PGA: Akron Loses Bridgestone Invitational, Adds Senior Event

AKRON, OH – The WGC-Bridgestone Invitational's stay at the Firestone Country Club will end year, and next year move to Memphis, announced the PGA on Thursday. The move, as disappointing as it is for golf fans in northeast Ohio, was expected and ends a 19-history with the exclusive club in Akron.

But, the PGA did offer an olive branch, in the form of another tournament. During a press conference on Thursday, PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan announced that Firestone will host the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship, beginning in July 2019, reported The Beacon Journal.

After this summer's World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone, the tournament will move to TPC Southwind, a Memphis country club.

The annual Bridgestone Invitational, which draws the biggest names in the game to the area, is scheduled this year for Aug. 2-5. The event has a purse of $10 million.

File photo: Jordan Spieth and caddie Michael Greller prepare to hit off the fifth tee during the final round of the World Golf Championships - Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club South Course on August 6, 2017 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)