28 Aug 2014
Ryder Cup invests in RFID fan technology
BY Tom Walker
Fans attending The 2014 Ryder Cup in Gleneagles, Scotland next month are set to enjoy one of the most technologically advanced golf events in history, thanks to the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
Spectators will receive a branded RFID wristband, allowing them to take part in fun activities around the course and share their experiences instantly to social media.
Once activated, the wristbands will allow fans to engage with many of the official partner activities based in the Ryder Cup Spectator Village – such as The Ryder Cup Experience, where spectators can compete in a simulated team competition with live scoreboards around the venue.
Out on the course, the Active Scotland initiative ‘Walk the Course’, will encourage spectators to get out to all areas of the venue with prizes for those who check in at points around the course.
The wristbands will also enable fans to show support for their team, including a virtual ‘high five’ for the European Team or Team USA on arrival.
By touching their wristband to points around the golf course fans will be registered on a supporters’ leaderboard. They will also be able to connect with friends and family around the world through automatic social media updates on Facebook and Twitter.
The wristbands will also become a method of cashless payment accepted in certain areas of the course. For example, owners of BMW cars – the German manufacturer is one of the tournament partners – will be able to use their wristband to enter the Owners’ Café at the 10th Hole and spend their pre-loaded tokens.
The system are being provided by Intellitix, a leader in RFID technology.
Serge Grimaux, CEO of Intellitix said: “Our RFID wristbands will mark The 2014 Ryder Cup out as something completely different to what has gone before in terms of interaction with spectators, media and indeed anyone visiting the course.
“The technology is totally secure and has been proven at a number of large scale events across the world.”
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