Hole-by-Hole Guide to Eco Spots at TPC Scottsdale During WM Phoenix Open
November 17th, 2025The Zero-Waste Infrastructure
Here's what you need to know about the tournament's sustainability system before diving into specific holes. WM Phoenix Open organizers promote their event as zero-waste, carbon-neutral, diverting 100% of materials from landfills through recycling, composting, donating, or converting to energy.
There are multiple waste management zones on the course, each equipped with color-coded bins that have triangular openings for recyclables and round openings for compostables. Bags marked with green indicate recyclables, while bags marked with clear indicate compostables. Sorting is intuitive even when you're focused on the golf action.
Recent tournaments have achieved 57% diversion of materials as recyclables, with 20% donation and 17% energy recovery. The statistics are impressive, but they also represent a functioning system that you can participate in throughout the day.
The 16th Hole: Stadium Eco-Engineering
The 16th hole is where sustainability meets spectacle. This iconic par-3 features three chutes directing recyclables and compostables into six on-site compactors, plus 16 recycling compactors and 13 compost compactors strategically located near concession areas. The infrastructure here is the most robust on the course because this hole hosts the largest crowds.
The massive grandstand provides shade for spectators, which is crucial in the desert environment. A new state-of-the-art four-story hospitality structure features wider bays, frameless glass railings for better visibility, and integrated shade and airflow features. The modular design is reusable year after year, reducing materials demand and aligning with the event's sustainability commitment.
All concessions at the 16th will use compostable or recyclable serviceware. Vendors must comply with WM's requirements, so everything you purchase here can be properly sorted into the waste system. This makes it easy to party responsibly without creating landfill waste.
Pro tip: Arrive at the 16th early in the morning to secure general admission seating in the shaded sections. The energy builds throughout the day, but the shade becomes increasingly valuable as temperatures rise.
Holes 17 and 18: Water Reuse in Action
The bar and refreshment areas at holes 17 and 18 feed into an innovative water reuse system. The melted ice from these locations is used for portable toilets throughout the venue, demonstrating sustainability in unusual places.
Around these finishing holes, viewing areas benefit from more open terrain, with less concentration of recycling and compost bins than at the 16th. This infrastructure is designed to handle crowds moving between holes instead of stationary spectators.
These holes provide excellent vantage points for watching players close out their rounds. Sustainable features are fully integrated but less visually dominant, giving golf viewers a more traditional viewing experience.
Pro tip: Watch leaders finish their rounds near the 18th green in the late afternoon. With the sun moving west, shade from hospitality structures extends into general viewing areas, providing natural heat relief.
Strategic Shade Planning for Walking Paths and General Admission Areas
On the 18-hole course, color-coded bins line walking paths to facilitate waste sorting. There are many general admission pathways with shade trees or temporary shade structures that provide spectators with comfort, reducing heat stress in the desert.
Signage and WM ambassadors stationed along these paths educate spectators about "Recycle Right" messaging, answering questions about what goes where and why proper sorting matters. If you are unsure about how to dispose of particular items, these staff members can be a valuable resource.
Due to the course's natural layout, there are fewer congested viewing areas with native desert landscaping that reduce foot traffic impacts. These green zones are often equipped with water refill stations, reducing single-use plastic waste as well as saving you money on bottled water.
Pro tip: Plan your day to hit popular holes during off-peak times. You can enjoy a comfortable temperature, fewer crowds, and full access to sustainability amenities early in the morning before the party atmosphere intensifies.
Arizona heat is no joke, especially during tournament week in February when temperatures can still reach the 80s. Since the tournament has extensively invested in shade infrastructure, knowing where it is located will help you plan your viewing strategy.
Elevated and peripheral viewing zones offer alternatives to high-density areas while reducing environmental impact. During the day, these spots provide better airflow and natural shade, providing a more comfortable experience.
The four-story hospitality structure at the 16th represents the tournament's most advanced shade engineering, but similar principles apply throughout the course. When the sun is at its peak in the afternoon, find viewing areas on the north side of fairways and choose locations with permanent or temporary shade structures.
Pro tip: Download the tournament's official app before arriving. Even though it doesn't always highlight sustainability features, it tends to highlight hospitality locations with the best amenities and shade structures.
Low-Impact Spectating Strategies
You can maximize your eco-friendliness at the WM Phoenix Open beyond recycling bins. Here are some tips for making your trip as eco-friendly as possible:
Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle along and plan your route around refill stations. Most of them are located near major concession stands and fan zones.
Support vendors promoting sustainable food and beverage packaging. Sustainability standards must be met by all vendors, but some vendors go the extra mile with compostable materials.
Attend on less crowded days if your schedule allows. Weekday rounds typically have smaller crowds, which reduces overall environmental impact on natural areas and makes waste management systems more efficient.
Use public transportation or carpool to the event. Shuttle services are provided from various locations during the tournament, reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
Pack light and smart. Bring only what you need in a small bag to avoid accumulating waste throughout the day. A reusable tote for merchandise purchases eliminates plastic bags.