Rolex & The Open: golf’s oldest major
AH Riise is honored to align with Rolex’s support for prestigious sporting institutions, athletes and events. Among these is the world’s oldest golf tournament: The Open, golf’s original championship. 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 11, 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 & The Open: golf’s oldest major
Rolex & The Open: golf’s oldest major
Inaugurated in 1860, The Open is played every year on a historic links course in the United Kingdom, including St Andrews.
Rolex & The Open: golf’s oldest major
Rolex & The Open: golf’s oldest major
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 & The Open: golf’s oldest major
Rolex & The Open: golf’s oldest major
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 & The Open: golf’s oldest major
Rolex & The Open: golf’s oldest major
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 & The Open: golf’s oldest major
Rolex & The Open: golf’s oldest major
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.
Whether they have shaped the game or are determining its future, the Rolex Testimonees in golf represent world class achievement. As the final men’s major of the year, The Open demands players strive for nothing short of excellence, and winning this Championship requires embracing the event’s rich history, mastering the formidable links courses and constantly adapting to the often challenging weather conditions.
Tradition and Innovation at AH Riise
The ability to respect traditions while also championing innovation is something we at AH Riise embody in all that we do. We have been committed to excellence and best-in-class practices since our founding in 1838 and are proud to be your trusted Official Rolex Jeweler in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. We look forward to welcoming you to our luxurious Rolex boutique , where every visitor can embark on a deeply personal and memorable Rolex journey in the caring hands of our highly trained team.
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