The world’s best players are back in Akron, Ohio, for the year’s third World Golf Championship event. Firestone Country Club is hosting the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational for the final time before the tournament heads to Memphis and with the world’s top 50 players in the field, there’s plenty to be excited for.
Spain’sRafa Cabrera Bellowill hit the first shot of the tournament from the first hole at 9.20am on Thursday as he plays solo, due to a odd-numbered field and the two-man tee times. The 34 year old has finished in the top five in two of the last three WGC events and will hope to be the early pace-setter on Thursday.
England’sMatt Fitzpatrickwill partnerJordan Spiethover the first two rounds. Both players have endured up-and-down seasons so far, with neither playing picking up a win so far in 2018. Both would dearly like to add a World Golf Championship to their resume as they get underway at 10.00am on the first tee Thursday.
Defending championHideki Matsuyamawill hope to rekindle some of the form he showed here last year, carding 24 birdies for the week and a final round 61 to take the title by five shots. The Japanese superstar has been paired withRory McIlroyfor the opening rounds, starting on the 10th tee Thursday at 10.10am.
McIlroy has also enjoyed a lot of success at Firestone, winning in 2014 and finishing in the top ten in five of his last six appearances here. A win for the Northern Irishman would see him become the first European player to win three or more WGC events.
Tiger Woodsmakes his first WGC start in four years and returns to a course he has had a lot of success on. The 14-time Major champion has won eight times at Firestone Country Club, more than any other course in his career, and will look to make it nine wins here when he tees off alongsideJason Dayon Thursday at 10.20am on Thursday.
Day himself has won two WGC titles in his career, taking home the WGC-Dell Match Play trophy in 2014 and 2016. He has twice finished in the top five at Firestone and will be looking for his third win of year this week in Akron.
Haotong Liis one of 17 players making their WGC-Bridgestone Invitational debut this week. China’s number one player will joinRickie Fowleron the first tee at 1.10pm Thursday.
Justin Rose and Henrik Stensonhave a lot of history together. The 2016 Olympic Gold and Silver Medal winners get their campaigns underway at 1.50pm on the first tee. Both have a lot to play for this week, especially for the Englishman. A win for Rose could see him overtake Dustin Johnson and become the number one player in the world by Monday morning.
Talking of the World Number One,Dustin Johnsonhas been paired with the Champion Golfer of the Year, Open ChampionFrancesco Molinari. Two of the most in-form players in the game right now will look to continue their good play at Firestone, starting at 2.10pm on the first tee Thursday.
