Spectators Meet Challenges at PGA Championship

MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- While a field of 156 professionals gear up for the season's final major at the 93rd PGA Championship, it's the spectators on-site at Atlanta Athletic Club that will be experiencing their fair share of game challenges through the PGA Performance Center presented by Mercedes-Benz.

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The PGA Championship started in 1916 is also getting a hefty dose of 21st century technology from Mercedes-Benz USA, when the German car company shows off its entire 2012 model year line-up and leverages hospitality passes with radio frequency technology for interactive golf competitions among guests.

"The Mercedes-Benz experience throughout the PGA Championship allows owners and spectators to enjoy the tournament, but also immerse themselves in the game of golf in an exciting and fascinating way, whether challenging themselves on a hole-in-one competition or improving their swing through a high-def simulator," said Stephen Cannon, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.

The 6,000 square-foot Performance Center on-site at the PGA Championship in Johns Creek, GA., August 8-14, 2011, features five all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz vehicles ranging from the SLS AMG and SLK roadsters to the C-Class Coupe, CLS, and ML SUV.  

The 2012 ML 350, packed with innovative features like Attention Assist drowsy driving monitor system, is the special hole-in-one prize. All spectators attending the PGA Championship can participate in the special hole-in-one competition from Thursday through Sunday. Each guest receives one shot per day on the par-3 – 165 yards for men and 145 yards for women. In addition to the opportunity to win the new ML 350 as the hole-in-one prize, a closest to the pin prize is being awarded each day.

The Performance Center also features several high-tech teaching technologies for improving important game skills from putting to swing mechanics. Staffed by PGA Professionals, the interactive performance technologies include the Hi-Def Golf Simulator and GolfTEC putt analysis systems. Beyond golf, fans can test their road driving skill with SLS AMG Driving Performance Challenge, a driving game presented on several iPads that allow for head-to-head, timed racing competitions with the iconic SLS AMG.

To heighten the on-site experience for guests, Mercedes-Benz devised a special pass with embedded radio frequency technology (RFID) allowing guests to opt-in once and then play skill games throughout the week, keeping track of their scores and stats and benchmarking these against themselves and other guests. The goal is to eliminate the time it takes for guests to participate in these skill games and provide an opportunity for them to strive for personal achievement.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.  

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US.  More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com, and www.smartusa.com.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA