A new virtual fan experience at the U.S. Women’s Open will change how you watch it

HOUSTON — In some ways, the courses at Champions Golf Club resemble other U.S. Women’s Open sites: long holes, fast fairways and firm greens, just as you’d expect of a U.S. Open setup. 

But unlike any other U.S. Women’s Open, there are no fans lining the ropes, letting out roars and cheering on their favorite players. 

At least not on site. 

While the pandemic has made it impossible to host the U.S. Women’s Open with thousands of fans in attendance, Cisco and the USGA have teamed up to bring fans a virtual experience with their “Join Me on the 1st Tee” initiative. 

Fans can sign up to be a part of one huge Cisco Webex call and watch their favorite players tee off on  No. 1 on the Cypress Creek course Thursday through Sunday. 

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If you recall, a similar video chat appeared at the U.S. Open in September. This time around, however, the USGA has recruited celebs, sports stars and more to join the video conferences and interact with fans as everyone watches the action unfold together. 

The celebrity guests include Olympic gold medalists Michael Phelps and Aly Raisman, U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell and LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam, 

This virtual fan experience isn’t just about allowing fans to experience this championship in a new way. It is also a way to bring the women’s game to new audiences by bringing in athletes from other sports, which ladders back to the USGA’s #womenworthwatching campaign and its mission to grow the women’s game. 

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“Cisco brings the technology that enables us to connect fans to the U.S. Open,” says Bryan Miranda, senior director of partnerships at the USGA. “We took a leap from the men’s U.S. Open where not only can the players see them, they can see the players. It recreates the experience of being able to walk over to the 1st tee and watch their favorite players tee off.”

Signing up for this unique experience is simple, and best of all, free. You just have to head over to the USGA’s website and register. You’ll receive an email with the dates, times and a link so you can easily join the party from the comfort of your couch.