Tag: Rolex

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The Amundi Evian Championship: Celebrating 30 Years of Golf’s Only Major To Be Staged In Continental Europe

The Amundi Evian Championship is held at the Evian Resort Golf Club. (Photo: ROLEX MEDIA CONTENT)
The Amundi Evian Championship is held at the Evian Resort Golf Club. (Photo: ROLEX MEDIA CONTENT)

Golf’s only Major to be staged in continental Europe, The Amundi Evian Championship is a reference point in the women’s game. First played in 1994, it was elevated to become the fifth women’s Major championship in 2013. Over the years, the tournament has developed its own history, balancing tradition with innovation while maintaining an unwavering respect for the spirit of the game. Rolex has been a Main Partner and Official Timekeeper at this tournament since 2000 as part of its 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).

Celebrating 30 Years of The Amundi Evian Championship

The Amundi Evian Championship is held annually in July on The Champions Course at the Evian Resort Golf Club, nestled between the shores of Lake Geneva and the foot of the Alps. This year’s edition, from 11–14 July, marks the 30th anniversary of the inaugural tournament.

Each year, the tournament gathers the world’s elite from the Rolex Rankings to contest the season’s penultimate Major. Its honour roll of past champions includes Rolex Testimonee Annika Sörenstam (2000, 2002), one of the greatest golfers in the history of the women’s game and who set a benchmark of excellence to which the modern generation can aspire, along with fellow Swede Anna Nordqvist (2017).

Anna Nordqvist at The Amundi Evian Championship. (Photo: ROLEX MEDIA CONTENT)

Reflecting on her victory, which came in a thrilling playoff, Anna Nordqvist said: “Being European and winning a Major championship on European soil was very special. I would say that with all the history associated with The Amundi Evian Championship, the stunning views, amazing atmosphere, how well it is run and it being a tournament that I used to watch every summer growing up, it was an unforgettable moment. To have my name etched on the trophy is so special.“

Other members of the Rolex family to triumph at this visually stunning venue include Suzann Pettersen of Norway (2013), New Zealand’s Lydia Ko (2015) and Brooke Henderson of Canada (2022). In capturing her second Major title at The Amundi Evian Championship in 2022, Henderson became the first LPGA player to begin any Major with successive rounds of 64. She also became the first Canadian golfer, man or woman, to win more than one Major title.

Brooke Henderson at The Amundi Evian Championship. (Photo: ROLEX MEDIA CONTENT)

Commenting on the unique challenge of contesting the Major championships, Brooke Henderson said: “It is truly exciting to be able to compete in the Major championships and go up against the best female players in the world, and on such incredible and differing venues. During those weeks, you have to be at your best mentally, physically and even emotionally. You really do have to be in the right place on all fronts. There is always pressure when competing at Major championships as your career is ultimately defined by your performances and finishes during these tournaments. The challenge of playing impeccably, and to the best of your ability, is what makes those weeks so exciting.“

Steeped in history dating back to 1904, The Champions Course offers an unrivalled golfing experience. In 2013, it underwent significant renovation. The redesign work, undertaken by European Golf Design, has resulted in the course becoming even more befitting of a Major championship venue, adding more drama and spectator viewing areas.

Since 2019, The Prize for a Better Tomorrow presented by Rolex has been awarded at The Amundi Evian Championship. The international prize celebrates initiatives that have significant societal impact and promote qualities shared by this women’s Major championship and the Swiss watchmaker, namely excellence, generosity, continuity and inspiration. The prize shines a light on the commitment of individuals and organizations who champion a charitable cause and implement actions that improve and reinvent people’s lives.

The inaugural recipient of the prize was former World No. 1 and Rolex Testimonee Lorena Ochoa for the creation of her Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation. The prize was awarded by fellow Testimonee Lindsey Vonn, one of the most successful women’s skiers, and rewarded the Mexican golfer for her involvement in the education of underprivileged children in her native country. Shortly after turning professional in 2002, Ochoa pledged to provide financial support to a Mexican school for underprivileged children near Guadalajara. She then became involved in creating her own foundation with a mission to provide opportunities for children and adults via family-based health, education and inclusion programmes delivered through family golf activities.

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 players 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 women’s Solheim Cup. The brand’s support also extends to amateur tournaments, international federations and organizations representing golfers of all ages.

Rolex’s association with the game is built on a strong sense of integrity and respect for tradition that promote the continuity of expertise and transfer of knowledge, and an appreciation of the importance to invest in the sport’s development for future generations.

