PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. -- Highlighting the pivotal role Charlie Sifford played in breaking down golf's "Caucasian only" rule more than four decades ago, the Northern Trust Open announced a groundbreaking new feature of the tournament: the Charlie Sifford Exemption.

Each year, beginning with this year's tournament on Feb. 16-22, 2009, the Northern Trust Open's Charlie Sifford Exemption will offer a sponsor exemption to a top golfer who represents the advancement of diversity in golf and wouldn't otherwise be eligible to compete in the event. The recipient of the new exemption is scheduled to be recognized by Rick Waddell, president and chief executive officer of Northern Trust, Northern Trust Open Tournament Director Tom Pulchinski and Sifford himself on Feb. 18 at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.

"This is a fitting honor for Charlie Sifford, who 40 years ago overcame great obstacles to win what we now call the Northern Trust Open," Waddell said. "Our hope is that the Charlie Sifford Exemption will raise awareness of Mr. Sifford's achievements while continuing to broaden the game's appeal. Our company's principles of service, expertise and integrity align perfectly with the PGA TOUR's goal of making golf fun, challenging and rewarding for everyone regardless of background."

"This is a great day," Sifford said. "I always just wanted to get a chance to play, and with the help of many I was able to pursue my dreams as a professional golfer. I am honored beyond words to see this exemption help the next generation of top golfers."

Candidates for the Charlie Sifford Exemption were identified by a variety of sources, including the PGA TOUR, PGA of America through the PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship, Nationwide Tour, The First Tee, World Golf Foundation, United States Golf Association and the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association. The exemption will go to a golfer who advances diversity and demonstrates both high character and ability.

Candidates for this year's Northern Trust Open will be selected by Pulchinski with input from the PGA TOUR and Northern Trust.

"This is a special day to reflect on the life of Charlie Sifford and those who supported him over the years," Pulchinski said. "It's also a day to look ahead as we seek talented rising stars who normally would not have the opportunity to play at the Northern Trust Open."

Sifford won the Negro Open five consecutive years before becoming the first black to join the PGA TOUR in 1961, winning two tournaments including what is now known as the Northern Trust Open. He wrote an autobiography published in 1992 titled "Just Let Me Play," and in 2004 became the first African-American inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

About the Northern Trust Open:
The tournament, held at the Riviera Country Club, is one of the most respected and revered tournaments on the PGA TOUR schedule, attracting many of the best professional players in the world of golf. It is one of the longest-running tournaments on the PGA TOUR and is the oldest civic-sponsored event, debuting in 1926 at Los Angeles Country Club. Since its inception, the tournament has generated more than $50 million for philanthropic projects and programs within Southern California.

Northern Trust announced its title sponsorship of the tournament Oct. 15, 2007, which is a five-year agreement running through 2012. For more information, please visit www.northerntrustopen.com.

About Northern Trust Corporation:
Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS) is a leading provider of investment management, asset and fund administration, fiduciary and banking solutions for corporations, institutions and affluent individuals worldwide. Northern Trust, a financial holding company based in Chicago, has a growing network of 85 offices in 18 U.S. states and has international offices in 15 locations in North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. As of September 30, 2008, Northern Trust had assets under custody of US$3.5 trillion, and assets under investment management of US$652.4 billion. Northern Trust, founded in 1889, has earned distinction as an industry leader in combining exceptional service and expertise with innovative products and technology. For more information, visit http://www.northerntrust.com.

About the PGA Tour:
The PGA Tour is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to expand the PGA TOUR domestically and internationally so as to substantially increase player financial benefits while maintaining our commitment to growth in charity and integrity to the game.

In 2009, the three Tours compete in 102 events for more than $350 million in prize money. Tournaments will be held in 10 countries outside the U.S. and in 35 states.

In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR's web site address is www.PGATOUR.COM and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

Media Contacts:
Northern Trust:
Doug Holt
Corporate Communications
312/557-1571

Brener Zwikel & Associates, Inc.
Toby Zwikel
818/462-5599