Waste Management Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman Mike McQuaid working hard to ensure 2011 event bigger and better than ever

Months before the start of the 2011 Waste Management Phoenix Open, Tournament Chairman Mike McQuaid is already working hard to ensure the upcoming tournament is bigger and better than ever. As Tournament Chairman, McQuaid leads the host Thunderbirds in the planning and execution of every facet of the 2011 Waste Management Phoenix Open – held January 31-February 6 at the TPC Scottsdale.

From meeting with current and potential sponsors to recruiting PGA TOUR players to play in the 2011 tournament and brainstorming new fan-friendly venues, McQuaid spends an average of 10 hours per day working on tournament-related activities. In addition to his volunteer work with the tournament, he is also a principal with Lee and Associates of Arizona, one of the leading commercial real estate companies in the state.

A native Arizonan, McQuaid studied business, political science and communications at the University of Arizona and graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He has been an active Thunderbird since 2002. Mike and his wife, Kim, have three children and live in Phoenix.

Since October 2003, The Thunderbirds and the Open have raised more than $42.3 million for charities ($42,358,736). In its history, dating back to 1932, the Phoenix Open has raised more than $70.3 million for charities in Arizona.

The 2011 Waste Management Phoenix Open, known as “The Greatest Show on Grass,” will be held at the TPC Scottsdale from January 31 to February 6th, 2011.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 2011 edition will mark the 76th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR), the 25th at the TPC Scottsdale, and the second as the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The tournament host 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. For more information on the Thunderbirds or the 2011 Waste Management Phoenix Open, call the Thunderbirds office at 602.870.0163 or visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.