GENEVA, Switzerland – Founded in 1860, The Open has become a revered proving ground for the world’s top golfers, shaping the sport’s history with each edition. Mastering the oldest championship requires precision, resilience and an ability to navigate challenging links courses.
As the concluding men’s major of the year, The Open celebrates golf’s heritage, embodying tradition, humility and integrity. Since 1981, Rolex has been the Championship’s Official Timekeeper, and in 2018 became Premier Partner, thereby reinforcing its deep connection to the sport.
The Open, golf’s original championship, is played on a rotation of the finest links courses across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These renowned venues offer exceptional quality and spectacular settings, testing the mettle of the world’s leading golfers as they compete for the coveted Claret Jug, awarded to the Champion Golfer of the Year since 1872.
Those seeking to etch their names into golf’s annals must brave the elements, embrace the sport’s challenges and uphold its enduring traditions.
In 2025, The Open returns for the third time to Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, from July 17–2 . Located on the rugged and picturesque north coast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the rolling fairways, contoured greens and changeable weather conditions will challenge even the finest players. In 1951, Royal Portrush became the first venue outside Great Britain to host the major. Following a 68-year absence, the Championship returned to Northern Ireland in 2019.
Throughout its history, The Open has been the stage for some of golf’s most iconic moments. The Championship has produced legendary performances, dramatic triumphs and unforgettable displays of skill and perseverance.
Succeeding at The Open has been a crowning achievement for some of the game’s greatest players, including ‘The Big Three’ – Arnold Palmer (1961, 1962), Jack Nicklaus (1966, 1970, 1978) and Gary Player (1959, 1968, 1974) – as well as fellow Rolex Testimonees Tom Watson (1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983) and Tiger Woods (2000, 2005, 2006).
Other members of the Rolex family to have triumphed at The Open in more recent years include Phil Mickelson (2013), Jordan Spieth (2017), Francesco Molinari (2018) and Collin Morikawa (2021). In winning at Royal St. George’s Golf Club, Morikawa became the only player in history to win the PGA Championship and The Open on his debut. His flawless, bogey-free final round secured his second major title in as many years, confirming his status as one the game’s leading talents.
Commenting on the significance of his record breaking victory in 2021, Collin Morikawa said: “The Open in 2021 was all about seizing the opportunity in front of me. You sometimes have to step up, and that’s what I did in that final round at The Open. There’s nothing more special than waking down the 18th fairway on a Sunday at The Open. The leaderboard, the grandstands lining the fairways, even the security people standing behind you, it’s very, very special to be a part of that. It’s a walk that I’ll never forget.
“Thankfully, I had a two-shot lead, so I could actually enjoy it a little bit, take a deep breath and really appreciate what had come of that week.”
In 1981, Rolex clocks appeared on a Championship golf course for the first time, at Royal St. George’s for The Open. Every year since, they have adorned the course hosting the Championship.
The Open is organized by The R&A, which, together with the United States Golf Association (USGA), governs the sport of golf worldwide, sharing a commitment to a single code for the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, the World Handicapping System and Equipment Standards.
Rolex’s association with The R&A has been a defining milestone in its association with golf, reflecting a shared sense of respect, integrity and competitive spirit. This partnership, established more than 40 years ago, has exemplified the brand’s deep-rooted commitment to the sport.
Those seeking victory at The Open cannot allow the beauty of Royal Portrush to distract them from the challenges the course presents. The 16th hole, aptly named “Calamity Corner”, is widely considered one of the most difficult par-3 holes in golf. Stretching 236 yards (216 meters) across a deep chasm to a narrow, sloping green and subject to unpredictable winds, it will test even the best golfers. The hole’s name perfectly captures its character. Here, missteps can mean a spiraling scorecard, but assured execution is richly rewarded.
