Scottsdale, Arizona: The WM Phoenix Open showcases its dedication to sustainability this year by implementing a zero-waste initiative, featuring a dedicated team of 120 staff managing waste, innovative bins, and eco-friendly concessions, while raising funds for local causes through its charitable contributions.
In Scottsdale, Arizona, the WM Phoenix Open is once again demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, fostering a zero-waste environment during this year’s tournament. This effort is made possible by a dedicated team of approximately 120 employees from WM, who arrived at TPC Scottsdale early in the morning to prepare for the influx of fans expected throughout the weekend.
The Sustainability Headquarters, located next to the 13th green and 14th tee, serves as the operational hub where staff gather for their daily briefing. The morning meeting commenced at 5:30 a.m. under the leadership of Director of Advisory Services Lee Spivak and Chad Bowden, Director of Collections Operations for the Four Corners. Together, they inspired the zone directors present, outlining the protocols that vendors must follow to ensure all waste is managed sustainably. Following the meeting, the team dispersed to their designated zones, where they would supervise around 600 temporary workers whose roles include maintaining the cleanliness of the course and ensuring compliance with waste disposal regulations.
The WM Phoenix Open, often referred to as “The People’s Open,” is unique not just for its vibrant atmosphere but also for its scale; it regularly attracts more than 100,000 attendees each day, with over 200,000 on busy Saturdays. To manage the environmental impact of this large audience, the tournament employs a system of 4,800 small bins placed throughout the course. These bins are colour-coded: yellow for compostables, such as food scraps and reusable cups, and green for recyclables like bottles and cans.
Throughout the day, WM zone managers and temporary workers continuously monitor the bins, sorting their contents to uphold the event’s zero-waste mandate, a goal that has been in place since 2013. Operations at the famed 16th hole illustrate this well. Large dumpsters, discreetly positioned behind fenced areas, connect to a network of chutes that funnel waste directly from the stadium to the appropriate bins without disrupting the fan experience.
The tournament features concessions that utilise sustainable packaging, such as meals served in recycled paper cups and portion sizes designed to minimise leftover food waste. Any excess food is collected and diverted to worm farms, which processes it into compost for local agriculture. Merchandise sold at TPC Scottsdale also reflects this commitment; items made from recycled plastic bottles are available, thereby extending the life cycle of materials employed in the event.
Michael Watson, WM Chief Customer Officer, highlighted the alignment of the event with WM’s broader brand purpose, stating, “We’re really proud of how [the WM Phoenix Open] is connected to our brand purpose, which is always working for a sustainable tomorrow in the game of golf.” He noted the charity contributions made since WM became the title sponsor, amounting to over $142 million benefiting local causes.
One beneficiary of this philanthropic effort is the Working for Tomorrow Fund, aimed at promoting sustainable resource management initiatives in Arizona, a region facing significant water shortages. The fund has seen substantial contributions from the tournament, including $419,000 raised in 2024 alone.
With an eye towards future collaborations, WM is also expanding its sustainable practices to other major events, including partnerships with the U.S. Open and Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game.
The efforts at the WM Phoenix Open continue to serve as an exemplary model of how large-scale events can operate sustainably while engaging attendees in environmentally responsible practices. Through the collective efforts of employees, vendors, and fans, the tournament reinforces its goal of a waste-free experience, making a significant impact on the local community and the environment.
Source: Noah Wire Services
