For the golf-obsessed: if you find yourself rushing through client meetings so you can get back to your car, turn on the radio and check out the status of your favorite golfers competing in the U.S. Open Championship this week in San Diego, suffer no more. IBM and the USGA have partnered to relaunch the U.S. Open Web site — and it comes complete with an option to check out the action on your mobile phone. Set it up here. Or maybe a client will want you to set it up on his or her phone.
And when you get back to a bigger screen you may want to check out the videos and other, more interactive, features available on the site such as flyovers of the course and multiple views (from the tee and from above) of each hole.
IBM and the USGA also have Web 2.0 plans: They are looking to create an online community where golfers and golf spectators can communicate about the latest equipment, USGA rules, professional players and other golf-related topics.
The moves are part of the USGA’s efforts to reach youth and “make them into avid fans” both in the United States and around the world.
IBM announced the USGA relationship in April. It’s a four-year agreement making IBM the USGA’s official technology partner. IBM also provides technological support and solutions to the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and U.S. Open Tennis championships, and the Masters and the NFL.
IBM’s not the only giant to bring technology to sports. In January, CDW announced a five-year integrated marketing and business partnership with the PGA tour, making it the “Official Technology Partner of the PGA Tour and Champions Tour.”