The enduring relationship between Rolex and the sport began in 1967 when Arnold Palmer became our brand’s first golf Testimonee, joined by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, known together as The Big Three. Since its partnership with the legendary trio, Rolex has continuously supported the game by partnering with the greatest players. All of these Rolex Testimonees have charted their own course and made a lasting impact on their discipline.
The Big Three Golf’s giants
Starting in the late 1950s, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player embarked on a journey in which, collectively, they revolutionized the game of golf. Nicknamed The Big Three, they reigned supreme at courses worldwide. With thrilling play and boundless charisma, they brought their love of the game to millions, and with the rise of television, transformed it into one with global resonance.
Steadfast friends in life, irresistible rivals on the course, the three players engaged in fierce battles between gentlemen for almost two decades. There was nothing they could not handle. The statistics speak for themselves: between them, they won 34 majors.
We had this wonderful competition among the three of us. But, at the same time, when one of us won, the other two would put their hand out and say: ‘Well done, you beat me today, but I’ll get you tomorrow.’ It was a very healthy rivalry, one of gentlemanly conduct.
Arnold Palmer was the first golfer to appear on the cover of Time magazine, in 1960, bringing the sport to a new level. The talent of this exceptionally charismatic American player, winner of seven majors, really came to prominence at the end of the 1950s when TV broadcasting was revolutionizing the world. The man nicknamed “The King” played a pivotal role in popularizing the game.
We were all great friends. I think my admiration and respect for Arnold and Gary played a great part in my career. They were my contemporaries, but also my role models.
Golf in the 1960s and 1970s was shaped by one golfer more than any other and he remains the most successful of all time: Jack Nicklaus. Winner of a record 18 major titles, the American nicknamed “The Golden Bear” left his mark on the sport forever.
Gary Player completes the legendary trio. In 1961, the South African became the first non-American to win the Masters Tournament. Always dressed in dark clothes, “The Black Knight” was also one of the first professional golfers to play on every continent. He amassed more than 160 victories in an illustrious career spanning six decades.
I never heard Jack Nicklaus say, ‘I’m a great player’, or Tiger Woods, as a matter of fact. They just get out and do it. And I think that’s far more appealing... than talking about how good you are.
In 2019, Tiger Woods completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in the history of sport when, aged 43, he once again triumphed at Augusta National Golf Club to capture his fifth Masters title, bringing his major tally to 15. It was the pinnacle of an outstanding career. His list of honours includes 82 victories on the PGA TOUR® – a feat that only he and Sam Snead have achieved – a total of 109 professional wins and being ranked World No. 1 for more weeks (683) than any other golfer. The American champion also completed a Grand Slam in 2000–2001 by winning four majors in a row. This unique event in the history of golf was named the “Tiger Slam”. In addition to his victories and achievements, Woods has had an impact on the sport like no other. He brought golf into a new era.
Annika Sörenstam has been a central figure in women’s golf for 30 years, playing a decisive role in recognizing the value of women in the sport. Many consider her to be the greatest woman golfer of all time. The Swede first took to the golf course at the age of 12. After rising through the ranks, she was crowned world amateur champion before turning professional. She then proceeded to dominate the LPGA Tour for 15 years, a first for a European golfer. Sörenstam not only holds the record for most major victories (10), but is also the only player to have triumphed at all five of the biggest events in the women’s game. In 2014, the Rolex Annika Major Award was created in her honour. The prize rewards the golfer who, over the course of the LPGA Tour season, scores the most points across all five majors.
Since turning professional in 2016, Jon Rahm has gone from strength to strength. In 2019, he was crowned the DP World Tour Rankings champion following his victory on the final hole at the DP World Tour Championship. The Spaniard reached No. 1 in the world rankings the following year by winning the Memorial Tournament. In 2021, he broke through to capture his maiden major when triumphant at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. By prevailing at the 2022 Spanish Open, he became the first three-time winner of the tournament since his idol Seve Ballesteros achieved the feat 27 years earlier. He finished the season with a record third victory at the DP World Tour Championship to become the first player to win five Rolex Series tournaments. In 2023, he dominated the Masters Tournament to be presented with the coveted Green Jacket and claim his second major.
