Full Breakdown
Firestone Country Club’s Professional Golf Era Ends as Senior Players Championship Moves to California
5/28/2026, 11:32:04 PM
Final Senior Players Championship Marks End of Professional Golf at Firestone
Firestone’s South Course will host its last Senior Players Championship from July 9-12 2024, with Miguel Ángel Jiménez entering as defending champion. Beginning in 2027, healthcare firm Hoag will assume title sponsorship and relocate the event to Newport Beach Country Club in California through at least 2031.
Historical Roots of Professional Golf at Firestone
Firestone entered pro circuit with Rubber City Open (1954-1959), then hosted PGA Championships (1960, 1966, 1975), American Golf Classic (1961-1976), and WGC-Bridgestone Invitational (Tiger Woods eight wins).
Timeline of Major Tournaments at Firestone
- 1954-1959: Rubber City Open
- 1960, 1966, 1975: PGA Championship
- 1961-1976: American Golf Classic
- 1970s-2018: WGC-Bridgestone Invitational (Tiger Woods eight wins)
- 2018-2021: WGC moved to Memphis, then discontinued
- 2027-2031: Senior Players Championship moves to Newport Beach Country Club under Hoag
Key Figures and Groups
- Firestone Country Club (South Course)
- Senior Players Championship
- Hoag (healthcare sponsor)
- Miguel Ángel Jiménez (defending champion)
- Luigi Costanzo (local high-school golfer)
Data & Statistics
- Over 70 years of professional tournaments (first in 1954)
- Tiger Woods won eight WGC-Bridgestone Invitational titles
- Final Senior Players Championship scheduled July 9-12 2024
- Hoag title-sponsorship runs through at least 2031
Why It Matters – Economic and Community Impact
The tournament historically drove tourism, filled hotels, and raised Northeast Ohio’s national profile. Its loss threatens visitor spending, seasonal jobs, and media exposure for Akron.
Official Statements & Responses
Tournament organizers announced Hoag will become title sponsor of the Senior Players Championship beginning in 2027 and that the event will move to Newport Beach Country Club for a five-year term ending in 2031. The final Firestone tournament is set for July 9-12 2024 with Miguel Ángel Jiménez defending his title.
Criticism & Opposition
Local voices call the loss “heartbreaking” and warn of lasting ripple effects on tourism, spending, and Akron’s national visibility, arguing the community’s long-standing golf tradition is being eroded.
On-the-Ground Reports
High-school golfer Luigi Costanzo said the tournament’s aura made elite golf feel accessible and that losing it “is definitely tough.” Former concessions worker Ian Carson recalled its community support.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The sources lack precise tourism-revenue or job-creation figures and do not specify the exact year the Senior Players Championship first arrived at Firestone. No direct PGA Tour comment beyond the relocation is provided.
Verbatim Quotes
"It's heartbreaking," — Luigi Costanzo, local high-school golfer
"This definitely helped the community out," — Ian Carson, Akron resident and former concessions worker
"It was cool to see the old guys still got it," — Luigi Costanzo, local high-school golfer
"You know, the aura of playing on a professional course is awesome," — Luigi Costanzo, local high-school golfer
What's Next
From 2027 the Senior Players Championship will be held at Newport Beach Country Club under Hoag’s sponsorship through 2031. Firestone’s South Course stays open for members and may seek new events.
