Cisco “Connected Course” to debut at Pebble Beach Golf Links for 2019 U.S. Open

If you’re a fan of golf like me, it doesn’t get any better than this!

The last time Tiger Woods won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, he tied or set nine different records. When he won the Masters at Augusta just a month ago, people around the world were talking about how he was back as a force in golf. What happens in Pebble Beach this June will have the world’s attention, and we couldn’t be more excited.

As the Official Technology Partner of the United States Golf Association (USGA), Cisco will debut the first-ever “Connected Course” at next month’s U.S. Open, hosted at the iconic and scenic Pebble Beach Golf Links. For the first time ever, the Championship will deploy a robust, course-wide Wi-Fi network to create a blanket of connectivity and enhance the experience for people watching, attending, covering and working the event. Cisco’s on-site technology presence will allow the USGA to distribute content, engage fans and more effectively run its marquee championship.

In addition, Cisco will conduct the first-ever test of Wi-Fi 6, the next-generation wireless standard, at a major sporting event, with a dedicated portion of the Pebble Beach course using Cisco Meraki access points. Wi-Fi 6 has significant implications for the sports industry because the network will deliver faster speeds for immersive-experience applications, more device and IoT capacity for high-density environments, more bandwidth (400 percent greater capacity), higher reliability, and reduced latency, all while being less taxing on a device’s battery (four times more power efficient).

The 2019 U.S. Open will be the first showcase opportunity for Cisco to collaborate with the USGA on one of the largest stages in golf, giving the USGA the speed and confidence to dynamically deliver content and new experiences to fans, including:

• A newly-launched OTT app, available for Apple TV and Roku, will give consumers the ability to watch free, live-streaming coverage of the U.S. Open and other USGA Championships.
• Powering the U.S. Open App, will feature engaging content, ranging from 360-degree virtual reality​, to a virtual photo booth that utilizes 3D modelling technology, to wayfinding to easily navigate around the course, and advanced data and analytics.
• Cisco Vision dynamic signage will be utilized at strategic locations throughout the venue, such as the Media Center, Fan Central, and throughout the course. Cisco Vision will also be prominently featured at the practice range to display TopTracer technology, which is powered by Cisco and allows fans to visualize player shot data on the range.
• Cisco Webex collaboration technology will allow journalists from around the world to connect to press conferences and interact with players, broadening the reach of the global event.

This is only the beginning of what becomes possible through Cisco technology. As we re-focus the network infrastructure of the USGA today, we are also planning for a future that is even more connected and secure, driving invaluable opportunities in the sports and entertainment marketplace. It starts with connectivity, but the future is about using technology to create inspiration, drive participation, and ultimately facilitate business and industry transformation for the great game of golf.

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