The R&A, the governing body for golf outside the United States and Mexico, has entered a multiyear agreement with Cisco to supply critical networking infrastructure. The deal designates Cisco as the official network supplier for The R&A and its major championships, including The Open and the AIG Women’s Open.
The partnership also covers the organization’s new global headquarters in St. Andrews, Scotland, which is scheduled to open later this year.
Cisco will deploy an AI-ready secure network architecture across these venues. The technology aims to support high-bandwidth demands from emerging artificial intelligence applications and future device loads. At The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale, the supplier will provide routing, switching, wireless, and security solutions. These systems are intended to keep stakeholders in scoring, broadcast, media, and facility management connected and secure.
The initiative includes enhanced Wi-Fi coverage for fans at The Open and the AIG Women’s Open. Connectivity improvements will extend to high-traffic areas such as concessions and merchandise zones. The R&A stated that the infrastructure will provide real-time visibility into digital networks, crowd flow, and facility operations. This monitoring capability is designed to identify potential issues before they occur and allow for immediate remediation.
Neil Armit, the chief commercial officer at The R&A, described the collaboration as a way to strengthen the technological foundations of the organization. He noted that the partnership supports the group’s mission to open golf to the world by ensuring resilient and future-ready experiences for players, broadcasters, and media.
The new headquarters in St. Andrews will utilize the technology to create a modern, connected workplace for staff and stakeholders.