46 mins. ago
LeBron James, the newest star for the Philadelphia 76ers, gained plenty of attention when he launched a YouTube channel focused on golf in August. If that wasn't enough of an indication, James is apparently far more into the sport than expected. He continued to put his love of the sport on display Tuesday, when it was announced James had teamed up with the PGA Tour to bring a new golf event to his hometown.
The LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational will be played in Akron, Ohio, in 2027, per ESPN. The inaugural event will occur July 6 through July 7 and be played at the South Course at Firestone Country Club.
The event will be focused on helping kids see the benefits of golf. The LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational will feature "amateurs and pros from the tour's Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program," per ESPN.
In a statement, James talked about the ways the sport can open doors and build relationships.
"Golf has become a passion of mine, and I've seen firsthand how the game can open doors, build relationships and create opportunities that many kids don't even know exist," James said in a statement. "This partnership with the PGA Tour gives my foundation a chance to introduce my I Promise students and more people to the game at a young age, support talented athletes chasing their dreams, and continue investing in the city of Akron that means everything to me."
#Event #family #akron
The LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational will be played in Akron, Ohio, in 2027, per ESPN. The inaugural event will occur July 6 through July 7 and be played at the South Course at Firestone Country Club.
The event will be focused on helping kids see the benefits of golf. The LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational will feature "amateurs and pros from the tour's Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program," per ESPN.
In a statement, James talked about the ways the sport can open doors and build relationships.
"Golf has become a passion of mine, and I've seen firsthand how the game can open doors, build relationships and create opportunities that many kids don't even know exist," James said in a statement. "This partnership with the PGA Tour gives my foundation a chance to introduce my I Promise students and more people to the game at a young age, support talented athletes chasing their dreams, and continue investing in the city of Akron that means everything to me."
#Event #family #akron
59 mins. ago
LeBron James and the PGA Tour have teamed up to announce the LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational, a two-day event at Firestone Country Club for underrepresented aspiring golfers.
The experience will connect students in the LeBron James Family Foundation's I PROMISE program with professional golfers who advanced through the PGA Tour's Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program.
The inaugural event is scheduled for July 6-7, 2027. Firestone Country Club recently hosted its final Kaulig Companies Championship, which is moving to Newport Beach, California. Firestone had a 72-year run of hosting a PGA Tour event, notably the Bridgestone Invitational that Tiger Woods dominated for much of the 2000s and 2010s.
"For many years, PGA Tour events at Firestone have been a staple of our community, benefitting our hometown and bringing people together," said Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. "With this event, we're excited to not only support more diverse golfers getting into the game, but to also expose our I PROMISE students and more youth in Akron to the world of possibilities that golf opens up."
James recently launched a YouTube channel as he brings people along his own golf journey. This new partnership is aimed at opening some doors to the game of golf that some might not have previously had to the same degree.
#james #firestone #golf
The experience will connect students in the LeBron James Family Foundation's I PROMISE program with professional golfers who advanced through the PGA Tour's Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program.
The inaugural event is scheduled for July 6-7, 2027. Firestone Country Club recently hosted its final Kaulig Companies Championship, which is moving to Newport Beach, California. Firestone had a 72-year run of hosting a PGA Tour event, notably the Bridgestone Invitational that Tiger Woods dominated for much of the 2000s and 2010s.
"For many years, PGA Tour events at Firestone have been a staple of our community, benefitting our hometown and bringing people together," said Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. "With this event, we're excited to not only support more diverse golfers getting into the game, but to also expose our I PROMISE students and more youth in Akron to the world of possibilities that golf opens up."
James recently launched a YouTube channel as he brings people along his own golf journey. This new partnership is aimed at opening some doors to the game of golf that some might not have previously had to the same degree.
#james #firestone #golf
1 month ago
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will return to St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2027 and share the billing with the NTT IndyCar Series' Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Green Savoree Racing Promotions announced on July 23.
The Trucks Series race will be run again on the temporary street circuit where it debuted on Feb. 28, 2026. It is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn street circuit that winds around Pioneer Park.
The 2027 Trucks Series race will be on March 6, one day before the IndyCar Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
CHANDLER SMITH WINS TRUCKS RACE: Who won NASCAR Truck Series North Wilkesboro race? Winner is Chandler Smith, plus full results
"The 2026 event was our best yet," Green Savoree co-owner and chairman/CEO Kim Green said in a release. "Spectator attendance was tremendous on all three days to witness history made with the NASCAR Trucks racing for the first time on a street circuit and IndyCar kicking off its season once again. We look forward to having both of these series back together on track for our fans to enjoy at the 23rd annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend."
