With the 124th U.S. Open about to start at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina this week, it’s laborious to not get nostalgic concerning the sport because it returns to one of the crucial iconic venues within the nation. And whereas golf is a sport steeped in historical past and custom, it’s wonderful to replicate on the influence that our expertise has had in advancing the game by way of Cisco’s partnership with the USA Golf Affiliation (USGA).
Now in our sixth season as an Official Associate of the USGA, Cisco’s presence in and across the U.S. Girls’s Open and U.S. Open continues to function a shining instance of what expertise can deliver to the sport. From debuting the first-ever “Related Course” on the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Seashore Golf Hyperlinks, to seamlessly and securely deploying digital connectivity options in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic with Webex by Cisco, to powering the usage of 4D expertise as a part of the printed expertise of USGA Championships, we have now been laser-focused on producing significant outcomes for the USGA that finally profit all of us who watch and benefit from the sport.
However don’t take my phrase for it – hear from the USGA on how Cisco helps them keep linked and guarded throughout their Championships and to assist their enterprise 12 months a yr:
As we stay up for what the long run holds for our partnership and for the game, it’s inconceivable to disregard the influence that AI may have. Already we’re seeing that come to life this yr with our deployment of Wi-Fi 6 on the US Open. Our Meraki entry factors make the most of AI-powered expertise that minimizes radio interference and maximizes efficiency robotically, to assist guarantee followers, companions and occasion organizers have dependable, high-performance connectivity. Whereas that is only the start, we count on to see exponential transformation within the coming years throughout all industries with the evolution of an AI-driven world, and that’s why simply final week at Cisco Dwell, we launched AI-powered capabilities throughout your complete Cisco portfolio and a $1B AI fund to advance business innovation and buyer readiness.
Along with our wi-fi community deployment at Pinehurst, Cisco will assist followers following from far and extensive have interaction with the motion due to the USGA App which is able to embody fan-favorite options like ShotCast Powered by Cisco. We will even join hundreds of thousands to the motion by way of Cisco’s position in serving to to ship the printed, due to our persevering with partnership with NBC.
I’m additionally proud to say that Cisco has supported the opening of the brand-new Golf Home Pinehurst – a USGA Expertise and residential to the World Golf Corridor of Fame that opened this Could. This versatile new area represents the top of contemporary golf amenities, and is making certain that every one points of Golf Home Pinehurst from workplace areas to efficiency testing facilities are outfitted with top-tier technological capabilities.
Driving a Extra Inclusive Sport
Equally as vital, this Championship season has seen us double down on the connection between golf and the Cisco Networking Academy, as college students are having the chance to return on-site to each championship programs and work side-by-side with Cisco engineers. Seeing the continued emergence and presence of those younger teams of distinguished Internet Acad college students – or “Dream Groups” as we name them – jogs my memory of why Cisco chooses to spend money on golf, and the way essential it’s that this funding stays anchored in our firm goal to foster inclusivity. We’ve already seen this mission in golf come to life in 2024 when Cisco elevated its partnership with the Advocates Skilled Golf Affiliation (APGA) Tour, and our ongoing assist of accessibility in golf by way of properties just like the U.S. Adaptive Open will be certain that this mission stays on the forefront of our wider golf portfolio.
Because the 2024 golf season rolls together with new storylines rising and new champions topped, arguably the story of the yr so far has been the success of Group Cisco ambassador and present Rolex World Rating No.1 Nelly Korda. It’s been so unbelievable to observe what Nelly has performed this yr on-course, profitable six titles within the span of seven occasions, together with 5 straight from February by way of April capped off by her second profession main victory on the 2024 Chevron Championship. And whereas her on-course play has been mesmerizing alone, it doesn’t even start to scratch the floor of the better influence Nelly’s play is having in inspiring feminine golfers world wide.
Seeing her historic momentum to begin this yr is among the many explanation why I’m continually reminded how particular it’s to be a fan of golf, and the way grateful I’m that Cisco can assist among the sport’s best stars. I’m additionally proud to share that we’ve just lately added World No. 5 and former main champion Hannah Inexperienced of Australia to Group Cisco, and we look ahead to supporting her vibrant future each on and off the course.
Our funding within the sport of golf continues to be an unbelievable avenue to not solely additional our firm dedication to powering a extra inclusive future, but in addition serves as a unbelievable proof level to showcase why our clients belief Cisco. The power to ship throughout dynamic environments, assist obtain tangible outcomes and considerably influence the USGA by way of our ongoing collaboration highlights how Cisco offers organizations of all sizes and shapes the boldness and resiliency wanted to function seamlessly and securely in a constantly-evolving, digital setting.
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