Tag: Major

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Panorama

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll File for Divorce Amid Major Preparations

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll announce divorce after seven years of marriage. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll announce divorce after seven years of marriage. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish golfer, filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll. The filing, which was submitted in Palm Beach County in Florida, declares their marriage as “irretrievably broken.” This news comes just days before the start of the second major of the year, the PGA Championships of 2024.

McIlroy’s Statement on Divorce

McIlroy’s team confirmed the news and emphasized McIlroy’s desire for a respectful and amicable process. In a statement published by the New York Post his manager, Sean O’Flaherty, stressed the importance of handling this difficult time with dignity.

The divorce petition, asks for the enforcement of a prenuptial agreement. The couple signed this agreement on March 7, 2017, just before their wedding on April 21, 2017, at Ashford Castle in Ireland. The ceremony was a high-profile event attended by celebrities like Ed Sheeran and Chris Martin.

McIlroy and Stoll have one daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, born in 2020. The divorce documents request shared parental responsibility and a co-parenting plan to ensure equal timesharing. The petition also highlights that both parties are capable of supporting their child financially.

Thomas Julian Sasser, McIlroy’s divorce attorney, is well-known for handling high-profile cases, including those of Tiger Woods and Jeff Gordon.

Divorce Filing Amid PGA Championship Preparations

Erica Stoll has been a supportive presence throughout McIlroy’s career, often seen at tournaments on the PGA Tour and even serving as his caddie on occasion. Public records list their residence in Jupiter, Florida, an estate valued at over $22 million.

McIlroy and Stoll’s relationship began at the 2012 Ryder Cup, where Stoll worked as a PGA transport official. They started dating in 2014, shortly after McIlroy ended his engagement with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. The 35-year-old recently won the Wells Fargo Championship and is among the favorites for the upcoming PGA Championship.

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Live

Charlie Woods Takes Part in US Open Qualifier

Charlie Woods took part in a qualifier for the US Open. (Photo: Getty)
Charlie Woods took part in a qualifier for the US Open. (Photo: Getty)

Charlie Woods made another attempt to qualify for a professional tournament this week. The son of Tiger Woods took part in a local qualifying tournament in Florida for the US Open 2024 on Thursday. Woods is one of 10,052 golfers who have applied to take part in the US Open 2024 in Pinehurst. Only 52 of them have already been confirmed as participants, the rest are trying to qualify via the qualifying tournaments.

Charlie Woods Plays 81 at US Open Qualifier

Charlie Woods took part in one of 109 local qualifiers. Among the 84 participants at The Legacy Golf & Tennis Club in Port St. Lucie, there were five spots for the final qualifier. Woods, who carded a round of 81 over the 18 holes of the event, finished T61 and will not advance to the next stage. He started the round with a bogey and a double bogey, followed by another double bogey on hole 6, before making his only birdie of the round on hole 5. Another double bogey and three bogeys followed on the back nine. In the end, he was twelve strokes behind the leader. Only four players played under par.

The 15-year-old last tried his hand at a pre-qualifier for the PGA Tour’s Cognizant Classic in February and played a round of 86. He gained his first ‘experience’ on professional tours together with his father at the PNC Championship on the Champions Tour. The two have been taking part in the family event together since 2020. Last year, the pair finished in a tie for fifth place behind winner Bernhard Langer. Their best result came in 2021, when they finished second behind John Daly and John Daly II.

Incidentally, the older Woods is not one of the players who has already qualified for the US Open. 2023 was the last year in which he was automatically qualified thanks to his Masters victory in 2019.

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Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024 Stats – How Difficult the Augusta National Golf Course Was

The stats for the Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)
The stats for the Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)

The Masters Tournament 2024 was characterised by adverse weather conditions. Strong gusts of wind left the pros at Augusta National baffled at times and pushed the balls of golf’s best players into unusual positions. It is therefore hardly surprising that some of the results of the Major opener were well over par.

