San Francisco, Calif. (June 17, 2012) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced today that the 2012 U.S. Open Championship set records for website and mobile device engagement by golf fans.
The usopen.com website, developed in conjunction with technology partner IBM, showcased live-streaming video, live scoring, interactive play tracking and up-to-the-minute news and photos throughout the championship, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before.
Overall fan visits to usopen.com during the week of the championship increased by 79 percent over the week of the 2011 championship. Fan viewership of live streaming video increased 210 percent over 2011, further demonstrating the benefits of technology to the U.S. Open experience.
There were also significant gains in audience usage of mobile devices over the 2011 championship, driven in part by the introduction of a new app for Android OS devices. The USGA recorded a 44 percent increase in iPhone app downloads, and fans also followed the action on the m.usopen.com mobile website, which charted a 375 percent increase in overall visits compared to 2011.
“It’s clear that golf fans are looking for deeper levels of engagement with the U.S. Open beyond traditional broadcast channels,” said Sarah Hirshland, USGA senior managing director, Business Affairs. “Our Web and mobile platforms are evolving at a rapid pace and we are thrilled at the high levels of acceptance they are finding among consumers worldwide.”
About the USGA
The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, Equipment Standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA’s working jurisdiction comprises the United States, its territories and Mexico.
The USGA is a global leader in the development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game’s history and funds an ongoing “For the Good of the Game” charitable giving program. Additionally, the USGA’s Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries.
For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org.
Contact:
Dan Hubbard, USGA Communications
dhubbard@usga.org, 860-248-9616
Joe Goode, USGA Communications
jgoode@usga.org, 908-635-0412