Vincent Publishing - Index

Vincent Publishing - 2008 Northern Trust Open - Index

10
2008 OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT MAGAZINE
WELCOME FROM THE COMMISSIONER
On behalf of the PGA TOUR, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2008 Northern
Trust Open, and we welcome Northern Trust as the title sponsor of this prestigious
event. We are extremely pleased with our new partnership and excited about
Northern Trust’s plans to further elevate the profile of this storied tournament.
The sport’s first season-long competition, the FedExCup, began its journey last year at Kapalua
and culminated with Tiger Woods raising the trophy at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. The
four-week PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup contained not only thrilling golf, but also many
great story lines – from Steve Stricker’s emotional return to the winner’s circle to Tiger Woods and
Phil Mickelson battling down the stretch on a Sunday afternoon. The 2008 FedExCup kicked off
last month, and we are already enjoying another season of exciting competition – which will no
doubt continue right here at the Northern Trust Open.
This event would not be possible without the effort and dedication of the tournament’s volunteers.
Their willingness to donate their time and energy has allowed this event and the LAJCC to make
substantial contributions to Los Angeles area charities. Over the last 81 years, the Northern Trust
Open has distributed more than $50 million to Los Angeles area charities in the community to
programs supporting youth leadership and development.
The PGA TOUR and its members take great pride in giving back to the communities in which we
play. Charity, in fact, has been a fundamental part of the TOUR since the first donation was made
in 1938. After reaching $1 billion in total charitable donations two years ago, the PGA TOUR has
set a goal of hitting the next billion dollars in 10 years, proving that giving back is indeed at the
heart of the PGA TOUR.
Thank you for your support, and we hope you will enjoy watching many of the world’s best golfers
compete this week at the Northern Trust Open.
Sincerely,
Timothy W. Finchem
Commissioner
PGA TOUR