From Arizona Open to Streaking at the Waste Management Open - A Brief History

The Waste Management Open is one of the biggest events in the sport of golf. Held annually in Arizona, it attracts some of the biggest names in all of the sport. In this brief history, we will take a look at the Waste Management Open, from its humble beginnings to the current day.

Origins of the Waste Management Open

Like the sport itself the tournament has its roots going back many decades.The Waste Management Open has its origins in the Arizona Open, a tournament that was first played over 90 years ago in 1932. The Arizona Open was held annually until 1987 when it was replaced by the Phoenix Open. The Phoenix Open was sponsored by a number of different companies over the years, including FBR(a bank Friedman Billings Ramsey), Coca-Cola, and Shearson Lehman Brothers. However, it was not until 2010 that Waste Management became the title sponsor of the event.

The tournament was originally held at the Phoenix Country Club, but in 1935 it moved to the Arizona Country Club. The tournament was held at the Arizona Country Club until 1955 when it was moved to the Phoenix Country Club once again. In 1975, the tournament moved to its current location, the TPC Scottsdale.

The TPC Scottsdale

The TPC Scottsdale is a world-class golf facility that is home to two championship golf courses. The Stadium Course is where the Waste Management Open is held, and it is known for its challenging layout and beautiful desert scenery. The course was designed by late PGA pro Tom Weiskopf and late legendary course designer Jay Morrish. The course would be opened in 1986.

The Stadium Course has a reputation for being one of the most exciting courses in golf, and it is known for its signature 16th hole. The 16th hole is a par 3 that is surrounded by grandstands and can hold up to 20,000 spectators. It is known as the "Coliseum" and is one of the most raucous and exciting holes in golf.

It's reminiscent of pne of the most memorable scenes in the movie Happy Gilmore, where Happy hypes up the crowd as he prepares to tee off and starts to attract more and more rowdy fans. The scene is reminiscent of the atmosphere at the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, where fans are known for their rowdy behavior.

The Waste Management Open

The Waste Management Open is one of the most popular events on the PGA Tour, and as noted above, it is known for its unique atmosphere. The tournament is often called the "Greatest Show on Grass" due to the large crowds and party atmosphere. The event is held annually in late January or early February and is the first tournament held in the United States after the start of the calendar year.

The tournament is known for its famous "Bird's Nest" party, which is held on the tournament grounds. The Bird's Nest is a massive tent that is set up for the event, and it is known for its live music, food, and drinks. The Bird's Nest is one of the most popular party spots in Arizona during the week of the tournament, and it attracts thousands of people each night.

Not to be outdone by its party atmosphere. The Waste Management Open is also known for its charity work. The tournament has raised over $100 million for local charities since it began, and Waste Management is committed to making a positive impact on the communities where it operates. Charity and a good time, what more could you ask for?

Notable Moments in Waste Management Open History

Partying meets a classic sport that attracts some of the highest level of competition you are guaranteed to have some captivating moments. The Waste Management Open has a rich history, and has no shortage of memorable moments. Here are just a few of the most notable moments in Waste Management Open history:

1. Tiger Woods’ Hole-In-One (1997) Tiger Woods hit one of the most memorable shots in golf history at the 1997 Waste Management Phoenix Open. On the 16th hole, known for its raucous atmosphere, Woods hit a hole-in-one that sent the crowd into a frenzy. It’s one of the most iconic moments in golf, and it helped to cement Woods’ status as one of the greatest golfers of all time.

2. Phil Mickelson's Three-Peat (2005-2007) Phil Mickelson won the Waste Management Phoenix Open three years in a row from 2005 to 2007. This achievement is one of the greatest in the tournament’s history, and it solidified Mickelson's status as a fan favorite. Mickelson’s 2005 win was particularly memorable because he won it in a playoff against Scottsdale native, Kevin Na.

3. The Battle at TPC Scottsdale (2016) The 2016 Waste Management Phoenix Open featured one of the most exciting finishes in the tournament’s history. Rickie Fowler and Hideki Matsuyama were tied for the lead going into the final round, and they put on a show for the fans. The two players went back and forth throughout the day, with Fowler making a birdie on the 17th hole to take the lead. Matsuyama had a chance to force a playoff on the 18th hole, but he missed a short putt, and Fowler won the tournament.

4. Jarrod Lyle's Ace (2011) In 2011, Australian golfer Jarrod Lyle hit a hole-in-one on the 16th hole during the second round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. It was a special moment for Lyle, who had just returned to golf after battling leukemia. The crowd gave Lyle a standing ovation, and it was one of the most emotional moments in the tournament’s history.

5. The 16th Hole Record (1997) The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is one of the most famous holes in golf, and it’s known for its rowdy atmosphere. In 1997, the tournament set a record when over 179,000 fans attended the four-day event, and a large number of them congregated around the 16th hole. The hole is now known as the “Coliseum,” and it's one of the most popular spots on the PGA Tour.

6. "Honorary Mention" Streaker (2023). He took the social media world by storm as he stormed across the 16th hole in 2023 in nothing but sun glasses, a speedo, a sweet mullet and sneakers. He pole danced the hole flag and belly flopped into the pond. I image he shortly got arrested but not before he inspired everyone at the 16th hole