The Masters Tournament Results

The Masters Tournament 2024: Augusta National presented itself as a monster

The time-honoured Augusta National had some “hellish” conditions in this 88th Masters. The wind turned the fast greens into glass slabs and the challenging greenside bunkers almost magically attracted errant shots. The water hazards, especially in the Amen Corner, also caused some pros to lose golf balls and some penalty strokes. With gusts of up to 50 km/h, the wind swept across the course, driving the sand from the bunkers into the eyes of the stars and causing the balls on the greens to tremble.

But first the positive results of the Major week:

With a total of 21 eagles over the four days of the tournament, the stars of the golf world created some terrific memories. Hole-outs from the fairway and incredible putts from long range were anything but the order of the day, but the jubilation of the happy players was all the more rousing. The second hole of the course recorded the most two-under-par results. The 585-yard (535-metre) par 5 was holed seven times for an eagle, with holes 8 and 13 sharing second place in this statistic with four each.

Birdies were also played, albeit significantly fewer than in previous editions or other major tournaments. With 866 birdies, the Masters 2024 nevertheless achieved a considerable number. The two birdies by Rahm and DeChambeau certainly stood out, with both players saving themselves the trip to the green and holing out directly from the fairway.

Frustration and penalty strokes at the 2024 Masters

However, the 866 birdies were offset by 1099 bogeys. With around 90 more on the back nine, the first and last two holes of the back nine were particularly difficult. The average score on the par 4s was between 4.2 and 4.5 strokes and therefore well over par. In addition to the many bogeys, there were also 176 double bogeys or worse, again with more than twice as many high scores on the back nine compared to the first half of the round. Jordan Spieth’s renewed drama on hole 15 will probably be most memorable, when the American had to record a 9 in his first round after missing the green, chipping into the water and then needing a further four shots to hole out.

The result of the final round was that only eight players were able to maintain a total score of under par. Sunday seemed to be a little more favourable in terms of playing conditions, with eleven players recording a round in the 60s, compared to just seven players on Day 1.

Viewing figures for the Masters 2024 on an upward trend

Away from the action, the American media also repeatedly focuses on the dwindling viewer numbers for PGA Tour events. The Masters 2024, with the LIV golfers once again facing off against the PGA Tour ranks, resembled a kind of “test run”. And it seems that golf fans would rather watch their stars in a tournament field. As ESPN reported, viewer numbers rose significantly compared to the previous year, by 28 per cent to 3.2 million viewers in Round 1 on the American channel. The following days also delivered new top results last seen in 2018, with a high of 3.6 million on Friday.

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Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: This is how much prize money the players receive

The prize money for the Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)
The prize money for the Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)

At the 88th edition of the Masters Tournament, Scottie Scheffler once again proved why he is number 1 in the world rankings. At the first major of the season, Scheffler gave his competitors no chance and confidently secured his second Masters title. The organizers have now announced this year’s prize money to coincide with the final round. After the record sum of 2023, those responsible at Augusta National Golf Club are once again increasing the sum, this time by two million dollars, to more than 20 million. Scottie Scheffler can look forward to 3.6 million dollars.

Follow Scottie Scheffler at the Masters Tournament live

How much prize money will the players receive at the Masters Tournament 2024?

As with other tournaments, the prize money will be divided up on a staggered basis, this time with 3.6 million dollars for the winner of the Major. This is followed by the other top three places, also with six-figure sums, up to 50th place with a further 50 thousand dollars. Unlike in previous years, the distribution is not 20 per cent for the winner, 18 per cent for second place and 6.8 per cent for third place. This year, first place will receive 18 per cent, second place will receive 10.8 per cent and third place will continue to receive 6.8 per cent of the prize money pot. The exact distribution of the prize money is therefore as follows:

