Rolex, the prestigious Swiss watchmaker, already a Patron of The Open Championship and an Official Partner of The Ryder Cup, was unveiled as The Senior Open Championship’s new supporter on the eve of the event’s 25th edition, taking place at Walton Heath Golf Club, Surrey, England this week.
The 2012 Championship over the Ailsa Course at the Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire, Scotland will be the first with Rolex as Presenting Patron. The event will be known as The Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex.
Bertrand Gros, Chairman of the Rolex Board, said: “As an existing Patron of The Open Championship, we are delighted to announce this extension of our support for The Senior Open Championship.
“The week after an enthralling contest at Royal St George’s, we look forward to a magnificent Senior Open at Walton Heath and to becoming the Presenting Patron for the next three years, starting at Turnberry in 2012.”
Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “Rolex provides outstanding support for the game of golf at many levels. The R&A is delighted that, as a Patron of The Open Championship, Rolex will now be extending its involvement by supporting The Senior Open Championship.”
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “Rolex is a great supporter of The European Tour and their long term partnership with The Open Championship and The Ryder Cup means many of the Senior Tour players are already ambassadors of the brand.
“We welcome today’s announcement, which will enhance The Senior Open Championship and further strengthen the relationship between The R&A and The European Tour.”
Defending Senior Open Champion Bernhard Langer said: “I am delighted that Rolex will become the Presenting Patron of The Senior Open. They have always been a great supporter of golf around the world, including The Open Championship. All the players will welcome this announcement, which will help us to continue to develop The Senior Open Championship.”
Tom Watson, a five-time Open Champion and three times Senior Open Champion, said: “Rolex is uniquely placed to link The Open Championship and The Senior Open Championship, and I personally am delighted by today’s announcement. As players, we greatly appreciate the quality and support which Rolex brings to golf throughout the world and this Championship in particular. This is great news for Senior golf.”
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R&A www.RandA.org
Rolex www.rolex.com