USGA CEO on the Open at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, new AI tools

Summary

Mike Whan, CEO of the U.S. Golf Association, discusses the upcoming U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, including limited ticket capacity (25,000 weekend attendees) and pricing accessible to non-millionaires. He also introduces a new AI-powered rules app that uses a verified database of 25,000 questions and answers to provide accurate golf rule interpretations. The conversation touches on event logistics like a temporary train station and contrasts with FIFA's dynamic pricing approach.

• The U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills will limit attendance to 25,000 on the weekend to preserve attendee experience.
• Ticket prices start at $75 for practice rounds and $275 for championship days.
• A temporary train station is built across the street to ease access to the course.
• The USGA prioritizes a special experience over maximizing profit through dynamic pricing.
• A new AI app called 'Rules AI' is launched on the existing USGA Handicap app.
• The AI app provides accurate rule answers by drawing from a curated database of 25,000 verified questions.
• The app aims to resolve on-course rule disputes quickly and accurately.
• The CEO contrasts the USGA's approach to high-stakes event operations with FIFA's controversial pricing.