Position Player Prize Money
1st Scottie Scheffler $3,600,000
2nd Ludvig Aberg $2,160,000
T3 Tommy Fleetwood $1,040,000
T3 Collin Morikawa $1,040,000
T3 Max Homa $1,040,000
T6 Cameron Smith $695,000
T6 Bryson DeChambeau $695,000
8th Xander Schauffele $620,000
T9 Will Zalatoris $540,000
T9 Tyrrell Hatton $540,000
T9 Cameron Young $540,000
T12 Adam Schenk $406,000
T12 Patrick Reed $406,000
T12 Matthieu Pavon $406,000
T12 Cam Davis $406,000
T16 Chris Kirk $310,000
T16 Sepp Straka $310,000
T16 Byeong Hun An $310,000
T16 Nicolai Hojgaard $310,000
T20 Taylor Moore $250,000
T20 Lucas Glover $250,000
T22 Adam Scott $175,500
T22 Keegan Bradley $175,500
T22 Rory McIlroy $175,500
T22 Joaquin Niemann $175,500
T22 Min Woo Lee $175,500
T22 Patrick Cantlay $175,500
T22 Harris English $175,500
T22 Matt Fitzpatrick $175,500
T30 Rickie Fowler $124,200
T30 Tom Kim $124,200
T30 Si Woo Kim $124,200
T30 J. T. Poston $124,200
T30 Jason Day $124,200
T35 Camilo Villegas $103,000
T35 Akshay Bhatia $103,000
T35 Kurt Kitayama $103,000
T38 Hideki Matsuyama $86,000
T38 Russel Henley $86,000
T38 Luke List $86,000
T38 Corey Conners $86,000
T38 Ryan Fox $86,000
T43 Phil Mickelson $72,000
T43 Shane Lowry $72,000
T45 Jose Maria Olazabal $57,200
T45 Jon Rahm $57,200
T45 Sahith Theegala $57,200
T45 Denny McCarthy $57,200
T45 Brooks Koepka $57,200
T45 Danny Willett $57,200

It’s not just the 50 players who made it through to the weekend who can look forward to prize money. The players who didn’t make the cut at the Masters Tournament 2024 will also receive at least a “small” consolation in the form of 10,000 dollars.

Follow all Masters Tournament Live Scores

In addition to the six-figure prize money, the winner will also receive the legendary green jacket, a replica of the clubhouse and the right to play in the iconic major for life.

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Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024 Live Blog: Rory McIlroy finishes Masters with solid 1-over 73

Rory McIlroy at the Masters Tournament 2024 - all Scores in the Live Blog. (Image: Getty)
Rory McIlroy at the Masters Tournament 2024 - all Scores in the Live Blog. (Image: Getty)

Rory McIlroy is one of this generation’s top golfers. The now 34 year old Northern Irishmen captured various PGA Tour titles and DP World Tour victories all while winning several Major Championships as well. But the Masters Tournament and its prestigious green jacket is still missing in McIlroy trophy collection. Previous to the Masters 2024 McIlroy changed his routines and plays the Valero Texas Open as a test run for Augusta National. He also misses out on the famous Par 3 Contest on Wednesday.

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Rory McIlroy – Carreer and Past Results

Rory McIlroy won his first professional event at the age of just 20, launching his great career on the DP World Tour (formerly known as European Tour). Two years later, he achieved his first major title when he captured the win at the US Open with 16 strokes under par, that is the best score ever achieved at this tournament so far. In March 2012, he became the second youngest number 1 in the world golf rankings of all time being just 22 years old, crowning this success with his second major at the PGA Championship in August of the same year.

McIlroy scored his third major title in 2014 with his victory at the Open Championship. In the same year, the Northern Irishman also achieved his fourth Major success when he won the PGA Championship for the second time. That means McIlroy is now only missing a Masters Tournament victory for the career grand slam. And is on a “major drought” for around ten years.

Away from the majors, Rory McIlroy also won the Players Championship, the flagship tournament of the PGA Tour, in 2019. In addition to his impressive performances at the season highlights on the Tour calendar, McIlroy has already secured overall victory in the PGA Tour’s annual rankings twice, winning the Tour Championship and the FedExCup in 2016 and 2019 respectively.

