Darth Putter Posted April 11, 2018 Share Posted April 11, 2018 This really hurts. I've been there every year for the last 10 years. A perfect course for a PGA Championship. Just sayin If the PGA was still being played in August. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snizzle Posted April 11, 2018 Share Posted April 11, 2018 Not a fan of this decision, I understand that this could open up Firestone to host a potential major championship but nonetheless it was one of my favorite tour stops each year. Corporate money dictates the terms, I just wish the tour could've brought the Mexico WGC to Memphis and left Firestone untouched. Agreed. Mexico WGC was unique the first year but frankly the course just seemed a little lame this time around.Personally as someone who grew up in NE Ohio this is really sad news. I remember watching all the greats in person with my Dad back in the 70's. As a fan Firestone CC is one of my favorite venues. It's going to hurt the local economy too. Sad that corporate sponsors out weigh everything now on tour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
williamsnrb Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 I hate to hear the guys close to Firestone are losing their tournament, but as a Memphian, I am so excited! It looks like it is changing to August, though, and it is HOT here at that time. Traditionally the FedEx St. Jude Classic has had trouble drawing top talent because it is held the week before the US Open, but now it will be great to see the top players coming here! TPC Southwind plays as one of the toughest courses on Tour each year, so it should be a good track for a WGC. I've played there many times and it is sneaky tough. Quote 917D3 9.5 Rogue Black 917F3 15 Diamana Blue 818H2 19 Tensei Blue Mizuno MP14 2Mizuno MP4 4-9 Vokey SM7 46, 50, 54, 58 Edel 60(will swap 58 for 60 and a Vokey for the 2-iron as needed) Custom Scotty Newport 2 or Scotty X5R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMCSGolf Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 That being said, as a native Clevelander this is really sad. It was always a good tournament and Northeast Ohio is a nice place to be in August. With the PGA moving to May and the contraction of the fedex cup, this is yet another event that is leaving the northern half of America. It's astounding to me that between New York, Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Seattle, and Portland there will only be 3-4 tour events in these cities starting next year. I know weather is a factor, but it's very nice for 3-4 months per year. It seems bad for the long term health of the game to ignore so many major markets, but maybe they know something I don't.Chicago area has four tour events scheduled during a three week period: mid June thru mid July this year.Champions Tour Constellation, Women's Senior PGA, Women's' PGA. and the WEB.com tour is here in mid June. The course sites are all suburban venues.The weather that time of year will be just great.Come on over and have some fun. I hear ya! Almost all of the cities I mentioned have some sort of professional golf played there, but the ladies or the senior tour do not have the same draw as the men. In terms of growing the game and reaching more people, this is a huge miss. Unfortunately, Cleveland will never host a PGA championship in May. It's a good course for it, but it's not going to happen. And one tournament every 15-20 years doesn't really feed a golf market. That being said, from the view point of seeing quality golf and appreciating skill, you can't beat the LPGA or Web tour. All of those players are crazy good and there is 1/10th the crowd. Unfortunately, a lot of golf fans place an enormous premium on seeing Rory or Tiger, since they have heard those names before and it's a shame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ea19 Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 They are going to play this tournament in Memphis in August?? Every year. Crazy. Too hot and humid. They already play it in mid June when it's too hot and humid. True but August is worse. If you know the south, there are many different shades and levels of hot and humid. And first couple weeks of August in Tennessee is sweat out your bung hole hot where June is more steamy miserable hot. :-) Quote Cobra driver TMade 3 & hybrid Titleist AP2 Irons (4-PW) Vokey wedges Cleveland putter Srixon ball Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elwhippy Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 I think Firestone has lost its bite. It was feared because of its length. But 50 yards of roll out and modern players knocking 5 irons into the 600 yard plus par 5 has lessened the fear factor. I applaud the tour for moving events around but so many states never get an event and that is sad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PZero Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Honestly, I'm not surprised. I hated going to it and they kept making it worse for fans each year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imakaveli Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Honestly, I'm not surprised. I hated going to it and they kept making it worse for fans each year. What did they do to make it worse? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tannyhoban Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 I have a lot of fond memories from playing jr. golf there to attending PGA tourneys, about 50 years worth.It's a hit to local business and charity for sure. Been rumored through the past few years on and off. Firestone is an outstanding golf facility, its all about golf. Feel bad for the folks we know who work there and volunteer, they put in huge effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sailfishchris Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Is this a sponsor issue or more of the "trying to grow the game" -moving tournaments around the country. Quote Titleist TSi2 8.0 TPT 14.5 LKP LT LW Ping G400 14.5* TPT 15 LKP LT LW Ping i210 4-PW TT Elevate Tour X Cleveland tour raw 52, 56, 60 DG x100 Byron Morgan- HG-DH89 Titleist PV1x Jones Utility Trouper-Carry Ogio Silencer Alphard E-wheels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
