News Summary
The Bridgestone Invitational will conclude its long history at Firestone Country Club after the 2018 tournament. Having been a landmark event since 1956 and sponsored by Bridgestone since 2006, the impending changes to the PGA Tour schedule raise questions about its future. The possibility of relocating to Memphis alongside other tournament transformations adds to the uncertainty. As fans prepare for this final event, the enduring legacy of the Bridgestone Invitational remains poignant.
Bridgestone Invitational Bids Farewell to Firestone Country Club After 2018
Get ready, golf fans! The Bridgestone Invitational is making some waves as it gears up to say goodbye to the historic Firestone Country Club after the 2018 tournament. That’s right, this big event has been a mainstay at Firestone since 2006 when Bridgestone took the reins as the sponsor of a prestigious World Golf Championships event. But with changes on the horizon, it’s time to look back on what this tournament has meant to the world of golf.
A Rich History
The Bridgestone Invitational has been a beacon of professional golf at Firestone for over 65 years! Can you believe that? Since 1956, this tournament has drawn numerous top-tier players, including legends like Tiger Woods, who has won an astounding eight times at this legendary venue. When Bridgestone stepped in as the title sponsor in 2006, they transformed the NEC Invitational, securing the spotlight for this world-class event.
This five-year sponsorship kick-started a fruitful relationship with the PGA Tour. Over the years, the partnership has seen several extensions, with the most recent deal announced back in 2013, extending coverage through the 2018 tournament. But now, it seems that changes are afoot, and uncertainty looms over the future of the Bridgestone Invitational.
What’s Changing?
As we look to the future, big shifts are happening within the PGA Tour’s schedule for the 2018-19 season. With tournaments scrambling to find their place, the PGA Championship moving to May and The Players Championship designated for March leave many wondering what lies ahead for the Bridgestone Invitational. Expert opinions suggest that this could very well be the last World Golf Championships event held in this beloved location.
Of course, it’s not just about date changes. The title sponsor for the playoff events, FedEx, has been aiming to promote the St. Jude Classic in Memphis to a World Golf Championships status. Should that happen, it could push the Bridgestone Invitational off the map and make way for the St. Jude event instead. Yikes!
Conversations Are Underway
Interestingly enough, Bridgestone has expressed a real interest in potentially moving events to Japan as part of the upcoming Asian swing in the fall. Given the ongoing talks regarding the event’s future, there’s still hope! Meanwhile, executive director Don Padgett III remains optimistic about the tournament’s prospects in Akron despite the uncertainties.
It’s worth noting that the most recent Bridgestone Invitational didn’t witness a renewal of its sponsorship deal, adding to the speculation surrounding the tournament. On the other hand, the Firestone Country Club’s general manager has voiced optimism, hoping the tournament will remain in their plans. After all, the Bridgestone Invitational has provided tremendous economic benefits and charitable contributions over the years. It’s not just about golf; it’s about community!
The Future Awaits
As we gear up for the final edition of the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone, there are whispers that if it does, in fact, get moved to Memphis, it won’t be the first beloved tournament to leave the area. You might recall that the Senior Players Championship will grace Firestone in 2019 as part of the PGA Tour Champions event.
Ultimately, the Bridgestone Invitational will transition to the TPC Southwind in Memphis in 2019, rebranding as the WGC FedEx St. Jude Invitational. Fans and players alike will certainly miss Firestone, but one thing’s for sure: the legacy of the Bridgestone Invitational continues strong as it prepares to make its final mark at a venue that has given us countless unforgettable moments.
Time will tell what happens next, but for now, let’s celebrate all the history and excitement the Bridgestone Invitational has brought us over the years. Here’s to hoping the tradition continues—wherever it may land!
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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
