Rolex’s association with the game of golf began in 1967, when the company presented a Rolex Oyster Perpetual to golfing legend Arnold Palmer in order to honor his achievements in the game. This association grew over a period of time with Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus joining the pantheon of greats at the Rolex gallery.

The game of golf is a celebration of mental and physical prowess; where the golfers have to negotiate through a maze of intimidating greens, undulating landscapes and unpredictable weather conditions. The game is a supreme exercise of skill and the ability to withstand pressure under all conditions. The Swiss Watchmaker, Rolex, encapsulates all that is good in the game: pin point accuracy; the ability to withstand pressure; timeless elegance and the ability to rise above the ordinary.

Rolex has been associated with the women’s game of golf since 1980, when it started sponsoring the LPGA tour. Like other sports, golf requires the young to pick up the gauntlet and challenge the set order. Rolex recognized that the future of the sport lay in the young and started a spate of programs that aimed to celebrate the spirit of youth in all its myriad colors. Some of the programs included Rolex Player of the Year, the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year and the Rolex-First Time Winners. These are annual awards seeking to further the young and the meritorious, helping them to grab a foot hold in the game of golf.

Rolex started sponsoring several important golfing tournaments in 1978, beginning with the British Open Championship. Later it became an exclusive partner of the United States Golf Association (USGA), with exclusive rights to all events coming under its umbrella. Over the years the legendary watchmaker has developed a longstanding relationship with Royal and Ancient (R & A) Golf club of St. Andrews. In the year 2003, Rolex became a sponsor of R&A Rules of Golf and the British Golf Museum.

Rolex recognizes that the young are the future of the game of golf, explaining the 25 years it has spent investing in the American Junior Golfers Association program. It also hosts the Rolex Tournament of Champions and the Rolex Girl’s Championship. It also presents the Rolex Player of the year and sponsors the Rolex All-American Teams.

Rolex has made its presence felt in the United States through its sponsorships with the PGA tour, which conducts the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. The company became the official timekeeper of the PGA tour in 1994.

The watchmaker is the Official Timepiece in the European Tour and its matchless timepieces will be featured in tournaments throughout Asia and the rest of the world.

The latest Rolex Rankings reflects the resurgence of American Golfers Cristie Kerr and Paula Creamer, who have managed to steal the momentum from the Asian superstars like Jiyai Sin and Ai Miyazato for the time being. The new ranking issued recently featured two Americans in the top 10-a first in many, many years-silencing critics who have been clamoring long for the next the American Golfing Superstar.

The game of golf requires exquisite timing, loads of patience and of course that elusive, rare commodity called class. Golfing greats like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and many others have done yeoman service to the game and to society by their impeccable behavior on and off the turf. Rolex, watchmakers par excellence, has been associated with the sport for ages, blending its philosophy of matchless craftsmanship with that of the game of golf that requires exquisite timing and grace of its players.

Paula Creamer is one of the many in the long line of players who have graced the game with their matchless elegance and poise. She started out in the professional circuit right out of college, making a name for her playing style that blended power and elegance in equal measures. Her playing style earned her the sobriquet of pink panther for a long time.

Her compatriot and friend Cristie Kerr, 32, has not done badly either; ascending to the top of the Rolex Ranking following her huge win at the LPGA Championship. Her game is built on her impeccable driving and putting ability. At 32, she is at just the right age to peak, having spent years on the golfing greens perfecting her game-building it by bits and pieces to where it is now. Many believe that after Annika Sorenstam and Loren Ochoa she is the best equipped to take over the number one mantle.

The Rolex Number One Position has been held by four different players during this season including Lorena Ochoa (who has since retired), Kerr, Miyazato and current Rolex Rankings No. 4 Jiyai Shin.  The Evian Masters (July 22-25) in France and the RICOH Women’s British Open are high ranking events that hold the key to the number one position.  Rolex Rankings No. 2 Ai Miyazato will be hoping to replicate last year’s success by winning the Evian Masters in the middle of July.  Suzann Pettersen will also make a run for the top position and so will the No. 4 Jiyai Shin.

