PDC Sports – USGA, Topgolf and FOX Sports Announce First Nationwide U.S. Open Watch Party

Topgolf (Photo courtesy of Topgolf)

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FAR HILLS, N.J. – The USGA, Topgolf and FOX Sports have joined forces to celebrate the 117th U.S. Open Championship through a live viewing experience on Thursday, June 15 at all 30 Topgolf venues across the country.

The Ultimate U.S. Open Watch Party begins at 11 a.m. EDT at each Topgolf location as FOX Sports presents live coverage from the U.S. Open at Erin Hills in Erin, Wis.  Along with the immersive experience and interactive games offered in Topgolf’s hitting bays, participants will be able to view first-round U.S. Open action on all of Topgolf’s in-venue monitors on FS1 until 6 p.m. EDT and the FOX broadcast network until 9 p.m. EDT. 

Conducted by the USGA, the U.S. Open Championship is widely regarded as golf’s ultimate test for the best players in the world. More than 9,400 golfers from all 50 states and 66 foreign countries entered qualifying in their quest to claim one of the coveted 156 spots in the championship field. The 72-hole championship ends on Father’s Day, June 18. Complete information can be found at usopen.com.

“We’re excited to bring the U.S. Open to new audiences, many of whom may have been introduced to the game through new avenues, and are enthusiastic about playing,” said Diana Murphy, president of the USGA. “We know the power of the U.S. Open to excite and inspire. Supporting a nationwide U.S. Open watch party can help advance interest in golf, and engage more people to try the game for the first time.”

The National Golf Foundation recently reported that in addition to nearly the 24 million U.S. golfers currently enjoying the game, another 12.8 million have expressed they are “very interested” in trying it – more than half of whom are under the age of 29.

In 2016, Topgolf served 10.5 million guests, 53 percent of whom are between the ages of 18 and 34. 

“We’re excited to celebrate one of the greatest events in sports by creating a fun, social experience for our guests to play golf while they watch golf’s greats compete on TV,” said Topgolf Chief Marketing Officer Brian Radics.

FOX Sports is the domestic broadcast partner for the USGA, providing at least 45 hours of live U.S. Open coverage via FS1, the FOX broadcast network and FOX Deportes, in addition to continuous live-streaming throughout the championship on FOX Sports GO.

“FOX Sports is always looking for inventive ways to engage with viewers and we’re thrilled to bring the U.S. Open to fans in this uniquely social and interactive setting,” said Whit Haskel, FOX Sports senior vice president, Brand Marketing. 

Fans are encouraged to register for the Ultimate U.S. Open Watch Party at www.topgolf.com/usopen, post a photo on social media using #usopen and download the official U.S. Open app for tee times and exclusive digital coverage, available June 7.