The Northern Trust Open It Is
/Golfweek's Scott Hamilton confirms with added details what was revealed here earlier this week: the L.A. Open is now the Northern Trust Open.
The headline writers might like it, but it's still the L.A. Open for me.
According to the Tour's press release, the "new partnership marks the beginning of a process of transformation for this high-profile tournament."
Hmmm...and the Commissioner isn't shy in implying things haven't been that well run of late. No disagreement here.
"We are extremely pleased to announce this new partnership with Northern Trust and excited about its plans to further elevate the profile of this storied tournament," Finchem said. "We look forward to working with Northern Trust and the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce, as the host organization, to review all aspects of the event and determine how best to enhance its impact."And...
As part of the initial move to enhance the tournament, the Northern Trust Open will increase its purse to $6.2 million in 2008, an increase of $1 million over this year. Additionally, the tournament pro-am will go from four amateurs to three per group. Further changes and upgrades are planned and will be announced at a later date.
Hopefully that includes a comprehensive traffic plan for Sunset Boulevard, parking for player caddies, no more mystery meat in the press tent and of course, no more rain. Oh and we need to work on the logo too. It needs one of those forward-swooping things...