williamsnrb Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 They are going to play this tournament in Memphis in August?? Every year. Crazy. Too hot and humid. They already play it in mid June when it's too hot and humid. True but August is worse. If you know the south, there are many different shades and levels of hot and humid. And first couple weeks of August in Tennessee is sweat out your bung hole hot where June is more steamy miserable hot. :-) It is hot here in August. That's very true. Quote 917D3 9.5 Rogue Black 917F3 15 Diamana Blue 818H2 19 Tensei Blue Mizuno MP14 2Mizuno MP4 4-9 Vokey SM7 46, 50, 54, 58 Edel 60(will swap 58 for 60 and a Vokey for the 2-iron as needed) Custom Scotty Newport 2 or Scotty X5R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwglum Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 I had the chance to spend a day at Firestone a few years back, is still the only 'Tour' course I've ever played. That facility is incredible and certainly fit for any size event. Having played the course, just hard to comprehend how low guys go there. I've always heard that the players love the course, so hopefully they are able to secure another event there soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattyO1984 Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 I can see why it would be a huge loss for the local community and to the people that went along as fans but as a TV spectacle, more me, it's not going to be huge miss. It seemed to be going this way for a few years so it is not a huge surprise that it has happened. Quote Titleist TSR2 8.25* Project X EvenFlow T1100 White 6.0 Titleist TSR3 15* Project X Hzrdus Smoke RBX 6.0 Titleist U505 3 Iron Project X Hzrdus Smoke RBX 6.0 Titleist T200/T150 4-PW KBS Tour Stiff Titleist Vokey SM9 50.08F, 54.12D (Raw) & 60.04L (Raw) True Temper S200 Scotty Cameron Futura 5S ProV1 2023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuigleyDU Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 thats too bad, i am glad that Reno still gets an event. i know it a second tier event and no top players are here due to it being played to same week as the firestone. but, still some good up and comers and some big names from a few years ago looking for a paycheck or to get their game back. Quote Driver: Paradym 3D Ventus black TR 6x 3 wood: Paradym 3d Ventus black TR 7x 19 degree UW: Ventus black TR 8x Mizuno Pro Fli Hi 4 utility Hazrdus black 90 6.5 X 5 -PW: Callaway Apex MB, KBS $ taper 130X Wedges - Jaws raw 50, 54, 59 KBS $ taper 130x Putter- Mutant Wilson Staff 8802 with stroke lab shaft BALL; Chrome Soft X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullie76 Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Wow....Firestone CC was/is the best test of a golf course on the PGA tour. Wow....that's literally all I can say Agree. An iconic course that should have a regular event. Quote My senior bag....... Taylormade Sim Max 9* driver regCallaway Rogue 3 & 5 fw woods regCallaway Rogue X 4 & 5 hybrids regSub 70 699 pro's 6-pwPing Glide 50*, 54* & 58*Odyssey White Hot 2 ball putterSub 70 Staff bag Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnypro Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Where will they go?Some TPC dog-patch with water on 16 holes? Firestone is a great layout! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legitimategolf Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Never forget! The site of Steve Williams's greatest victory back in 2011. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcmidnight Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 My only beef the last few years has been the "conditioning" allowing for 100+ yards of roll and 400 yard drives. Not that I dont love the long drives but its the follow on - OMG the ball the driver the players NO MOAR DISTANCE MAKE IT STOP. Just...enough already. You dont want Firestone to have 7 of the top 10 spots on the longest drive of the year category? Stop making the fairways rock hard and conducive to it. I've soured on the event the last few years based solely on the conditioning and setup. But big picture, I am sad the tour is losing this event. Quote RIP TM Stealth2 10.5* Welcome back OG SIM 10.5* - Ventus Black 6x BRNR 13.5 / Kaili Red 75s // TM Qi10 5W/ 7W Ventus Blue 6s Irons TBD - TM P7MC // PXG Gen6 XP Vokey SM8 50*/54*/58* Cody James custom / TM Spider // Left Dash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuigleyDU Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Not a fan of this decision, I understand that this could open up Firestone to host a potential major championship but nonetheless it was one of my favorite tour stops each year. Corporate money dictates the terms, I just wish the tour could've brought the Mexico WGC to Memphis and left Firestone untouched. Agreed. Mexico WGC was unique the first year but frankly the course just seemed a little