The Bridgestone Invitational is Leaving Firestone CC in 2019

The Bridgestone Invitational is one of the more popular PGA TOUR events outside of the four majors. Played in the same place for the past 60 years, the event is now moving on to a new location.

Part of the World Golf Championship series the Bridgestone Invitational is played in August, previously ahead of the PGA Championship. For the past 12 years, it has been played at the Firestone Country Club outside of Akron, Ohio. And after the 12th year in August, the tournament will be taking its trophy elsewhere, but the PGA won’t be leaving Firestone high and dry.

The PGA TOUR has decided to award Firestone Country Club with the PGA Senior Tour Players Championship for the 2019 season. Without the inclusion of that event, it would have been the first time that Firestone hadn’t hosted a professional golf tournament in 65 years. But losing a PGA TOUR event for a Seniors Tour event still has to leave a sour taste in the mouths of Akron fans.

Being told that Akron–Firestone–will get PGA Senior Players in 2019 after Bridgestone pulls out following this year's tournament. Also: San Antonio moves into Houston's slot week before Masters which could spell end for Houston unless they find a title sponsor.

— John Feinstein (@JFeinsteinBooks) February 26, 2018

This is a temporary solution for professional golf in Akron but there is hope for a long-term relationship. “We’re making great progress in our conversations about the future of professional golf in Akron and at Firestone Country Club,” said Don Padgett III, “Our focus today is preparing for August, when we will host another crowd-pleasing World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational. We anticipate having related news to share with the community in the coming months.”

A post shared by WGC – Bridgestone Invitational (@wgc_bridgestone) on Feb 20, 2018 at 11:49am PST

Despite the optimism, many in Akron are worried about the long-term effects of losing the Bridgestone. Since the tournament has been played at Firestone, it has had a major impact on the areas economy. The tournament brings in an estimated $24 to $30 million in revenue each year, most going to support local industries and non-profit organizations.

While the Bridgestone Invitational is likely to move at the end of the year, there will still be a heck of a tournament played in 2018. Hopefully, after that, there will be an opportunity to work out a long-term solution for both parties involved.

Cover Image via Instagram