Bridgestone Invitational Bids Farewell to Firestone Country Club

News Summary

The Bridgestone Invitational, a cornerstone of professional golf since 2006, is set to conclude its tenure at Firestone Country Club after the 2018 tournament. Celebrating 65 years of golfing heritage, this year’s event promises to be monumental amid speculations of its relocation. With the PGA Tour’s schedule shifting, the future of the tournament remains uncertain, as discussions about hosting events in Japan also emerge. The community reflects on the impact this tournament has had economically and culturally.

Bridgestone Invitational to Say Goodbye to Firestone Country Club After 2018

The legendary Bridgestone Invitational, a staple in the world of professional golf, is set to bid a fond farewell to the iconic Firestone Country Club after its 2018 tournament. This event has been around since 2006, proudly sponsored by Bridgestone. It’s been a remarkable journey that transformed the NEC Invitational into the renowned Bridgestone Invitational we know and love today.

Initially, the sponsorship deal kicked off in 2006 with a five-year contract between Bridgestone and the PGA Tour. Eventually, this partnership blossomed, resulting in an extension announced in 2009 that allowed Bridgestone to continue its sponsorship through the 2014 event. In 2013, excitement filled the air when the deal was extended once again, ensuring that the Bridgestone Invitational would continue to light up the golfing world through 2018.

Celebrating 65 Years of Heritage

The 2018 Bridgestone Invitational is not just another tournament; it’s a momentous celebration marking a whopping 65 years of professional golf at Firestone Country Club. The tournament will kick off on August 2, 2018, and promises a thrilling experience for golf enthusiasts and loyal fans alike. As the tournament approaches, many are looking forward to honoring the rich history that Firestone has become synonymous with.

According to golf enthusiast and writer John Feinstein, there is growing concern that this year’s tournament could mark the final chapter for the WGC event in Akron. A shift is taking place within the PGA Tour’s schedule for the 2018-19 season, creating speculation about the future of the esteemed Bridgestone Invitational. Significant changes are afoot, including the PGA Championship moving to May and The Players Championship shifting to March starting in 2019.

A Potential Shift to Memphis

In the background, FedEx, the title sponsor for the four playoff events, is aiming to elevate the St. Jude Classic in Memphis into a WGC event, leading to possible displacement for the Bridgestone Invitational. Meanwhile, Bridgestone has expressed interest in exploring options for hosting events in Japan as part of the Asian swing in the fall calendar. Conversations about the future of the Bridgestone Invitational are actively taking place, according to executive director Don Padgett III.

Recently, the 2017 Bridgestone Invitational did not see a renewal of its sponsorship. The last renewal, announced in 2013, covered tournaments from 2015 through 2018. This has left many in the golfing community wondering what lies ahead. The vice president of communications for Bridgestone Americas, Paul Oakley, mentioned ongoing discussions about their marketing partnership with the PGA Tour, hinting that changes could be on the horizon.

Impact on the Local Community

The Bridgestone Invitational has been more than just a golf tournament; it has generated significant economic impact and facilitated charitable contributions over the years. The event has been a vital stop on the PGA Tour since 1956, gaining further recognition as a WGC event in 1999. Legendary players, including the remarkable Tiger Woods, have made history here, with Woods himself winning a staggering eight times at Firestone.

Though attendance figures have fluctuated in recent years, the event benefits from a devoted community of fans who have supported it through thick and thin. If the Bridgestone Invitational does move on, it wouldn’t be the first instance of a significant tournament relocating from Akron. Looking ahead, the Senior Players Championship is scheduled to take place at Firestone in 2019, marking the venue’s continued importance in the world of professional golf.

From the beloved Firestone Country Club to its future home at TPC Southwind in Memphis as the new WGC FedEx St. Jude Invitational, the golf world eagerly awaits what the next chapter holds for the famed Bridgestone Invitational. Change may be in the air, but the memories of this cherished tournament at Firestone will remain forever etched in the hearts of fans and players alike.

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Additional Resources

• Crain’s Cleveland: Bridgestone Invitational’s Future in Akron
• Golf Digest: Fond Farewell to Firestone
• Jacksonville.com: Tour Moves WGC from Akron to Memphis
• News 5 Cleveland: Update on Future of Bridgestone Invitational
• WKYC: Guide to the Final WGC Bridgestone Invitational
• Wikipedia: Bridgestone Invitational