Rolex extends deal with the R&A

Good timing: Rolex has been a constant presence on the Open leaderboards over the past few years 

Leading timekeeper pens new deal to support organisation for next decade

Rolex has strengthened its commitment to growing the game of golf by extending its support of the R&A for a further ten years.

The decade-long agreement secures until 2022 a relationship dating back to the 1979 Open Championship. That year, the Open was won by Seve Ballesteros at the 2012 venue, Royal Lytham & St Annes.

Rolex’s involvement with golf’s governing body began as official timekeeper, then in 2002 as a patron of the Open. The relationship was extended in 2004 to sponsoring the publication of the English language version of the Rules of Golf and its global distribution.

The Walker Cup and the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship have also received support and today’s announcement includes a specific commitment to help the R&A grow the amateur game. This will be accomplished by supporting its championships, international matches and both the men’s and women’s World Amateur Golf Rankings, co-administered by the USGA.

The R&A’s chief executive Peter Dawson said: “Through its historic and unwavering support, Rolex has become part of the fabric of golf. From supporting the amateur game to increasing awareness of the Rules, through an association of more than 30 years with golf’s original Major to presenting the Senior Open, Rolex is making a significant contribution at every level of our sport.

“That is why I am delighted with today’s announcement and look forward to our relationship going from strength-to-strength over the next ten years.”

The Swiss watchmaker’s commitment to every level of the game was demonstrated last year when Rolex become the presenting patron of the Senior Open Championship from 2012 after securing a new agreement with the R&A and the European Senior Tour.

“Rolex has been a strong symbol of performance and prestige for over a century and we are delighted to extend our relationship with the R&A,” said Gian Riccardo Marini, chief executive officer of Rolex SA.

“The R&A shares our values, which include a commitment to growing the game of golf throughout the world, and we look forward to continuing our close working relationship over the coming years.”

The announcement coincides with the publication of the R&A’s full schedule of championships and international matches for 2014 and 2015.

Past Open venues and leading clubs from across the British Isles are on the schedule which reveals who will host events such as the Boys Home Internationals, the Seniors Open Amateur, the Boys Amateur and the Junior Open.

They join the 2014 and 2015 Open venues, Royal Liverpool and St Andrews, along with the Amateur Championship hosts for 2014, Royal Portrush and Portstewart, and 2015 venues, Carnoustie and Panmure.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered