"We had a great run here at Firestone Country Club with the PGA Tour and a World Golf Championship," Monahan said at the news conference held at Firestone. "One of the primary reasons it's been a success is because of an exceptional golf course. But continuing to play here was not a reality."
The Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone debuted in 1999. Tiger Woods has won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone eight times.
Monahan also addressed the reasons for the change.
"You've got to have a sponsor," Monahan said. "Bridgestone's strategy was changing and involving."
The sad news for the city of Akron was followed with some good news, with Monahan announcing that the Bridgestone Senior Players tournament will be held at Firestone in 2019 from July 8-14. A contract for that runs through 2022.
The Senior Players is one of five majors on the PGA Champions Tour."We are starting a new tradition here. A tradition I'm excited for." - Commissioner Jay Monahan pic.twitter.com/4NMPIyaBBn
— SENIOR PLAYERS (@SENIORPLAYERS) April 12, 2018
The 2018 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational will take its last swings at Firestone on Wednesday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 5.
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