Published on Jul 28th 2024

Rolex and The Amundi Evian Championship

Despite scorching summers and blistering winters, Chicago has cultivated a thriving professional golf culture for over a century. Central to the legacy is the Women's Western Golf Association (WWGA), founded in 1901, which has been instrumental in promoting women's golf in Chicago and its suburbs. The WWGA's dedication to organizing tournaments has provided a platform for women golfers to showcase their skills and inspired many young women to take up the sport. Chicago's aspiring athletes often set their sights on the Amundi Evian Championship, a prestigious Europe-based major sponsored by Rolex.

Below, discover more about The Amundi Evian Championship and its partnership with Rolex.

Rolex is Partner and Official Timekeeper of golf’s only Major to be staged in continental Europe. The Amundi Evian Championship is played every July at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Évian-les-Bains, France. This demanding course is nestled between the pristine shores of Lake Geneva and the snow-capped Alps. Created in 1994, this women’s tournament was elevated to Major status in 2013.

Rolex and The Amundi Evian Championship - Razny Jewelers

A Major event

Since its first edition 30 years ago, The Amundi Evian Championship has grown exponentially to become an unmissable date on the golfing calendar. It is the only Major tournament to be played in continental Europe. Over time, the event has become a meeting point for the greatest women golfers in the world, pitted against each other in memorable duels that are etched into the discipline’s glorious history. Rolex Testimonees have excelled at the tournament, with victories from Annika Sörenstam (2000, 2002), Suzann Pettersen (2013), Lydia Ko (2015), Anna Nordqvist (2017) and Brooke Henderson (2022).

At the top of their game

The Amundi Evian Championship is contested annually on The Champions Course at Évian-les-Bains. The layout, which was completely redesigned in the late 1980s by architect Cabell B. Robinson, presents a number of difficulties that severely test the golfers’ skills. Situated between lake and mountain, the course offers a breathtaking panorama, where the beauty of the surroundings is matched by the demanding nature of the course and the precision required for each shot. “Playing Evian” has become a common expression, such is the enormity of the challenge.

“Women’s golf has always been a second thought in a lot of companies’ minds but not in Rolex’s mind. They’ve been there from the beginning and supported the game at different levels.”

Annika Sörenstam

“Evian is really a very special place for me, and this goes beyond the fact that I won my first Major here at 17.”

Lydia Ko

Rolex, Partner of women’s golf

Partner and Official Timekeeper of The Amundi Evian Championship since 2000, Rolex is associated with all the women’s Majors – The Chevron Championship, the U.S. Women’s Open, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the AIG Women’s Open – as well as the discipline’s main tours, namely the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour and the LET (Ladies European Tour). The brand also partners the ANWA (Augusta National Women’s Amateur), the biggest tournament on the women’s amateur golf circuit. Through a series of awards, notably the Rolex Player of the Year, Rolex ANNIKA Major Award, Rolex Junior Player of the Year and Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year, the Swiss watchmaker promotes and celebrates the excellence of a women’s sport in perpetual evolution.

Rolex and golf, a foundation of shared values

Golf is more than a sport. It embodies values that make it an experience unlike any other. Precision, integrity, humility and respect. These are qualities also deeply rooted in Rolex’s identity. It is for this reason that, for almost 60 years, Rolex has supported golf. This long-standing commitment was initiated in 1967 with legendary champion Arnold Palmer, who was joined by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, known as The Big Three. It now extends to the leading institutions and events as well as the sport’s top players and younger talent.

Visit Razny Jewelers in downtown Chicago, Addison, and Highland Park to shop Rolex’s new and Certified Pre-Owned timepieces. Only Official Rolex Jewelers are allowed to sell Rolex watches. Our expertise and dedication ensure you find the perfect timepiece for a lifetime of enjoyment.