The event, welcomes a field of around 75 male golfers from around the world. Tiger Woods has been a perennial favorite here, winning six of the last nine tournaments. The 2008 dates are July 29 to August 3.
History:
The WGC - Bridgestone Invitational Tournament begun in 1962, as a four-man tournament called the World Series of Golf. The tournament, always a popular stop on the PGA Tour, continued as the NEC World Series of Golf in the 1980s and debuted as the Bridgestone Invitational in 1999. All but one tournament hase been played at Firestone Country Club.The 2008 Tournament:
The Schedule for the 2008 WGC-Bridgestone Tournament is as follows:- Tuesday, July 29
730am - 7pm -- Practice Round for Professionals - Wednesday, July 30
730am - 7pm -- Practice Round for Professionals - Thursday, July 31
9am - Gates Open to the Public
1130am - First round of competition - Friday, August 1
9am - Gates open to the public
1130am - Second round of competition - Saturday, August 2
730am - Gates open to the public
8am - Third round of competition - Sunday, August 3
730am - Gates open to the public
8am - Final round of competition
Eligibility:
A player may qualify to play in the WGC-Bridgestone Tournament in a number of ways. These are:- Being a playing member of the last US and International Presidents Cup teams
- Being a playing member of the last Ryder Cup team
- Being among the top 50 ranked players on the Official World Golf Rankings (one and two weeks prior to the WFC-Bridgestone event)
- Winning a worldwide golf event in the last year with an Official World Golf Rank Strength of at least 100
- Being the winner of the selected tournament from the PGA Tour of Australia, the Sunshine Tour, the Asian Tour, or the Japan Golf Tour.
Admission, Parking, and Tickets:
A variety of tickets and ticket packages are available for the event, including a joint package with the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Single tickets for the practice rounds are $25 in advance and $35 at the gate, with free parking. Tournament round tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the gates. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. See the WGC-Bridgestone Web site for printable tickets and more information.Volunteering for the 2008 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Tournament:
It takes an army of volunteers to create a successful tournament. If you are interested in being a part of the 2008 tournament, complete the online application by clicking here.Past WGC - Bridgestone Winners:
The winner of the first non-sanctioned World Series of Golf (the precursor to the WGC-Bridgestone) was Jack Nicklaus. Recent winners are:- 2007 - Tiger Woods
- 2006 - Tiger Woods
- 2005 - Tiger Woods
- 2004 - Stewart Cink
- 2003 - Darren Clarke
- 2002 - Craig Parry
- 2001 - Tiger Woods
- 2000 - Tiger Woods
- 1999 - Tiger Woods
About Firestone Country Club:
Firestone Country Club is located on the north side of Akron. The 54-hole golf course is considered to be among the finest private courses in America. The WGC-Bridgestone is played on the Club's South Course. For specific course information, see the Firestone CC Web site.Contact Information:
WGC - Bridgestone Invitational Golf TournamentFirestone Country Club
440 E. Warner Rd.
Akron, OH 44319
330 644-2299
(Updated 7-22-08)
