Rolex & The Open: golf’s oldest major

Discover Rolex World of RolexRolex & The Open: golf’s oldest major

Rolex & 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 men’s major of the year. Associated with this competition since 1981, Rolex is today a privileged partner of world golf.

Published on 11 Jul 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.

rolex_bop16psl_3449_portrait

Inaugurated in 1860, The Open is played every year on a historic links course in the United Kingdom, including St Andrews.

rolex_bop21sw_7900

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.

rolex_staw14ml_026 gettyimages 79026131_portrait

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_bop21ct_1354_portrait

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 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”.

rolex_bop17ct_3818_portrait

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.

Keep exploring


Precious Metals and Stones Business (Category B)
Registration No.: B-B-23-12-03794
Close
We Value Your Privacy

On our website, we use services (including from third-party providers) that help us to improve our online presence. The following categories of cookies are used by us and can be managed in the cookie settings. We need your consent before being able to use these services. Alternatively, you may click to refuse to consent, or access more detailed information and change your preferences before consenting. Your preferences will apply to this website only. You can change your preferences at any time by returning to this site or visit our privacy policy.

By authorizing third-party services, you allow the placement and the reading and cookies and the use of tracking technologies required to keep our website reliable and secure.