AKRON (Aug. 22, 2005) — The Bridgestone brand will take over the title sponsorship of the World Golf Championships tournament at Firestone Country Club in Akron beginning next year as part of a five-year deal that runs through 2010.
The Bridgestone Invitational will replace the NEC Invitational as part of the World Golf Championships, which are sanctioned and organized by the International Federation of PGA Tours. The agreement was announced Aug. 22 during the final round of the NEC event in Akron.
Bridgestone/Firestone officials look at the sponsorship as a global marketing opportunity that can benefit the firm's Bridgestone- and Firestone-brand tires, along with Bridgestone Golf´s line of golf balls and clubs.
"By sponsoring this event, it´s a great way to showcase our company," said Mark Emkes, chairman and CEO of Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. and Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire L.L.C. "It´s the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone (Country Club). It´s a perfect fit, giving both of our brands exposure."
It´s also expected to boost Bridgestone´s golf business in the U.S.
Bridgestone claims the No. 1 spot in the Japanese golf market and has sold its Precept-brand ball as a mid-level offering in the U.S. since 1985. Earlier this year, however, it introduced its Bridgestone-brand ball here to compete in the premium end of the golf ball market.
The agreement calls for the event to stay in Akron—where the company employs about 1,000—throughout the five-year sponsorship period.