Bridgestone Invitational to Leave Firestone Country Club

News Summary

The Bridgestone Invitational will conclude its long-standing association with Firestone Country Club after the 2018 tournament, marking an end to a memorable era in golfing history. Since 2006, the event has hosted golf enthusiasts and seen extraordinary performances, but upcoming scheduling changes and competition from other tournaments raise concerns about the future of this prestigious championship. As fans prepare for the final showdown at Firestone, reflections on its storied legacy and potential new opportunities await.

Bridgestone Invitational Bids Farewell to Firestone Country Club After 2018

After more than a decade of mesmerizing golf lovers at the beautiful Firestone Country Club, the Bridgestone Invitational is set to leave Akron behind after the 2018 tournament. This announcement may come as bittersweet news for fans and players alike, marking an end to an exciting era of competitive golf in this iconic setting.

Partnership Giving Way to New Adventures

Since 2006, Bridgestone has been the proud sponsor of a World Golf Championships event at Firestone, originally stepping in through a five-year sponsorship deal that saw the NEC Invitational transformed into the Bridgestone Invitational. Over the years, the partnership has been extended several times, with a significant agreement reached back in August 2013 that confirmed sponsorship through the 2018 event. Now, with the tournament celebrating a magnificent 65 years of professional golf in its final showdown at Firestone starting August 2, 2018, feelings of nostalgia are bound to fill the air.

A Vanishing Tradition?

As the clock winds down to this highly-anticipated event, there’s a sense of unease among golf enthusiasts. Noted golf author John Feinstein has raised concerns over the 2018 Bridgestone Invitational possibly being the last World Golf Championships event in the area. With the PGA Tour making sweeping changes to its schedule for the 2018-2019 season, there’s uncertainty swirling over the future of the tournament. Notably, the PGA Championship is shifting to May, and The Players Championship is being slated for March from 2019 onwards, setting the stage for a potential shake-up in the golf calendar.

Competition for the Championship Slot

Adding to the mix, FedEx, the title sponsor for the playoff events, has expressed a desire to turn the St. Jude Classic in Memphis into a World Golf Championships event. Such a move could potentially oust the Bridgestone Invitational from its long-held spot in Akron. Meanwhile, Bridgestone has exciting ideas of its own, with conversations in the air about hosting a tournament in Japan as part of a newly envisioned Asian swing in the fall calendar.

The Legacy of Firestone Country Club

The Bridgestone Invitational is not just a tournament but a cherished tradition. With roots dating back to 1956, Firestone has played host to numerous prestigious golf events, including the PGA Championship. The tournament became a World Golf Championships event in 1999 and has witnessed unforgettable moments, notably with 8-time Firestone champion Tiger Woods gracing its greens. The thrill of watching elite players tackle this challenging course has always drawn in loyal fans, although attendance has seen some fluctuation in recent years.

The general manager of Firestone Country Club has expressed hope for the tournament’s future in the area, accentuating the economic impact and charitable contributions that the event has historically generated.

Looking Ahead

While the Bridgestone Invitational will transition to TPC Southwind in Memphis as the WGC FedEx St. Jude Invitational starting in 2019, a notable chapter is closing in Akron. The year 2019 will also welcome the Senior Players Championship at Firestone as a PGA Tour Champions event, ensuring that the golf legacy at this remarkable venue continues in some form.

The Wrap-Up

With so much change on the horizon, fans are left wondering what the future holds for the iconic Bridgestone Invitational. As the 2018 event approaches, it’s a time to reflect on the amazing memories and thrilling moments that have come to define this illustrious tournament. Whether this truly is the last hurrah in Akron for the Bridgestone Invitational remains to be seen, but its impact on the world of golf will undoubtedly linger for years to come.

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