ROLEX AND THE OPEN: GOLF'S OLDEST MAJOR
Traditionally contested in the United Kingdom during the third week of July, The Open is the fourth and final tournament that make up the men's annual Majors. Associated with this competition since 1981, Rolex is today a privileged partner of world golf.
The partnership between Rolex and golf began in 1967 when Arnold Palmer became the sport's first Testimonee. Since then, the brand has become Official Timekeeper and a principal partner of many leading events and stakeholders in the game.
Inaugurated in 1860, The Open is played every year on a historical course in the United Kingdom. The tournament regularly comes to Andrews, as is the case for the 150th Open Championship.
STEEPED IN ELEGANCE AND TRADITION
Tradition has it that The Open is always played on a links course, that is, one located by the sea, featuring sandy soil and few water hazards or trees. Given the particularly unpredictable nature of the weather conditions, the 156 players competing in the tournament every year need their fair share of fighting spirit, self-control and humility given the potential for heavy showers, strong gusts of wind and even heatwave conditions.
Today, the partnership between Rolex and golf extends to many areas of the sport: with governing bodies and world rankings, with the greatest names in international golf, and with the circuits and Major tournaments - both men's and women's, professional and amateur, at senior and junior levels.
Moreover, the brand has also championed the creation of: the Rolex Series, the finest tournaments on the DP World Tour; the Rolex Player of the Year award which recognizes the best woman golfer on the LPGA circuit; and the Rolex Junior Players of the Year awards, which honour players aged 18 or younger, boy and girl, who perform best in a given season. Undeniably, Rolex has become “the partner watch of world golf”.