Northern Bank switches PGA Tour sponsorship to east coast

Chicago-based bank Northern Trust will become the title sponsor of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs tournament held every year in the New York and New Jersey area.

In sealing the deal, Northern Trust is moving its title sponsorship on the tour from the Los Angeles event to New York. Northern Trust has stepped in after rival bank Barclays decided against renewing its title sponsorship of the event after 12 years in the role.

Northern Trust has agreed a five-year deal, from 2017 to 2021, with the course rotating between Ridgewood, Plainfield, Liberty National and Bethpage Black.

"Over the past eight years, Northern Trust's dedication and passion as title sponsor has reinvigorated the Northern Trust Open, elevated its status as a premier event on the PGA Tour and significantly increased its charitable giving," PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said.

Automotive manufacturer Hyundai is in talks about replacing Northern Trust as the title sponsor of the Los Angeles event.

Northern Trust chairman and chief executive Frederick Waddell added: “Over the past eight years, attendance has more than doubled, fan enhancements such as food trucks and kids’ clinics have been added, military appreciation has expanded and importantly, contributions to local charitable organisations doubled. Now as we deepen our investments on the East Coast, we are excited to continue our partnership with the PGA Tour by sponsoring a world-class playoff event that supports our growing business and continued commitment to the communities we serve.”