Nine Reasons Why Firestone Country Club Should Be On Your Bucketlist

Firestone Country Club is considered one of the most revered sites in professional golf and has welcomed the best the game has to offer for decades. The South Course dates back to 1929 when it was designed by Bert Way and then totally redesigned by Rober Trent Jones Sr. in 1960. The South Course is considered one of the most fabled layouts on any professional circuit and is especially well-liked by two of the game's greatest players: Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. The 667-yard par-5 16th hole has received considerable notoriety and has been dubbed "The Monster" by Arnold Palmer after a triple bogey during the 1960 PGA Championship. The North Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. features a number of lakes and streams and showcases Firestone's natural beauty. The North Course has played host to both the American Golf Classic and the World Series of Golf. The Fazio Course is a links-style course that opened for play in 2002 and plays host each year to the Ohio Senior Open. Recently, Fazio Golf Design removed and updated many of the bunkers throughout the golf course.

In addition to three outstanding golf courses, this world-class facility also features a heated driving range and a well-manicured short course suitable for all golfers, the Raymond C. Firestone Public 9.

Firestone has always been a private country club and many golfers placed it high on their Golf Course Bucket list - right behind Augusta, Pebble Beach and The Old Course at St. Andrews. Now golfers from all over the world have access to Firestone Country Club through one of their impressive Stay and Play packages including the ever-popular three-night, three round Monster Experience.

Firestone is an unique and magical golf destination, and it is a must play for every bucket list golfer. The nine reasons it should be on your list can be best explained with the acronym F.I.R.E.S.T.O.N.E.

(F) - FAIRWAYS and all of the playing surfaces for that matter; couldn't be any more pristine. That includes all 3 award-winning courses and the 9-hole course that is open to the public. The North Course is the hilliest of the 3, with majestic views of the resort. The West Couse was renamed the Fazio Course after a redesign by the world-renowned architect and offers many golfers a welcome change from the tougher North and South Courses. There's also a 9-hole course that plays a little over 3,000 yards and is open to the public. Need to settle a bet after your round? Head over to the new putting course.

"If you want to play the same course as the best players in the world, you visit during the summer," says Jay Walkinshaw, General Manager at Firestone. "There's no better time to test your game on one of the most legendary layouts in North America and its two equally fun and challenging counterparts. All golfers will enjoy our packages and everything Firestone has to offer."

(I) - ICONIC HISTORY and the incredible players - past and present - that have graced the hallowed halls of Firestone Country Club. Names like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Sneed, Rory McIlroy, Ricky Fowler and Tiger Woods. Professional tournaments have been held at the club for more than 65 consecutive years including Tiger Woods' incredible "Shot in the Dark" at the 2000 World Golf Championship-NEC Invitational.

(R) - RESTAURANTS that are second to none. The La Vetta Italian Chophouse opened this past summer and although it's only open for dinner, it's well worth the visit. They specialize in Italian dishes and well as traditional steakhouse favorites. The 1929 Grille offers all 3 daily meals as well as indoor and outdoor pavilion seating. The 55th Hole is a casual bar with the best views of the entire resort and Late Night at the Pavilion is the perfect venue before turning in for the night. DO NOT leave without trying Firestone's crunchy cream pie!

(E) - EVENTS for groups of 4 to 300. With three meeting venues available - Clubhouse, Lodge & Media Center - Firestone's Event Directors can curate your next meeting, retreat or social event with custom packages designed for team building and entertainment. You'll also work with their Executive Chef and Culinary Team to create the perfect menu and certified PGA Certified Tournament Coordinators will assist with all of your golf needs. Although Firestone is a private country club, the public can access it through golf packages and events.

(S) - SERVICE from a knowledgeable and courteous staff that gets to know you during your visit. Don't be surprised when, on your second visit to the bar, the bartender not only knows your name but what your drinking! There's also a flag on the clubhouse that is visible from every course and flies when the bar (The 55th Hole) is open for business!

(T) - TAILORMADE MEMBERSHIPS for corporations and individuals with optional membership categories based on your desired level of access and club privileges. Certain membership categories allow you to host both accompanied and unaccompanied guests.

(O) - OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS that will rival a 5-star hotel. Especially if you're into golf! Firestone offers a variety of accommodations including their Nostalgic Firestone Locker Room Experience. These 29 dormitory-style rooms flank the locker Room. The more popular Villa Rooms have been strategically positioned on all three golf courses including the 18th green on the North Course. The villas feature shared common rooms perfect for your buddies trip equipped with poker tables, big screen televisions, leather couches and poker tables. Your Firestone Stay & Play Package can be customized based on your number of nights and desired number of rounds.

(N) - NEARBY ATTRACTIONS for those times you're not on the golf course include the Pro Football and Rock and Roll Hall of Fames, as well as major league sports teams including the Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Indians), Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Cleveland Browns.

(E) - EXPERIENCES and memories, you'll leave Firestone with both. All visits to the property are customed designed, with curated meals and events that create the ultimate "Buddy" trips. Firestone's Concierge Department is available to co-ordinate all on-site and off-site activities. They will go above and beyond and entertain just about every reasonable request. One example, is the "Shot in the Dark" recreation. Yes that is right. If your group wants to relive Tiger Wood's epic shot at dusk to win the 2000 NEC Invitational - just ask. Be prepared to hit a 8 iron 168 yards to a back pin in the dark. Winner gets serious bragging rights.

Firestone Country Club is located in Akron, OH and is less than an hour drive from Cleveland and under four hours from a number of metropolitan areas such as Pittsburgh, Columbus, Detroit and Cincinnati.

Stay and Play Packages

Firestone offers a variety of ways for you to experience one of Ohio's top golf courses. Choose from their popular three-night, three round Monster Experience or one of their other options below. Don't see a package that firts your schedule, contact them to customize a package for you.

The 'Monster' Experience - Stay and Play Package
* Luxurious overnight accommodations for a 2 night, 3 day stay in a Premium Villa King Room in one of our golf course front villa homes.
* A total of three rounds during your stay. One on The Fazio Course, one on The North Course and one on the famous South Course.
* Mandatory GPS enabled cart and forecaddie for each round.
* Starting at: $1,900 per person

The South "Bucket List" Experience - Stay and Play Package
* Luxurious overnight accommodations for a 1 night, 2 day stay in a Deluxe Villa King Room in one of our golf course front villa homes.
* 1 round per day, both on the South Course.
* Mandatory GPS enabled cart and forecaddie for each round.
* Starting at $1,220 per person

The Legacy Experience - Stay and Play Package
* 2-night, 3 day overnight accommodations in our nostalgic, men's only premium Club room.
* A total of three rounds during your stay. One on The Fazio Course, one on the North Course and one on the famous South Course.
* Mandatory GPS enabled cart and forecaddie for each round.
* Starting at $1,700 per person

The Traditional Experience - Stay and Play Package
* 1 night, 2 day overnight accommodations in our nostalgic, men's only standard Club room.
* A total of two rounds during your stay. One on the South Course and one on the North Course.
* Mandatory GPS enabled cart and forecaddie for each round.
* Starting at $1,000 per person

Customize Your Experience
Firestone offers a variety of ways for you to experience a pure golf adventure. Tailor your experience to play as many rounds and stay as many nights as you like with amenities that fit your appetite. Their Club Concierge Team understands that the tastes and preferences of their guests are unique and their team welcomes the opportunity to tailor your golf trip to fit those preferences. Please call their team at 330-644-8441.