Far Hills, N.J. – When the U.S. Open returns to Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., on June 16-19, golf fans will be able to use a variety of technologies, digital applications and devices to access scoring, live streaming and the latest news, from their home, office or virtually any location.
In partnership with IBM, the USGA’s goal is to bring golf fans closer to the U.S. Open through innovative design, interactive play tracking, an enhanced course section and live HD streaming. Fans will be closer to the action than ever as scoring, live streaming and the latest news are delivered wherever and whenever they want it. In 2010, user engagement was up 150 percent over 2009 and the number of unique users was up 7 percent.
USOPEN.com Innovation
· Tablet-Friendly Design (New for 2011): A carousel design of channels allows fans to access content more quickly. The entire site is tablet-friendly, including iPad, Zoom, Playbook and Galaxy.
· PicStream (New for 2011): Watch the action unfold from Congressional Country Club through this near real-time photo experience. The Blue Course has been wired so that USGA photographers on the course can digitally transmit images immediately after they are taken. Photos are edited, tagged and pushed out within minutes across all digital platforms, powered by IBM, including USOPEN.com and mobile devices.
· Enhanced Course Section: Delivers the U.S. Open course setup at Congressional Country Club to golf fans through an HD experience. Features include:
o “Flyover” videos narrated by Mike Davis, the USGA's executive director, who explains each hole’s setup and what the players will face at Congressional under U.S. Open conditions.
o High-resolution images of each hole showing tee, fairway and green views.
o Ability to play each hole through the Virtual U.S. Open, presented by Lexus, developed in association with World Golf Tour.
· HD Live Streaming
o Fans can access exclusive live streaming of a marquee group during both morning and afternoon sessions of Thursday and Friday championship rounds.
· Social Media
o The U.S. Open Facebook Fan Page includes news, highlights and blogs. Golf fans can use this opportunity to connect with other fans and share their U.S. Open experiences, comments and photos.
o Follow the U.S. Open action on Twitter @usopengolf or “Ask the Booth” a question that ESPN Radio analysts might read on-air. Tweet @AmericanExpress
· On-Site Digital Experience
o During championship play June 16-19, American Express, a USGA corporate partner, will provide CourseCast radio and TV devices to enhance the on-site viewing experience for Amex cardmembers, bringing these fans even closer to the action.
o American Express TV: Cardmembers will have exclusive access to hand-held televisions, powered by FanVision, that deliver a live telecast of the championship and player information from anywhere on the course.