In 2006 the Bridgestone Invitational changed sponsors from NEC to Bridgestone as the title sponsor. Originally the sponsorship agreement was for five years, but now Bridgestone has decided to make Bridgestone Invitational ticket buying fans happy by extending the sponsorship through 2014.
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The playing field for the Bridgestone Invitational includes just around 75 names making this a small and select group of players who are invited to the invitational. The top golfers in the world are selected to receive an invitation by some different eligibility criteria. First, playing members of the last U.S. And International President's Cup teams, then players of the last U.S. And European Ryder Cup. Then players who rank in the top 50 in the World Golf Rankings within one or two weeks prior to the event. Tournament winners of various worldwide events with 115 points or more.
In 1999-2001 the playing field was marginally smaller at only 40 players because only the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams were eligible. One of the most memorable years of the event was in 2000. The final round of play was delayed and finally at the last hole, Tiger Woods stuck his approach on the final hole within 2 feet in near total darkness. As the most frequent shot shown of this tournament, Tiger raised his arms in victory as dozens of camera flashes illuminated him. Bridgestone Invitational ticket holders had a memory of that tournament year that would last a lifetime.
Since 1999, Tiger Woods has won an amazing 7 Bridgestone Invitationals. Tickets are always hot when Tiger Woods plays, no matter the venue, but especially at this one. Other big names to win the Bridgestone Invitational Vijay Singh, Stewart Cink, Darren Clarke and Craig Perry.
As usual for the Bridgestone Invitational, Tiger Woods will be the one to beat. Having won 7 Bridgestone Invitationals, it is no wonder he is the hot name in Akron, Ohio. August will be a big month for Bridgestone Invitational ticket holders to see if Tiger Woods can get his 8th win at the tournament.