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Highlights Tours

Live Blog: Jon Rahm Finishes The Masters 2024 Over Par

Jon Rahm at the Masters Tournament 2024. The Live Blog. (Image: Getty)
Jon Rahm at the Masters Tournament 2024. The Live Blog. (Image: Getty)

The 2024 Masters Tournament will be a special one for Jon Rahm. As last years champion the Spaniard will attempt to defend his title, just months after his transfer to the LIV Golf League. In last years Masters he secured his win with a solid last round, finishing the tournament at -12 with a four shot lead over fellow LIV golfer Brooks Koepka.

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Jon Rahm and the Masters Tournament

Since turning pro back in 2016 Jon Rahm captured several top 10 positions across the four major tournaments. With a fourth place both at the Masters Tournament and the PGA Championship in 2018 he stepped close to a major titel, but had to wait for another three years befor he checked in his first title. At the 2021 US Open Rahm took the win, all while landing in the top 10 of all other majors in that season. Just two years after that in 2023 he landed his first green jacket at Augusta National.

In a tight race with major-specialist Brooks Koepka Rahm entered the last round in Augusta in 2023. He kept his nerves and locked in a -3 69 round, while Koepka struggled and endet up tied in second place with Phil Mickelson.

Rahm’s chances at the Masters Tournament 2024

Looking back at Rahm’s past result at the seasons first major the odds for a title-defence are everything but bad. With strong top 10s for years now Jon Rahm is always a player to consider for a major title.

Altough the Spaniard is just five tournaments in to the new season and his new golf home, the LIV Golf League, he already delivered some amazing results. With three top five finishes and two other top 10s he demonstrated a good form with his “Leagion XIII” in various locations around the globe.

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Highlights Tours

Skipping the ball at the Masters Tournament – here’s how!

Skip it and then in with it - the guide to taking an extra tenner off your flight partner! (Photo: Getty)
Skip it and then in with it - the guide to taking an extra tenner off your flight partner! (Photo: Getty)

The practice rounds before the start of the first major of the golf year are usually accompanied by countless spectators. The players are free to decide whether and how they take part in the practice rounds, but most of them logically take the opportunity to sound out the course once again before the Masters Tournament begins. As Augusta National, perhaps the most exclusive club in the world, is not always playable for everyone, even for the professionals, very few miss out on the chance of a dress rehearsal. And towards the end of the round, a special appetiser awaits that the players won’t miss, even without spectators.

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Martin Kaymer and Jon Rahm with chip-in at the Masters Tournament

The highlight of the dress rehearsal is the 16th hole. Here the players traditionally try to let the ball flit over the pond of the almost 160 metre long par-3 and then get up the bank onto the green. Martin Kaymer achieved an extraordinary feat in 2012: it felt like 25 taps over the pond and then in it goes! A hole in one of the “once in a lifetime” variety – and the crowd goes wild.

Jon Rahm performed this feat in November 2020 without a spectator – but the video went around the world.

Skipping the ball in style

The fact that Rahm and Martin Kaymer have mastered such a shot is not surprising. But the question is how you can take an extra ten from your flight partner in the next round if you do the same to Martin Kaymer – well, perhaps at least as well. Kelly Rohrbach and Blair O’Neal show you how to do it in the GolfDigest service.

So: long iron or hybrid – the main thing is low loft – then open up the stance and the clubface a little and, most importantly, hit the ball first. Balls that are hit fat rarely make it over the water. A flat punch swing does the rest and before you know it, the reward is secured in the clubhouse.

Flicking balls like at the Masters Tournament- here’s how

Bryson DeChambeau explains the science behind it. The ball has to hit the water at an angle of around 30°, he explains. His theory: the spin of the ball creates a higher water density under the ball than above it. If the ball hits the water with enough force, it will then orientate itself in the direction of the lower water pressure and bounce back up.

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Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Will Rory McIlroy play at the Par-3-Contest?

Will Rory McIlroy compete at the Par-3-Contest of the US Masters 2024?
Will Rory McIlroy compete at the Par-3-Contest of the US Masters 2024?

