SAN FRANCISCO (March 17, 2010) – The United States Golf Association today announced that it has entered into a long-term relationship with online high-definition golf destination World Golf Tour (WGT), putting golf on the forefront of technology and marketing innovation in the sports industry.
In this relationship, the USGA recognizes WGT as the exclusive platform provider for its virtual golf championships. Each year, the USGA and WGT will co-host a Virtual USGA Championship, enabling fans to experience "the toughest test in golf" in real time via the USGA Web site, where an official champion will be crowned. Last year's winner, Wayne Stopak, won a trip to the 2010 U.S. Open as a guest of the USGA.
In 2009, the USGA and WGT co-hosted the inaugural Virtual U.S. Open, which attracted hundreds of thousands of players from more than 180 countries. It also helped drive record visits to USOPEN.com, which provides real-time scoring updates, exclusive live video coverage and a multitude of other features designed to bring the U.S. Open alive online.
"Last year's Virtual U.S. Open exceeded expectations on all fronts: fan engagement, fan feedback, Web traffic to USOPEN.com and sponsorship involvement," said Alex Withers, the USGA's managing director of digital media. "Our partnership with World Golf Tour not only allows fans to get a greater understanding of the world-class courses hosting our national championships, but it also provides our sponsors with exposure to a highly engaged audience of golfers."
Following the success of the Virtual U.S. Open in 2009, WGT will host the 2010 USGA Virtual Championship at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club, which has hosted 14 USGA championships and will host another in 2010, the U.S. Women's Open. The 2010 USGA Virtual Championship will be available to fans at www.usga.org and via the championship Web site at www.uswomensopen.com.
In addition to the USGA Virtual Championship, WGT will develop a tribute to historic moments in golf which took place at Pebble Beach. WGT and the USGA will recreate famous shots made during previous U.S. Opens hosted at Pebble Beach so that fans can experience and truly understand the skill involved. These will be featured in the "Course" section on USOPEN.com.
"This partnership validates WGT as the leader in integrating virtual sports with live sporting events, providing strong real-world value to sports organizations and their sponsors," said YuChiang Cheng, CEO of WGT. "From day one, we set out to bring high-quality virtual golf to the masses and grow the game of golf. It‘s an honor to have the USGA look to us to bring golf's most challenging courses to the world for enjoyment."
About World Golf Tour
World Golf Tour (WGT) is the leader in virtual online sports gaming with its free-to-play browser-based HD golf destination that provides photographic 3D replicas of world class courses for play. With more than one million members worldwide, WGT enables players to compete in a free, easy-to learn and rewarding community. WGT requires no download or special plug-ins, and its patented technology offers a rich and realistic playing experience on world class golf courses. In partnership with brands such as American Express, the USGA, Pinehurst Resorts, Kiawah Island Resorts and NBC Sports, WGT has awarded more than $100,000 in products, prizes and tournament purses since its inception in 2008. For more information, please visit www.wgt.com.
About The USGA
The USGA is the national governing body of golf in the USA and Mexico. The USGA annually conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open, U.S. Senior Open and 10 national amateur championships. It also conducts two state team championships and helps conduct the Walker Cup Match, Curtis Cup Match and World Amateur Team Championships.
The USGA also writes the Rules of Golf, conducts equipment testing, provides expert course maintenance consultations, funds research for better turf and a better environment, maintains a Handicap System®, celebrates the history of the game, and administers an ongoing "For the Good of the Game" grants program, which has allocated more than $65 million over 13 years to successful programs that bring the game's values to youths from disadvantaged backgrounds and people with disabilities. For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS
USGA
Beth Murrison
(908) 234-2300
bmurrison@usga.org
World Golf Tour
Jennifer Nichols
Allison & Partners
(415) 277-4912
jnichols@allisonpr.com
