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 July 11, 2024

Since 1860 The Open has been held at the United Kingdom’s most historic links courses, where the world’s finest men’s golfers compete for the championship. While the golf courses are pleasant and picturesque, the weather can be unpredictable, pushing each competitor to the limits of their skill, self control, and strategy. Since 1981, Rolex has served as a principal partner as well as Official Timekeeper for the event, perpetuating their mutually proud tradition of excellence, innovation, and perseverance with the world of professional golf. Discover the prestige of Rolex watches for yourself at Hing Wa Lee Jewelers, with two locations in Southern California.

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.

Visit Us In Store at Hing Wa Lee Jewelers

For nearly 170 years, The Open has challenged the world’s greatest male golfers, putting their athleticism and mental fortitude to the ultimate test. With their shared heritage of tenacity, beauty, and precision, Rolex has proudly served as the event’s partner and Official Timekeeper. If you wish to experience the legendary innovation and aesthetics of Rolex, visit us at Hing Wa Lee Jewelers. As an Official Rolex Jeweler, our staff are uniquely qualified to help you find the right Rolex timepiece for your unique needs, and keep it running flawlessly for many years to come. To begin your Rolex journey today, visit either of our locations in San Gabriel and Walnut, California.