A Hole-in-One for Scottsdale!
Posted on December 14, 2018 by Laura Lucky
Dubbed “The Greatest Show on Grass,” The Waste Management Phoenix Open, hosted by the Valley’s longtime civic organization The Thunderbirds, has morphed from a small, unassuming morning of play into a week-long, first-class affair boasting one of the largest sporting event crowds in the world.
Living up to its name, the tournament is definitely one great show. Unlike any other tournament on the PGA TOUR, The Waste Management Phoenix Open attracts a staggering number of spectators, a field of worthy competitors, and media from around the globe to capture every exciting moment. As the best-attended golf tournament in the world, the tournament has gained legendary status as the most unique stop on the PGA TOUR.
“Golf is a long-storied sport, and we have one of the most iconic holes in the sport – the legendary 16th hole,” says Chance Cozby, Thunderbird member and the 2019 Tournament Chairman. “We’ve created an atmosphere that our players and fans have embraced as something unique and special. People from all over the world come to Scottsdale to experience it. Somewhat like attending the Super Bowl, catching a game at Fenway Park or experiencing a race at Talladega; our very own Open is on bucket lists around the world.”
The business and civic leader volunteers that make up The Thunderbirds not only run the Open but proceeds from the event fund their Valley-based philanthropic activities that benefit not only young athletes but children’s charities and more.
Over the years, millions of dollars of Open proceeds have been donated to numerous non-profit organizations right here in Maricopa County; such as the Special Olympics, the Boys and Girls Clubs, Valley of the Sun United Way, YMCA, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and more. In fact, a staggering $130+ million has been awarded with The Thunderbirds’ proceeds from the Open.
With over 719,000 spectators in attendance for the 2018 tournament, it goes without saying that the economic impact of this annual event is a boon for Arizona. An economic impact study on the tournament found that the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open had pumped $389.3 million into the state’s economy. By all accounts, the tournament is a win-win-win for the community.
The 2019 tournament, held January 28-February 3 at TPC Scottsdale, will mark the 84th playing of the event. We hope to see you there!
