The Waste Management Phoenix Open, often called “The Greatest Show on Grass,” is an annual golf tournament at the Tournament Players Club “TPC” Scottsdale in early February. It is among the most eagerly anticipated events on the golfing calendar, attracting more than 700,000 spectators worldwide annually.
This sporting extravaganza is a notable contributor to the Arizona economy. According to an economic impact study conducted by Arizona State University in 2022, this event generated more than $450 million for the state’s economy, an impressive feat by any standards. The same study also revealed that the hosts of the WM Phoenix Open, “The Thunderbirds,” added $280 million to the state’s Gross Domestic Product and created an annual employment impact of 4,290 jobs.
Beyond its economic benefits, the Open has raised over $165 million for charities throughout its 85-year history. These charitable inclinations have made it a much-loved and respected event among the local community and beyond. What’s more, the WM Phoenix Open has also received numerous accolades and awards. It has won the PGA Tour’s “Best Title Sponsor Integration Award” for three consecutive years because it is a zero-waste event, meaning that 100% of the tournament’s waste is kept from landfills. This remarkable accomplishment has been achieved through innovative recycling and composting methods, ensuring that no single piece of trash went from the tournament to a landfill in the last three years.
All in all, the Waste Management Phoenix Open is a memorable event. It combines sporting excellence, economic benefits, and philanthropic endeavors. It is a true testament to what can be achieved when a community collaborates to organize extraordinary events and creates a lasting legacy.