#nascar #grand
The Trucks Series race will be run again on the temporary street circuit where it debuted on Feb. 28, 2026. It is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn street circuit that winds around Pioneer Park.
The 2027 Trucks Series race will be on March 6, one day before the IndyCar Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
CHANDLER SMITH WINS TRUCKS RACE: Who won NASCAR Truck Series North Wilkesboro race? Winner is Chandler Smith, plus full results
"The 2026 event was our best yet," Green Savoree co-owner and chairman/CEO Kim Green said in a release. "Spectator attendance was tremendous on all three days to witness history made with the NASCAR Trucks racing for the first time on a street circuit and IndyCar kicking off its season once again. We look forward to having both of these series back together on track for our fans to enjoy at the 23rd annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend."
#nascar #grand
2 months ago
AKRON, Ohio — Cameron Percy shot a 4-under 66 on Friday at rainy Firestone Country Club to take a one-stroke lead in the Kaulig Companies Championship, the fourth of the five major tournaments on the PGA Tour Champions.
Percy had a 7-under 133 total. The 52-year-old Australian is winless on the senior tour.
"You can't fake it around here. You've got to hit it solid," Percy said. "The par 3s are hard, everything's hard. You've got to hit it really good. You can't just slap it everywhere and shoot a 68."
First-round leader Jerry Kelly was tied for second with Zach Johnson. Kelly shot 69, and Johnson had his second straight 67.
"A few of these holes out here really make you think," Johnson said. "Seems like the harder the hole, the more difficulty I seem to execute even better. That was encouraging."
Percy had a 7-under 133 total. The 52-year-old Australian is winless on the senior tour.
"You can't fake it around here. You've got to hit it solid," Percy said. "The par 3s are hard, everything's hard. You've got to hit it really good. You can't just slap it everywhere and shoot a 68."
First-round leader Jerry Kelly was tied for second with Zach Johnson. Kelly shot 69, and Johnson had his second straight 67.
"A few of these holes out here really make you think," Johnson said. "Seems like the harder the hole, the more difficulty I seem to execute even better. That was encouraging."
2 months ago
AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Two-time champion Jerry Kelly shot a 5-under 65 on Thursday at Firestone Country Club to take the first-round lead in the Kaulig Companies Championship, a stroke ahead of Darren Clarke and Mike Weir.
The 59-year-old Kelly has 13 victories on the PGA Tour Champions, winning the major championship in 2020 and 2022 on the South Course.
“I love a tree-lined golf course. It’s what I grew up on up in Wisconsin at Maple Bluff Country Club,” Kelly said. “It gives me a visual, that’s why I’ve always been able to shape it both ways because I’ve had to shape it with the size of the trees that we have out there. So it’s very similar to home, just a lot longer.”
Clarke was six senior victories. He's 57.
“Anytime you shoot under par at Firestone is a pretty good day,” Clarke said. “I managed to shoot 4 today. Got to keep on swinging the way I am and hopefully give myself more chances.”
The 59-year-old Kelly has 13 victories on the PGA Tour Champions, winning the major championship in 2020 and 2022 on the South Course.
“I love a tree-lined golf course. It’s what I grew up on up in Wisconsin at Maple Bluff Country Club,” Kelly said. “It gives me a visual, that’s why I’ve always been able to shape it both ways because I’ve had to shape it with the size of the trees that we have out there. So it’s very similar to home, just a lot longer.”
Clarke was six senior victories. He's 57.
“Anytime you shoot under par at Firestone is a pretty good day,” Clarke said. “I managed to shoot 4 today. Got to keep on swinging the way I am and hopefully give myself more chances.”
2 months ago
A true farewell homecoming is underway for Summit County golfer Ryan Armour, as he played professionally for the first time at Firestone Country Club during the 2026 Kaulig Companies Championship.
This is the final year for the event at Firestone before it moves to California next season with a new sponsor.
"My heart is full, I'm very fortunate that they gave me a spot," Armour said after Round 1 on Thursday, July 9. "I'm excited to be here. I want to play."
The 50-year-old Armour, who now lives in Jupiter, Florida, has himself on the leaderboards. His first-round 2-under-68 puts him in a tie for ninth heading into Round 2. Jerry Kelly leads with a 65.
