation occurred in 2009. First, it was announced in February that the PGA TOUR's Championship Management division was partnering with the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce, the tournament's longtime host organization, to assume the day-to-day operation of the tournament. Then, in May 2009, West was introduced as the Northern Trust Open's Executive Director.

What started as the Los Angeles Open is one of the longest-running tournaments on the PGA TOUR, debuting in 1926 at Los Angeles Country Club. It had been staged at various courses throughout the Los Angeles area before permanently settling at Riviera Country Club in 1973. Aaron Baddeley captured the title in February, winning by two strokes over Vijay Singh.