Lexus Heads to the Twitter Green for the U.S. Open Championship

TORRANCE, Calif., June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Tee up your questions, golf fans, for your chance to get answers from one of the game's top players. To gear up for the 2012 U.S. Open, Lexus is teaming up with professional golfer Peter Jacobsen to let enthusiasts in on the golfing action.

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As the exclusive automotive partner of the United States Golf Association (USGA), Lexus is going social with a Twitter opportunity that will put everyone in the golfing spirit. In the days leading up to the U.S. Open, fans are invited to "Ask Peter" by tweeting their questions to Peter Jacobsen using the #LexusGolf hashtag. Peter will answer questions via his Twitter handle (@JakeTrout) from the Lexus Performance Drive Pavilion at this year's championship on Thursday, June 14. A select group of fans will receive personalized video responses from Peter.

"Utilizing Twitter to connect with our Lexus golf community lets everyone participate in the championship fun, even if they can't make it to this year's tournament," said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. "The hashtag creates a virtual meeting place for our golf enthusiasts to share their love of the game while giving them the chance to interact with one of golf's most dynamic players."

Lexus is also putting fans to the test with trivia questions about the historic golf tournament using the #LexusGolf hashtag. Fans are encouraged to play along by following Lexus on Twitter (@Lexus) as the luxury automaker looks back at memorable moments in the championship's history in anticipation of the U.S. Open.

In addition to connecting with fans on Twitter, Lexus will host onsite, interactive activities for U.S. Open attendees. New to this year's event is the Lexus Challenge, a unique RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) card activation where guests will accrue points by swiping their Lexus Game Card throughout the course. Participants will compete for a trip for two to the 2013 U.S. Open. A golf swing simulator located inside the Lexus Performance Drive Pavilion lets golf fans take a swing on a virtual Olympic Club course for the chance to win a new 2013 Lexus ES. Other activities in the Pavilion include a photo or video with the U.S. Open Championship Trophy or a superimposed photo with Lexus Golf Ambassadors that can be shared on Facebook. Lexus golf pros will also be available daily to sign autographs.

To participate in Lexus' Twitter trivia or ask Peter Jacobsen a question, visit www.twitter.com and search for #LexusGolf.

The 2012 U.S. Open Championship takes place June 14–17 at The Olympic Club in San Francisco.

About Lexus

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service from its 231 dealers. Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader, offering five hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and first-class luxury. When it began, Lexus offered two models of vehicles. Now, more than 20 years later, Lexus offers variations of 10 vehicles, from the sporty CT 200h hybrid to the V10 supercar, the LFA.

In early 2007, Lexus and the USGA announced their unprecedented multi-year 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 Sorenstam, Natalie Gulbis, Peter Jacobsen, Jason Day, Raymond Floyd, Nick Watney, Mark O'Meara, Charles Howell III and Mark Pfeil.

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 $200 million for charities through more than 3,800 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. 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 working jurisdiction comprises the United States, its territories and Mexico.

The USGA is a global leader in the development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game's history and funds an ongoing "For the Good of the Game" charitable giving program. Additionally, the USGA's Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries.

For more information, visit www.usga.org.

SOURCE Lexus