Bridgestone to extend title sponsorship through 2014

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AKRON, Ohio -- PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, representing the International Federation of PGA Tours, and Mark Emkes, representing Bridgestone Corporation ("Bridgestone") announced on Sunday that the two organizations have reached an agreement in principle to extend Bridgestone's title sponsorship of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational through 2014.

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While details of the agreement are currently being finalized, Finchem and Emkes, a member of Bridgestone's Board of Directors and the Chairman, CEO and President of its subsidiary, Bridgestone Americas, Inc., made the announcement on Sunday during the final round of the 2009 Bridgestone Invitational and confirmed the agreement in principle during Sunday's broadcast on CBS Sports.

Bridgestone first began sponsoring the Bridgestone Invitational in 2006, and the current title sponsorship agreement runs through 2010. Vijay Singh is the defending champion, and Tiger Woods has won the event six times.

The Bridgestone Invitational is played at the famed Firestone Country Club's South Course in Akron, Ohio. Also announced on Sunday was an agreement reached with Firestone Country Club to continue as host organization through 2014.

"The tough economy has certainly proved challenging for everyone, so it's good to be able to share some positive news," said Emkes. "This agreement in principal will keep the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club through 2014. This world-class event provides a tremendous boost to the economy in Northeast Ohio, generates significant contributions to local charities such as The First Tee and gives us incredible global exposure for the Bridgestone and Firestone brands."

"Bridgestone has been a terrific partner of the PGA TOUR and the International Federation of PGA Tours since 2005. The company's commitment to the Northeast Ohio community spans generations and is well documented," said Finchem. "We are so pleased that we have reached this agreement in principle and are excited to share the news during the final round of what has been another spectacular Bridgestone Invitational. The event, thanks to the leadership and commitment of Bridgestone, continues to showcase the very best in professional golf to the world, all while bringing tremendous economic and charitable impact to Northeast Ohio. I am pleased that this announcement continues the trend of companies continuing to see the value of sponsoring PGA TOUR events, or in this case, a World Golf Championships event."

"I am so pleased to announce that we are extending our agreement to host the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational for four years, mirroring the extension of Bridgestone's title sponsorship," said Firestone Country Club General Manager Mark Gore. "This agreement ensures that the long-standing tradition of world-class golf here at Firestone will continue. Our members and employee partners look forward to working with Bridgestone and the International Federation of PGA Tours to maintain this event as one of the premier tournaments in the world of golf."

The Bridgestone Invitational is one of four World Golf Championships sanctioned and organized by the International Federation of PGA Tours. The other World Golf Championships include the Accenture Match Play Championship, the CA Championship and the HSBC Champions.