The Par-3-contest of the Masters Tournament is traditionally held on the wednesday before the tournament begins. The players spend a day with their families on the golf course and the main focus of this small tournament is on having fun. However, more and more players are considering whether they want to take part in the event at all. As no player who has ever won the Par-3-Contest has went on to win the green jacket the same year, rumor has it that a curse lies on the winner of the competition.

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll File for Divorce Amid Major Preparations

Rory McIlroy at the Masters Tournament Par-3-Contest

Rory McIlroy’s “game plan” for the Masters seems to be finalised. The Northern Irishman plans to arrive later than ever before on Tuesday evening, as revealed in a practice round with TGL team mate Keegan Bradley.

Even though McIlroy has never won the Par-3-Tournament and therefore no curse can’t be blamed for not winning the masters, the world number two is thinking about eliminating any risk that could stand in the way of a win at Augusta National.

He goes on explaining, he is going to skip the iconic Par 3 Contest on Wednesday in order to “shake things up” in his preparation for the first Major of the season.

Follow Rory McIlroy at the Masters Tournament live

What is the Par-3-Contest

The Par 3 Contest is one of the most cherished traditions at the Masters. Taking place on the Wednesday of Tournament week, this year on April 10th, players, family members, and fans alike gather to witness this special event. Originally intended as a means of stress relief before the main tournament, the Par 3 Contest has evolved into a staple of the Masters since its debut in 1960. Participants, including current players and former champions, compete on a nine-hole course skillfully integrated into the northeast corner of the Augusta National Golf Club. Under the watchful eyes of spectators and often with family members acting as caddies, short shots are played over DeSoto Springs Pond and Ike’s Pond. Yet, the true allure of the Par 3 Contest lies not only in the competitive spirit but also in the familial atmosphere it fosters. Children and grandchildren, clad in miniature Augusta National overalls, provide heartwarming moments as they accompany players with their light bags or carry the flag. It’s an opportunity to celebrate tradition and community spirit, away from the intense competition of the main Masters tournament.

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Equipment

Golf Pride Announces The Honorary Starter Limited Edition Grip

The new special edition Golf Pride Masters grip. (Image: Golf Pride)
The new special edition Golf Pride Masters grip. (Image: Golf Pride)

Golf Pride, an industry leader in golf performance equipment, is celebrating the annual trip to Augusta, GA with the unveiling of its 2024 Honorary Starter grip, a commemorative version of the MCC Plus4™ that is available through select retailers beginning April 8. Golf Pride has a long and storied history of success in Augusta with its first victory coming in the 1967 tournament. Over the last 56 years, Golf Pride has been trusted by the hands of 43 champions, including an unprecedented run of 17 consecutive victories between 1987 and 2003.

Golfers Favorite Grip In A New Masters Look

Golf Pride’s MCC collection is the most widely used golf grip in the world. This is true at the amateur level as well as all professional tours across the globe. In fact, MCC will be trusted by many of the athletes competing in the 2024 tournament. Golf Pride expects to be in the hands of at least 80% of players in Augusta with MCC representing 30% of those players.

As such, this grip is designed to evoke the prestige, lore and mystique of the tournament and pays homage to the success of both Golf Pride and MCC over the years in Augusta. As with all MCC Plus4 models, it is a hybrid golf grip designed with a larger lower hand section that simulates four additional wraps of tape to encourage lighter grip pressure, reduced tension, and increased speed.

“The first major championship of the season is here and we are proud to have been trusted by the hands of so many past champions in the event’s storied history,” says James Ledford, President of Golf Pride. “The legends who have chosen our grips over the past 60 years are a testament to the innovation, quality and longevity of our brand. The Honorary Starter pays tribute to the past while utilising the modern technology that has made Golf Pride the most recognisable grip brand in the world.”

The 2024 limited edition design will be available in both standard and midsize.

About Golf Pride

Since its founding in 1949, Golf Pride has become synonymous with the highest quality performance equipment in golf. Today, from its Global Innovation Center (GIC) in Pinehurst, NC, Golf Pride continues to lead in grip innovation by continuing to obsess over the only connection between our golfers’ hands and the club. That’s why more than 80% of the world’s highest performing golfers choose Golf Pride. For professionals, top amateurs and recreational golfers of all skill levels, Golf Pride sets the standard – in performance and design. To learn more about Golf Pride, go to golfpride.com.

