inspiration

Rolex & The Open: golf’s oldest Major

The Watches Of Switzerland Group 4 minutes

Save

Traditionally contested in the United Kingdom during the third week of July, The Open is the fourth and final men’s Major. 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 is a principal partner of many leading events and stakeholders in the game.

Inaugurated in 1860, The Open is played every year on a rotating roster of historical courses in the United Kingdom. The 151st edition takes place at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

A RENOWNED COURSE

Located on the shores of the Irish Sea, the course first played host to the tournament in 1897, with this year marking the 13th time it stages golf’s original Championship. Rolex Testimonee Tiger Woods won his third Open there in 2006.

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 is forever etched 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 shared values: 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 recognises 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 TESTIMONEES AND THE OPEN

Among the many great golfers who belong to the prestigious family of Rolex Testimonees, several have won The Open: Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Francesco Molinari and Collin Morikawa.

Visit us to discover first-hand the Day-Date

As an Official Retailer, we are the only retailers allowed to sell Rolex watches. With the necessary skills and technical know-how, we will help you make the choice of a lifetime. Discover the collection

Discover the collection at Goldsmiths.

Goldsmiths is a trading name of Watches of Switzerland Company Limited. Registered Office: Aurum House, 2 Elland Road, Braunstone, Leicester, LE3 1TT, Registered in England and Wales, Company number 00146087. Registered VAT Number 834 8634 04. Watches of Switzerland Company Limited acts as a broker and not a lender and offers finance from Secure Trust Bank PLC trading as V12 Retail Finance and PayPal UK Ltd, Whittaker House, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, TW9 1EH trading as PayPal Credit. Watches of Switzerland Company Limited is authorised and regulated by the Finance Conduct Authority. Our registration number is 308710. Credit provided is subject to age and status, minimum spend applies. Terms and Conditions apply. UK residents only. We may receive a commission if your application is successful, and the amount may vary depending on the product chosen and the amount of credit taken out. Not all products are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and FOS protection will not be extended to unregulated agreements. Please note the Consumer Credit Act states that should your purchase / loan amount cost more than £30,000 you will not be covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

*Next day delivery available on most items. See product pages for more information.

Rolex & The Open: golf’s oldest Major

Sign Up For Calibre Newsletter