The Ryder Cup, one of golf’s premier events, is set to tee off in Rome next week (25th September- 1st October) marking a significant milestone in the world of sports technology with this year’s event serving as a testing ground for cutting-edge technology, that -if successful, will find its way into the broader European Tour Group.
Taking Inspiration from the Olympics
Michael Cole, Chief Technology Officer of the organisation has homed in on his experience working on the London 2012 Olympics to shape the tech infrastructure of this year’s Ryder Cup. The introduction of a Technology Operations Centre (TOC) is a notable innovation, comprising Security (SOC) and Networking (NOC) centres. This Olympic-inspired model ensures efficient technology management and support for the event.
Challenges Amidst History
The proximity of this year’s course, the Marco Simone Golf and Country club to Rome has posed a set of unique challenges. The possibility of unearthing valuable archaeological finds whilst burying fibre infrastructure needed for the successful deployment of the technology for this years’ event required careful consideration from all involved.
This years’ European Tour’s IT group will operate on five pillars:
Reimagining the Spectator Experience
The focus is on enhancing the experience for on-course spectators by leveraging technology to provide real-time data and interactivity, bridging the gap between on-site and armchair fans.
Enhancing Connectivity and Innovation
The introduction of Wi-Fi 6e for public, media, and operational staff is a first for a major sporting event. An environmental IoT platform monitors IT infrastructure remotely, offering early alerts for potential issues.
Delivering the Intelligence
A visualisation platform integrates data sources from across the course, enabling smart, real-time decision-making for operations.
Lightening the Load on IT Teams
Proactive technology monitoring ensures robust deployment, allowing IT teams to focus on critical aspects.
Creating Sustainable Technology
The event incorporates sustainable practices, from buried fibre infrastructure to solar-powered access points and power-efficient IT infrastructure.
The Ryder Cup’s commitment to technological innovation not only enhances the spectator experience but also sets a precedent for sustainable, data-driven sports events. As golf continues to embrace IoT and cloud technologies, it remains at the forefront of innovation in the sporting world. The Ryder Cup in Rome promises to be an exciting showcase of what the future holds for the intersection of sports and technology.
