USGA reaching out to US Open fans through the cloud

Tour sponsor IBM is using the U.S. Open at the Olympic Club to showcase how its cloud computing research can power such major digital initiatives. The site and apps as well include real-time scoring, interactive tracking of the action going on at each hole, an interactive leader board and course map.

IBM has about 18 people monitoring the innovation in two on-site trailers to make sure the load is properly distributed to data servers in other parts of the country. They can as well monitor user numbers in real time and which app platforms are being used.

However, fans who are attending the tournament can't access the apps because the golf association bans use of cell phones and mobile devices because they could disrupt play. Fans can't even bring their devices inside the Olympic Club.

"I think they are punishing the vast majority for their inability to control just a few," Slack said during waiting to use one of six public telephones.