USGA Announces Fan Experiences For 75th U.S. Women’s Open
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2020-12-07
LIBERTY CORNER, New Jersey — The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced a number of experiences and activations designed specifically to bring fans around the world closer to the action and allow them to interact directly with the world’s best players during the 75th U.S. Women’s Open at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas, from Dec. 7-13.
“This year marks a significant anniversary in our storied championship, and we are excited to unveil unique ways for fans to interact with the year’s final major like never before,” said Craig Annis, chief brand officer of the USGA. “While we won’t be able to welcome the game’s greatest fans on-site at Champions Golf Club, they will be given unmatched access to the championship and their favorite players across all of their devices from the comfort of their homes.”
From Dec. 7-13, fans can expect:
“Join Me on the First Tee” Powered by Cisco Webex
As the Official Technology Partner of the USGA, Cisco is proud to power “Join Me on the First Tee,” a virtual grandstand that offers fans a way to experience the excitement of the first tee at Champions Golf Club from the comfort of their home. Fans will tune in to the action from Dec. 10-13 live via Webex – Cisco’s industry-leading video collaboration solution – on a video board overlooking the first tee, giving them a virtual front-row seat as players continue their quest for the U.S. Women’s Open Trophy. Fans can sign up at uswomensopen.com/joinme, and may even see familiar faces and well-known golf fans join them in the virtual grandstand, including Olympic gold medalists Michael Phelps and Aly Raisman, as well as U.S. Open champions Annika Sorenstam and Michelle Wie.
Virtual Autograph and Interview Sessions
From Dec. 7-9, fans will have the opportunity to participate in virtual autograph sessions with select U.S. Women’s Open players via Cisco Webex. The players and fans will be able to interact face-to-face during this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and each participant will receive exclusive signed U.S. Women’s Open memorabilia shipped directly to them. In addition, they will have the chance to ask a player questions by participating in an exclusive Q-and-A media session via Webex. Fans can sign up here.
LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Virtual Clinic
On Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 4:30 p.m. CST, members of LPGA*USGA Girls Golf will have the opportunity to take part in a virtual golf clinic hosted by Kira K. Dixon that will teach participants the basics of the game in a fun and engaging environment. Interested girls should sign up through their local Girls Golf chapter.
U.S. Women’s Open Giveaways
Throughout the week, fans will have a chance to win an exclusive U.S. Women’s Open merchandise kit including a hat, flag, lanyard and bag tag by following @USWomensOpen on social media and tagging friends in a specified post.
Victory Club
Fans are also encouraged to join the Victory Club for unique, behind-the-scenes content and exclusive merchandise discounts to shop for official U.S. Women’s Open gear at usgashop.org. Join now at usga.org/victory.
The USGA announced on April 3 that the 75th U.S. Women’s Open, initially scheduled for June 4-7, would be moved to Dec. 10-13. To account for reduced daylight, the Jackrabbit Course at Champions Golf Club will be used in Rounds 1 and 2 with the Cypress Creek Course, which was originally slated to host all four rounds of championship play. In June, it was announced that the championship would be conducted without traditional qualifying and on Oct. 21, it was announced the championship would not have fans on-site due to health and safety concerns resulting from the ongoing pandemic.
Considered the world’s premier women’s golf championship, the U.S. Women’s Open is one of 14 national championships conducted annually by the USGA. The championship began in 1946 and its winners include Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Betsy Rawls, Mickey Wright, Hollis Stacy, Amy Alcott, Meg Mallon, Annika Sorenstam, Se Ri Pak, Juli Inkster, Cristie Kerr, Paula Creamer, Inbee Park and Michelle Wie.
About the USGA
The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment, handicapping and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.