The Open

The R&A, together with the USGA, governs the sport of golf worldwide.

The R&A was formed in 2004 to take on The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ responsibilities for governing the Rules of Golf. Together with the USGA (United States Golf Association), it governs the sport of golf worldwide. It also organizes The Open, the oldest golf championship, and oversees the AIG Women’s Open, one of the five women’s Majors. The Open takes us back to the roots of the ancient game. It evokes the discipline’s core values – respect for tradition, humility and integrity – all of which echo Rolex’s own defining philosophy.

Scoreboard

Golf’s original Major, The Open is staged on a rotation of demanding venues in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Long-standing partnership

For more than 40 years, as part of its association with the sport, Rolex has been Official Timekeeper of this Major, and since 2012, Presenting Sponsor of the Senior Open Championship.

The Claret jug
Weight of history
Golf player

The weight of history

To win this championship requires tackling not only the weight of history but also the forces of nature in the form of demanding links courses and unpredictable weather conditions. Lifting the iconic Claret Jug has been the crowning achievement for some of the game’s greatest players, including Rolex Testimonees Tom Watson, Tiger Woods and The Big Three – Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.

They conquered The Open