Bridgestone extends golf sponsorship commitments

Bridgestone’s title sponsorship of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational has been extended through to 2018. The continuation of this arrangement, which began in 2006, was announced by Bridgestone Corporation CEO Masaaki Tsuya and Bridgestone Americas CEO and president Gary Garfield together with Commissioner Tim Finchem, who represents the International Federation of PGA Tours, during a press conference prior to the leaders teeing off for the final round of the 2013 Bridgestone Invitational. Bridgestone also extended its official marketing partner relationship with the PGA Tour through 2018 and will remain the “Official Tire of the PGA Tour and Champions Tour.”

“Golf’s increasing global reach, as well as the international scope of the World Golf Championships align closely with Bridgestone’s long history in the sport and our position as the world’s largest manufacturer of tires and rubber products,” said Tsuya. “This sponsorship will further enhance the power of the Bridgestone brand and continue to provide additional worldwide channels for us to grow.”

“Bridgestone has been part of the PGA Tour and World Golf Championships family since 2006, and we are so pleased to extend what has been such a successful partnership through 2018,” added Finchem. “Coupled with their Official Marketing Partnership extension, Bridgestone represents one of the largest partners within the PGA Tour family. They utilise the PGA Tour platform on a global scale, activating in impactful and innovative ways, not only in the United States but across Asia and most notably in Japan. Of course, the Bridgestone Invitational, thanks to the leadership and commitment of Bridgestone, continues to showcase the very best in professional golf to the world.”

“Our sponsorship of the Bridgestone Invitational is a tremendous vehicle to promote the Bridgestone brand,” stated Garfied. “It also reconfirms our commitment to the PGA Tour; worldwide golf fans; and our Akron-area neighbours. As proud corporate citizens, we are thrilled with the impact the Bridgestone Invitational has in the region.”

The Bridgestone Invitational is played at the Firestone Country Club’s South Course in Akron, Ohio. It is one of four World Golf Championships sanctioned and organised by the operational committee of the International Federation of PGA Tours, which includes the Asian Tour, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia and Sunshine Tour. The other World Golf Championships include the Accenture Match Play Championship, Cadillac Championship and the HSBC Champions.