Armour is from Silver Lake and graduated from Walsh Jesuit High School and Ohio State. He grew up going to Firestone all the time as a kid.
This is the final year for the event at Firestone before it moves to California next season with a new sponsor.
"My heart is full, I'm very fortunate that they gave me a spot," Armour said after Round 1 on Thursday, July 9. "I'm excited to be here. I want to play."
The 50-year-old Armour, who now lives in Jupiter, Florida, has himself on the leaderboards. His first-round 2-under-68 puts him in a tie for ninth heading into Round 2. Jerry Kelly leads with a 65.
Armour is from Silver Lake and graduated from Walsh Jesuit High School and Ohio State. He grew up going to Firestone all the time as a kid.
2 months ago
Here's a look at the tee times for the opening round of the 2026 Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club on Thursday, July 9.
Golfers will be teeing off from both holes No. 1 and No. 10 on Firestone's South Course. Tee times will run from 9:20 a.m. until 11:26.
9:20 a.m. — Hole 1 — Rocco Mediate, Joe Durant, Lee Janzen
9:20 — Hole 10 — Michael Wright, Ken Tanigawa, Scott McCarron
9:30 — Hole 1 — Tom Pernice Jr., Brian Gay, Woody Austin
Golfers will be teeing off from both holes No. 1 and No. 10 on Firestone's South Course. Tee times will run from 9:20 a.m. until 11:26.
9:20 a.m. — Hole 1 — Rocco Mediate, Joe Durant, Lee Janzen
9:20 — Hole 10 — Michael Wright, Ken Tanigawa, Scott McCarron
9:30 — Hole 1 — Tom Pernice Jr., Brian Gay, Woody Austin
2 months ago
Two-time major golf champion John Daly arrived in Akron and paid a visit to the Diamond Grill ahead of his Ambassador Golf Award ceremony at House Three Thirty.
Diamond Grill shared a picture on their Facebook with Daly.
This week is the last Kaulig Companies Championship Tournament at Firestone Country Club. Several golfers are in town for the PGA Tour Champions event.
Daly is being recognized as the 2026 recipient of the Ambassador of Golf Award presented by Northern Ohio Golf Charities & Foundation July 9.
"I've always loved this game and what it’s given me,” Daly said about the award earlier this week. “Golf has taken me places I never imagined and introduced me to incredible people along the way. To be recognized with the Ambassador of Golf Award is truly an honor, and I’m proud to support the meaningful work being done here in Northeast Ohio."
Diamond Grill shared a picture on their Facebook with Daly.
This week is the last Kaulig Companies Championship Tournament at Firestone Country Club. Several golfers are in town for the PGA Tour Champions event.
Daly is being recognized as the 2026 recipient of the Ambassador of Golf Award presented by Northern Ohio Golf Charities & Foundation July 9.
"I've always loved this game and what it’s given me,” Daly said about the award earlier this week. “Golf has taken me places I never imagined and introduced me to incredible people along the way. To be recognized with the Ambassador of Golf Award is truly an honor, and I’m proud to support the meaningful work being done here in Northeast Ohio."
2 months ago
I never thought the day would come when Akron, Ohio, would be dumped from pro golf’s annual tournament calendar after 72 years of legendary moments at Firestone Country Club.
But I also never thought a cheating scandal could happen at the Soap Box Derby, or that gambling on sports would be legalized in Ohio in 2023, or that high school athletes could be paid through endorsements.
Akron's future in pro golf seemed secure. Longevity was on our side.
More: Kaulig Companies Championship returns for one last party at Firestone
The first tournament came in 1953 to Breathnach Country Club in Cuyahoga Falls and then moved to Firestone Country Club the next year.
But I also never thought a cheating scandal could happen at the Soap Box Derby, or that gambling on sports would be legalized in Ohio in 2023, or that high school athletes could be paid through endorsements.
Akron's future in pro golf seemed secure. Longevity was on our side.
More: Kaulig Companies Championship returns for one last party at Firestone
The first tournament came in 1953 to Breathnach Country Club in Cuyahoga Falls and then moved to Firestone Country Club the next year.
2 months ago
Ohio has long been a powerhouse for championship golf, and Golfweek's latest annual "Best Courses You Can Play List" highlights exactly why.
Showcasing a premier mix of historic designs and sprawling, scenic layouts like Nashport's Virtues Golf Course and the legendary public-access tracks at Akron's Firestone, the new rankings serve as the ultimate summer checklist for the Buckeye State golfers looking to test their games on the state's highest-caliber public turf.
