The International Federation of PGA Tours have announced that the Bridgestone brand will serve as the title sponsor of the World Golf Championships tournament at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. The tournament, currently titled the World Golf Championships NEC-Invitational, will become the WGC - Bridgestone Invitational in 2006. The agreement spans from 2006-2010.
“We are pleased to welcome the Bridgestone brand as an umbrella sponsor of the World Golf Championships and as title sponsor of the Bridgestone Invitational,” said US PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem on behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours. “We look forward to a long-term relationship with the Bridgestone family of companies and a bright future for this championship.”
The sponsorship agreement ensures that the Bridgestone Invitational will remain at the Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio for the next five years. The 2006 Bridgestone Invitational will be held from August 22-27.
“We are honoured to sponsor such a world class tournament, especially since the Bridgestone Invitational will be played at the world-renowned Firestone Country Club,” said Mark A. Emkes, chairman and CEO, Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. and Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC.
“Our company has been part of the Akron community for more than a century, and to have the tournament played at Firestone is a wonderful connection with our heritage and to our future. We look forward to working with the International Federation of PGA Tours and the City of Akron to continue the great tradition of this tournament.”
