Entrepreneur and philanthropist Matt Kaulig aims to end the four-year run of the Kaulig Companies Championship in Akron with one last hurrah.
The PGA Tour-linked event will include a celebration of golfer John Daly as this year’s Ambassador of Golf, a concert by multiplatinum country artist Bailey Zimmerman at the Infinity Zone custom-built concert venue at Firestone Country Club and a continuation of the $8 million in charitable giving tied to the championship.
“It’s a really big deal,” Kaulig said of “putting a cap” on more than 70 years of championship tournament golf at Firestone.
Kaulig looking ahead to area event, philanthropy opportunities
The four-day championship activities scheduled for July 9-12, which will be prefaced by a July 8 pro-am event, marks what Kaulig said he’s hesitant to call the “ending” of PGA Tour golf at Firestone.
“We’re not sure what’s going to happen,” he said, following the PGA Tour’s announcement this week that its Senior Players Championship will move to Newport Beach, California, in 2027.
“We don’t want to see it go away,” Kaulig said. “I think it’s a big deal for Akron. It’s gotten bigger and more popular than ever over the last three years.”
Kaulig said the PGA Tour announcement was “100% the PGA just really moving the tournament,” as opposed to Kaulig Companies pulling its title sponsorship.
He said the PGA is undergoing restructuring, shutting down events and moving others, and is “going in a different direction.”
Kaulig said he’s been talking with the PGA and other stakeholders about bringing other events to the community.
“Maybe we have our own golf tournament,” he said. “… And we’ve talked about that. I don’t know what that means. I don’t know if it’s a celebrity tournament or an event.”
Addressing the charitable giving tied to the Kaulig Companies Championship, he said, “We don’t like seeing that go away. So, there’s definitely going to be a big void in the amount of money that’s given back to the community.”
In the meantime, he said he’s encouraging people to attend the Kaulig Companies Championship this July.
“There’s food trucks, there’s food, there’s entertainment, there’s things for kids to do,” Kaulig said. “It’s really an awesome event.”
Kaulig launched home improvement business, now in sports, philanthropy
Kaulig began LeafFilter out of his former home in Stow in 2005 and has since grown it into a company with 200 offices in the U.S. and Canada. He’s projecting $2.5 billion in LeafFilter sales in 2026.
Hudson-based Kaulig Companies‘ work includes, among other initiatives, real estate development and investment and philanthropy through Kaulig Giving, said Kaulig, who is owner and executive chairman.
Kaulig said he’s either a direct owner or controlling owner in about 50 businesses throughout the United States. He’s also the owner of the Kaulig Racing NASCAR team and a minority owner of the Cleveland Guardians.
Akron city leaders address departure of PGA Tour from Firestone
Akron Economic Development Director Suzie Graham Moore said city officials are excited about Kaulig’s “tremendous support” for the 2026 championship.
She called Firestone a “treasure in our community” and “a beloved course for professional players and amateur players alike.”
“The city is looking forward to working collaboratively with Firestone Country Club, as well as our community, to determine … how best to position that asset for continuing to host quality events that attract national attention to the city,” Moore said.
With less money flowing into the economy during what will no longer be championship week next year, Moore said city officials plan to continue supporting other existing events as well as “pursuing new opportunities for bringing events and attention to Akron.”
“Those types of efforts certainly take a collaborative effort across numerous organizations, including the great team at the (Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau), as well as corporate partners and our residential community, as well, who oftentimes shows up as volunteers, as supporters and as audience,” Moore said.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said in an email, “For generations, Firestone Country Club has been part of Akron’s identity, welcoming some of the biggest names in golf while showcasing our city to the world through the PGA Tour. While this chapter is coming to a close, Akron remains proud of our deep golf legacy, grateful to everyone who made this event special, and excited to support the next chapter of charitable and community-driven work ahead.”
Malik said city officials have had conversations with Kaulig Companies “about their ongoing commitment to Firestone Country Club and Akron” and are “really excited” about Kaulig’s announcement of the July 10 Zimmerman concert.
“We look forward to working with Mr. Kaulig and his team to continue bringing amazing experiences to our community for years to come at Firestone Country Club,” Malik said.
Patrick Williams covers growth and development for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at pwilliams@usatodayco.com or on X @pwilliamsOH. Sign up for the Beacon Journal’s business and consumer newsletter, “What’s The Deal?“
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Matt Kaulig wants golf event’s bow at Firestone to be special for Akron
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