WM Phoenix Open

PGA TOUR and DraftKings expand relationship with Arizona market access and plans for one-of-a-kind retail sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale

April 14, 2021 by WM Phoenix Open Leave a Comment

via PGATOUR

Premium sportsbook planned at TPC Scottsdale as part of mutual commitment to fan engagement and innovation.

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – April 14, 2021 — Following the Arizona Legislature’s passage of HB 2772, which would authorize fantasy sports and sports betting in the state pending action from Governor Doug Ducey, the PGA TOUR and DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG) today announced that they will expand their existing commercial relationship to provide DraftKings market access for retail and mobile sports betting in Arizona, pending regulatory approvals. As part of this agreement, the PGA TOUR and DraftKings have also announced plans to operate a premium retail sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale.

“When DraftKings became the first Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR last summer, a number of possibilities opened up to innovate together,” said Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings. “This momentous effort to pursue a first-of-its-kind sportsbook with the PGA TOUR is a testament to the vision of both organizations that we believe will ultimately benefit Arizona sports fans who want to legally bet on sports.”

The PGA TOUR and DraftKings plan to create a visually stunning “19^th hole” experience at TPC Scottsdale where fans can gather year-round to place wagers, watch sports and enjoy quality food and beverage options. The PGA TOUR and DraftKings are working closely with the City of Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds, the host organization of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, to develop the project and maximize economic, tourism and charitable benefits to the local community. Several locations are being considered at TPC Scottsdale for the retail sportsbook, with details to be announced at a later date.

“The PGA TOUR commends the State of Arizona and Governor Ducey for their forward-thinking approach to legal sports betting.” said Norb Gambuzza, Senior Vice President of Media and Gaming at the PGA TOUR. “We are thrilled to work with DraftKings – along with the City of Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds – to explore a one-of-a-kind sportsbook experience at TPC Scottsdale and the world-class Waste Management Phoenix Open. ‘The People’s Open’ is one of the most attended events in golf and with this announcement we look forward to taking the fan experience to another level.”

Pursuant to the expanded agreement, DraftKings will also become the exclusive sports betting partner of the Waste Management Phoenix Open hosted annually at TPC Scottsdale. Additionally, the PGA TOUR and DraftKings will collaborate on co-marketing initiatives and exclusive hospitality experiences to position TPC Scottsdale as a premier global destination for sports bettors and avid golf fans.

DraftKings is the Official Daily Fantasy Game and an Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR. Fans can find the latest available daily fantasy golf contests as well as golf betting markets by downloading the DraftKings apps via iOS and Android.

This partnership is the latest in a string of progressive and industry-leading sports betting initiatives by the PGA TOUR. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, the TOUR instituted a robust integrity program in collaboration with Genius Sports and later that year announced a global partnership with IMG ARENA to license its official, live scoring data to betting operators all over the world. The TOUR’s Official Betting Operator category was launched in 2020 and the organization continues to evolve its innovative GolfBet partnership with The Action Network. The TOUR is a platinum member of the National Council on Problem Gambling and is aligned with the American Gaming Association as a Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly public service campaign partner to educate golf fans on responsible sports betting.

About DraftKings

DraftKings Inc. is a digital sports entertainment and gaming company created to fuel the competitive spirit of sports fans with products that range across daily fantasy, regulated gaming and digital media. Headquartered in Boston, and launched in 2012 by Jason Robins, Matt Kalish and Paul Liberman, DraftKings is the only U.S.-based vertically integrated sports betting operator. DraftKings is a multi-channel provider of sports betting and gaming technologies, powering sports and gaming entertainment for 50+ operators in 17 countries. DraftKings’ Sportsbook is live with mobile and/or retail betting operations in the United States pursuant to regulations in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. DraftKings’ daily fantasy sports product is available in 8 countries internationally with 15 distinct sports categories. DraftKings is the official daily fantasy partner of the NFL, MLB, NASCAR, PGA TOUR and UFC as well as an authorized gaming operator of the NBA and MLB, an official betting operator of the PGA TOUR and the official betting operator of UFC. DraftKings also owns Vegas Sports Information Network, Inc. (VSiN), a multi-platform broadcast and content company.

About PGA TOUR
By showcasing golf’s greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide.

The PGA TOUR, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, co-sanctions tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR Series-China. Members on the PGA TOUR represent the world’s best players, hailing from 29 countries and territories (94 members are from outside the United States). Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to 216 countries and territories in 28 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving, and to date, tournaments across all Tours have generated more than $3.2 billion.

