A new sustainability standard is being piloted at this week’s 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Taking place at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, the standard is being tested by tournament sponsor Waste Management and the Golf Environment Organization (GEO).

More than half a million spectators are set to visit TPC Scottsdale (pictured) for the tournament, which takes place from 30 January to 5 February. Despite similar numbers for the past four years, the event has consistently achieved zero waste-to-landfill.

“It’s been very exciting to collaborate with the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Council for Responsible Sport and other event partners in piloting a new standard for golf tournaments,” said Jonathan Smith, chief executive of GEO. “The pilot comes at the end of a lengthy process, which has brought together international collaboration across tournament directors, academics, sustainability and event experts.  We are delighted to now be close to completing a consistent and highly credible trio of sustainability standards for golf – spanning facility management, developments and now tournaments – each with a bespoke approach to third party verification and certification.”

The Sustainable Golf Tournament standard and GEO Certified Tournaments label will be launched later this year. These will combine the results and feedback from the Waste Management Phoenix Open, as well as previous tournaments such as The Open and the 2014 Ryder Cup.