Waste Management Phoenix Open repeats as PGA TOUR Tournament of the Year; Phoenix-area TOUR stop also wins award for “Best Integrated Marketing Plan” in 2019

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA – The Waste Management Phoenix Open (Scottsdale, Arizona) was honored by the PGA TOUR at the TOUR’s Tournament Meetings on November 20.

For the second consecutive season, the Waste Management Phoenix Open was named the PGA TOUR “Tournament of the Year,” marking the fourth time (2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019) in the last six years the event has taken top honors. The Phoenix-area tournament also won the “Best Integrated Marketing” award for its engaging and creative year-round integrated marketing plan.

“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I am thrilled to congratulate the Waste Management Phoenix Open on once again being named the ‘Tournament of the Year,’” said PGA TOUR Chief Tournaments and Competitions Officer Andy Pazder. “The Thunderbirds and title sponsor Waste Management continue to reach new heights each year with an unparalleled fan experience, seamless title sponsor integration and record charitable impact, all while continuing their mission as a zero-waste event.”

The 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open, won by Rickie Fowler, continued to reach new levels with its fan experience, marketing and social media strategy, and charitable impact. In recent years, the tournament has enhanced the overall experience for general admission holders, adding and expanding public venues along the closing stretch of holes at TPC Scottsdale, beginning with its famous coliseum-style 16^th hole. As part of a sold-out, four-night concert series, more than 38,000 fans enjoyed 11 musical acts, with headliners including Old Dominion, Jake Owen, The Chainsmokers and Snoop Dogg.

Working closely with the PGA TOUR, Skratch and Golf Channel, the tournament reached new audiences with engaging content through the “Legends of the Green” campaign, celebrity influencers and an unforgettable moment shared between 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open champion Gary Woodland and Special Olympics golfer Amy Bockerstette. More than 50 million people have since watched Amy, who has Down Syndrome, sink a par putt on the 16^th hole during a practice round with Woodland, making it one of the most viewed Facebook videos in PGA TOUR history. The moment has been covered by all major sports and news outlets, and garnered new attention when Woodland won the 2019 U.S. Open and reunited with Amy on the TODAY Show.

“We’re extremely proud to be acknowledged by the PGA TOUR in back-to-back years and we want to say thank you to our fans, sponsors and the community for their commitment to our event,” said Chance Cozby, 2019 WM Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman. “The Thunderbirds could not achieve this success without the tireless effort of so many involved, starting with our title sponsor Waste Management. Our goal each year is to make the Waste Management Phoenix Open better than the last so we can continue to grow our charitable give to the Valley of the Sun.”

As the tournament continues to grow, so does the charitable impact. Proceeds from the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open generated a record $13.2 million for local charities, the highest single-year charitable donation in tournament history. Since Waste Management became title sponsor in 2010, the tournament has raised more than $81 million for local charities.

“Since Waste Management became title sponsor in 2010, we are proud of the positive impact the Waste Management Phoenix Open continues to bring to benefit the community and the environment,” said Jim Fish, President and CEO of Waste Management. “Together, with our partners The Thunderbirds, we strive to find new ways to improve one of the top sporting events in the world, and this recognition acknowledges our collaborative effort. We’re thrilled to be the title sponsor of this event for the next decade to come.”

The 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open, won this year by Rickie Fowler, will be held January 27 – February 2 at TPC Scottsdale.

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 more than 130 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 28 countries and regions (93 members are from outside the United States). Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to 226 countries and territories in 23 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving. In 2018, tournaments across all Tours generated a record $190 million for local and national charitable organizations, bringing the all-time total to $2.84 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, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Shankar Natarajan fires a 65 to win the 2019 Player’s Cup Championship

Shankar Natarajan captured the Player’s Cup Championship title on Sunday, November 10 at the Raven Golf Club after carding a second-round score of 65. The seven-under par round catapulted Natarajan to the top of the leaderboard, winning the Championship with a two-day total 135 (-9).

Natarajan elaborated on his success from the day, “My goal today was just to get to 10-under. I just hit a lot of fairways and greens and I had the putter going a little bit. I was able to hit it inside of my opponents a lot of times, which helped me see their putts.”

The Champion reflected on some specific moments during his round, “I made three birdies on the front, making the turn at three-under, then made some birdies early on the back,” he explained, “I had a good match going with John Souza and was able to birdie the final hole, which is what it took, eventually.”