Fans can follow the PGA TOUR on PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf, on the PGA TOUR app and on social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram (in English, Spanish and Korean), LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat, Weibo, Toutiao and Douyin.

MEDIA CONTACTS

media@draftkings.com

@DraftKingsNews

Mark Stevens, PGA TOUR
markstevens@pgatourhq.com

(904) 861-5112

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements made in this release are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “propose” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside DraftKings’ control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see DraftKings’ Securities and Exchange Commission filings. DraftKings does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Furlan’s Marine in Gautier, Mississippi Wins $100,000 Through WM Contest at 2021 WM Phoenix Open

February 10, 2021 by WM Phoenix Open Leave a Comment

WM Created the Contest to Recognize Small and Medium Business Segment.

Scottsdale, Ariz. (Feb. 10, 2021) – Furlan’s Marine in Gautier, Miss. has won $100,000 through “Waste Management’s Million Dollar Shot” contest at the 2021 WM Phoenix Open. Waste Management (WM), title sponsor of the PGA TOUR tournament, tied the excitement of this past Saturday’s 3^rd round with a chance for an existing small or medium-sized business customer to win a $1 million-dollar or $100,000 prize. With no golfers making a hole-in-one on the tournament’s famed 16^th hole on Saturday, no company won the $1 million-dollar prize, therefore the threesome of golfers with the lowest aggregate score on the 16^th hole won $100,000 for their paired company.

Furlan’s Marine was one of 20 WM small business customers randomly selected as a contest finalist, with each of the 20 finalists randomly assigned a threesome of golfers playing together during Saturday’s 3^rd round. Furlan’s Marine’s assigned threesome of James Hahn, Matthew NeSmith and Brooks Koepka had the lowest aggregate score of 3-under (-3) on Saturday.

“This past year has been a challenge for small businesses—us included—so we are very grateful to Waste Management for the money,” said Lisa Furlan, owner of Furlan’s Marine. “We are still in shock that we won $100,000! We watched the tournament and were in disbelief when we were calculating the lowest scores on Saturday. We were all so surprised and were asking ourselves if this was really happening!”

Lisa watched the tournament with her husband and two sons, who all work in the family business together.

WM created the Million Dollar Shot contest to recognize small and medium-sized businesses, a segment often referred to as the lifeblood of the economy, as many have been impacted by the pandemic. All 20 finalists, who are all active users of the “My WM” online platform, won a free year of WM service.

“We are thrilled to present Furlan’s Marine with the $100,000 prize,” said Mike Watson, chief customer officer for Waste Management. “The Million Dollar Shot contest has been a great way to tie our title sponsorship of the WM Phoenix Open to small business customers, such as Furlan’s Marine, who we proudly serve throughout the year. We remain committed to helping our valued customers through this difficult time.”

One small business customer from each WM U.S. Area, plus five others from across the U.S., were randomly selected through a drawing as the 20 finalists.

For more information on Waste Management’s Million Dollar Shot contest, visit the contest page here. For additional information on the 2021 WM Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.

About Waste Management

Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management environmental services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides

collection, transfer, disposal services, and recycling and resource recovery. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The Company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more information about Waste Management, visit www.wm.com.

About The WM Phoenix Open

The 2021 WM Phoenix Open was held at TPC Scottsdale February 1-7. “The People’s Open” was named the Tournament of the Year by the PGA TOUR four times in the past six years (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019) to acknowledge the tournament’s legendary status as one the most unique events in golf. The 2021 edition marked the 86^th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the 12th as the WM Phoenix Open.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Waste Management

Janette Micelli

602-579-6152

jmicelli@wm.com

RM PR Group

Rob Myers

602-317-6131

rob@rmprgroup.com

Spieth, Schauffele Share Lead After Near Record-Breaking Performances in Saturday’s Third Round

February 7, 2021 by WM Phoenix Open Leave a Comment

It was a day for nearly broken records at “The People’s Open” for Saturday’s third round with almost perfect weather as a backdrop. Russell Henley tied the back-nine scoring record at TPC Scottsdale with five birdies and an eagle, joining five players including Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler to card 29’s. Jordan Spieth – in a return to major-champion form – came close to tying the TPC Scottsdale course record (60) with a third-round score of 61 – tying his lowest PGA TOUR round ever. Xander Schauffele missed the back-nine scoring record (29) by one stroke as well, carding a 30 at the “Stadium Stretch” thanks to four birdies and an eagle on the par-5 15^thto finish 6-under for the day. Both Spieth and Schauffele are tied for the lead heading into Sunday’s final round at 18-under par, with Henley 8-back at 10-under.

