ARMONK, N.Y. -- As one of the newest corporate partners of the USGA, IBM is contributing its business and technology expertise to help the USGA fulfill a key mission of expanding and improving the game of golf. IBM is helping the USGA run the technology operations at the U.S. Open Championship (June 12-15) and provide scoring services for the U.S. Open as well as the U.S. Women’s Open (June 26-29) and U.S. Senior Open (July 31-Aug. 3) Championships.

“This partnership gives us access to IBM’s technology expertise, which is critical as we move the USGA into the next phase of its history,” said Pete Bevacqua, chief business officer for the USGA. “As the USGA continues to move forward with our mission of strengthening the game, we need to align ourselves with the best and most innovative partners. We look forward to collaborating with IBM as we strive to meet the needs of our members, member clubs and business partners.”

The 2008 usopen.com Web site is more engaging and more personalized for golf fans. It is the first to allow fans at the course to post messages on-line via a new fan feedback application. In addition, the site has a more personalized experience with customizable player tracking and access to a rich array of on-demand video content, including player highlights, round highlights and course previews. The homepage also offers exclusive real-time scoring and features a video console with near-HD live-streaming video of Championship action over the four days, including marquee groupings and player interviews.