NBA star LeBron James and the PGA Tour are partnering to bring a golf event back to his hometown of Akron, Ohio, starting in 2027, his foundation announced Tuesday. The LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational, which will be played July 6-7 at the South Course at Firestone Country Club, will feature amateurs and pros from the tour's Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program. The Pro-Bound Five program creates pathways for the top five players in the final Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Collegiate Ranking each season to gain membership on the APGA Tour.

"Golf has become a passion of mine, and I've seen firsthand how the game can open doors, build relationships and create opportunities that many kids don't even know exist," James said in a statement. "This partnership with the PGA Tour gives my foundation a chance to introduce my I Promise students and more people to the game at a young age, support talented athletes chasing their dreams, and continue investing in the city of Akron that means everything to me."

The two-day event will include off-course mentorship programs connecting students in the LeBron James Family Foundation's I Promise program with pro golfers who have advanced through the Pro-Bound Five program. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said the partnership honors Firestone's history while shaping golf's future.

James, who signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in July, launched a YouTube channel devoted to golf this month. His goal is to open doors for inner-city kids to play golf. Firestone Country Club has hosted professional golf since 1954, including Tiger Woods' eight World Series of Golf wins from 1999 to 2013.