Rolex & The Open: golf’s oldest major
The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat – The Open Championship embodies the drama of golf. Every July, the eyes of the golfing world turn to the United Kingdom for The Open. As an Official Rolex Jeweler, we are thrilled to share insights into Rolex’s enduring partnership with this celebrated event, reflecting the brand’s commitment to excellence and tradition.
Traditionally contested in the United Kingdom during the third week of July, The Open is the fourth and final men’s major of the year. Associated with this competition since 1981, Rolex is today a privileged partner of world golf.
Published on July 17, 2024
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 is a principal partner of many leading events and stakeholders in the game.
Inaugurated in 1860, The Open is played every year on a historic links course in the United Kingdom, including St Andrews.
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. Unpredictable weather conditions mean the 156 players competing in the tournament each year need their fair share of fighting spirit, self-control and humility given the potential for heavy showers, strong wind gusts and even heatwave conditions.
Unforgettable moments
With its unique past, the wild beauty of the coastal courses where it is played and its knowledgeable fans, The Open enjoys a revered place in the history of world sport – from the duels of Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen in the 1920s to the battle between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in 1977, or the tears of Tiger Woods upon winning his third trophy in 2006.
Rolex and golf: partners for more than half a century
Rolex enjoys a privileged relationship with golf, one founded on a shared respect for tradition, responsibility, technical precision, the elegance of movement, the perpetual quest for excellence and a commitment to future generations.
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 major tournaments and global circuits – 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 Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) circuit; and the Rolex Junior Players of the Year awards, which honor 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”.
Rolex Testimonees and The Open
Several members of the Rolex family of Testimonees belong to the illustrious list of players to have won The Open: Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Francesco Molinari and Collin Morikawa.
Experience the Legacy: Visit our Rolex showroom
When the Claret Jug is raised at Royal Troon, it will mark not just the culmination of four intense days of golf, but the continuation of a legacy that spans centuries. As we reflect on another thrilling tournament, we’re reminded of the values shared by Rolex and the sport of golf– precision, respect for tradition, and the constant drive for improvement.
We invite you to our showroom to experience first-hand the watches that have timed golf’s greatest moments. Let our Rolex experts guide you through the collection and find the ideal watch to commemorate your own pursuit of excellence!
