The PGA TOUR “Tournament of the Year” award is given to a tournament that excels in every facet of the event from fan and player experience to charity donation/community impact and title sponsor integration/activation.
“We’re extremely proud to be nominated three times by the PGA TOUR in its ‘Best of Awards’. This is possible due to our great fans, sponsors, and the community for their commitment to our event,” said Pat Williams, Big Chief of The Thunderbirds and Tournament Chairman for the 2023 WM Phoenix Open. “The success of the WM Phoenix Open is only possible through the efforts of so many involved, starting with our title sponsor WM and The Thunderbird organization. Our goal each year is to make the WM Phoenix Open better than the prior year so we can continue to grow our charitable give to the metro Phoenix area.”
The WM Phoenix Open annually draws an eclectic mix of fans and demands a wide range of fan experiences to provide something for everyone at “The People’s Open.” The commitment to its elevated General Admission experience features VIP-like, open-to-the-public venues, free parking for the week, and no-cost admission Monday and Tuesday. Once on site, the incredible local food and drink options complement a reimagined Fan Zone and a merchandise tent that quintupled in size to 25,000 square feet.
It marks the fifth time (2013-14, 2014-15, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2022-23) the WM Phoenix Open has won “Tournament of the Year” and shares the award with the BMW Championship for the second time (2013-14).
Once the sun goes down, there is more to experience at the WM Phoenix Open beginning the Saturday before tournament week with a sold-out “Concert in the Coliseum” at the famed 16th hole, which earned “Best Special Event” honors. It is followed by a four-night concert series across the street from TPC Scottsdale at the Birds Nest. Last year Maroon 5 took the stage, while Thomas Rhett and Old Dominion kicked off the first ever Concert in the Coliseum in 2021.
The Thunderbirds and WM also work year-round in planning and executing the WM Phoenix Open Sustainability requirements that ensure all stakeholders comply with the event’s guidelines. Since 2013, WM has taken a zero waste approach at the tournament, meaning all materials are either recycled, composted, donated, reused or used to create energy. Its year-round efforts have led to the tournament achieving its seventh GEO tournament certification in 2023 as well as being awarded “Best Title Sponsor Integration” for a record fifth time (2011, 2013, 2014-15, 2016-17, 2022-23).
“The WM Phoenix Open is a unique opportunity where fans can experience firsthand WM’s leading sustainability solutions that make North America’s largest certified zero waste sporting event possible,” said WM Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Mike Watson. “Working toward the common goal of building a better tomorrow, our partnership with The Thunderbirds continues to produce extraordinary results for the community and the environment. Thank you to the PGA TOUR for the recognition and to the fans for making the WM Phoenix Open the best event on the PGA TOUR.”
