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The Evian Resort Golf Club, in France, is reputed to be one of the most beautiful sites in the discipline. Located between the pristine shores of Lake Geneva and the majestic peaks of the Alps, its Champions Course allows golf's greatest talents to put their exceptional skills to the test.

Rolex has been a partner of the Evian Championship since 2000 as part of a longstanding commitment to golf. For more than half a century, the Swiss watchmaker has nurtured one of the most enduring partnerships between a brand and the sport, and has become a key presence at all levels of golf. It continues to support major amateur events and professional circuits, as well as their governing institutions.

The association with this particular event also reflects Rolex's pioneering role in women's golf. A partner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) for more than 40 years, Rolex is the official timekeeper of the five major women's tournaments. Reflecting its status as a preeminent event, this year's championship saw a huge increase in prize money, with a total of €6,5 million including €1 million for the winner.

Following the decision, LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said:

“Elevating the prize pool for this major championship is a powerful statement about the value and status of the women's game and the strong commitment of Amundi […] and Rolex to advancing the LPGA and our world-class athletes. . »

The Prize for a Better Tomorrow presented by Rolex, which recognizes women's golf initiatives that have a positive societal impact and champion excellence, generosity, continuity and inspiration , will be given again during the event. In 2019, Rolex Ambassador Lorena Ochoa, former World No. 1 and two-time Majors winner, received the inaugural award for her work with underprivileged children in her native Mexico.

Reigning champions of the Evian Championship

Among the former winners returning to play at the Amundi Evian Championship is Rolex muse Lydia Ko. youngest woman to win a major championship. Ko clinched the victory thanks to the lowest final round of the era in a Women's Major; earlier this year, she lowered that bar from 2015 to 18 by finishing second in the Chevron Championship.

Speaking ahead of this week's competition, Ko said:

“Having enjoyed success in my amateur days and winning my first Major here in 2015, the Amundi Evian Championship will always be very special to me. Playing at the Evian Resort Golf Club is always a highlight of the season due to its spectacular setting and the unique atmosphere of the Championship thanks to the whole town of Évian-les-Bains coming out to provide support. I can't wait to get back to this unique atmosphere and compete against some of the best players in the world. »

Ko will be joined by another former winner, Sweden's Anna Nordqvist, whose playoff victory in 2017 secured the second of her three major triumphs. The win propelled her into distinguished company alongside compatriot Annika Sörenstam, also a Rolex witness, as a multiple winner of golf's greatest prizes.

Rolex's new guard

Alongside these established champions will be the Rolex New Guard, a group of supremely talented young female golfers who play with skill, integrity and respect for the traditions of the game.

Swiss number 1 Albane Valenzuela, US Women's Amateur runner-up in 2017 and 2019, and top-scoring amateur at The Amundi Evian Championship three years ago, is hoping for a first Major victory.

A former member of the Rolex New Guard, Brooke Henderson, will also be in the running. Building on her multiple LPGA Tour victories, she continues to inspire the next generation of players to follow in her footsteps and will be looking to add a major victory to her tally. The Canadian is currently ranked in the top 10 of the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings.

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The Amundi Evian Championship increases its prize pool to $6,5 million