News Summary
The Bridgestone Invitational is set to say goodbye to the historic Firestone Country Club after its final tournament in 2018. This year marks 65 years of professional golf at the venue, but the future of the event is uncertain due to the PGA Tour’s schedule changes. The tournament’s legacy includes prestigious sponsorship by Bridgestone since 2006, but discussions of relocation are underway as the event transitions to Memphis. As fans prepare for a spectacular farewell, the impact of this change on the golfing community looms large.
Bridgestone Invitational Says Goodbye to Firestone Country Club
As the seasons change, so do the landscapes of professional golf. The beloved Bridgestone Invitational is set to wave farewell to the historic Firestone Country Club after its 2018 tournament, making this year a special one for fans and players alike. Since 2006, Bridgestone has been the proud sponsor of this World Golf Championships event, and now its time at Firestone is coming to a close.
A History of Excellence
The story of the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone is rich in history. When Bridgestone signed a five-year sponsorship deal with the PGA Tour in 2006, the event was known as the NEC Invitational but was soon renamed, setting the stage for memorable tournaments. Over the years, the partnership flourished – with extensions announced in 2009 and again in 2013, ensuring that the event would continue up until 2018. This means that the upcoming tournament from August 2 will celebrate a remarkable 65 years of professional golf at this iconic venue.
The Future Brings Change
However, all good things must come to an end, and there are whispers that the 2018 Bridgestone Invitational could mark the last time a WGC event graces Akron. The PGA Tour is reconfiguring its schedule for the 2018-19 season, which could spell uncertainty for the future of the Bridgestone event. The announcement of moving the PGA Championship to May and shifting The Players Championship to March has added to the speculation, with many eagerly watching how these changes will impact events across the country.
Adding to the mix is the ambition of FedEx, the title sponsor for the playoffs, who is eyeing the St. Jude Classic in Memphis to become a WGC event. If this happens, it could lead to the dislocation of the Bridgestone Invitational, moving it from its cherished home at Firestone. Meanwhile, Bridgestone has hinted at a potential move to host an event in Japan as part of an Asian swing of the fall calendar.
What’s Next for the Bridgestone Invitational?
While conversations about the future continue, the executive director overseeing the tournament has confirmed discussions are ongoing. There was no renewal of sponsorship following the 2017 event, which raises further questions about the tournament’s future home. Bridgestone’s commitment to the PGA Tour dates back to 2006 and continues to foster a strong partnership, adding an aura of anticipation and promise for what might lie ahead.
A Community Staple
The Firestone Country Club, often celebrated for its beautiful landscapes and challenging greens, has been a vital part of the golfing world since 1956. Over the years, it has welcomed some of the biggest names in the sport, including the legendary Tiger Woods, who famously won eight times at Firestone. As locals and visitors alike cherish the event, the tournament has built a loyal fan base, though attendance numbers have fluctuated in recent years.
Despite the potential shift, Firestone will still feature in the golfing calendar, with the Senior Players Championship set to take place in 2019 as a PGA Tour Champions event. However, after the Bridgestone Invitational transitions to the TPC Southwind in Memphis for its new identity as the WGC FedEx St. Jude Invitational, it signals a significant change for golfers and fans who have called Firestone home.
Final Thoughts
The 2018 Bridgestone Invitational promises to be a spectacular farewell to the Firestone Country Club, celebrating decades of tradition and excellence in golf. While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: this event has left an indelible mark on the community and beyond. Prepare to enjoy every swing, every putt, and all the excitement when the best players in the world hit the green one last time at Firestone!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