lame this time around.Personally as someone who grew up in NE Ohio this is really sad news. I remember watching all the greats in person with my Dad back in the 70's. As a fan Firestone CC is one of my favorite venues. It's going to hurt the local economy too. Sad that corporate sponsors out weigh everything now on tour. they have to, without corp sponsors there is no tour. Quote Driver: Paradym 3D Ventus black TR 6x 3 wood: Paradym 3d Ventus black TR 7x 19 degree UW: Ventus black TR 8x Mizuno Pro Fli Hi 4 utility Hazrdus black 90 6.5 X 5 -PW: Callaway Apex MB, KBS $ taper 130X Wedges - Jaws raw 50, 54, 59 KBS $ taper 130x Putter- Mutant Wilson Staff 8802 with stroke lab shaft BALL; Chrome Soft X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imakaveli Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Where will they go?Some TPC dog-patch with water on 16 holes? Firestone is a great layout! Memphis because of FedEx. At the end we'll probably have WGC Mexico as the most exciting WGC... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Ben Posted April 12, 2018 Author Share Posted April 12, 2018 My opinion, unlike the Euros we don't respect our history. The Midwest offers the most iconic, oldest and greatest golf tests in the US. Unless you have played a Donald Ross gem you wouldn't understand. It's simply the heart of US golf, we have Clubs ranging from the mid 1800's up. Firestone should and probably will support events at the highest levels for many years why? Because it's a pure, perfect test of golf. BB Quote Irons: 19' Cobra CB's Drivers: Titleist TS3 & Cobra F9 Fairway: Titleist 917F2 Hybrid: A-Grind 2 iron: Ping Rapture Wedges: Ping Gorge 2.0 Stealth's Putter: Evnroll 9.1 Balls: ProV1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank-0-Sport Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Greetings .... During its 23 year lifetime as an official event (1976 to 1998), the World Series of Golf produced only eight champions who would make the World Golf Hall of Fame -- Jack Nicklaus, Lanny Wadkins, Tom Watson, Nick Price, Curtis Strange, Jose-Maria Olazabal, Greg Norman and Phil Mickelson. I have to put an asterisk here for 1998 winner David Duval, who might have made the Hall as well if his career hadn't abruptly crash-landed at its peak. Of the remaining champions, only two-time World Series winner Craig Stadler (1982, 1992) could be considered along with Duval as the next best thing to the afore-mentioned Top Eight. The rest were players for whom a win at Firestone was the peak event of their careers. Regarding the 10-year PGA Tour exemption that came with a World Series victory (for all except 1998 winner David Duval; he only got a 3-year pass), I always felt that it was way too excessive, especially considering the careers and accomplishments of the lesser-marquee champions. Where-oh-where (and does anybody care) have the likes of Lon Hinkle, Dan Pohl, Mike Reid and Fulton Allem all disappeared too ?? Regarding the competitive atmosphere of the World Series tournaments themselves, I was often bored because not enough of the top names were contending on the final day. And I felt very sorry for many of the International invitees because Firestone just wasn't suited for their games. Finally, even though I have a few misgivings about the current WGC event at Firestone, I am deeply sorry for both the club and for the Akron community at the loss of the event. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pearsonified Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Could not be happier about this news. Anyone defending Firestone has some serious homerism going on, as that is by far the least interesting course on Tour. Now with that said, I think the move to Memphis is a joke. Neither the market nor the course moves the needle at all, and it's a real shame to see what the WGC has reduced itself to by changing venues so drastically. The "mixup" started with moving match play to Austin, Doral to Mexico, and now this. Be honest—is there any aspect of the WGC that is exciting anymore? Quote Callaway Fusion 9º •• Matrix 75M4 XTM 2016 M2 3HL 16.5º •• Aldila NV 2KXV Orange 65XCallaway Apex 20º •• PX Evenflow Black 80HY XAdams CMB 24º–46º •• DG TI S400TM MG 50º •• PX LZ 5.5TM MG 54º •• DG S200Mizuno T20 60º/06º •• DG S400Toulon Atlanta 35" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenny171 Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Saw this story yesterday and it really sucks, being from Buffalo, we only really have two tour events within driving distance and we would always go to this one. The course is awesome in August too, Real bummer, guess I'll have to venture up to the RBC in Ontario from now on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BNGL Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Could not be happier about this news. Anyone defending Firestone has some serious homerism going on, as that is by far the least interesting course on Tour. Now with that said, I think the move to Memphis is a joke. Neither the market nor the course moves the needle at all, and it's a real shame to see what the WGC has reduced itself to in the name of avoiding association with Trump properties. How is my being a Texan and Jupiter Island resident qualify as homer? And why is it the least interesting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pearsonified Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 How is my being a Texan and Jupiter Island resident qualify as homer? And why is it the least interesting?Nostalgia and homerism are cousins. You've played the course and have memories attached to it; I get it. Architecturally, Firestone is a complete abomination. This is not a controversial opinion in the GCA world. The course is one long, narrow, tree-lined hole after another. 