1712rolexwomen

FEATURE

Rolex & Women’s Golf:

Uphold High Standards of Excellence

©Rolex / Matthew Lewis

Rolex celebrates a partnership of more than 30 years with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the prestigious women’s championship and tour organizer.

Anna Nordqvist teeing off during a practice round at The Evian Championship 52

HK GOLFER・DEC 2017

HK GOLFER・DEC 2017

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Rolex Testimonee Lydia Ko

©Rolex/Chris Turvey 54

HK GOLFER・DEC 2017

Rol e x D i r e c t o r o f C o m mu n ic a t io n & Image, Arnaud Boetsch, said: “Rolex applauds A nna Nordqvist on her incredible achievement of winning The Evian Championship. This achievement demonstrates Nordqvist ’s extraordinary dedication and commitment to excellence a nd p e r for m a nc e at t he h i g he s t le vel - qua l it ies Rolex recogn i zes in a l l its Testimonees.”

Lydia Ko, who became t he youngest ever Major w i n ner when she won T he Evia n Cha mpionship in 2015, f inished tied third in the 2017 edition, with a final round of 69.

T he bra nd a l so uphold s t he ga me ’s sta nda rd s of excel lence t h rough it s sponsorship of t he LPGA’s top awards, such as the Rolex Player of the Year, the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year and the Rolex Annika Major Award for the player with the most outstanding Major championship record each season.

The Evian Championship concluded with So Yeon Ryu, from South Korea, becoming the fourth winner of the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award, which was established in 2014 to recognize the player who, during HKGOLFER.COM

a c u r rent L PG A Tou r sea son , ha s t he most out sta nd i ng Major cha mpionsh ip record. Ryu joins the elite company of past winners, including Rolex Testimonee Lydia Ko, who picked up the prize in 2016.

So Yeon Ryu won the ANA Inspiration i n A pr i l 2 017, a n d t opp e d t h e Rol e x ANNIKA Major Award points list with an additional top 10 finish in the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open.

Rolex is t he O f f icia l Ti mekeeper of t he f ive Major s i n women’s gol f: T he Evian Championship (France), the A NA I n spi rat ion ( USA), t he U. S. Women’s Open, the Ricoh Women’s British Open and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (USA). T he bra nd is a lso a pa r t ner of the leading team tournament in women’s golf, the Solheim Cup, between the best European and US players.

As a committed partner of the sport, Rolex wa s n a me d , i n 2 0 0 6 , t he Tit le Sponsor of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rank ings, t he f irst-ever comprehensive world rankings system for women players.

Women have been at the heart of Rolex’s success since the company first opened its doors. When Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf HKGOLFER.COM

created the accurate, reliable and robust wristwatch to suit the active lifestyles of the 20th century, he set out to design the modern timepiece for both genders.

His recognition of pioneering women was t ypif ied by t he swimmer Mercedes Gleitze. She effectively became the f irst R o l e x Te s t i m o n e e i n 19 27 w h e n s h e swam the English Channel wearing the new Oyster, the world’s f irst waterproof wrist watch a nd a fou ndat ion stone for Rolex’s success.

Every woman who wears a Rolex has a story. One of passion and adventure. A story of a pioneering spirit who has pushed back t he l i m it s of per forma nce. T hese women epitomize the essence of Rolex since its very beginnings and what the Swiss luxury watchmaker stands for. Among them are t he brand’s Testimonees – at hletes, artists and explorers who have each created history, becoming role models for millions of women around the globe. Their quest for excellence is symbolized by the Rolex they proudly wear, an emblem that helps to define their impressive achievements and inspiring contribution to the world.

Annika Sorenstam (right) presents the 2017 Rolex ANNIKA Major Award to the current World number one player So Yeon Ryu HK GOLFER・DEC 2017

©Rolex / Chris Turvey

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olex counts leading LPGA Tour players among its Testimonees, including Major winners Alexis Thompson (USA), Yani Tseng (Taiwan), Anna Nordqvist (Sweden) as well as the exciting new guard with Lydia Ko (New Zealand) and legendar y golfers A nnika Sorenstam (Sweden) and Lorena Ochoa (Mexico).

Women, such as these Rolex Testimonees, are changing the world, and the way the world sees women. They share the same pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence. Their courage and perseverance are an example to all, inspiring both men and women of all generations to greatness.

In the last Major of 2017 season, Rolex Testimonee Anna Nordqvist has claimed her second Major title at The Evian Championship in a playoff following a closing round of five-under par. By achieving this momentous feat, the 30-year-old joins fellow Testimonees, A nnika Sörenstam, Juli Inkster and Lydia Ko, among the prestigious list of past champions at the beautiful setting of Évian-les-Bains, overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva.

The first to congratulate Nordqvist, after sinking the winning putt on the 18th green, were fellow Swede Annika Sörenstam and Gary Player, both legends of the game and part of the Rolex family. The fifth Evian Championship winner said: “I didn’t know Gary Player was here; I was excited to see him. Annika has been a huge role model and a huge inspiration for me and it’s great to see her this week.

Nordqvist continued: “It’s a dream come true, being from Europe too, winning The Evian Championship. I’ve worked really hard over the last couple of years - this year has been testing, but I am very proud of myself for keeping my head up and staying positive.”

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