Natarajan made some great strides in order to capture the victory after being four strokes out of the lead after the first round. The match came down to inches during the finishing holes as Natarajan’s competitors lingered closely behind. John Souza took second place, finishing the tournament at eight-under (136) and Tyler Kertson, third place, at seven-under (137).

The Player’s Cup Championship had four divisions determined by age groups including the Open, Masters (40-54), Seniors (55-64) and the Legends (65+). Listed are the results from each division:

• Open Division

Champion: Shankar Natarajan (135)

• Masters Division (age 40-54)

Champion: Kevin Gregory and Randy Jacobus (153)

• Seniors Division (age 55-64)

Champion: Jeff Benton (138

• Legends Division (age 65+)

Champion: Frank Ellenburg (140)

Full Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/1931529

Troon-Managed Courses Turn Pink in October in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Scottsdale, Ariz. (October 2, 2019) – In an effort to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention and screening exams as well as funds for breast cancer research, Troon-managed and brand-affiliated facilities across the United States will fly pink and Play for P.I.N.K. in honor of breast cancer awareness month.

Throughout October, Troon-managed and brand-affiliated daily-fee and private clubs will fly pink checkered flags on their 18^th greens to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention and screening exams. In addition, participating courses will hold Play for P.I.N.K. fundraising events, including Par 3 Challenges, Play for P.I.N.K. golf tournaments and golf clinics, and designate Play for P.I.N.K. tee times in which a portion of the green fee will be donated to Play for P.I.N.K. Play for P.I.N.K. is a fundraising organization founded by Laura Lassman in 1990 with 100 percent of all proceeds donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. P.I.N.K. stands for Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, and Knowledge. Play for P.I.N.K. is currently funding 19 breast cancer research projects, led by 26 scientists from leading academic medical institutions around the world.

Examples of Play for P.I.N.K. fundraising events at Troon-managed facilities include:

• Westin Kierland Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz. – Will hold Sunday afternoon golf clinics throughout the month of October from 2 to 3 p.m. with 100 percent of the $25 fee donated to Play for P.I.N.K.. Those interested in attending any of the Sunday afternoon clinics can register by calling the Westin Kierland Golf Shop at 480-922-9283.
• La Cantera Resort & Spa, San Antonio, Tex. – Will host a breast cancer awareness golf tournament on October 27^th and sell pink merchandise in the golf shop throughout October. A portion of the proceeds from the golf tournament and merchandise sales will be donated to breast cancer care programs.

“We’re proud to support the Play for P.I.N.K. organization and raise funds for breast cancer research,” said Bruce Glasco, chief operating officer, Troon. “Thanks to research, there has been a nearly 40 percent decrease in breast-cancer related deaths since 1989. By raising awareness and supporting causes such as Play for P.I.N.K., we hope to see an even greater decrease in the years to come.”

To learn more about Troon’s Play for P.I.N.K. fundraising initiatives, visit www.troon.com/PlayForPink. For more information on Play for P.I.N.K., visit www.playforpink.org.

About Play for P.I.N.K.

Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) is a grassroots organization that raises money for breast cancer research through sporting and lifestyle events. 100 percent of all proceeds are donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to advance the world’s most promising research. BCRF is one of the nation’s most fiscally responsible charities and the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world.

About Troon

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company providing services at more than 465 locations around the globe, including managing 510 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages more than 400 food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 45 states and 33 countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Honours Golf, OB Sports, Green Golf Partners, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis and RealFood Consulting. There are currently 67 Troon-affiliated properties featuring 87 golf courses on national and international “Top 100” rankings. Troon-affiliated properties include Belfair in Bluffton, South Carolina; Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club in Wickenburg, Ariz.; Yocha Dehe Golf Club in Brooks, Calif.; Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, UAE; and Buenaventura Golf Club in Panama. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Blog, Press Room, or subscribe to Troon Magazine.

Media Contact:

Rob Myers

Troon

480.477.0506

[email protected]

Four Ways to make a Birdie on a Budget

By Gillian Vance, USGA P.J. Boatwright Jr. Intern

Golf is said to be one of the greatest games ever played. It also has an unfair reputation as being one of the more expensive sports to play. In 2009, Golf Magazine reputed that the average golfer spends about $2,776 per year on golf related activities. The cost of golf clubs alone can put a massive dent in your wallet, in addition to of other equipment needed like golf balls, tees, ball markers, repair tools and so on. For those who choose to be a member of a private golf facility or country club, the initiation fee can be anywhere between $1,000 – $175,000 according to Golf Membership Spot. Here are some great ways to enjoy the game of golf on a fair budget.

