AKRON, Ohio — Firestone Country Club’s long run as a destination for professional golf is nearing an end, with the PGA Senior Players Championship set to move to Newport Beach, California, in 2027.
The move marks a major shift for one of Ohio’s most historic golf venues. Firestone has hosted professional golf since 1954 and has welcomed some of the sport’s biggest names, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
Danielle Thompson, the executive director of Northern Ohio Golf Charities and Foundation, said the departure is disappointing after decades of hosting professional golf in Akron.
“Are we sad? Of course we’re sad,” Thompson said. “Professional golf has been here for 73 years. We, of course, wanted another four-year contract and to continue it going.”
Thompson said PGA Tour events have had a lasting impact on the region, both economically and through charitable giving.
“We’ve given out $34 million in charitable donations,” she said. “You bring in fans from around the country to come and watch golf at this course. They want to be a part of everything that’s happening in Akron.”
In a statement, a Firestone Country Club spokesperson said, “Firestone has proudly hosted world-class players from both the PGA TOUR and Champions TOUR for decades, bringing our course to a national audience and establishing a legacy that few clubs can match. This remarkable history will always be a fundamental part of our identity. We look forward to making this last event the best one yet and hosting more professional golf at Firestone in the future.”
Thompson said efforts are already underway to bring another professional event back to Akron, with support from local and regional partners.
“We’re putting together great proposals with the city and the county, and the visitors’ convention bureau,” Thompson said. “We have all the partners in place that really want to make this continue. We have every intention of bringing professional golf back here to this country club.”
A town hall is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd at Firestone Country Club at 6 p.m. Leaders are expected to share more information about the future of professional golf in Akron.
This year’s Kaulig Companies Championship is scheduled for July 9-12 at Firestone Country Club.
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