Phoneix Open – Thanks to the Thunderbirds

I recently attended the Waste Management Phoenix Open.  This is a PGA golf tournament that is held annually at the TPC Golf Course in Scottsdale, AZ.  This was the first year that Waste Management was the title sponsor and while I was out there I actually saw their CEO, Larry O’Donnell, or if you remember, he went by “Randy” in the reality show about CEO’s joining their company’s work force to get inside scoop about their company.  The Phoenix Open is hosted by a local philanthropy group called The Thunderbirds.  The Thunderbirds have been hosting this event in town for 75 years.  The Thunderbirds have built this tournament into one of the top sporting events in Arizona and by far the largest attended golf tournament in the world.  For the past several years, The Thunderbirds have consistently walked 500,000 patrons through the entry gates!  As you can imagine, the Phoenix Open generates millions of dollars for The Thunderbirds which they in turn give right back to the community.  I know that they are huge contributors to the Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Club and the United Way.  On average, the past several years I have read the Thunderbirds have given $4-$6 Million back to these charities on an annual basis.  Attending the Phoenix Open is definitely on my calendar every year to attend and hats off to the Thunderbirds for a job well done!!