AKRON, Ohio (Aug. 2, 2007) –This week the top professional golfers from around the world will converge on Ohio to tee it up at the second annual World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at historic Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.

The Bridgestone brand will once again serve as the title sponsor for this prestigious PGA TOUR event. Bridgestone is in its second year of a five-year agreement with the World Golf Championships series, which includes an umbrella sponsorship of the international series and title sponsorship of the Bridgestone Invitational. The sponsorship will conclude in 2010.

“We are extremely proud to be in Akron for the Invitational. This is where it all began for us more than a century ago and to be able to continue our legacy of excellence through the Bridgestone Invitational at the Firestone Country Club is truly special,” said Mark A. Emkes, Chairman and CEO, Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. and Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC. “Not many companies can celebrate their heritage and look to the future in this manner. Add to the fact that we are able to display our two strong brands together on the world stage and you really do have a special event. Our thanks go to the International Federation of PGA Tours and the City of Akron who continue to make this a world-class event, one that we are proud to be a part of.”

Bridgestone Corporation is the world’s largest manufacturer of tires and other rubber products. The company also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products, and sporting goods. Bridgestone first began making golf balls in 1935 and has a long and distinguished history in the sport. After becoming the leading golf equipment supplier to the Japanese market, Bridgestone entered the U.S. market in 1983, marketing its products under the Precept brand. In December 2005, the flagship Bridgestone Golf brand was introduced in the U.S. market. Bridgestone Golf now boasts a TOUR-level full line of products, including balls, clubs and accessories.

“We are very pleased that Bridgestone is once again hosting this PGA TOUR event. This partnership continues to benefit the Bridgestone tire and golf brands, this community and the PGA TOUR,” said Don Padgett, Executive Director, Bridgestone Invitational.

“Showcasing our top-of-the-line products and world-class professional players allows us to build name recognition. Coupling that with Bridgestone’s passion for excellence through tires and rubber products competitively positions us in our respective markets. This tournament, much like those in the past, promises to be full of excitement and to offer both the gallery and viewers at home many thrilling moments throughout the week. We wish all of the competitors in the field well but, of course, we will be rooting hardest for Stuart Appleby, the marquee Bridgestone Golf Tour Team member in the field,” said Dan Murphy, Senior Director of Marketing, Bridgestone Golf.

Since 1984, the PGA TOUR event at Firestone Country Club has donated more than $17 million to local charities in the Akron area. The Bridgestone Invitational is continuing this tradition of giving and providing meaningful support to local charities through the Northeast Ohio Golf Charities.

The Bridgestone Invitational became a part of the World Golf Championships in 1999. The World Golf Championships feature elite players in a variety of competitive formats at venues around the world. Since the series’ debut in 1999, World Golf Championships have been held in eight countries.

The Bridgestone group of companies partnering to sponsor the Bridgestone Invitational are:
Bridgestone Corporation, Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., Bridgestone Golf, Inc. and Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc.