Cisco and The R&A Announce Multi-Year Technology Partnership

The R&A has announced a new multi-year partnership with Cisco, naming the global technology company as its Official Network Supplier across its championship portfolio.

The agreement will see Cisco provide the digital network infrastructure supporting The Open, the AIG Women's Open and The R&A's new global headquarters in St Andrews.

The partnership will officially begin at the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, where Cisco will deploy AI-ready networking technology to support tournament operations, media services, broadcasting, scoring systems, security and spectator connectivity.

The deployment will include almost 1,000 wireless access points across the championship venue, with Wi-Fi 7 technology installed in key operational areas including the media centre. Cisco will also provide high-capacity wireless coverage for public spaces, hospitality areas and retail outlets throughout the course.

In addition to networking infrastructure, Cisco will supply cybersecurity, switching, routing and cloud-managed technologies designed to improve operational resilience and support real-time monitoring across championship venues.

The partnership also extends beyond tournament operations. Cisco will become the technology provider for The R&A's new headquarters in St Andrews, supplying enterprise networking, collaboration technology and security systems throughout the facility.

Cisco has an established presence across global sport, working with organisations including the National Football League, the United States Golf Association, the Olympic Games and numerous leading venues worldwide.

The agreement forms part of The R&A's continued investment in digital infrastructure as it prepares to deliver future editions of its major championships and support the long-term operational requirements of the organisation.