Cisco signs network deal with The R&A for golf events

Cisco has signed a multiyear partnership with the R&A to supply network infrastructure for its championships and new headquarters. The agreement covers The Open, the AIG Women's Open and the R&A's base in St Andrews.

The technology group has been named official network supplier to the governing body for golf outside the US and Mexico. Under the deal, Cisco will provide networking, wireless and security systems for championship operations and the R&A's new global headquarters.

At The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale, the network will support scoring, broadcast, media operations and facility management. The deployment will include routing, switching, wireless access and network security across the site.

Nearly 1,000 wireless access points are due to be installed for the championship, including Wi-Fi 7 access points in the media centre and other priority areas. The setup is intended to improve connectivity for spectators across the course, particularly in busy locations such as concessions and merchandise areas.

The project also extends beyond tournament venues. The R&A's new headquarters in St Andrews will use Cisco wireless access points, C9350 Series Smart Switches built on Cisco Silicon One, firewalls, cloud-managed smart cameras and collaboration devices.

The installation is designed to give the organisation a network that can handle greater device loads and support AI applications as they are adopted. It will also provide monitoring across the R&A's digital estate, including network performance, crowd movement and facility operations.

The R&A oversees the Rules of Golf outside the United States and Mexico and stages some of the sport's best-known events. The network arrangement is intended to support operational resilience and improve the experience for fans, broadcasters, players and media.

Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer at The R&A, said the partnership would support both the organisation's events and its long-term plans.

"Cisco's expertise and world-leading technology will help strengthen the foundations that underpin our championships and organisation. From supporting the critical technology operations at The Open and the AIG Women's Open to enhancing connectivity for fans, broadcasters, players and media, this partnership will help us deliver world-class experiences while ensuring that they remain secure, resilient and future-ready.

"As we prepare to open our new global headquarters in St Andrews later this year, Cisco will also play an important role in creating a modern, connected workplace for our staff and stakeholders. Together, we are investing in the infrastructure and innovation that will support our long-term purpose to open golf to the world," Armit said.

Golf network

For Cisco, the deal adds another sports body to a wider push into golf. It pointed to existing work with organisations including the United States Golf Association and the Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour, as well as events linked to those bodies.

Sports events have become a growing market for networking suppliers as organisers seek to manage higher traffic from broadcasters, officials, vendors and fans carrying multiple connected devices. Venues are also under pressure to collect and analyse operational data in real time, from crowd density to site management, while maintaining secure communications for critical services.

The R&A said the network architecture will give it more visibility across its operations and allow issues to be identified and addressed more quickly. That includes monitoring crowd flow and facilities, as well as the core network used by championship staff and service providers.

Cisco described the arrangement as part of a broader shift as sports organisations prepare for heavier bandwidth demands and new AI-linked software tools. It said the infrastructure at both events and headquarters would help the R&A scale its operations as those demands increase.

Gordon Thomson, President, Cisco EMEA, said the agreement reflects how sports bodies are reassessing their technology foundations.

"As AI transforms every industry, sports organizations need the right technology foundation to harness its full potential," Thomson said.

"Together with The R&A, Cisco is proud to help create a more connected, secure and intelligent future for golf - one that respects the traditions of the game and embraces what's next," he added.

The R&A says it represents more than 112 million golfers in 149 countries through its jurisdiction and works with 169 organisations across amateur and professional golf. It has also committed to invest GBP £200 million over ten years in developing the sport.