RFID Wristbands enable fans to get more involved

Official Partners tee-up fun, interactive experiences for spectators

Fans to share their support globally on social networks

Fans attending The 2014 Ryder Cup are set to enjoy one of the most technologically advanced golf events ever thanks to the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Spectators at Gleneagles will receive a special RFID Wristband with their tickets, 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 including the BMW Car Display, and The Ryder Cup Experience with Standard Life Investments, 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. Johnnie Walker will be welcoming spectators at the back of the 2nd Green, and BMW owners will be able to use their wristband to enter the Owners’ Café at the 10th Hole and spend their pre-loaded tokens. 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. Antonia Beggs, Operations Director for The 2014 Ryder Cup said: “Ryder Cup Europe and the key stakeholders wanted to deliver the best possible spectator experience. As social media, smartphones and mobile internet have become a part of everyday life, the RFID technology seemed a natural choice to lift the event beyond the standard set previously.” The RFID technology is embedded in the wristband and contains information about the wearer which they upload to The Ryder Cup website when registering their bands. Registration can be done via a tablet or smartphone, or by one of the volunteers within the tented village information centres. The system features have been developed and are being provided by Intellitix, a world leader in RFID technology. Serge Grimaux 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.” In addition to the RFID wristbands, Ryder Cup Europe has been working with the Scottish Government and mobile phone providers to provide ultrafast 4G wireless connections across the venue. Active Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative designed to promote physical activity by adults and children throughout Scotland. Did you know that walking The PGA Centenary Course, from the Championship tees, is the equivalent of walking more than 4miles? We’re encouraging visitors to The 2014 Ryder Cup to get active and take on the challenge of walking The PGA Centenary Course during the week of the tournament. Using RFID wristbands, spectators will be able to take the opportunity to “check-in” at various stations around the course and in doing so, not only will they be getting active but they will also have the chance to win some fantastic prizes, with a great holiday break for those who successfully check in at all nine stations up for grabs.”]]>