S E14: The Business Behind Golf’s Wildest Tournament | Jim Fish on the WM Open

The WM Phoenix Open isn’t just a golf tournament — it’s one of the most unique live sporting events in the world.In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Jimmy sits down with Jim Fish, President & CEO of WM, to unpack how the WM Phoenix Open became the “greatest show on grass” — drawing nearly 700,000 fans and redefining what golf can look like when entertainment, sustainability, and community collide.Fish explains the inflection points that transformed the event, from Tiger Woods’ iconic hole-in-one on the 16th hole to WM’s decision to turn the tournament into the largest zero-waste sporting event in the world. He breaks down why Hole 16 feels more like a gladiator arena than a golf hole, how younger fans are reshaping expectations around the sport, and why creating a clear identity matters more than tradition in today’s golf landscape.Beyond the tournament, Fish opens up about his leadership philosophy, shaped by a near-death illness early in his career, ride-alongs with frontline workers, and a belief that culture is built by listening in the field — not just making decisions in the boardroom.This episode also includes Powering the Women’s Game, presented by Chevron, spotlighting the continued growth and innovation in women’s golf, including the announcement of a women’s TGL initiative backed by high-profile investors and LPGA stars. Plus, in Making Better Decisions, presented by Aon, Fish reflects on the pivotal choices that have shaped his leadership approach and guided WM’s long-term strategy.This is a wide-ranging conversation about sports business, fan experience, sustainability, leadership, and the future of golf — and why the Waste Management Open has become a model other events are trying to understand, not replicate.🔔 Subscribe for New Episodes Every Wednesday Morning▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify📺 Live on Golf Channel Every Tuesday Morning at 7am & 9am#JimFish #WasteManagementOpen #BusinessOfGolf #TheBigSwing #JimmyRoberts #SportsBusiness #GolfIndustry #SustainabilityInSports See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.