Text by ROLEX MEDIA CONTENT

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Ladies Tours LPGA Tour

Deb Vangellow receives 2021 Ellen Griffin Rolex Award in recognition of her dedication to the teaching of golf.

Deb Vangellow becomes the 2021 Ellen Griffin Rolex Award Recipient

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 24, 2021 – Deb Vangellow, a LPGA Master Professional and Director of Golf Instruction at Riverbend Country Club in Houston, Texas, joins an elite group of her peers as the recipient of the 2021 Ellen Griffin Rolex Award.

The Ellen Griffin Rolex Award, instituted by the LPGA Professionals membership in 1989 to honor the late teaching professional Ellen Griffin, recognizes an individual, male or female, who made a major contribution to the teaching of golf and emulates Griffin’s spirit, love and dedication to students, teachers, teaching skills and the game of golf.

Vangellow honored by LPGA after more than 30 years as teaching professional
“I am so thrilled to be the 2021 LPGA Ellen Griffin Award recipient. I did not know Ellen personally, but have numerous friends who did and shared her inspiring story about the terrific Golf Education Programming she led on ‘The Farm’ in Greensboro, North Carolina,” said Vangellow. “Golf was her subject matter, but she taught people. For Ellen, the frustrations of golf were always overcome by fun. This very thing has been so very instrumental with the wonderful peer group I am so lucky to have who nominated me for this award. These special LPGA Members, many of whom are on this grand list of award recipients, are dear friends I had the fantastic fortune to work with in our LPGA Education Program. I am so grateful for their guidance and support and cherish the 30+ years we had together. Forever friends, for sure! Thank you so much for this award. I will appreciate it forever and will fondly remember Ellen Griffin’s outstanding teaching of golf.”

LPGA Master Professional/PGA Honorary Director Vangellow holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Health/Physical Education/Coaching and Educational Leadership/Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and Miami (Ohio) University, respectively. A multi-sport athlete who was a scholarship recipient, captain and letter winner in soccer and track & field, Vangellow elected to devote her career path to develop into a top golf educator. Her experiences reflect this endeavor.

Educational professional career of Deb Vangellow in the field of golf
After holding various positions in higher education, Vangellow coached Division I collegiate golf at the University of Northern Iowa and led the American Junior Team that traveled to Europe in 1996 as part of the International Sport for Understanding Program. In 1997, Vangellow was honored as a recipient of the Young Alumni Award at the University of Northern Iowa and was a 3-time LPGA Central Section Teacher of the Year in 2002, 2009, and 2012. She was also named the 2012 LPGA National Teacher of the Year. Vangellow was recently inducted into the UNI Athletics Hall of Fame, the UNI School of HPELS Hall of Excellence, and the Fairport High School Hall of Fame.

In addition to teaching men, women, senior and junior golfers of all skill levels individually and in groups at Riverbend Country Club, Vangellow was the first ever National Vice President for the LPGA Professionals membership and served as the elected National President. She was a longtime lead instructor in the LPGA Global Education Program, the industry leading teacher training program for golf professionals in the U.S. and Korea, and is a U.S. Kids Golf Master Teacher. In 2016, she joined the team at Callaway Golf Company as a Master Staff Professional promoting their Women’s Equipment Line.

“Receiving this award is an unbelievable honor, especially to be among so many past recipients I call friends and mentors,” added Vangellow. “I stand on the shoulders of these folks, without a doubt, and feel fortunate to do what I get to do and for the people I have met along the way. I am so grateful for this recognition. Lastly, many thanks to Rolex and the LPGA.”

Past recipients of the Ellen Griffin Rolex Award include: Peggy Kirk Bell, 1989; Linda Craft, 1990; Shirley Englehorn, 1991; Harvey Penick, 1992; Goldie Bateson, 1993; Carol Clark Johnson, 1994; Joanne Winter, 1995; Ann Casey Johnstone, 1996; Dr. DeDe Owens, 1997; Shirley Spork, 1998; Betty Hicks, 1999; Gary Wiren, 2000; Penny Zavichas, 2001; Annette Thompson, 2002; Dr. Barbara B. Smith, 2003; Marjorie Burns, 2004; Pat Lange, 2005; Donna White, 2006; Betsy Cullen, 2007; Lynn Marriott, 2008; Kay McMahon, 2009; Mary Beth McGirr, 2010; Dr. Debbie Crews, 2011; Dr. Betsy Clark, 2012; Kathy Murphy, 2013; Kerry Graham, 2014; Dana Rader, 2015; Pia Nilsson, 2016; Sandy LaBauve, 2017; Jane Frost, 2018; Nancy Quarcelino, 2019; and Renee Powell, 2020.

