(AKRON, Ohio) – Firestone Country Club, renowned as one of North America’s most historic venues for championship golf, announces the re-opening of its Fazio Course following a bunker enhancement project.
Spearheaded by Fazio Golf Design, the project began in October and included the removal of 30 bunkers and renovating the remaining 41. Several bunkers were reshaped, and the Better Billy Bunker system was employed in all to promote optimal drainage and reduce washouts during inclement weather.
Installed at the most prestigious golf courses, the Better Billy Bunker Method includes: removal of the existing sand and liners in each bunker to subgrade; installation of a two-inch gravel layer placed over the subgrade; spraying the layer with a polymer to bind the gravel together; and creation of an extremely durable liner that swiftly drains and minimizes washouts during heavy rains.
The Fazio Course’s revamped bunkers were filled with Best Signature 720, a spectacular white sand that adheres to steep bunker faces and promotes more favorable lies. The sand also is versatile enough to maintain firmness desired during championship events or everyday rounds.
Formerly the West Course, the links-style Fazio Course boasts striking views of the club and surrounding landscape. Redesigned by Tom Fazio in 2001, the Fazio Course is built around the perimeter of Firestone’s famed South Course, and is the home of the Ohio Senior Open. It also hosted a Senior British Open qualifier for the 2021 event.
“Firestone is committed to maintaining its top-rated golf courses and facilities,” says General Manager Jay Walkinshaw. “The bunker upgrade not only will strengthen the playability of the Fazio Course, but also enhance its beautiful landscape.”
Considered one of the most revered sites in professional golf – and now open to non-members through stay-and-play experiences – Firestone has welcomed the game’s biggest stars for decades. Its flagship layout, the South Course, has hosted three PGA Championships, numerous World Golf Championships (including eight victories by Tiger Woods) and is the current site of the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship. Not to be outdone, its North Course is a venerable Robert Trent Jones design that has also hosted professional tournaments and ranked among the best in the Buckeye State.
Through Sept. 6, Firestone’s exclusive stay-and-play packages include overnight accommodations in the club’s standard club rooms and rounds of golf. There are 1 Day | 1 Night experiences including golf on the North Course, 2 Days | 1 Night itineraries including a round of golf on the South and North Courses and 2 Days | 2 Nights packages including golf on both courses. Rates for each package will be based on room type, courses, nights and rounds.
Golf and lodging upgrades to the guest villas are available with each package at booking, and additional rounds of golf may be included at a fee. Course replays can be added based on availability, and season demand could reflect an increased rate. Other restrictions may apply, and rates do not include service charges, tax or tips.
To book these limited golf packages or for more information, please visit clubcorp.com/Clubs/Firestone-
Firestone is conveniently located less than an hour from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and 15 minutes from Akron-Canton Airport. It is also within easy driving distance of other major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Detroit. Nearby off-course attractions include the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton and the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
For more information, www.firestonecountryclub.com.
About Firestone Country Club
Considered one of the most revered sites in professional golf – and now open to non-members through stay-and-play experiences – Firestone Country Club has welcomed legends of the game for decades. Its flagship layout, the South Course, was originally designed by Bert Way in 1929 and considerably revamped by Robert Trent Jones in 1960. The South has hosted numerous PGA Championships, World Golf Championships and is the current site of the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship. The club’s other two championship-level courses are the venerable North Course, a Robert Trent Jones design and past site of professional tournaments, and the Fazio Course, a links-style Tom Fazio design that hosts the Ohio Senior Open each year. The world-class facility also boasts a heated driving range and the Raymond C. Firestone Public 9, a well-manicured short course suitable for all golfers.
Guests of Firestone can stay in onsite villas, featuring 57 well-appointed rooms offering spectacular views of the golf courses, or in the 30 dormitory-style rooms inside the clubhouse. Dining options include the 1929 Grille & Legacy Pavilion and casual 55th Hole Bar.
Situated in northeast Ohio, Firestone Country Club is less than an hour’s drive from Cleveland and under four hours from major metropolitan areas such as Pittsburgh, Columbus, Detroit and Cincinnati. Nearby attractions include the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and collegiate and professional sports venues. Firestone will also be the future site of BigShots Golf, a tech-driven entertainment and culinary experience for the entire family.
