NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West is stepping down as executive director of the Northern Trust Open, the tournament announced Monday.
Former UCLA men's golf coach O.D. Vincent will take over West's role, having most recently been senior associate director of athletics at the University of Washington. He has also coached at Washington and Duke, developing players like Kevin Chappell and tournament defending champion John Merrick.
West had been in the role after the 2010 event. The former Los Angeles Open, held annually at Riviera C.C., had fallen into deep trouble, having difficulty in attracting a title sponsor, an improved field and rallying community support for the beleaguered tournament.
“When I joined the PGA Tour family as Northern Trust Open executive director in May 2010," ,” West said in a release, "my goal was to help elevate the tournament as a way to give back to the city that has given me so much."
"I’d like to thank the PGA Tour and Northern Trust for this tremendous opportunity, one that has certainly been a highlight of my career."
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