Cisco has signed a multiyear partnership with The R&A to provide AI-ready networking infrastructure for some of golf’s largest championships and the organization’s new global headquarters in St. Andrews, Scotland.
As the Official Network Supplier of The R&A, Cisco will deploy secure networking technology at The Open Championship, the AIG Women’s Open and The R&A’s headquarters, supporting everything from scoring systems and broadcast operations to wireless connectivity for fans.
The agreement highlights the growing role enterprise networking plays in large-scale sporting events, where reliable connectivity has become essential for tournament operations, media coverage and digital fan experiences.
Cisco to Support Critical Championship Operations
The first major deployment will take place during the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, where Cisco will provide the networking infrastructure supporting the tournament’s technology operations.
The deployment includes routing, switching, wireless networking and network security that connect multiple operational areas, including:
- Digital scoring systems
- Broadcast production
- Media operations
- Facility management
- Tournament staff communications
Cisco said nearly 1,000 wireless access points will be installed across the championship venue, including Wi-Fi 7 access points in high-priority areas such as the media center.
The expanded wireless network is also intended to improve connectivity for spectators throughout the course, including concession and merchandise areas.
AI-Ready Network Planned for New Headquarters
Beyond tournament operations, Cisco will modernize The R&A’s new headquarters in St. Andrews with networking infrastructure designed to support future AI workloads and increasing device demands.
The deployment will include:
- Cisco Wi-Fi 7 wireless access points
- Cisco C9350 Series Smart Switches
- Cisco firewalls
- Cloud-managed smart cameras
- Cisco collaboration devices
According to the companies, the network is intended to provide greater operational visibility through real-time monitoring of network performance, facility operations and crowd movement while helping identify and resolve issues more quickly.
The headquarters is expected to open later this year.
Growing Demand for AI-Era Network Infrastructure
The partnership reflects a broader trend as organizations upgrade networking infrastructure to accommodate AI applications, higher bandwidth requirements and increasing numbers of connected devices.
While sporting events have traditionally relied on networking for broadcast and communications, AI-driven analytics, security systems and digital fan experiences are placing greater demands on underlying infrastructure.
For organizations operating large venues, networking platforms are becoming increasingly integrated with operational technology, security and facility management.
“Cisco’s expertise and world-leading technology will help strengthen the foundations that underpin our Championships and organisation,” said Neil Armit, chief commercial officer at The R&A.
Cisco Continues Investment in Sports Technology
The agreement expands Cisco’s growing presence in professional sports technology.
The company already works with several golf organizations, including the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour and Stephen Curry’s UNDERRATED Golf Tour.
The latest partnership extends Cisco’s networking technology into one of golf’s most prominent international organizations while showcasing enterprise networking capabilities in high-profile event environments.
The Bottom Line
Large sporting events increasingly depend on enterprise-grade networking infrastructure to support broadcast operations, digital services, security and fan connectivity. Cisco’s partnership with The R&A demonstrates how AI-ready networking is becoming foundational for both live event operations and long-term facility modernization. As organizations across industries prepare for AI-driven workloads, investments in resilient, high-capacity network infrastructure are becoming as important as the applications they support.