T-Mobile is increasing its investment in golf through a new multiyear deal with the USGA that covers the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and other championships the organization hosts. T-Mobile becomes the official 5G network partner of the tournaments and also said it will be providing a mobile “Rules Review” for the USGA, which governs the sport’s rules.
Starting at the U.S. Women’s Open next week at Riviera Country Club, on-site rules officials will use an “optimized 5G network slice” to ensure they’re able to access information and video reviews in a timely manner. That same network slice will be used for ticket scanning, USGA social posts and other point-of-sale operations at the organization’s events.
In terms of member benefits, T-Mobile users can show their “Magenta Pass” at next week’s U.S. Women’s Open and receive two complimentary gallery tickets at Riviera’s main ticket office. T-Mobile also is sponsoring the driving range at the USWO and U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, and the network’s users will have access to complimentary lawn chairs, giveaways and reserved grandstand seating in certain areas.
Financial terms and the exact length of the deal weren’t disclosed. CAA worked on the deal for T-Mobile, while OVG Global Partnerships and Dan Wise led talks for the USGA. It’s the first cellular/mobile sponsorship in the history of the USGA.
T-Mobile’s agreement with the USGA comes on the heels of the company’s pact with another of golf’s governing bodies. In late 2023, T-Mobile signed a deal with the PGA of America, and its magenta branding has been easy to spot on site at the PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and other events.
T-Mobile has athlete deals with Max Homa, Wyndham Clark and Nelly Korda, among others.