ABOUT ROLEX

Rolex is the official timepiece of the LPGA and sponsors many of the LPGA’s annual awards, including the Ellen Griffin Rolex Award, Rolex Player of the Year, Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year and the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award. Rolex honors the LPGA Tour’s Rolex First-Time Winners and is a supporting sponsor of the annual LPGA Professionals National Championship. At tournament sites, Rolex has a presence by providing the official time at selected tournaments and advertises in many event programs. In addition, Rolex is a Global Partner of Solheim Cup and the presenting sponsor of the World Golf Rankings.

ABOUT THE LPGA

The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women, with a goal to change the face of golf by making the sport more accessible and inclusive.

Created in 1950 by 13 Founders, the Association celebrates a diverse and storied history. The LPGA Tour competes across the globe, reaching television audiences in more than 220 countries. The Symetra Tour, the LPGA’s official qualifying tour, consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA also holds a joint-venture collaboration with the Ladies European Tour (LET), increasing playing opportunities for female golfers in Europe. Across the three Tours, the LPGA represents players in more than 60 countries.

Additionally, the LPGA Foundation has empowered and supported girls and women since 1991, most notably through LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the only national program of its kind, which annually engages with nearly 100,000 girls. The LPGA Amateur Golf Association and LPGA Women’s Network provide virtual and in-person connections to female golfers around the world, while LPGA Professionals are educators, business leaders and gamechangers dedicated to growing the game of golf for everyone.

Press Release by the LPGA Professionals Communication

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Highlights Tours

Ryder Cup: Rolex to Become Official Partner

This year's Ryder Cup will take place from 21 to 26 September. (Image: Getty)

Ryder Cup Europe have announced that Rolex will become a Worldwide Partner of The Ryder Cup.

Read the press statement from Ryder Cup Europe Communications:

A landmark agreement with the PGA of America – Ryder Cup Europe’s partner in golf’s most celebrated team contest – will see the Swiss watch manufacturer align with Ryder Cup USA for the first time as Official Timekeeper, a role it has enjoyed with Team Europe since 1995.

Already the longest-serving partner of The Ryder Cup, this new global commitment and Worldwide Partner status further strengthens Rolex’s recognised stature in golf, having been at the heart of the game for over 50 years.

Guy Kinnings, Deputy CEO European Tour and Ryder Cup Director, said: “Rolex’s commitment to golf as a whole is unparalleled and this is therefore a truly momentous day both for The Ryder Cup and our sport as a whole.

“The invaluable support of Rolex for over a quarter of a century has helped both The Ryder Cup and the European Tour grow and prosper. With their new alignment and agreement with our friends at the PGA of America, I am incredibly excited at what the future holds for an event which is already recognised as one of the greatest in all of sport.”

Jean-Frédéric Dufour, Chief Executive Officer, Rolex SA, said: “Since 1967, Rolex’s commitment to golf has grown and flourished, permeating every level of the sport. We are delighted to stand alongside the PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe in supporting The Ryder Cup, the game’s pre-eminent team competition. Through this landmark partnership, which builds on a relationship of more than 25 years with The Ryder Cup, Rolex takes the next historic step in further deepening our support for this iconic and unrivalled event.”

Rolex, who become the third Worldwide Partner of The Ryder Cup alongside AON and BMW, also assume the role of Presenting Partner of the weekly Ryder Cup Points Standings, which monitors the progress of the leading players on both sides of the Atlantic as they vie for automatic berths on both the European and the U.S teams.

Rolex is also committed to PGA Members, their events and grassroots initiatives, as the brand becomes the Presenting Partner of the annual PGA Professional Championship and the Official Timekeeper of PGA Golf Properties and PGA Frisco. Rolex also becomes Presenting Partner of the PGA’s three annual Player of the Year awards: the PGA Professional Player of the Year; Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year; and Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year awards.

Rolex’s involvement in golf dates back to 1967 and its seminal partnership with Arnold Palmer who, joined by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, became the brand’s first golfing Testimonees. Since then, Rolex’s relationship with the game has grown and flourished, providing support for world-class players, the main professional Tours and governing bodies, as well as the finest events on the golf calendar. It now encompasses all Major tournaments – four men’s and five women’s – where victory represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sport.