Golf, technology & The Open – Kevin Bain

The key role in providing public Wifi is making sure that our fans can stay connected whilst at The Open.

Kevin Bain

With a degree in computing, Kevin Bain spent almost a decade in the IT field working with oil and consulting companies. It then took him a move to St Andrews that opened the opportunity for him to get a role at The R&A. During his early years in the company, he led The R&A in developing their digital infrastructures bringing in Wifi connectivity in the courses, developing their websites and mobile app development to The Open.

He is now the head of data and digital infrastructures and he is also involved in developing digital and social media strategies, managing project and operational budgets and overseeing teams of designers, application developers and third party agencies.

The R&A is golf's governing body and organiser of golf’s oldest and most international Major championship The Open.

• Connect with Kevin Bain on Twitter @KevBain, Instagram and LinkedIn
• Follow The R&A on Twitter @RandA, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and LinkedIn
• Learn more about The Open on Twitter @TheOpen, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube
• Some related articles you might want to read:
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  • R&A implement biggest rules changes in golf history to modernise and speed-up
• Some Sports Geek episodes you might be interested in:
  • How Golf is stepping up its digital game
  • #SEAT2015 recap with Greg Oakford from Golf Victoria

4:10 A brief introduction about The R&A

5:02 Kevin Bain chats about his role as Head of Data and Digital Infrastructure at The R&A

6:08 How the digital landscape looked like in the early years at The R&A

7:04 How mobile phones and Wifi connectivity changed the infrastructure requirements at The Open

8:30 The challenges in rolling out digital advancements in the links courses

13:21 Kevin on how they tackle the challenges that different parts of the business require

14:50 Redeveloping the rules of golf

15:51 How they manage the traffic around The Open Championship days

18:18 Redeveloping The Open app for their One Club membership program

20:51 How they are ensuring the production of relevant content for golf fans to consume

32:13 Kevin on finding inspiration in the development of The Open website

35:56 Sports Geek Closing Five

Excited to see how The Open goes in July

Good to have a lookback on some firsts

Something to think about this year

Beautiful golf course. Great set up by The R&A