Similar to the live video streaming + chat offered by UStream, Justin.tv, and TinyChat, PGA.com’s implementation lets users login with their social network credentials (using Facebook Connect, Sign In With Twitter, or MySpace ID) and then publish their chat. You can toggle to view updates from everyone who’s logged into the video player, or just your friends.

In turn, the PGA’s player gets a lot more traffic as other golf fans see the link show up in their streams. The chat feature is powered by Gigya.

The video stream itself offers a few different options: a simulcast of TNT’s coverage, the “marquee group” (Tiger Woods, Padraig Harrington, and Rich Beem), and a camera that covers only the Par 3s. There’s also an iPhone application available [iTunes link] for $1.99 with live video (which will work best with a WiFi connection) and updates.

In all, a great tech effort by the PGA that’s sure to keep golf fans productivity around nil for the rest of the week.

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