It won’t be just a two-man show during Sunday’s final and there’s still a lot of golf to be played with a bunch of heavy hitters sitting atop the leaderboard. Scottie Scheffler and Kyoung-Hoon Lee are tied for second and three off the pace at 15-under par. Major championship winners Justin Thomas and Louis Oosthuizen are four shots off the lead at 14-under, and Former WM Phoenix Open champion Brooks Koepka, U.S. Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker and perennial WM Phoenix Open contender James Hahn are well within striking distance at 5-back of the lead. Will Zalatoris, who made the field thanks to a sponsor exemption, sits T-10 after his 7-under 64 in the second round.

Here are some of the notable quotes from the leaders at the 2021 WM Phoenix Open.

PGA TOUR: We haven’t seen in this golf [from you] in a long time.

JORDAN SPIETH: Yeah, it’s true. I mean, it really actually felt normal. It’s not felt normal this week because we haven’t been used it. Then all of a sudden today, when you kind of get in the thick of things, and the crowd was feeding off and really willing those putts in with me…that was pretty neat.

So tomorrow, again, the biggest thing for me is going to be to walk slowly, be patient, deep breaths, trust what I’m trusting. Just set a goal for the day for a score to shoot and play the holes the way they’re supposed to be played

PGA TOUR: It’s been almost two years since you posted a victory. What’s is your thought process going into the final round?

XANDER SCHAUFFELE: This is good. This is what I need as a player. I have not won a lot in my career. Got off a couple quick ones on TOUR early and kind of lost my way for a second there.

So this is sort of what my team and I want, to be in contention, right there in the final group, and see how I can handle it.

PGA TOUR: A chance to win and you’ll be chasing down your good buddy, Jordan. Talk about that. I know that’s an interesting situation because you guys are so close.

JUSTIN THOMAS: Yeah, there is a lot of guys. It’s not I’m like I’m just chasing him. Xander is up there. There are plenty of other guys tied with me and right behind me. And this is a place you can go shoot 9- or 10-under, and someone at 10- or 11-under could go win this golf tournament.

I just need to go out and try to make as many birdies as I can and hope it’s good enough, and assess where I am with a couple holes to go, if I need to change the game plan.

Stay tuned to tomorrow’s final-round, roller coaster action. The final group at “The People’s Open” tomorrow features three former PGA TOUR Rookie-of-the-Year winners. Lurking behind are a group of former FedExCup Champions, Major title winners, WM Phoenix Open champions and some of the best the PGA TOUR has to offer who should make Sunday at the Waste Management Phoenix Open one of the most exciting finishing days in tournament history.

Click the button below to see Sunday’s final-round pairings.

[mk_button dimension=”flat” size=”medium” url=”https://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/waste-management-phoenix-open/tee-times.html” target=”_blank” align=”center” fullwidth=”true”]See WM Phoenix Open Sunday Starting Times[/mk_button]

The People’s Day at the People’s Open” is in the Books, World-Class Field Set to Tee it up for Thursday’s First Round

February 4, 2021 by WM Phoenix Open Leave a Comment

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/wQhHyxjbeSY”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1612402642051{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Wednesday marked the first day of limited fans at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and featured some of the biggest stars from the world of sports and entertainment teeing it up with the PGA TOUR’s best at the ever-popular Annexus Pro-Am. This year’s competition was fierce, with four teams finishing tied for second at 15-under par — but the team of Jon Rahm and Bubba Watson prevailed, winning by a stroke and finishing at 16-under-par. This is Rahm’s second Annexus Pro-Am victory playing with Michael Phelps, as the two Arizona State Sun Devils took last year’s top honors as well alongside TOUR PRO Adam Hadwin. And for the first time in the tournament’s history, the famed 16^th hole was open to the general-admission public and formally declared “The People’s Day at The People’s Open.”

