2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman Alex Clark announced that Tempe-based First Solar will be the "Official Solar Provider" of the 2012 tournament. As the exclusive solar provider, First Solar will provide solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays to help power the event, including the Waste Management Corporate tent on 18. The 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open will take place Monday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 5, at the TPC Scottsdale.
"We're excited to have First Solar as part of the Waste Management Phoenix Open and furthering the tournament's sustainability efforts," said Alex Clark, 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman. "With First Solar powering the event, including the Waste Management Corporate tent, with green renewable energy, we move one step closer to becoming the 'Greenest' show on Grass."
"First Solar believes in supporting the communities where we live and work and is proud to sponsor this year's Waste Management Phoenix Open and be part of its innovative sustainability initiatives," said Ted Meyer, First Solar Vice President of Communications. "Fans at the TPC Scottsdale will have an opportunity to see the same First Solar technology that is deployed at the APS Paloma Power Plant in Gila Bend and the Agua Caliente project in Yuma County, which will be the largest solar PV power plant in the world when it's completed."
The Paloma Power Plant began producing clean electricity in October 2011, and First Solar's Agua Caliente project is currently under construction. The company estimates Agua will create an average of 400 local construction jobs throughout its multi-year build-out. In addition to its corporate headquarters in Tempe, First Solar is also building a solar panel factory in Mesa, Ariz., which is expected to come online in 2013.
The 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open, known as "The Greatest Show on Grass," will be held at the TPC Scottsdale from January 30th to February 5th, 2012. The Waste Management Phoenix Open 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 2012 edition will mark the 77th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the third as the Waste Management Phoenix Open.