Professor Steve Otto

Chief Technology Officer, The R&A

Professor Steve Otto’s background is in maths where he learned to model physical processes. His PhD is in high-speed aerodynamics which led him to work at NASA in Langley, USA. After returning to the UK, he lectured at Birmingham University where he has an honorary chair in mathematics. In 1998, The R&A – one of the governing bodies of golf worldwide – approached the university for help on a project modelling the physical process of what happens when a golf ball is hit by a driver. Six years later, Steve formed and ran the group that looked after the equipment rules for The R&A and now holds a broader role looking at technology.