AIG Women’s Open will be first women’s major to use Toptracer

This year’s AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl will see a series of new digital features aimed at offering fans a more immersive and informed experience. In a move that reflects wider trends across sport, The R&A is introducing on-site technology that combines data, storytelling and analysis to bring spectators closer to the action.

One of the key developments is the use of Toptracer technology on the practice range – the first time it has been available at a women’s major. The system tracks every practice shot in real time, overlaying ball flight data and performance stats to help spectators better understand the technical aspects of each shot. For fans attending the championship, it offers a clearer view of what goes into elite-level preparation and decision making.

It also marks a step towards greater parity in how the men’s and women’s games are presented. Tools like Toptracer have become familiar in men’s golf coverage, but their introduction at Royal Porthcawl reflects a growing push to ensure women’s events benefit from the same level of innovation and investment.

The decision to focus on the practice range is notable. While not part of the main broadcast feed, it’s an area where engaged fans often spend time, and where performance insight can make a real difference to how the game is experienced. It’s also a format that lends itself well to interaction, particularly among younger or newer audiences who are keen to learn more about the sport’s detail and strategy.

For The R&A, the wider aim is to continue evolving how golf is presented, with a clear focus on accessibility and audience engagement. By incorporating digital tools into the live environment, the championship creates new touchpoints for spectators and helps to frame the women’s game in a more analytical and dynamic way.

These innovations will not radically alter the format of the tournament, but they do hint at where things may be heading. As expectations around live sport continue to shift, and as organisers look for new ways to connect players and fans, this year’s AIG Women’s Open could offer a useful blueprint for what future events might look like.