1. Play When Prices are Lower

In the hot Arizona off-season, with the increase in temperature comes a decrease in green fees and apparel prices. This is the time of year when people should consider playing great facilities when green fees are lower. Thanks to dynamic pricing in the Arizona golf industry, players may find lower prices throughout the day during the summer. Golf courses typically offer lower rates in the afternoon, after a certain time (i.e. 2pm). Get the biggest bang for your buck by playing in the afternoon/evening using twilight rates offered. Arizona is a great place to enjoy twilight golf as the prices are very reasonable and the scenery is breathtaking, however, the temperature will likely be warmer.

2. Seek Various Discount Opportunities

There are many opportunities that golf courses offer for discounted golf. One great way to save big is by taking advantage of Frequent Player/Member Cards which may offer exclusive deals on apparel, rates, rental fees and more. Many club management companies and individual golf facilities offer these types of cards. The Arizona Golf Association offers a Membership Advantage program, allowing members the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive deals at incredible golf facilities and resorts such as Oakcreek Country Club, Sedona Golf Resort, and August’s offer, Trilogy at Vistancia. Be sure to look into these options as well as other offers at specific golf courses.

3. Think about Golf/Sporting Goods Retailers

If you are looking for more affordable places to purchase golf-apparel or equipment, off-course retailers are an option worth considering. There is a great selection of golf apparel shops in Arizona with a greater variety of styles and sales.

4. Pick Up Golf Tees

Collecting tees will save you as well. There is nothing more irritating than running out of golf tees. By picking up tees, you may save yourself from needing to purchase tees in the future.

Golf is a healthy hobby that allows you to enjoy the great outdoors, engage with your playing partners and release your competitive side. Not to mention, it is a wonderful tool for business purposes. However, golf does not have to be a game that breaks the bank. These tips are great to consider if you are looking to play the game more frequently and save a little money in the process.

Susan Wooster Claims Arizona Women’s State Amateur Senior Championship Title

Australian native, Susan Wooster claimed the Arizona Women’s State Amateur Senior Championship title on Friday, September 6 at Briarwood Country Club.

Heading into the final round, Wooster trailed Leigh Klasse, the second round leader, by two stokes. Showing no fear for the competitive field or tough conditions, she gained great momentum on her final 18.. Wooster made up for the deficit on her last nine-holes – with four birdies – to shoot an impressive 2-under, 70 to solidify her victory. She rounded out the tournament with a three-day total of 216. Between the heat, treacherous venue, and talented field, Wooster rose to the top of the leaderboard. This victory came one week after her impressive runner-up finish at the 2019 Women’s U.S. Senior Amateur Championship for her second consecutive year.

Finishing three strokes behind the Champion was Briarwood member, Leigh Klasse, who held strong and consistent through the tournament, firing 72, 72, 75 for a three-day total of 219. Karri Kinkead, also a Briarwood member, finished third with a three-day total of 223.

Mary Jo Slunder from the Working Women’s Golf Association captured the Overall Net Championship.

The Championship recognized five different age-specific flights within the field; the Championship, Field, Super Seniors (70-74), Masters (75-79) and Legends (80+). In addition to the field awards, the AGA Women’s State Amateur Senior Championship recognizes five additional awards including the following:

• Mo Cruikshank Memorial Trophy – to the member club with the two lowest gross scores in the Championship flight, won this year by Briarwood Country Club.

• Mary Lou Sauer Memorial Trophy – to the member club with the two lowest net scores in the Field flight, won this year by the Working Women’s Golf Association.

• Dr, Ann Pittman Memorial Trophy – to the two-person blind-draw team with the lowest combined net score in the Super Senior Flight – won this year by Marilyn Miller and Ada Davison.

• The Legends Gross Championship – to the lowest gross scorer of the Masters and Legends flights combined – won for a third consecutive year by Wendy Stone.

• The Legends Net Championship – to the lowest net scorer of the Masters and Legends flights combined – won by Gail Plimpton

Briarwood Country Club proved to be a worthy and fair golf course for the Championship, providing great hospitality and proud members who volunteered and welcomed to the players.

Full Results: Click Here