Lexus Golf Activities in Full Swing at U.S. Open Championships

TORRANCE, Calif., June 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Open Championships repeatedly produce some of the best moments in golf history and this year should be no different. For the first time, the world's best male and female golfers will compete in back-to-back championships on the same course at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in the Village of Pinehurst, NC, from June 9 to 22. Lexus is returning as the official vehicle of the U.S. Open Championships in partnership with the United States Golf Association (USGA®) and will provide over 400 courtesy vehicles to players, USGA professionals and associates throughout the Championship.

"The U.S. Open Championships consistently deliver amazing moments that speak to our shared appreciation for the power of performance and precision," said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. "Each year, we work closely with the USGA to find a great combination of events and activities to excite golf fans, many of whom are Lexus owners, and attract a new crowd of golf enthusiasts."

Along with a display of the all-new 2015 RC 350 F SPORT performance coupe, Lexus will provide interactive activities for spectators in the Lexus Performance Drive including a golf simulator that will let fans take a swing on a virtual Pinehurst No. 2 course. Other activities will include superimposed photo opportunities with the U.S. Open Championship trophies; autograph sessions with Lexus Golf Ambassadors, including Jason Day, Charles Howell III, Johnny Miller, Mark O'Meara and Annika Sörenstam; and a video tribute to Payne Stewart and his dramatic 1999 win at Pinehurst No. 2.

In addition to Lexus' onsite activities, the automaker created a series, "The U.S. Open: Drive to Pinehurst," which chronicles the lives of three North Carolina–based amateur golfers and details their special connection to this year's championship. During the filming of the three-part video series, Lexus carried the trophy to each of their hometowns to help build excitement for the historic sporting event. The videos can be viewed on usopen.com.

About Lexus
Lexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers. Lexus is now going beyond its reputation for high-quality vehicles with the integration of innovative technology, emotional exterior and interior designs, and engaging driving dynamics and performance. With five models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers six F SPORT models and two F models, including the LFA supercar, for top-of-the-line performance. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 233 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.

In early 2007, Lexus and the USGA announced their unprecedented multiyear partnership. The landmark agreement made Lexus the first automotive partner in USGA history and the official vehicle of the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open and U.S. Amateur Championships. Lexus' golf interests include sponsorship of an impressive team of professional players and golf greats. The current Lexus golf roster features Annika Sörenstam, Natalie Gulbis, Peter Jacobsen, Jason Day, Mark O'Meara, Charles Howell III, Mark Pfeil, Johnny Miller, Nancy Lopez and Jamie Sadlowski.

In addition to Lexus' relationship with the USGA, the automaker has also created the Lexus Champions for Charity series of golf tournaments to benefit local charities across the U.S. Since its inception in 1989, Champions for Charity has generated more than $250 million for charities through more than 4,000 events.

About the USGA
The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches, attracting players and fans from more than 160 countries. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, equipment standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA's reach is global with a working jurisdiction in the United States, its territories and Mexico, serving more than 25 million golfers and actively engaging 150 golf associations.

The USGA is one of the world's foremost authorities on research, development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game's history and invests in the development of the game through the delivery of its services and its ongoing "For the Good of the Game" grants program. Additionally, the USGA's Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries.

For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org. 

SOURCE Lexus