CULTURE OF COMPETITION, CHARITY AND CONCERTS
Now in its third year, Kaulig Companies is putting on an event where you can watch some of the best golfers tee-off and turn around to enjoy an evening of fun, food and festivities, where all proceeds go back to local charities.
FOR 72 YEARS, Firestone Country Club in Akron has set the stage for some of the greatest golfers in history — and it’s happening again June 18-22 at the Kaulig Companies Championship.
But it’s not just about the golf.
“It’s more than a tournament,” says Matt Kaulig, the executive chairman of Kaulig Companies, which became the title sponsor of the event in 2023. “It’s a celebration of community and philanthropy that’s raised over $33 million for charitable organizations.”
The five-day event is part of the PGA Champions Tour, which brings together golf legends to compete at four major tournaments each year. “You get all the big names that everybody grew up with,” Kaulig says. “It’s a very good time, whether you are a fan of golf or not.”
Kaulig, who has earned a reputation as a hands-on philanthropist in the last decade, knew he wanted more than to write checks and see his name on banners. His goal was to transform the event into a fundraising powerhouse and all-around good time. So instead of outsourcing all of the planning or relegating it to a committee, he worked handin-hand with Kaulig Companies CEO and President Tim Clepper to rebuild the event.
“When we took the tournament over, it was corporate, it was stale. There was no energy,” Clepper says. “It’s a whole different ball game now. We do care. We’ve invested an awful lot of time and money in this. We want this to be a celebration of our Northeast Ohio communities.”
That was obvious to anyone who attended the event last year, according to Jeff O’Brien, the executive director of First Tee Akron, one of the charities benefiting from the event.
“The vibe at the tournament is so different now that Kaulig is involved,” O’Brien says. “It’s the place to be seen and it’s also raising millions for local charities, which is what we need right now.”
One ticket to the Kaulig Companies Championship offers two experiences. Not only do ticketholders have an opportunity to watch legendary PGA TOUR Champions take on Firestone’s storied South Course, but they also receive complementary access to the Kaulig Infinity Zone — the epicenter of off-course fun. The Kaulig Infinity Zone, located at the main spectator entrance and exit, elevates fan experience to new heights
with interactive activities, bar and lounge areas, food trucks and celebrity appearances. Once play ends for the day, the Kaulig Infinity Zone transforms into a full-fledged music festival with live performances.
The tournament kicks off on June 18 with the Official Championship Pro-Am, which pairs four amateur golfers with a pro on Firestone’s par 70, 7,400-yard South Course.
“There are people coming from all over the country to play in this,” Clepper says. “You’ve got tournament champions from all over the world, and people want a chance to play with these guys and spend some time with them.”
Tim Clepper – President and CEO, Kaulig Companies (left), Matt Kaulig – Executive Chairman, Kaulig Companies (right) congratulate 2024 tournament champion Ernie Els following his victory.
Since 2023 the Kaulig Companies Championship has raised over $2.6 million for Northeast Ohio charities setting a record for golf events held at Firestone Country Club.
Another big draw this year is MultiPlatinum, three-time GRAMMY Awardwinning artist Darius Rucker as the 2025 recipient of the Ambassador of Golf Award.
“Throughout his decorated career, Rucker has been passionate about supporting the game of golf and has made significant contributions to the sport,” Kaulig says. “He is a music industry icon who simply loves golf and has used that passion to promote the game, impact lives and inspire others to do the same.”
Once expenses have been paid, all of the remaining proceeds will go to Northeast Ohio
charities, notes Stacey Langal, the vice president of philanthropy at Kaulig Companies.
“The more money the tournament raises the more dollars are going back into Northeast Ohio,” she says. “It’s a tremendous community impact piece.”
Last year, the event raised just over $1.3 million for Northeast Ohio charities, setting a record for golf events held at Firestone Country Club. The goal this year is to hit $2 million to disperse to 25 local charities.
“We intend to use this tournament as a platform to significantly change thousands of lives here in our community,” Clepper says.
That belief is shared by Kaulig who, in addition to sponsoring the tournament, has supported more than 300 local charities geared toward supporting the well-being of children and families.
“It was an easy decision for our team to sign on as the title sponsor,” Kaulig says. “We want everyone to join us June 18-22 at the Kaulig Companies Championship to help us continue the legacy of giving back to make an even bigger impact in Northeast Ohio.”
For more information and tickets, visit kauliggolf.com
Thursday 6/19
Dance the Night Away
Celebrating Women
Friday 6/20 A Night in Nashville
Folds of Honor
Celebrating Veterans & First Responders
Saturday 6/21
Rockin on the Green
Celebrating Akron’s Bicentennial