Text: Golf Pride

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Ladies Tours

The Amundi Evian Championship: A unique Reference Point in the Women’s Game

The Amundi Evian championsship in France is the only golf major on european mainland. (Source: Rolex)
The Amundi Evian championsship in France is the only golf major on european mainland. (Source: Rolex)

Golf’s first Major to be staged in continental Europe, The Amundi Evian Championship is a reference point in the women’s game. Nestled between the pristine shores of Lake Geneva and the majestic summits of the Alps, the Evian Resort Golf Club in France offers a venue befitting this Major championship and the talent of its field. Each year, the world’s finest players take on the Champions Course to showcase their exceptional skills, with this year’s edition held from 27–30 July.

The Success Story of the Amundi Evian Championship”

First played in 1994, the tournament has grown in stature year-on-year, constructing its own history. Rolex has been a Main Partner and Official Timekeeper at The Amundi Evian Championship since 2000, as part of a broad and enduring commitment to women’s golf that dates back to 1980, when the Swiss watchmaker became a partner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

The Amundi Evian Championship has been the stage of many triumphs for Rolex Testimonees, including two-time champion Annika Sörenstam (2000, 2002). Widely regarded as one of the best golfers in the history of the women’s game, she set a benchmark of excellence to which the modern generation can aspire.

Reflecting on her experiences there, Annika Sörenstam said: “It was one of my favourite tournaments on the LPGA Tour. The championship showcases the incredibly beautiful landscapes of Evian-les-Bains and the quality of the services surrounding the golf is first class. The course requires great technical skill and control over your game. It is less about power and more about accuracy as the fairways are quite undulating.”

Seeking to emulate the Swede and win a second crown at Évian-les-Bains will be fellow Testimonee Brooke Henderson. The Canadian returns as defending champion, having captured the second Major title of her career last year, and in the process, becoming the first LPGA player to begin any Major with successive rounds of 64.

Speaking ahead of this year’s tournament, Brooke Henderson said: “Competing at any Major championship is always difficult – both physically and mentally. At The Amundi Evian Championship, the conditions are different to any other golf course due to the differing size of slopes which makes it a very challenging week. Despite this, I had a great strategy in 2022 which allowed me to go really far under par in the first two rounds which was really exciting. It was a dream come true to be able to push on and win the trophy on the Sunday afternoon. Winning my second Major championship was a really special moment and one that I will always remember. I am really looking forward to returning this year.”

Rolex’s Enduring Commitment to Women’s Golf

Other Testimonees to have triumphed at this visually stunning venue include Lydia Ko (2015), Suzann Pettersen (2013) and Anna Nordqvist (2017). Lydia Ko said: “The Amundi Evian Championship will always remain special to me as it is where I won my first Major championship. When I play at the event, I almost feel like I am playing in front of my family as the crowds are extremely supportive. It would be extremely special to join fellow Rolex Testimonee Annika Sörenstam as having won the tournament more than once. This is definitely a big motivation and I will try to achieve the feat at this year’s edition. I was proud of the way I played at the 2022 tournament but fellow Rolex Testimonee Brooke Henderson truly excelled and deserved the win.” 

Rolex has been a committed partner of women’s golf for more than 40 years as part of one of the most successful relationships between a brand and sport. This enduring partnership contributes to the game’s development around the world. The Swiss watchmaker is part of the very fabric of golf and supports the game at all levels, including elite and legends of the game, Major championships – including all five women’s Majors – the foremost professional tours and the world’s leading team competitions, among them the Solheim Cup.

Built on a strong sense of integrity, respect for tradition that promotes the continuity of expertise and transfer of knowledge, and an appreciation of the importance to invest in the sport’s development for future generations, Rolex’s support also extends to amateur tournaments, international federations and organizations representing golfers of all ages.

(Text: rolex)