In Seattle, Geoff Baker notes the American Express Championship Experience pavilion at Chambers Bay highlights golf's "mental side" and features a "virtual-reality golf simulator" (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/16).
ON CALL: Spectators at this week's U.S. Open at Chambers Bay are permitted to use smartphones to communicate via text, calling and social media. Lexus, as the official vehicle of the U.S. Open, is encouraging spectators to use the #LexusGolf hashtag on social channels. On-site at the Lexus Performance Drive Pavilion, teh automaker will display its new '16 RX luxury utility vehicle. Other activations include photo opportunities with the U.S. Open trophy. Lexus will provide 300 courtesy vehicles to players and other tournament organizers (Lexus). The USGA in April announced this will be the first year it will allow the use of cell phones at the U.S. Open (THE DAILY).
NOT A SHOE-IN: ESPN.com's Darren Rovell noted Tiger Woods at the tournament will be "wearing a Nike shoe model that is 4 years old rather than the signature model Nike currently is selling for $200." That is why, when Nike released the outfits its golfers will wear this week, Woods' spikes "were missing." The shoes, TW '11s, were made for Woods in '11 to "help support his injured knee and Achilles tendon." Woods is the "third prominent Nike endorser in recent years who has decided not to wear specific signature shoes made in that year" (ESPN.com, 6/15).
