Firestone Country Club is preparing to close one of the longest and most celebrated chapters in professional golf history. After hosting top-level tournaments for more than 70 years, the iconic Akron, Ohio, venue will no longer be part of the PGA Tour schedule after the 2026 Kaulig Companies Championship.
The event, a major stop on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, is set to relocate to Newport Beach Country Club in California, bringing an end to a remarkable 72-year run of professional golf at Firestone. For generations of fans, the South Course has been a symbol of championship golf, attracting the sport’s biggest stars and producing unforgettable moments that helped define the PGA Tour’s legacy.
Firestone earned its legendary status through decades of unforgettable performances from golf’s greatest players. Jack Nicklaus claimed seven victories at the course, including the 1975 PGA Championship, while Arnold Palmer famously nicknamed its demanding 16th hole “The Monster.” Tiger Woods turned Firestone into one of his favorite venues, winning an incredible eight titles there and delivering some of the most dominant displays of his career.
Beyond those legendary names, the course hosted the World Series of Golf, multiple PGA Championships, and the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational, making it one of the most respected championship venues in the sport. Despite its historic reputation, tournament organizers decided to move the event because of changing business priorities, sponsorship considerations, and the need for stronger attendance and commercial opportunities.
Although the PGA Tour is leaving Firestone, its place in golf history remains secure. The course continues to be recognized for its challenging design, iconic finishing holes, and the countless championship moments created on its fairways. Players and fans alike have expressed disappointment over the decision, describing Firestone as one of the finest courses ever used for professional competition.
While its era as a regular PGA Tour venue is coming to an end, Firestone Country Club’s influence on the game will continue to live on through its rich history, legendary champions, and lasting impact on professional golf for generations to come.