Phoenix, Ariz. — PGA TOUR officials announced today that the 2011 Waste Management Phoenix Open will conclude with a rare Monday finish. Due to lengthy frost delays on Thursday and Friday tournament play will be forced to end on Monday.  Play on Saturday will begin at 9:30 am with the remaining golfers on the course (pending no further frost delays) and will continue until dark. Completion of second round tee times will begin at 10 am. Sunday starting times are to be determined. Monday’s final round is scheduled to begin at approximately 8 am.

This is the second time in tournament history that the Phoenix Open has been extended to a Monday finish due to weather – 1978 was the first time when rain washed out Sunday’s final round at Phoenix Country Club.

Monday’s final round will be FREE to all spectators. All hospitality venues, including the Greenskeeper tent, the Clubhouse, Members Club and Skyboxes will be closed.  Limited concessions will be available for fans to purchase, including water, soft drinks and some food.  No alcoholic beverages will be sold on Monday. Tournament officials are still reviewing parking logistics and will announce parking plans this weekend.

“This is a great opportunity for fans to watch the best golfers in the world and do it free of charge,” said 2011 Waste Management Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman Mike McQuaid.

The tournament host Thunderbirds have raised more than $70 million for charities, with more than $41 million generated since 2004. The 2011 edition marks the 76th playing of the event, making it one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR (not including the major championships).

Title sponsor Waste Management, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. For more information on Waste Management visit wm.com or thinkgreen.com. For more information on the Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit wmphoenixopen.com.

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