Rolex Returns as Official Timekeeper and Official Partner of the PGA Championship

Organized by the PGA of America, the second men’s Major of the season is contested by professionals only although it is unique among the four Majors with its inclusion of the ‘Team of 20’ – a contingent of PGA professionals who have achieved entry through local qualifiers. The PGA Championship has been a rich source of success for Rolex’s family of Testimonees, with eight members having won a cumulative 18 championships. The names of the winners are inscribed on the Wanamaker Trophy awarded to the winner of the event since the inaugural edition in 1916.

Rolex at Southern Hills

The Southern Hills course, which features pristine greens, strategic hazards and slender, meandering fairways, has undergone an extensive renovation under the supervision of leading golf architect and Rolex Testimonee, Gil Hanse. His team has looked to maintain the brilliance of Perry Maxwell’s 1936 design, restoring as much of the original course while ensuring the new layout challenges the best golfers of today and the future.

This year’s event marks a record fifth PGA Championship to be played at the historic venue, which has also hosted the U.S. Open on three occasions. It places a premium on long drives off the tee, coupled with accurate iron play to slick greens, an exacting test that always produces exceptional golf. In their quest to be crowned champion, players will need to demonstrate high levels of precision, performance and reliability, qualities that resonate with Rolex’s own quest for perpetual excellence, in its watchmaking and all other endeavours.

The Swiss watch manufacturer has been an indelible part of golf for more than 50 years. The partnership was established in 1967 following a pioneering agreement with Arnold Palmer, who was joined by his on-course rivals and great friends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player – The Big Three – as the brand’s first Testimonees.

The relationship continues to flourish and develop globally. Rolex has formed alliances at all levels of the game, including with the USGA and The R&A, who together govern it worldwide, as well as with champions of the game past and present, all the Major championships and important amateur tournaments.