NTT DATA Announces Renewed Sponsorship of the Open and Extends Patronage to the AIG Women’s Open

NTT DATA set to bring golf’s most immersive real-time fan experience ever to The 150th Open while broadening its commitment towards diversity, equity and inclusion through new sponsorship of the AIG Women’s Open

July 5, 2022 – St. Andrews, Scotland – NTT DATA today announced a multiyear extension of its sponsorship of golf’s original championship, The Open, which is celebrating its 150th instalment this year. Building on the decade-long partnership between NTT DATA and The R&A, the organisers of The Open, NTT DATA is also pleased to announce its inaugural sponsorship of the AIG Women’s Open, the most international major in Women's golf and one of the premier Championships in the game.

NTT DATA has a close partnership with The R&A, which began in 2013 and has seen NTT DATA deliver cutting-edge technology to elevate the fan experience for golf enthusiasts. From the creation of the NTT DATA Wall in 2014 to the analysis of billions of data points to bring fans real-time insights into the current play, NTT DATA has always been committed to using the latest technology to enhance The Open for spectators and fans alike, whether they are on the course, at home, or on the go.

The Open

This year, NTT DATA is launching a first for golf at The Open – a new viewing experience that enables the record crowds expected in Scotland at The Old Course, St. Andrews, to monitor every shot, player, hole and round in real-time via a virtual, interactive model of the course for an immersive data experience.

The AIG Women’s Open

In addition to building on this longstanding partnership, NTT DATA’s sponsorship of the AIG Women’s Open demonstrates the company’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), which is important to NTT DATA, its clients and employees, and is aligned with The R&A’s ambition to transform the sport of golf for women and girls.

NTT DATA is using data, analytics and cutting-edge technology to transform fan experiences at some of the world's most popular and prestigious sporting events, including INDY 500 and BMW International Open. Around the globe, NTT DATA is transforming the experience of sports for athletes, teams, sports leagues and most importantly, fans through technology and innovation.

Felix Bonmati, Head of Brand, Communication and ESG NTT DATA Europe & LATAM, comments “This year marks a decade that NTT DATA has been a Patron of The Open, and throughout that time, we have proved to be an essential partner to The R&A. As golf’s oldest championship celebrates the momentous occasion of 150 years in 2022, we’re pleased to once again be delivering innovative and transformative technologies to not only improve the fan experience but to also support wider important initiatives.”

“As we renew our esteemed partnership and build on the work we have achieved together, we’re thrilled to also support the AIG Women’s Open. NTT DATA is proud of the DE&I initiatives it executes across the world, and we believe this sponsorship further demonstrates our investment in equality and meaningful change, not just within the business world but in the sporting arena and more broadly too.”

John Espley, Director, Commercial Partnerships at The R&A, adds “Over the past ten years we’ve built a strong relationship with NTT DATA as it’s delivered ground-breaking technologies to us and our fans. Our partnerships are of the utmost importance to us and help us drive forward innovations and bring new experiences to golf fans. NTT DATA in particular has enabled us to develop a wealth of possibilities for innovation and fan engagement at The Open, and we’re thrilled to be extending this relationship to the AIG Women’s Open and enhancing support for women’s golf. We look forward to continuing to build special experiences with NTT DATA.”

Learn more about how NTT DATA is transforming the fan experience for some of the most popular and prestigious sports events in the world, including The Open, the Indianapolis 500 and the BMW International Open with data, analytics and cutting edge-technologies.

About The R&A

The R&A group of companies was formed in 2004 to take on The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ responsibilities for governing the Rules of Golf, staging The Open, golf’s original championship, and developing the sport. The World Golf Museum in St Andrews is part of the R&A group.

Together The R&A and the USGA govern the sport of golf worldwide, operating in separate jurisdictions with a commitment to a single code for the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status and Equipment Standards. The R&A, through R&A Rules Ltd, governs the sport worldwide, outside of the United States and Mexico, on behalf of over 36 million golfers in 143 countries and with the consent of 158 organisations from amateur and professional golf.

The R&A has responsibility for running a series of world class amateur events and international matches in women’s and girls’ as well as men’s and boys’ golf. The R&A stages the AIG Women’s Open and works with the European Tour Group to stage the Senior Open presented by Rolex.

The R&A is committed to investing £200 million over ten years in developing golf and supports the growth of the sport internationally, including the development and management of sustainable golf facilities. For more information, visit www.randa.org.