USGA, American Express Celebrate 10 Years of Partnership with Multiyear Renewal

Collaboration Will Elevate Service to Golf Fans on and off the Course

(OAKMONT, Pa.) – The United States Golf Association and American Express announced today a multiyear extension of their 10-year partnership.

As part of the renewed partnership, and in line with their award-winning customer service, American Express will continue to create unique benefits and services to bring golf fans closer to the game they love both on and off the course.

“American Express has been a great partner for the last 10 years and we are excited to further our collaboration in elevating the experience for those who enjoy watching and playing this great game,” said Sarah Hirshland, senior managing director of business affairs for the USGA. “Our mission is to enhance the enjoyment of golf by deepening engagement with the game, and we appreciate their shared vision and leadership in these efforts.”

American Express will partner with the USGA to provide enhanced services on-site at the U.S. Open, curating experiences to ensure that fans are able to get the most out of their experience. Similar to its efforts in delivering innovative experiences to the U.S. Open in recent years, such as TrackMan Swing Zone, American Express will look to incorporate state-of-the-art technology to bring fans closer to the competition. American Express will complement these efforts by creating memorable, season-long benefits for golf fans, USGA Members and American Express Card Members.

“We are extremely proud to extend our partnership with the USGA. Our Card Members are passionate about golf, and we are committed to work with the USGA to deepen their love of the game" said Deborah Curtis, vice president, global experiential marketing & partnerships at American Express. “We look forward to bringing memorable experiences and content to Card Members and fans, and serving them for years to come.”

American Express became the USGA’s first corporate partner 10 years ago, and in its first U.S. Open in 2007 created an enhanced spectator experience at Oakmont Country Club, host site of this week’s U.S. Open Championship.

As the Official Card of the USGA, this year, American Express’ annual spectator experience will provide fans an insider’s perspective on what it takes to prepare yourself mentally for the challenge presented by a U.S. Open Championship setup and the opportunity to virtually compete on hole Nos. 4, 8 and 18 at Oakmont.

Additionally, American Express will also offer spectators who make an eligible purchase of $10 or more on their American Express Card at participating Oakmont concession stands a 2016 U.S. Open commemorative cup. American Express will also provide – in what has become a staple of the U.S. Open experience over the years – personal radios to allow Card Members to follow coverage while on-site at the championship, while supplies last.

American Express is the presenting partner of an enhanced live-streaming experience of the U.S. Open on usopen.com and the U.S. Open Mobile App. This year, two channels will be dedicated to both morning and afternoon featured groups, while a third channel will focus on action from holes 3, 13 and 17. Exclusive viewing windows starting at 7:30 a.m. EDT on June 16 and June 17 will offer fans insider coverage before the daily FOX television broadcast begins at 10 a.m. Live feeds will continue on June 18 and June 19, beginning at 11a.m.

Established in 2006, the USGA corporate partner program works with distinguished global organizations to amplify year-round programming that delivers on shared goals, builds stronger relationships with key audiences and positively impacts the game of golf. In addition to American Express, the USGA’s corporate partners include Deloitte, Lexus, IBM and Rolex.

For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org.