Northern Trust Open and a lesson learned

The Northern Trust Open last year drew a scant 30,000 spectators all week (estimated) to the Riviera Country Club, only partially the result of inclement weather. A $50 gate charge, $20 more than the year before, was thought largely to have been responsible.

"It's probably the most consistent complaint I've heard," Mike Bone, general manager of the tournament said then, while vowing to re-evaluate the cost of tickets.

The cost of a ticket in 2011 has been reduced to $35 at the gate, $30 when purchased in advance, the PGA Tour, which operates the tournament, announced on Wednesday.

-- John Strege