While the tournament certainly looks different this year with limited attendance, those who stuck around for the Phoenix Suns Charities Shot at Glory – a unique closest-to-the-pin contest offering a chance at $1 million for charity – made sure to keep the iconic 16^th hole of TPC Scottsdale fully engaged. Golf Channel’s Alexandra O’Laughlin took home first prize this year, finishing within 15 ft of the pin while securing $15,000 for Ralston House Children’s Advocacy Center. Barstool Sports’ Riggs finished second and raised $10,000 for The Barstool Fund, while third place finisher, two-time World Series Champ Shane Victorino pulled in $5,000 for the Shane Victorino Foundation.[/vc_column_text][mk_gallery images=”32336,32338,32340,32344,32346,32350,32352,32354,32356,32358,32360,32364″ image_size=”full” orderby=”rand”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1612402664709{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Webb Simpson looks to defend his title at this year’s edition of “The People’s Open” but he’s not the only former champion in the world-class field this week. In fact, Simpson’s featured group also includes 2018 champion Gary Woodland and back-to-back champion (2016, 2017) Hideki Matsuyama, which tees off at 12:20 p.m. Thursday. Another featured group pits both Ryder Cup captains Steve Stricker (United States) and Padraig Harrington (Europe) in a prelude to the anticipated 2021 Ryder Cup which was postponed earlier this year.

Make sure to tune in to Golf Channel for first and second round coverage of the 2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open. Click the button below to see a full pairings guide as well as results from the 2021 Annexus Pro-Am.

[mk_button dimension=”flat” size=”medium” url=”/wp-content/uploads/2021-annexus-pro-am-leaderboard.pdf” target=”_blank” align=”center” fullwidth=”true”]See 2021 Annexus Pro-Am Results Here[/mk_button]

Gary Woodland and Amy Bockerstette – a 16th Hole Friendship

February 3, 2021 by WM Phoenix Open Leave a Comment

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There likely isn’t a more recognizable or more impactful friendship on the PGA TOUR than 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open champion Gary Woodland and his very good friend Amy Bockerstette who took the world by storm in 2019. Hear from Woodland on what he recalls from that special day at “The People’s Open” and how his relationship with Amy went from a 20-minute meet and greet to a lasting and powerful friendship.

“In this game, and especially being a defending champion, you get to do a lot of cool things and meet a lot of really cool people,” said Woodland. “Every week, you’re playing pro-ams and you’re meeting special people. There’s been nobody during my time on the PGA TOUR that has more of a positive impact than Amy has.”

Woodland then recounted his experience at the 16^th hole with Amy.

“A couple weeks before the event, I was asked if I would play a hole with Amy and I was excited to meet her and play the 16th hole and spend the day with her for that 20 minutes it takes to play the hole,” Woodland continued. “Two and a half years later I had no idea we would still be great friends today and talk regularly and stay in contact. That what has been so special about it. Her impact, her attitude her love for the game and her love for life is contagious. I know I need it in my life I think the whole world – especially the way things are going right now – needs a whole lot more Amy in it.”

Woodland then spoke about how nervous he was, not for himself, but for Amy.

“It was I was more nervous for her that day than I was walking down the 18th hole in the playoff during the WM Phoenix Open or at the 72nd hole at the US Open,” said Woodland. “I was so nervous for her. It’s an intimidated hole there at 16. it’s her first time playing in front of who knows how many thousands of fans. Wednesday afternoon. I don’t want to miss the green. She hits in the bunker. I kept saying I wanted to get it out of the bunker for her and she kept saying ‘I got this I got this.’ That’s not a bunker shot I would want and I hit those every day. She hits an unbelievable bunker shots and I never wanted a putt to go in more than that one and she hit it dead center.

Finally, Woodland talked about how he carries his friendship with Amy with him wherever he goes.

“It was so special not only that she made par, but the impact she’s had on myself and everyone around that tournament,” said Woodland. “The Thunderbirds have been a huge supporter of her and have helped her foundation. And I think we can take that love and energy and apply it to ourselves.”

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Tips From the Tournament Chairman Scott Jenkins

February 2, 2021 by WM Phoenix Open Leave a Comment

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/e78_xO79LxY”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1612287399998{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The 2021 edition of “The People’s Open” will certainly look a little different with considerably smaller crowds and limited hospitality venues, but that means the true WM Phoenix Open golf fans will be able to see more shots than ever before. The 2021 WM Phoenix Open has a world-class field this year – one of the very best in recent memory – and fans will have an opportunity to walk the course with their favorite players and take in all TPC Scottsdale has to offer.

Watch the video for a few “Pro Tips” from 2021 WM Phoenix Open tournament chairman Scott Jenkins including how to get on site, where to grab food and beverages and how to soak in the sun at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]