Inside the Fan Experience: USGA Reveals On-Site Activations for 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills

The USGA has developed a range of innovative enhancements to elevate the on-site fan experience at the 126th U.S. Open Championship, set to take place at historic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club from June 15–21. 

“Shinnecock Hills is one of the most iconic venues in all of golf, and we want every fan who walks through the gates to feel that history while also enjoying a modern, world-class championship experience," said Jon Podany, the USGA’s chief commercial officer. "Through the incredible work of our partners, we've built an on-site environment that gives fans new ways to engage with the game and ensure that their experience at Shinnecock is a fun and memorable one.” 

From June 15-21, fans can expect: 

American Express On-Site Perks 

American Express and the USGA are extending its long-time partnership, which began in 2006. This year at the U.S. Open, eligible Card Members can enroll to earn $10 back after using their enrolled Card to spend $100 or more in qualifying purchases of concessions and/or merchandise on-site. Terms apply. 
 
The Amex Station offers a refreshing stop for all U.S. Open attendees arriving and departing via the Shinnecock Hills train stop. Fans can enjoy complimentary giveaways and Card Members can purchase U.S. Open hat(s) and receive a branded luggage tag souvenir. Perks available while supplies last. Terms apply. 
 
Fans can also borrow phone chargers are located in charging stations across the grounds, compliments of American Express. Fan Services are located in Fan Central near the Main Entrance or the fan area behind the Village on 17, where Card Members can pick up an Amex Radio and all fans can hydrate with a collapsible water bottle and learn more about the Championship, while supplies last. Limit one radio per day and one water bottle per championship. Terms apply. 

Ally Bunker Challenge 

Step into the sand and put your short game to the test at the Ally Bunker Challenge in Fan Central. Compete against friends to see who can get closest to the pin as you take your shot at escaping the bunker, and learn more about Ally, the Official Bank of the USGA.  

Interactive Map Powered by Cisco  

The Interactive Map powered by Cisco will make it easy for fans to navigate Shinnecock and have a memorable championship experience on-site. Available in the USGA App on iOS and Android, the map serves as an all-in-one destination for fans to locate their favorite players on course, see which group is upcoming on any hole, and find grandstands, concessions and other amenities throughout the venue.  

Rules AI in collaboration with Deloitte

Stop by the USGA Experience on the 3rd Hole to see how the USGA and Deloitte are using AI to make the Rules of Golf more accessible. Built on a foundation of more than 25,000 specific rules queries addressed by USGA staff and experts, Rules AI is powered exclusively by verified USGA content, ensuring answers rooted in the official Rules of Golf and informed by the practical judgment needed to apply them. 

Swing Experience Driven by Lexus 

The Swing Experience Driven by Lexus in Fan Central offers a wide range of interactive activities for fans to enjoy. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the latest Lexus vehicles within the space and throughout the course, take their shot at the Longest Drive Challenge, test their putting skills and pose for a photo with the U.S. Open Trophy. Fans will also have the chance to meet Lexus golf ambassadors during the week. 

GHIN Putting Experience Presented by Sentry 

Put your putting skills to the test at the GHIN Putting Experience presented by Sentry Insurance. Compete on a 3-hole putting course on championship-speed greens with the help of GHIN green reading maps and learn how GHIN can help you get the most out of your game. The GHIN Putting experience is located in Fan Central near the championship main entrance.  

T-Mobile Member Benefits

New this year, T-Mobile members are invited to visit the T-Mobile Benefits Hub near the 1st hole and T-Mobile Range to claim complimentary food and beverage vouchers, premium giveaways, and learn how to access to reserved viewing areas around the course. In addition, T-Mobile members can claim up to 2 complimentary Trophy Club ticket upgrades on Tuesday, June 17, while supplies last. 

Refreshing Lemon Wedge Cocktail by DEWAR'S 

The “Lemon Wedge,” a twist on the classic highball, returns as the Official Cocktail of the U.S. Open, having made its debut in 2022. Made with premium DEWAR’S 12-Year-Old Scotch whisky, club soda, and fresh lemonade, topped with a golf-tee pick and lemon wedge for garnish, fans in upgraded ticket and hospitality facilities on-site will enjoy a bartender-made version of this refreshing cocktail in a commemorative cup. And now in its fifth year, a ready-to-drink version of the Lemon Wedge also will be available in a can at concession stands throughout the course—bringing the signature cocktail to fans across the championship grounds. 

GOLFZON Simulators  

Think you can conquer Shinnecock? Fans can step inside a GOLFZON simulator and test their skills at three different locations: the USGA Experience, in the Village on 17 and in the Swing Experience Driven by Lexus in Fan Central, these state-of-the-art simulators put you right on one of golf's most storied layouts — the same iconic course the world's best players are competing on. 

Ticket Office Presented by SeatGeek 

Fans can scan their ticket at Gate Two near the LIRR entrance and strike a pose in front of SeatGeek's exclusive championship mural — a can't-miss photo moment to kick off your day. SeatGeek, the Official Ticketing Provider of the USGA, also makes it easy to buy, sell, and transfer tickets directly through the SeatGeek app, so you can focus on the golf once you're through the gates.  

Sun Cruiser, the Official Canned Cocktail of U.S. Open 

Sun Cruiser is bringing the good vibes as the presenting partner of the "19th Hole" inside Fan Central. Fans 21 and older can crack open an ice-cold and deliciously refreshing vodka iced tea and lemonade — available in a variety of Sun Cruiser flavors — at the 19th Hole and at locations throughout the grounds. Sun Cruiser is also popping up across the Championship with Cruiser Caddies, acting as personal drink caddies for lucky fans. Keep an eye out for Cruiser Caddies in custom Sun Cruiser jumpsuits as they surprise and delight guests across the course. 

USGA Championship Merchandise Shopping 

Fans can shop for their favorite championship merchandise at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. The Merchandise Pavilion, the main tent in Fan Central, covers 34,000 square feet and features more than 500,000 items from 45 brands bearing the 126th U.S. Open Championship logo, including hats, polo shirts, outerwear, T-shirts, posters, headcovers, golf towels and much more. Peter Millar, the official outfitter of the USGA, will be a featured brand in the merchandise tents, showcasing special Shinnecock–themed custom print polos and layering for both men and women, among their many other apparel offerings. Other featured brands include G/FORE, Adidas, Holderness & Bourne, B. Draddy, Johnnie-O, Ralph Lauren, Vineyard Vines, local candle business Hamptons Handpoured and local artisan Julia Kearns and more! 

USGA Experience  

The USGA Experience located left of the 3rd hole is part history lesson, part playground. Discover the story of the U.S. Open, see how the USGA and Deloitte are using AI to make the Rules of Golf more accessible — and try to stump the Rules AI expert yourself. Take a virtual swing on Shinnecock's signature holes through the GOLFZON simulator for a chance to win prizes. 

Enhanced On-Site Digital Displays  

Fans can expect an increase in the number of digital displays and enhanced video programming across the championship grounds. With the inclusion of ShotLink , there will be additional on-course displays that focus on scoring, leaderboards and other advanced data points that showcase the shotmaking of the world’s best players. In general areas, such as Fan Central, fans can enjoy the championship broadcast and other programming alongside messaging and scoring updates to ensure they are always in the loop on what is happening, both inside and outside the ropes. At the T-Mobile Range, fans can enjoy a digital display that showcases Trackman technology as it tracks shots during each player’s practice routine, bringing a data-rich display and tracing for each shot as players fine-tune their games in real time.