The relationship between Rolex and The Open exemplifies both organisations’ mutual dedication to tradition, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement
For more than a century, the world’s best golfers have gathered each summer to compete for golf’s oldest prize: The Open Championship, golf’s original Major, is steeped in history and tradition. This year, the championship returns to Royal Liverpool Golf Club, a venerable links course in England, for the competition’s 151st edition.
Founded in 1869 and dubbed The Home of Golf by founding member, and prominent champion of the game, John Brooks, Royal Liverpool has hosted The Open Championship 12 times in the past—most recently in 2014. The venerable links course sits alongside the Irish Sea and features undulating fairways, treacherous pot bunkers, and greens that are protected by cavernous hollows and has been shaped by the wind and coastal elements over the last 150 years.
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Conquering the Royal Liverpool demands mastery of both long and short shots, finesse and imagination under the ever-changing weather and course conditions that are hallmarks of classic links golf. And the world’s best golfers will test their mettle at the Royal Liverpool from July 20 to 23 this month—all hoping to lift the iconic Claret Jug, the pinnacle achievement for any professional golfer, at the end.
Rolex has been intricately linked with The Open since 1981, when the brand became it Official Timekeeper. Rolex provides the distinctive clocks that adorn each Open venue, and many of the watchmaker’s greatest ambassadors have triumphed at The Open, including Tom Watson, Tiger Woods, and most recently Jordan Spieth, Francesco Molinari and Collin Morikawa.
“I have always loved playing links golf,” says Spieth. “I fell in love with it when I was 14 years old and came over to England for the first time. I love the imagination that is needed on the course, particularly around the greens and with the different flights you get to hit with the golf ball.”
