2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open Eclipses Record-Breaking $10 Million Mark For Local Charities

2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open Eclipses Record-Breaking $10 Million Mark For Local Charities

The 2017 Tournament Raised $10 Million; Eclipses $122 Million In Charitable Giving Since Its Inception In 1932.

PHOENIX, Ariz. –The Thunderbirds, hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, raised a record $10,147,441 for local charities through proceeds raised from the 2017 tournament, Thunderbirds Big Chief Andy Markham announced at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. 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 ($56,154,683) 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 ($122,201,249) 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,” Markham said. “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 was another record-setting event, as a total of four attendance records were broken. For the week, 655,434 fans attended “The People’s Open”, breaking the 2016 record of 618,365, marking the second consecutive year that more than 600,000 fans attended the tournament. Additionally, single-day attendance records were broken on Wednesday (77,906), Friday (169,004) and Saturday (204,906).

“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,” said Jim Trevathan, Waste Management executive vice president and chief operating officer. “The Waste Management Phoenix Open truly makes an inspiring difference from both a community and environmental standpoint.”

The 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open will be held at TPC Scottsdale January 29 – February 4, 2018. “The People’s Open” is the best-attended golf tournament in the world and has gained legendary status for being the most unique stop on the PGA TOUR. The 2018 edition will mark the 83rd playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the ninth as the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

About The Thunderbirds/Thunderbirds Charities

Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament. The Thunderbirds Charities Board consists of 15 board members from varying professional backgrounds. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities. The organization’s giving is directed toward organizations based or with a significant presence in Arizona. The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 250 “life” members. For more information on Thunderbirds Charities, visit www.thunderbirdscharities.org.

Year-by-year breakdown of dollars raised since 2010:

2010 $4,429,266
2011 $4,053,962
2012 $5,552,416
2013 $6,214,711
2014 $7,061,282
2015 $9,325,732
2016 $9,369,873
2017 $10,147,441
TOTAL $56,154,683

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