Jordan Spieth - © Rolex / Chris Turvey

The course, sometimes referred to as 'The Beast' or 'Carnasty', is sure to test the nerves of the best players in the world who will gather on the Angus coast in Scotland to challenge one of the most coveted trophies. du golf, the Claret Jug, from July 19 to 22.

The Open accompanied by the official Rolex timekeeper, since 1981 whose commitment to golf for more than 50 years has been one of the largest and most enduring in the history of sports relations.

The New Guard of Rolex Ambassadors

Rolex's connection to golf is embodied in its partnerships with some of the most talented players in the world, including Jordan Spieth, who will look to defend the Claret Jug he won with panache at Royal Birkdale last year.

The American found himself trailing for the first time in the tournament after conceding a buggy on the 13 in the final round, but responded beautifully to finish with a birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie-par with a superb 69 and a total of 268 to win by three strokes.

© Rolex / Chris Turvey

He will be joined by other Rolex ambassadors who represent the New Guard, talented young golfers who play with integrity, skill and dedication. Like the Swiss watchmaker, they are defined by their quest for perfection, the fierce desire to be the best.

Their ranks include: Brooks Koepka, who in June became one of only seven men in history to win back-to-back US Open titles, keeping his cool on the dreaded Shinnecock Hills course to win one stroke ahead; the other big winners, Jason Day and Justin Thomas; and a group of players eager - and supremely capable - to win their first Major, among them Daniel Berger, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler, Hideki Matsuyama, Thorbjørn Olesen, Thomas Pieters and Jon Rahm.

The legacy of The Big Three

This current group inherited the mantle of previous sport legends, starting with Arnold Palmer, who in 1967 became the first golf ambassador and was soon joined by his great rivals and friends, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus. Known as The Big Three, this trio has changed the face of golf forever, expanding their horizons and gaining a new global audience.

In their footsteps, Tom Watson, five times winner of The Open and eight Majors in total, then Tiger Woods, whose harvest of 14 Majors comes in second behind the incredible Jack Nicklaus holder of 18 major titles including three The Open titles. , in 2000, 2005, 2006, and finally Phil Mickelson, who won his fifth Major at Muirfield in 2013.

The top names in the rankings may have changed over the years, but the quest for excellence has never wavered among the Rolex family's golf ambassadors, who continue to abide by the rules of etiquette, respect and sporting behavior that make golf the great sport we know.

© Rolex / Jon Buckle

Forged in history

Established in 1860, The Open is the original golf championship, held annually at the best links courses across the UK. Eight of Rolex's ambassadors have won The Open, several of them multiple times, for a total of 19 titles.

Carnoustie, where golf has been played since the beginning of the 16th century, holds a prominent place in The Open's history. Situated on an exposed part of the east coast of Scotland, the course is long and narrow; at over 6 meters, it is one of the longest among the list of courses on which the competition has been played. This will be the eighth time that the course has hosted The Open, the most recent edition being in 770.

It was here that Gary Player 50 years ago perhaps struck the biggest blow of his career to win his second The Open title. On the last round at the 14th hole (a par 5 - nicknamed "the Spectacles") for a pair of bunkers placed on either side of the fairway about 64 yards from the green - the South African hit a powerful woodblock 3 which never wavered despite the force of the wind, ending up within a yard of the hole. He then putted an eagle which resulted in a two-stroke victory.

Since Rolex became official timekeeper, its relationship has grown into an official partnership with the organizer of the championship and The R&A, the guardian of the world game.

Martin Slumbers, Managing Director of The R&A, said Rolex's relationship with The Open is special, based on a mutual appreciation of tradition and heritage.

Golf history has been written with Rolex as the godfather of The Open, with nearly 40 Golfers of the Year crowned since the beginning of its partnership with The R&A, but at the heart of the relationship is a commitment. common for world golf. Support extends to the rules of golf, the new global handicap system and the expansion of amateur play, including championships in Latin America and Asia-Pacific regions. "

Support at all levels

In addition to its partnerships with leading players, the link between Rolex and golf extends to all levels of the game: professional and amateur, seniors and juniors. For more than half a century, Rolex has contributed to the development of golf through its associations with organizations responsible for the promotion of the sport, such as the USGA and the R&A.

Rolex supports the governing bodies of the men's and women's circuits, the PGA TOUR and the LPGA, as well as European and Asian tours, as well as major international team tournaments and competitions, including the Ryder Cup in Europe, the Presidents Cup and the Solheim Cup. With The Open, Rolex's presence at the top of the game is embodied by its sponsorship of the Masters Tournament and the US Open, as well as the five female Majors.