The WM Phoenix Open, also known as “The People’s Open,” is a high-profile professional golf tournament that stands out for more than just the noteworthy performances of its players. It is unique for its strong social responsibility ethos, strategic incorporation of commercial waste management, and commitment to sustainability.
The tournament, part of the PGA Tour schedule, takes place annually at the TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, pulling in massive crowds. The WM Phoenix Open is distinguished by its signature stadium style setup around the 16th hole, which is entirely enveloped by grandstands and luxury box suites, creating an arena-like atmosphere unrivaled in golf’s professional circuits.
But arguably, the most distinct aspect of the tournament is its namesake sponsor: Waste Management, Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive waste management environmental services in North America. Waste Management’s sponsorship goes far beyond conventional partnerships. They have redefined what it means to sponsor a major event by leveraging it as a platform to promote and demonstrate their cutting-edge commercial waste management solutions.
The WM Phoenix Open is proudly promoted as a zero-waste event, a title it has held since 2013. This is a remarkable feat for a tournament that routinely draws crowd sizes of over 700,000 spectators over a few days. The tournament’s commitment to sustainability, facilitated by Waste Management, involves minimizing the environmental impact by drastically reducing waste, conserving water, reducing emissions, promoting recycling, and educating attendees about sustainability.
The methods to achieve these goals are impressive. The tournament provides over 6,000 recycling and composting receptacles throughout the course. Waste Management stations manned by volunteers help attendees correctly sort their waste, helping to optimize the recycling process. Single-use plastics are highly discouraged, with refill stations provided for reusable water bottles instead. Even the signs, banners, and fence mesh used around the course are recyclable.
Furthermore, Waste Management has utilized renewable energy sources to power the tournament. Solar-powered compactors and generators are used, and all lighting is LED. The use of eco-friendly transportation is also encouraged, including bikes, shuttles, and pedestrian modes. There’s also a robust carbon offset program, which helps to offset the greenhouse gas emissions from the tournament operations, including professional and spectator travel.
The WM Phoenix Open cannot be talked about without mentioning the Water Campaign. In collaboration with Change the Course, the event helps to restore water to the Colorado River Basin and Verde River. For every pledge made by a fan to conserve water, a gallon of water is returned to these vital water sources.
The WM Phoenix Open’s eco-friendly consciousness extends to its food vendors as well. All food providers are required to use compostable plates, cups, and cutlery. Unused food is either composted or donated to local organizations that fight hunger.
The tournament, in recent years, has also made substantial strides in accessibility and inclusion. The venue features handicap-accessible viewing areas and provides American Sign Language interpreters. This commitment to inclusion for all spectators further enhances the event’s reputation as ‘The People’s Open.’
Ultimately, the WM Phoenix Open seamlessly combines world-class golf with a ground-breaking commitment to sustainability. Not merely an advertisement for Waste Management, it serves as a living, breathing case study of commercial waste management in action, tackling the challenges of a large-scale event to create a more ecologically sustainable future. The WM Phoenix Open is proof that sport, entertainment, and environmental stewardship can indeed go hand-in-hand.