Digital Fan Experience upped at 117th U.S. Open
Golf fans will be able to experience the U.S. Open, next week, in ways they never have been able to before.
The USGA is offering a comprehensive suite of digital offerings designed to enhance the fan experience for the 117th U.S. Open Championship, which will be contested June 15-18 at Erin Hills in Erin, Wis.
Fans will have a variety of options to experience the championship and all it has to offer, whether they are on the go, watching at home or enjoying the action live at Erin Hills.
The official U.S. Open mobile app, released today, features real-time scoring, live streaming coverage and player highlights, as well as news, photos, videos and social media updates straight from the action at Erin Hills. The 2017 app will allow fans to personalize their experience with features such as local time-adjusted listings for tee times, TV broadcasts and live streams.
“The USGA is committed to bringing a fully immersive digital experience to our global fan base,” said Navin Singh, USGA head of global content and media distribution. “Whether at the golf course or 10,000 miles around the world, every fan will enjoy an exemplary digital experience befitting golf’s ultimate test.”
On-Site App Features
General championship and player alerts will be available through the app, along with on-site fan alerts, which will further enhance the experience at Erin Hills. Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available in Fan Central, the practice areas and to the player’s right of the first and 18th holes.
Fans on-site can also use the official U.S. Open app for detailed scoring, including shot-by-shot data, and inside-the-ropes live action. It can also help them to plan their day by locating their favorite players and seeing which groups are upcoming on certain holes through the improved on-site mapping component.
Digital Live Coverage on usopen.com
Last year’s U.S. Open received more than 6 million live streams on usopen.com and the U.S. Open app, a manifestation of the growing demand for live content.
Fans will once again have access to three channels with more than 40 hours of live streaming coverage. Two channels will be dedicated to both morning and afternoon featured groups, while the third will focus on action from holes 13, 14 and 15. Exclusive viewing windows starting at approximately 8:30 a.m. EDT on Thursday, June 15 and Friday, June 16 will provide fans with insider coverage before the Fox television broadcast begins at 11 a.m. EDT each day. Live feeds will continue over the weekend, beginning at 11 a.m. Fans will also be able to tune in via social media throughout the championship for behind-the-scenes live content, such as player interviews, press conferences and practice-round action on Facebook Live, Periscope and Snapchat.
Rounding out the digital fan experience, the USGA and World Golf Tour are once again providing users with the opportunity to test their skills and play Erin Hills in the Virtual U.S. Open Championship, which is available now through June 30 via the WGT app and WGT.com.