Inside the Wild World of the Waste Management Phoenix Open
You might think you know the WM Phoenix Open – the rowdy crowds, the infamous 16th hole, the beer-soaked revelry. But behind golf’s biggest party lies an even more fascinating operation that would make any logistics expert’s head spin. Let’s peek behind the curtain at golf’s most unique tournament.
Building a Small City in the Desert
Ever wonder how they transform a regular golf course into a temporary city capable of hosting over 200,000 daily visitors? It’s a massive undertaking that begins months before the first golfer tees off. Workers install more than 350 miles of fiber optic cable – enough to stretch from Phoenix to Los Angeles. They construct over 7 million pounds of steel for grandstands, hospitality venues, and other structures. The legendary 16th hole stadium alone seats 17,000 people, making it larger than many minor league baseball parks.
Keeping the Party Flowing
Speaking of parties, the amount of beverages consumed at the WM Phoenix Open is staggering. In recent years, the tournament has gone through over 750,000 drinks during tournament week. That’s more than some small countries consume in a year! To keep those drinks flowing, there are more than 40 beverage stations throughout the course, supported by a complex network of underground refrigeration systems and storage facilities.
The Clean-Up Crew’s Nightmare
Remember all those drinks we mentioned? Someone has to clean up after the party. The tournament employs over 3,000 people just to handle waste management and recycling. Each night after play concludes, an army of workers descends on the course to restore order. They collect an average of 500 tons of waste during tournament week – roughly the weight of 100 elephants. Thanks to aggressive recycling efforts, about 95% of this waste is diverted from landfills.
The Stadium That Appears Out of Nowhere
The famous 16th hole stadium is a marvel of temporary architecture. It takes 275 workers nearly five weeks to construct the three-story structure. The stadium contains enough steel to build a 20-story office building. When completed, it’s the third-largest temporary structure in North America, behind only the Super Bowl and NASCAR’s Daytona 500.
Nature’s Unwanted Guests
Here’s something you won’t see on TV: Every morning before play begins, specially trained wildlife removal experts have to clear the course of rattlesnakes that might have wandered onto the property overnight. The Scottsdale desert is prime rattlesnake territory, and the tournament can’t risk any unexpected encounters between players, fans, and the local wildlife.
WM Phoenix Open’s Economic Impact
The tournament’s impact on the local economy is massive. It generates over $400 million in economic activity for the Phoenix metropolitan area. Local hotels reach 95% occupancy during tournament week, with some booking up a year in advance. Even more impressive? The tournament has raised over $190 million for Arizona charities since its inception.
The Numbers Behind the Noise
The 16th hole is famous for its decibel levels. When a player makes a hole-in-one there, the crowd noise can reach 130 decibels – louder than a jet engine at takeoff. The tournament actually keeps sound meters on hand to measure the roars, and they’ve recorded levels that would violate noise ordinances in most cities.
The WM Phoenix Open Grass Whisperer
Perhaps the unsung hero of the entire operation is the grass. The TPC Scottsdale course uses a special strain of ryegrass that’s overseeded in October to ensure perfect conditions for February. The maintenance crew mows the greens three times daily during tournament week to maintain the perfect speed. They even use special infrared sensors to monitor grass health and moisture levels throughout the course.
From rattlesnake wranglers to beer logistics to charitable giving, the WM Phoenix Open is far more than just a golf tournament. It’s a masterclass in event management, a testament to human ingenuity, and proof that even the most traditional sport can throw one heck of a party.
