2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open Raises More than $10M for Local Charities

The Thunderbirds, hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community, raised $10,147,441 for local charities through proceeds raised from the 2017 tournament. This is the highest single-year charitable donation in tournament history, breaking last year’s record total of $9.3 million and the first time eclipsing $10 million in tournament history. It also marks the third-consecutive year breaking the tournament record for charitable dollars raised in a single year.

The Thunderbirds and the Waste Management Phoenix Open have raised more than $56 million for charities since 2010 when Waste Management became title sponsor. In its history, dating back to 1932, the Phoenix Open has raised more than $122 million for charities in Arizona.

“Each year our goal is not only to put on the best golf tournament in the world, but to raise millions of dollars for charity,” Thunderbirds Big Chief Andy Markham said in a statement. “The Thunderbirds are proud of our history of giving back to the community and excited to break our single-year record for the third straight year, reaching $10 million for the first time.  We have a great support group that helps us achieve this goal, from our outstanding title sponsor Waste Management, as well as our corporate sponsors, volunteers, and our great fans.”

The 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open also set attendance records. For the week, 655,434 fans attended the tournament, breaking the 2016 record of 618,365, marking the second consecutive year that more than 600,000 fans came to the event.

“Waste Management is extremely proud of our role as title sponsor of the ‘Greenest Show on Grass’ and one of the most charitable tournaments on the PGA TOUR,” Jim Trevathan, Waste Management executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in a statement. “The Waste Management Phoenix Open truly makes an inspiring difference from both a community and environmental standpoint.”

The 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by the Ak-Chin Indian Community will be held at TPC Scottsdale January 29 – February 4, 2018. The 2018 edition will mark the 83rd playing of the event and the ninth as the Waste Management Phoenix Open.