U.S. Open Preps
The KYW Golf Report today included a mention of the U.S. Open Experience on Indepence Mall. Here's the official release from the USGA:
U.S. OPEN EXPERIENCE COMING TO INDEPENDENCE MALL
IN DOWNTOWN PHILADELPHIA BEGINNING JUNE 10
Interactive Golf Activities for Fans of All Ages to be Offered Throughout Championship Week
Far Hills, N.J. (May 30, 2013) – Adding to the growing excitement around the 113th U.S. Open Championship at Merion Golf Club, the United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced a special fan experience that will bring golf's national championship to life in the heart of historic downtown Philadelphia.
In conjunction with USGA partners American Express, Chevron, and Lexus, The U.S. Open Experience at Independence Mall opens Monday June 10, featuring interactive educational exhibits, an official U.S. Open merchandise store, and other unique opportunities for fans in the Independence Visitor Center.
The action moves outdoors for the weekend of June 15 and 16, with live big-screen golf coverage, authentic USGAbleacher seating, and simulated playing opportunities where fans can create their own memorable golf shots. Weekend hours of operation are from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. both days. All activities are open to the public and are complimentary with the exception of concessions, merchandise and parking/transportation.
"Philadelphia's fans hold a special place in their hearts for the game of golf and the U.S. Open, and this newly developed experience is meant to recognize that incredible passion and loyalty," said Sarah Hirshland, USGASenior Managing Director for Business Affairs. "We hope that in creating this downtown celebration we are providing fans with an opportunity to be a part of the spirit and excitement of the game's finest championship."
Independence Mall is a three-block section of Independence National Historical Park (INHP) in Center City Philadelphia bounded by Chestnut, Race, 5th and 6th Streets. Buildings on the Mall include the National Constitution Center, the Independence Visitor Center, and the Liberty Bell Center.
24-hour fully enclosed parking is conveniently located underneath the Independence Visitor Center, providing access to Independence Mall and other area attractions. The site is also accessible via SEPTA and by PHLASH - the purple trolley system offering an easy and affordable way to visit many of Center City's key points of interest.
For more information about The U.S. Open Experience and the upcoming U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club visit www.USOpen.com.
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That website, by the way, has a ton of information for you.
If you are going to the championship, the USGA spectator guide is a must-read ... with parking info and other tidbits on where to go once you get to Merion.
You can find that here at www.USOpen.com ....
I also highly recommend you poke around the history of the Open and the role Merion has played in the championship. You can even play some golf there -- and here's a direct link to the 2013 Virtual US Open.
Want more? There's plenty of US Open/Merion history at the website of PGA Professional and historian Pete Trenham, which you can find here...
Finally, if you don't plan on battling the crowds, but want to sit back and relax and take in the championship at home... here's the viewing schedule for the week:
All next week, I'll have special reports on the US Open on KYW Newsradio. Meantime, enjoy your weekend and playing in the heat. For those of us who are becoming a bit distance-challenged as we get older, the heat and humidity are our freinds. Ball go far!
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Ed Abrams anchors mornings on KYW Newsradio, and you can hear his Golf Reports there on Fridays and Saturdays. He has also created a pair of websites: www.DealTrackerGolf.com, featuring leads on the best online golf equipment deals… and www.TeeItUpPhilly.com, with video course tours, audio swing tips and local golf deals.
