Bridgestone Invitational to Leave Firestone Country Club

News Summary

The Bridgestone Invitational, a cherished golf tournament held at Firestone Country Club for years, will conclude its final event in 2018. This marks a significant change in the PGA Tour’s scheduling, leaving players and fans wistful. Bridgestone’s long-standing sponsorship has helped cultivate a vibrant legacy in professional golf, but with the tournament’s impending move to TPC Southwind in Memphis, the future remains uncertain. As golf enthusiasts bid farewell to Firestone, they reflect on the tournament’s rich history and the performances of iconic players.

Bridgestone Invitational Bids Farewell to Firestone Country Club: A History of Success and Uncertainty

The Bridgestone Invitational, a well-loved golf tournament that has graced the greens of the Firestone Country Club for many years, is set to take its final bow in 2018. This decision comes as part of a larger shift in the PGA Tour’s scheduling and sponsorship approach, leaving fans and players alike with a blend of nostalgia and uncertainty.

A Long History of Sponsorship

Bridgestone has been the proud sponsor of this prestigious World Golf Championships event since 2006, when a five-year sponsorship deal was struck. This arrangement saw the NEC Invitational get a brand new name, establishing a fresh identity in the world of professional golf. Over the years, the sponsorship has been extended multiple times, including a significant extension announced in 2013, securing Bridgestone’s involvement through the 2018 event.

Celebrities of the Sport Shine at Firestone

Firestone Country Club has been more than just a venue; it has become a historical landmark in professional golf. Celebrating an incredible 65 years of professional golf beginning on August 2, 2018, many talented players have left their mark on these iconic greens. Notably, legends like Tiger Woods have showcased their skills here, with Woods clinching victory a remarkable eight times.

Changes on the Horizon

As we approach the 2018 tournament, many are left wondering if this will truly be the last WGC event in this beloved setting. Recent discussions surrounding the PGA Tour’s schedule reveal significant changes coming in the 2018-19 season. With events reshuffling, including the PGA Championship moving to May and The Players Championship taking place in March, the future of the Bridgestone Invitational is under close watch. The title sponsor of the playoff events, FedEx, is eyeing the possibility of shifting the St. Jude Classic in Memphis to become a WGC event, which may squeeze the Bridgestone Invitational out of its long-standing home.

Bridgestone’s Aspirations and Future Plans

Bridgestone’s interest in expanding its global footprint includes a desire to host an event in Japan, aligning with their own marketing strategy and the Asian swing of the fall schedule. Conversations about the future of the Bridgestone Invitational are still alive and ongoing, with executive directors and company representatives exploring what lies ahead.

The Heart of the Community

The Bridgestone Invitational has not only been a major sporting event but has also considerably impacted the local economy and charity initiatives. As it transitions away from Firestone Country Club to TPC Southwind in Memphis for future tournaments, the clash of progress and tradition leaves many feeling a sense of loss.

A Legacy That Will Echo

Firestone Country Club has undoubtedly been a cradle for prestigious golfing events, having hosted numerous tournaments, including the PGA Championship, for decades. Even if the Bridgestone Invitational relocates—which it is set to do in 2019 with the WGC FedEx St. Jude Invitational—it will not mark the first time a prominent tournament has left the Akron area.

Looking Ahead to 2019 and Beyond

As golf enthusiasts gear up for the 2018 Bridgestone Invitational, there are whispers of new beginnings and exciting changes on the horizon. Following the Bridgestone, the Senior Players Championship will take center stage at Firestone in 2019, showcasing the talents of senior golfers. Firestone may say goodbye to one iconic tournament, but it’s poised to embrace others in the years to come.

In conclusion, while we prepare for the final tournament at Firestone, fans are encouraged to cherish the memories made and celebrate the rich legacy of the Bridgestone Invitational. Whether you’ll be there in person or watching from afar, this is one farewell that no golf lover will want to miss.

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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