Facial authentication company Wicket has received top honors at the 2025 Golfweek Tech Lab for its biometric entry platform. The annual showcase, which spotlights technology solutions for the golf industry, selected Wicket based on its real-world applications and expanding adoption across major sporting venues.
Facial Authentication in Golf and Beyond
Wicket’s technology enables voluntary facial authentication for event entry, offering a streamlined experience for both attendees and staff. The system has been deployed at several major events, including the U.S. Women’s Open, where it powers the EXPRESS RE-ENTRY program. According to the official fan guide, daily re-entry is permitted for fans who opt into the program. Participation is voluntary, and attendees may choose to opt out at any time.
The company’s success in golf builds on its broader momentum across professional sports. In the NFL, Wicket has expanded from an initial six-stadium pilot to a planned league-wide rollout beginning in 2025. Early adopters such as the Cleveland Browns have reported notable improvements in operational efficiency and cost savings, including faster entry times and reduced staffing needs. Wicket’s platform has also been implemented at select venues in Major League Soccer and professional basketball.
Recognition and Industry Momentum
The Golfweek Tech Lab award recognizes Wicket’s facial authentication platform for its potential to enhance both fan experience and event security. The system’s ability to reduce wait times and eliminate the need for physical tickets has made it increasingly attractive to organizers seeking scalable access control solutions. Privacy remains a central feature, with users opting in and biometric data handled in accordance with stated security practices.
Wicket’s growing presence in sports venues reflects a broader industry trend toward contactless, data-secure solutions. As interest in biometric ticketing continues to expand, particularly in high-attendance events, facial authentication systems like Wicket’s are being evaluated for their ability to balance convenience, throughput, and security without compromising user choice.
Sources: Golfweek, U.S. Women’s Open Fan Information Guide
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June 2, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
