GENEVA, Switzerland (July 20, 2021) – The world’s best women golfers will gather in the spectacular surroundings of Évian-les-Bains from July 22-25 to contest The Amundi Evian Championship, the only Major played in continental Europe.
Rolex, a partner of the event for more than 20 years, will once again be present as Official Timekeeper.
At the Evian Resort Golf Club in France, nestled between the shores of Lake Leman and the majestic Alps, the finest talents from across the globe will test their mettle on this beautiful yet challenging course, showcasing their outstanding skills and renewing the essence of an ever-evolving discipline while helping to enrich the game’s most revered traditions.
Rolex’s presence at the Championship is part of an extensive commitment to golf. For more than 50 years it has nurtured one of the most enduring partnerships between a brand and sport. It has become part of the fabric of the sport at every level, forming close ties with the noblest institutions who govern the game worldwide, legendary tournaments and the greatest players.
The association with this tournament also reflects Rolex’s pioneering role in the women’s game. A partner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LGPA) since 1980, the Swiss watchmaker continues to support the leading competitors, amateur events and professional tours, and is the Official Timekeeper at all five women’s Majors.
This groundbreaking support was further highlighted in 2019 when Rolex awarded to its Testimonee Lorena Ochoa the inaugural Prize for a Better Tomorrow, recognizing initiatives linked to women’s golf that have a positive societal impact and champion excellence, generosity, continuity and inspiration. Ochoa, a former World No. 1 and two-time Major winner, was honored for her work with underprivileged children in her native Mexico. The 2021 recipient will be announced at a ceremony during this year’s tournament.
Among the past champions returning to play at The Amundi Evian Championship is Rolex Testimonee Lydia Ko. In 2015, aged just 18, the Korean-born New Zealander won by six strokes, making her the youngest woman to win a Major championship. Ko clinched that victory with the then lowest closing round in a women’s Major; earlier this year, she lowered that mark from 63 to 62 when finishing runner-up at the ANA Inspiration.
Speaking ahead of this week’s competition, Lydia Ko said:
| “I have many fond memories at The Amundi Evian Championship, dating back to my amateur days and then in 2015, when I won my first Major. I love everything about the Evian Resort Golf Club, from the stunning backdrop over Lake Leman to the condition of the course. I can’t wait to return and compete against some of the best players in the world.” |
Joining Ko as a previous winner is Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist, whose playoff victory in 2017 secured her second Major triumph, putting her in distinguished company alongside fellow Rolex Testimonee and compatriot Annika Sörenstam as a multiple winner of golf’s biggest prizes.
Taking inspiration from their fellow Testimonees’ success is the Rolex New Guard, a group of talented young golfers playing with skill, integrity and respect for the game’s traditions.
In search of a first Major victory, Mexico’s Maria Fassi is one of the most exciting prospects in the women’s game. The 23-year-old, who turned professional in 2019, already has one tournament victory to her name and will be looking to forge her own legacy at this year’s event, while inspiring the next generation of players to follow in her footsteps.
She will be joined by fellow young Testimonee, Swiss No. 1 Albane Valenzuela. Runner-up at the 2017 and 2019 U.S. Women’s Amateur, she earned low amateur honours at the 2019 edition of The Amundi Evian Championship.
Meanwhile, a former member of the Rolex New Guard, Canada’s Brooke Henderson, who boasts multiple wins on the LGPA Tour and is currently ranked in the top 10 of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, will have the opportunity to add to her Major tally.
