USGA Launches Web Catalog

The U.S. Golf Association (USGA), a nonprofit organization that governs golf in the U.S., on March 15 launched an online version of its 32-page spring catalog, featuring merchandise from the 2004 U.S. Open. The company opted for a Web-based application developed by NXTbook Media.

That format is similar to that of USGA’s printed catalogs, says Chris Johnson, director of license and merchandise programs for the Far Hills, NJ-based organization. He describes initial response among recipients as “enthusiastic.”

NXTbook’s digital publishing platform is based on open standards, including HTML and JavaScript, which require no special plug-ins or downloading of proprietary software readers. The technology, according to NXTbook, enables real-time results reporting of more than 30 tracking points, including the number of readers who have accessed the catalog and the time spent viewing the catalog.