The ModGolf Podcast
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Creating The World's Most Innovative And Fun Golf Tournament - Carlos Sugich / WM Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman (019)

October 31st, 2017

When it comes to creating a golf tournament event that puts fan enjoyment at the top of its priority list, The Waste Management Phoenix Open wrote the book. From the organic evolution of the 16,000 seat 16th hole stadium to the Birds Nest nightly music festival, The WMPO continues to push the innovation envelope to place their fans at the center of the five day experience.

2018 Tournament Chairman Carlos Sugich proudly states “Each year we look to build upon the tremendous success of our tournament set by our predecessors. We have some great new things in the works for the 2018 event and we are excited to put these plans into action.”

Sugich will lead the Thunderbirds in the planning and execution of every facet of the 2018 tournament, including meeting with current and potential sponsors, recruiting PGA TOUR players to the event and developing new on-course venues.

The 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open will be held at TPC Scottsdale January 29 – February 4, 2018. It is the best-attended golf tournament in the world and has gained legendary status for being the most unique stop on the PGA TOUR. The 2017 tournament broke four attendance records, including a PGA TOUR record 655,434 fans for the week. The 2018 edition will mark the 83rd playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the ninth as the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 250 “life” members. In 2016 The Thunderbirds raised a record $9.3 million for charity and have eclipsed $111 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932.

The complex four month on-course construction build results in the creation of what Carlos calls "The City", which includes the 16th hole stadium, "The Cove" at the 17th hole and 18th hole grandstand. Watch this "16th hole construction time lapse" YouTube video to experience the effort it takes to create "The Loudest Hole In Golf".

To learn more about the 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open:

The Coors Light Birds Nest at The Phoenix Open: