Connect to the 2009 U.S. Open with Facebook, Twitter and Mobile Apps

Golf fans will be able to use a variety of cutting-edge technologies, digital applications and devices to follow the 2009 U.S. Open at Bethpage State Park's Black Course, June 15-21, from their home, office or on the go.

Aided by corporate partner IBM, the USGA will offer online features such as video walkthroughs and HD flyovers of the course as well as live webcast coverage of some of the game's elite players during the first two rounds.

Fans on the move can get real-time scoring, the latest news and live video on their iPhones or web-enabled phones. U.S. Open fans can also get the latest news and connect with one another through social-networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

In addition to comprehensive news coverage, exclusive photos and video and authoritative historical content and records, the USGA's official championship Web site, USOPEN.com, will feature:

Live Marquee Group Coverage
Fans can watch marquee group coverage of some of the game's elite players. The first two rounds will feature the popular U.S. Open Live! webcast. Viewers are able to watch every shot, and comment in real-time with other fans.

Real-Time Scoring
Fans can follow their favorite players and keep up with the latest news, photos and videos. The Desktop Leaderboard also allows fans a way to keep track of the action while getting other things done on their computer.

Interactive Course Section
Along with watching HD flyovers and video walkthroughs explaining how each hole is set up, fans will be able to view multiple images of each hole and even play the hole on their computer via the new Virtual U.S. Open online golf game. American Express® Cardmembers will have exclusive access to listen to and watch 2003 U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk share his personal insights into this dynamic golf course.

Virtual U.S. Open
Fans can test their golf skills online in qualifying rounds for the Virtual U.S. Open Championship through June 21. The top 156 qualifiers plus ties will then square off for the Virtual U.S. Open title on June 22.

The winner will be crowned the USGA Virtual U.S. Open champion and will be a guest of the USGA at the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, Calif. Players registering can purchase credits in the virtual World Golf Tour pro shop and receive double points when they use an American Express Card. These points can be redeemed for different equipment that might give players a better chance of improving their score and qualifying for the Virtual U.S. Open.

iPhone Application
iPhone owners can watch the marquee group coverage live on their iPhone and get real-time scores, video, statistics, course info and more.

m.usopen.com
A mobile version of USOPEN.com is available for users of Web-enabled phones to view the latest news, scores and more from Bethpage Black.

USOPEN.com Widget
A snapshot of USOPEN.com, the widget allows fans to place scoring, news, photos and additional championship course information on their Facebook, MySpace, iGoogle pages and more.

Facebook
The U.S. Open Facebook fan page will include 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.

Twitter
Fans are invited to follow the 2009 U.S. Open on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usopengolf. The online community will have the chance to vote through USOPEN.com and Facebook to choose the three players that our Tweeters will follow during the next day's round. The Tweeters will provide fans with inside-the-ropes updates and information via the U.S. Open Twitter page throughout the week, offering insight as to what the players are facing on the course.

American Express CourseCast On-Site
During championship play June 18-21, American Express, a USGA corporate partner, will provide CourseCast radio and TV devices to enhance the on-site viewing experience for American Express Cardmembers, bringing these golf fans even closer to the action. The devices include a special course guide with hole-by-hole commentary from Jim Furyk, who provides his insights into what the players on the course may face.

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