16 and 18 are the only memorable holes on the course, and I'd argue both are memorable for reasons that do nothing to compliment the layout. We know 16 because it's essentially an unreachable beast with that stupid pond short and right of the green (and the narrow chute where you can run a ball up the left). When a course only has two par 5s, having one of them be an unreachable, uninteresting 3-shotter takes the fun out of both playing and watching. (I don't know about you, but I don't play or watch golf for par saves or 15-foot birdie putts on par 5s.) And we all know about 18 and its soft dogleg left because Tiger seemed to pull a Superman™ act there every year on Sunday. Other than that, I'd be fine if the rest of the property were devoted to generating a corn subsidy. Quote Callaway Fusion 9º •• Matrix 75M4 XTM 2016 M2 3HL 16.5º •• Aldila NV 2KXV Orange 65XCallaway Apex 20º •• PX Evenflow Black 80HY XAdams CMB 24º–46º •• DG TI S400TM MG 50º •• PX LZ 5.5TM MG 54º •• DG S200Mizuno T20 60º/06º •• DG S400Toulon Atlanta 35" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BNGL Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 How is my being a Texan and Jupiter Island resident qualify as homer? And why is it the least interesting?Nostalgia and homerism are cousins. You've played the course and have memories attached to it; I get it. Architecturally, Firestone is a complete abomination. This is not a controversial opinion in the GCA world. The course is one long, narrow, tree-lined hole after another. 16 and 18 are the only memorable holes on the course, and I'd argue both are memorable for reasons that do nothing to compliment the layout. We know 16 because it's essentially an unreachable beast with that stupid pond short and right of the green (and the narrow chute where you can run a ball up the left). When a course only has two par 5s, having one of them be an unreachable, uninteresting 3-shotter takes the fun out of both playing and watching. (I don't know about you, but I don't play or watch golf for par saves or 15-foot birdie putts on par 5s.) And we all know about 18 and its soft dogleg left because Tiger seemed to pull a Superman™ act there every year on Sunday. Other than that, I'd be fine if the rest of the property were devoted to generating a corn subsidy. Hmm well we will just disagree on this. Which is fine and great, only through a presentation of a thesis and antithesis will we get synthesis. TV doesn't do tournaments justice, any event for that matter. People don't know how much elevation change plays a part at ANGC for example. Firestone is a special place, and while yeah I've played there quite a bit. It's not in my top 10, or even top 15 courses. The thing I like and others like about is how straight forward it is. It doesn't have the thrill of ANGC on the B9. Doesn't have the quirky layout of Merion. It's laid out right in front of you, you hardly ever get a bad bounce or bad break. You hit a quality shot into the appropriate area, you're going to have a good look at a low score. And if you are playing for a house payment, car payment, child support, alimony, etc. You appreciate the near certainty of getting a good result after a good shot. That's what makes Firestone exceptional in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckeyefl Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 ostalgia and homerism are cousins. You've played the course and have memories attached to it; I get it. Architecturally, Firestone is a complete abomination. This is not a controversial opinion in the GCA world. The course is one long, narrow, tree-lined hole after another. 16 and 18 are the only memorable holes on the course, and I'd argue both are memorable for reasons that do nothing to compliment the layout. We know 16 because it's essentially an unreachable beast with that stupid pond short and right of the green (and the narrow chute where you can run a ball up the left). When a course only has two par 5s, having one of them be an unreachable, uninteresting 3-shotter takes the fun out of both playing and watching. (I don't know about you, but I don't play or watch golf for par saves or 15-foot birdie putts on par 5s.) And we all know about 18 and its soft dogleg left because Tiger seemed to pull a Superman™ act there every year on Sunday. Other than that, I'd be fine if the rest of the property were devoted to generating a corn subsidy. How many rounds have you played there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mosesgolf Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 I've always viewed this tournament as one of those iconic events and venues. This is a huge surprise. Quote Ping G400 MAX 9 Kuro Kage Tini 60x Titleist TSI2 18 Tensei White Stiff Titleist 818 21 KBS PROTO Stiff Ping G710 4-PW Ping S159 50 54 58 Ping Senita 38 Putter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Ben Posted April 12, 2018 Author Share Posted April 12, 2018 Just announced Firestone will host the 2019 Senior Players Championship. I hope we pickup a LPGA Major at some point as well. BB Quote Irons: 19' Cobra CB's Drivers: Titleist TS3 & Cobra F9 Fairway: Titleist 917F2 Hybrid: A-Grind 2 iron: Ping Rapture Wedges: Ping Gorge 2.0 Stealth's Putter: Evnroll 9.1 Balls: ProV1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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