ON THE ROAD- #Bridgestone to Sponsor GUI’s Golf Orders of Merit

Bridgestone, the world’s largest tyre manufacturer*, has been announced as the new title sponsor for the men’s and boys’ international Orders of Merit by the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI).

The Bridgestone Order of Merit and the Bridgestone Boys International Order of Merit recognise the highest performers in Irish golf across the season.

There is extra significance attached to the Bridgestone Order of Merit with the top two players guaranteed a place in the Ireland team for the Men’s Home Internationals.

Bridgestone has a long association with golf internationally including the Bridgestone Invitational in the US and through its golf equipment company, Bridgestone Golf. More recently in Ireland and the UK, Bridgestone Tyres has sponsored events on the European Challenge Tour including The Northern Ireland Open, The Bridgestone Challenge (UK) and has also been an official partner of the European Tour’s British Masters.

“Having Bridgestone come in and work with us to enhance the profile of the merit awards is tremendous,” said Alan Kelly, GUI Communications Manager. “The players competing for the Bridgestone Order of Merit will face stern challenges, whether it’s braving the elements on the course or juggling the demands of study, work and family life off the course. If it’s hard to reach the top, it’s even harder to stay there. The Order of Merit is the ultimate test, pushing players to perform at a consistently high level throughout the season.”

The Bridgestone Order of Merit comprises eight events starting with the West of Ireland Championship over Easter and also includes the Flogas Irish Amateur Open, AIG Irish Close, East of Ireland, South of Ireland, North of Ireland, Munster Stroke Play and Connacht Stroke Play. When it comes to storylines, the Irish championships never disappoint.

“Bridgestone is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Golfing Union of Ireland, The Bridgestone Order of Merit and The Bridgestone Boys International Order of Merit.  As Ireland is arguably one of the most successful golfing nations on the planet, it is logical for Bridgestone, a significant supporter of international golf, to become involved in sponsoring golf in this country. We hope our support for emerging golf talent can play some role in helping Ireland to remain centre stage in international golf in the future,” said Colm Conyngham, Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Bridgestone Tyres in Ireland. “We believe our technologically advanced range of tyres will be attractive to both golf players and fans; we hope to increase our customer base in the golfing community going forward,” he added.

The full list of boys events is: Ireland Boys v Wales, Ireland Boys v France, Peter McEvoy Trophy, Fairhaven Trophy, Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters, Boys Home Internationals, The Boys Amateur Championship, European Boys Team Championship and the Jacques Leglise Trophy.

About Bridgestone:

Bridgestone Ireland is based in Balbriggan in Co. Dublin and distribute a full range of Bridgestone car, van, motorcycle and commercial vehicle tyres. It is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Europe. Bridgestone Europe with headquarters in Belgium, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo-based Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tyre and rubber company. Bridgestone Europe operates in more than 60 countries and has over 18,200 employees. Across the region it has 14 tyre and tyre-related plants, a major R&D centre and a proving ground. Bridgestone Europe’s premium tyres are sold globally.

For more information about Bridgestone, please visit www.bridgestone.ie, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

*Based on 2016 tyre sales. Source: Tire Business 2017 – Global Tire Company Rankings