Rolex and golf have had a long, interconnected relationship over the decades. From the 1960s, Rolex has supported the sport of golf, sponsoring tournaments, professional golfers, courses, and associations.
Since the beginnings of its relationship in 1967 – a handshake with the iconic partnership of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player – known as The Big Three – Rolex has been instrumental in upholding the values of precision, elegance and respect that are synonymous with the sport.
In 1981, the brand was named as the official sponsor of the PGA Tour. Rolex firmly believes in supporting the extraordinary and inspirational talents that this sport offers, and through its partnerships with leading institutions and prestigious events, the company has set the benchmark for excellence in the golf world.
The Swiss watch brand is a proud partner of the major professional tournaments and tours in golf, including the pinnacle of achievement for players worldwide: the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in April (United States), PGA Championship in May, U.S. Open in June, and The Open in the United Kingdom in July. Furthermore, the support of the watch brand is extended to the five Majors in women’s golf.
Rolex has collaborated with numerous major players in the world of the sport, across generations. These influential figures have defined the sport and will continue to lead its progression.
Let us take a look at some of the Rolex ‘Testimonees’ as they are called, and how they have become names that are synonymous with golf and therefore, Rolex.
Golf has been blessed with many legendary figures, and none stand out quite like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. In the 1960s and 1970s, the trio known as the “Big Three“ completely dominated professional golf. Together, they captured seven of the ten PGA Tour money titles and seventeen of the forty major tournaments played in the 60s.
Arnold Palmer also won four of the ten Vardon Trophies for lowest scoring average in that decade. Their domination of the golf scene continued for the next few decades. Gary Player holds a career total of twenty–four PGA Tour Wins, as well as nine major championships. Similarly, Arnold Palmer is credited with sixty–two PGA Tour Wins and seven major championships. Jack Nicklaus, the most successful of the Big Three, holds a whopping seventy–three PGA Tour Wins and holds a record eighteen major championships.
The trio’s reputation as the “Big Three” will long live in golfing lore. A favourite timepiece of the three players was the Rolex Day-Date.
In 1956, Rolex created an innovative wristwatch chronometer – the Day-Date – the first of its kind to display the day and date spelled out in full on the dial. This revolutionary timepiece has a personal calendar and is available exclusively in Rolex’s luxury metals – platinum, Everose gold, white gold and yellow gold. The Day-Date comes with one pre-selected bracelet, the ‘Presidential,’ but can also be customized with diamonds.
Regarded as undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time, Tiger Woods made history in 1999 when he became the first professional golfer in over two decades to win eight PGA tournaments in one year. Then, he further cemented his legacy in 2001 with his win of the Masters tournament, becoming the first person ever to consecutively win the four major men’s professional golf tournaments – the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, and PGA Championship.
Throughout his career he has sported different Rolex models, and one of the models favoured by the legend is the Rolex GMT Master II ref 116713LN. A timeless classic, boasting a two–tone yellow gold and steel case and bracelet, and is embellished by an elegant black bezel featuring gold accents. Although this particular model has been phased out of production, it can still be found occasionally on the pre owned market.
What makes the GMT so useful is its fourth hand, which is set to Greenwich Mean Time, allowing the wearer to calibrate the clock according to the time zone they are travelling to. The bezel rotates so that, for example, if the wearer is in London (GMT) and traveling to New York (GMT-5), they would rotate the bezel counter-clockwise five clicks to adjust the watch to the correct time.
Annika Sorenstam is widely regarded as a trailblazer in the realm of not only women’s golf, but in sports as a whole. She became the first European female golfer to flourish and excel at the highest professional level; the LPGA Tour. She won a total of 72 times during her tenure with the LPGA, 10 of which were Major championships; a feat previously achieved by female golfer Babe Zaharias.
Furthermore, Sorenstam achieved 18 international wins throughout her career. In 2003, Sorenstam generated a considerable amount of attention and respect when she became the first woman in five decades to play in a men’s PGA Tour event. This feat had a heavily symbolic impact, signifying a breakthrough in female sporting prowess.
Favoured by Sorenstam, the Rolex Lady–Datejust is available in a variety of styles and configurations in all materials, including Oystersteel, Everose gold, yellow gold, platinum, and two–tone Rolesor. It is possible to find a Lady–Datejust featuring any type of bezel, bracelet and dial, from diamonds to all–steel or any combination. There is a Datejust for every female figure, with an infinite variety to choose from.
Greg Norman is is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. He won numerous accolades throughout his career including two majors, multiple PGA Tour wins, and the overwhelming admiration of his peers. Norman was known for his aggressive, swashbuckling style of play that earned him the nickname “The Great White Shark.”
He was also well-known for his world class short game, tremendous driving distance, and incredible course management. Norman’s success and charisma have made him a legend in the world of golf, and he continues to serve as an inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps.
One of the many Rolex’s owned by Norman is the Submariner Ref 16618. With its blue dial and bezel, a yellow gold strap, this is a truly eye catching piece.
The Submariner 16618 is widely seen as a classic timepiece with an 18k yellow gold construction. It carries a 40mm case that is robust and surprisingly thin for its size, while the vibrant sunburst blue dial and matching bezel give it an alluring look.
On the inside, the Submariner 16618 contains a trusted in-house caliber 3135 movement which, along with a waterproof rating of up to 1220 m (4000ft) and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, makes it a resilient tool watch. In short, The Rolex Submariner 16618 is a timeless timepiece that offers a luxurious look, the quality of a brand like Rolex, and the confidence that it will last for years to come.
Rolex and golf have a long and storied history, stretching back decades. As Rolex continues to exceed expectations with its unparalleled craftsmanship, and golf continues to challenge the skills of its players, we can see that both can be an important part of any activity or lifestyle. Regardless of your skill level, these two supremely influential forces are sure to make any leisure pastime that much more enjoyable. Feel free to peruse our carefully curated selection of watches below.
