U.S. Women’s Open Launches into a New Digital Era
From drone-traced drives to fantasy picks, fans will experience Erin Hills with the click of a finger
Golf fans are in for a digital delight as the U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally tees off at Erin Hills, Wisconsin, from May 29 to June 1, with unprecedented online access transforming how the championship is enjoyed worldwide.
For the first time in a women’s golf broadcast, cutting-edge drone tracing will visually map tee shots in real-time, adding a cinematic swoop to every swing. “We’re thrilled to provide fans with an exceptional level of access through a number of innovative digital offerings,” said Jon Podany, USGA’s chief commercial officer. “It’s golf coverage like never before.”
At the heart of this evolution is the USGA App Built by Deloitte, a sleek one-stop shop featuring real-time leader boards, scatter plots of the field, AI insights, and even the chance to keep tabs on player scorecards from your iPhone lock screen. The app now stretches to iPad users, making it easier than ever to track the action.
Fans can also tap into ShotCast Powered by Cisco, which offers every shot from every player, backed by PGA Tour’s ShotLink radar data. From 3D green views to dynamic shot trails, the coverage puts the viewer right in the caddie’s shoes.
But the fun doesn’t stop at watching. With the USGA Fantasy Flip game, supporters can build their own team by opening player card packs and scoring points based on real-life play. Prizes range from merchandise to tickets for next year’s championship.
Meanwhile, NBC and Golf Channel promise wall-to-wall coverage, including 26 hours of live TV and more than 19 hours of studio chat, with Drone Tracing technology and the Rolex commercial-free hour keeping the experience both high-tech and high-class.
Golf’s oldest major is meeting its digital future—and the fans are invited along for the ride.