To help create your ultimate Ohio golfing checklist, Golfweek released its 2026 rankings of Best Courses You can Play list. The courses list, which includes all 50 states, featuring 10 from Ohio.
Famed daily-fee tracks like Fowler's Mill (Pete Dye design in Chesterland) and Manakiki (classic Donald Ross layout in Willoughby Hills) always feature prominently. While, modern staples like Eaglesticks (Zanesville), The Quarry (East Canton), and Stonelick Hills (Batavia) give golfers high-end options across every corner of the state.
Golfweek’s lists featured hundreds of members of a course-ratings panel, evaluating 10 criteria points for each course.
Showcasing a premier mix of historic designs and sprawling, scenic layouts like Nashport's Virtues Golf Course and the legendary public-access tracks at Akron's Firestone, the new rankings serve as the ultimate summer checklist for the Buckeye State golfers looking to test their games on the state's highest-caliber public turf.
To help create your ultimate Ohio golfing checklist, Golfweek released its 2026 rankings of Best Courses You can Play list. The courses list, which includes all 50 states, featuring 10 from Ohio.
Famed daily-fee tracks like Fowler's Mill (Pete Dye design in Chesterland) and Manakiki (classic Donald Ross layout in Willoughby Hills) always feature prominently. While, modern staples like Eaglesticks (Zanesville), The Quarry (East Canton), and Stonelick Hills (Batavia) give golfers high-end options across every corner of the state.
Golfweek’s lists featured hundreds of members of a course-ratings panel, evaluating 10 criteria points for each course.
2 months ago
ELKHART LAKE – The NTT IndyCar Series is returning to Road America for the XPEL Grand Prix presented by AMR, a four-day event set to begin June 18.
The event is expected to feature a deep field of drivers, including defending Road America winner Alex Palou, Pato O’Ward, Will Power, Josef Newgarden, Scott Dixon, Kyle Kirkwood and newly crowned Indianapolis 500 champion Felix Rosenqvist, according to a community announcement.
The main race is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday and will be broadcast live on FOX, according to the announcement. Practice and qualifying sessions will be available on FS1, FS2 and FOX One, with radio coverage on SiriusXM channel 218 and the INDYCAR App.
Road America is a 4-mile, 14-turn circuit known for its long straightaways, fast corners, elevation changes and natural viewing areas. The track is widely recognized as one of the most respected road courses globally and is considered one of the most demanding stops on the IndyCar schedule.
Beyond the main event, the weekend will feature several other races, including Indy NXT by Firestone, USF Pro 2000, USF2000, Radical Cup North America and Vintage Indy. Indy NXT will have two races, with the first scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Saturday on FS1, and the second at 11 a.m. Sunday, also on FS1.
The event is expected to feature a deep field of drivers, including defending Road America winner Alex Palou, Pato O’Ward, Will Power, Josef Newgarden, Scott Dixon, Kyle Kirkwood and newly crowned Indianapolis 500 champion Felix Rosenqvist, according to a community announcement.
The main race is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday and will be broadcast live on FOX, according to the announcement. Practice and qualifying sessions will be available on FS1, FS2 and FOX One, with radio coverage on SiriusXM channel 218 and the INDYCAR App.
Road America is a 4-mile, 14-turn circuit known for its long straightaways, fast corners, elevation changes and natural viewing areas. The track is widely recognized as one of the most respected road courses globally and is considered one of the most demanding stops on the IndyCar schedule.
Beyond the main event, the weekend will feature several other races, including Indy NXT by Firestone, USF Pro 2000, USF2000, Radical Cup North America and Vintage Indy. Indy NXT will have two races, with the first scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Saturday on FS1, and the second at 11 a.m. Sunday, also on FS1.
3 months ago
A local high school softball team has won its second straight state championship.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The Kenton Ridge Cougars defeated Licking Valley High School, 7-6, at Firestone Stadium in Akron on Sunday.
The Lady Cougars fell behind 6-0 but scored seven straight runs to win the Division IV Softball championship game.
TRENDING STORIES:
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The Kenton Ridge Cougars defeated Licking Valley High School, 7-6, at Firestone Stadium in Akron on Sunday.
The Lady Cougars fell behind 6-0 but scored seven straight runs to win the Division IV Softball championship game.
TRENDING STORIES:
