USGA and Topgolf’s World Golf Tour Game Launch 2018 Virtual U.S. Open Qualifier

Users to Play the ‘Dream 18’ – a Celebration of the 10-Year Collaboration between the USGA and WGT

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.) - The USGA and Topgolf launched the 2018 Virtual U.S. Open qualifier on the World Golf Tour (WGT) game, with the support of Lexus. The game is available on the WGT Golf app and WGT.com, providing fans an opportunity to compete for a VIP trip for two to the 2019 U.S. Open at iconic Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links.

This year’s game features the ‘Dream 18,’ a hand-picked selection of iconic U.S. Open holes from the past decade, including the 17th hole at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club and the famed 18th hole at Pebble Beach. 2018 participants will join the 4.2 million golf fans that have played more than 28 million virtual rounds on U.S. Open courses to date.

For the fifth year, Lexus and the USGA have collaborated with Topgolf’s WGT to bring the experience to golf fans and gamers throughout the world.

“The Virtual U.S. Open on the WGT game has provided golf fans with a truly unique way to experience the iconic venues that serve as the foundation for golf’s ultimate test,” said Navin Singh, head of Global Content and Media Distribution for the USGA. “In honor of a decade of unmatched online competition and 28 million Virtual U.S. Open rounds, we are excited to offer fans the chance to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Virtual U.S. Open and compete on a collection of the most storied holes in golf.”

Contestants can play unlimited qualifying rounds for the 2018 Virtual U.S. Open through June 30. The top 156 qualifiers plus ties will then square off for the Virtual U.S. Open title from July 1-16. Additional prizes include a $500 gift card to usgashop.com, and all qualifiers who make the cut will receive a one-year USGA membership.

“We have been proud to collaborate with the USGA for the past 10 years to provide fans with an unrivaled virtual golf experience commensurate with the U.S. Open,” said Topgolf Media President YuChiang Cheng. “This year’s competition continues this tradition and elevates the experience with this special 10th-anniversary course, allowing fans to replay the holes that have created some of golf’s most memorable moments.”

In March, WGT players began competing in the annual Front 9 Challenge for a sneak peek of the first nine holes of the ‘Dream 18.’ In April, the Back 9 Challenge was released to give competitors a chance to prepare for this year’s U.S. Open qualifier.

The WGT Golf app is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store as well as a desktop version on WGT.com.