Na Yeon Choi is another golfer who has been making rapid progress in Rolex Ranking points table. A victory at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic followed by a tie at the U.S. Women’s Open has seen her advancing through the field to the number six position.

Paula Creamer surged to the seventh position in Rolex Golf Ranking after winning the U.S. Women’s Open, widely recognized as the premier-most golfing event in the LPGA calendar.

The victory at the U.S Women’s Open comes close at the heels of Cristie Kerr’s amazing 12 stroke rout at the LPGA Championship, silencing critics who were predicting the demise of Women’s Golf in the United States. The comeback story becomes all the more remarkable as only four Americans have won at the majors since 2005, and no American has headed the money earners list since Betsy King in 1993.

The victory came at the best golf course in the championship, Oakmont, near Pittsburg, characterized by intimidating golfing greens set in impressive and picturesque landscape.  The setting was perfect to establish the Americans on the golfing map, which, hitherto, was dominated by Japanese conquest. This state of affairs was reflected in the Rolex Ranking where only five of the top twenty spots were taken by Americans.

Cristie Kerr’s ascension to the No. 1 position in women’s golf and Paul Creamer’s subsequent win at Oakmont provides a ray of hope to women’s golf in the U.S., struggling to make its presence felt in the United States. According to Cristie Kerr, the victories would give them some breathing space from the constant barrage of questions that questioned their ability to pose a challenge to the Asian superstars.

Christina Kim finished eighth at the Oakmont event, helping her to leapfrog several places on the Rolex Ranking points table. According to her, the event was huge as it proved that the Americans were good to take on the Asian challenge.  The 23 year old golfer became an instant hit after turning pro in 2005, earning the nick name Pink Panther for her aggressive playing style, drawing similarities with golfing legend Michelle Wie. However, she was not able to live up to her early reputation gradually falling behind in the Rolex Ranking. However, she was able to achieve eight victories at the LPGA tournament, before winning the major at Oakmont. Her victory has heralded her as the new face of the LPGA tour.

Paula Creamer received unexpected help from golf legend Arnold Palmer, a Pittsburgh area native, who opined that the secret of winning at Oakmont was to avoid mistakes and concentrate hard.  She took the advice seriously and three putted only once during the entire tournament. Her victory was also due to the sound advice given by Caddie, Colin Cann who advised her to play against Oakmont’s par score and not against her competitors. This strategy yielded dividends as she ended her tournament with three sub-par scores of 70, 70, and 69. Colin Cann was justifiably proud of her achievement saying that Oakmont’s loss was America’s gain.

Golf Legend, Arnold Palmer is to attend the Annual US Open Rolex Dinner, hosted by Allen Brill, President and CEO of Rolex USA. The golfer has been gracing the Annual US Open Dinner with his presence for the last 30 years.

As always, the event, staged at the Beach Club, will feature a lively chat between emcee Jim Nantz and Arnold Palmer. The golfing legend has been associated with Rolex for many years now. Speaking of his association with the legendry Swiss watchmaker, he stated that he always looked forward to participating in the Annual US Open Rolex Dinner. He was delighted that he was given the job of looking after this year’s US Open Golf Course.

The Annual US Open Rolex Dinner has been part of the US Open Golf Tournament for several years, celebrating the game of golf, which has successfully drawn a huge amount of spectators and sponsors alike.

Rolex is one of the sponsors of the U.S Open Golf Tournament, which is conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA). The tournament is held in the middle of June, with the final day of golf usually coinciding with Fathers Day on the third Sunday of the month, provided weather conditions remain stable. The US Open Golf Tournament is one of the four Majors and features on the PGA tour as well as the European tour.

The US Open Golf Tournament is considered to be the most challenging of the four Majors, characterized by a golf course that puts a high premium on accurate driving. Scoring at par is considered good enough at this challenging course characterized by hilly greens, pinched fairways and a high proportion of primary rough.

The US Open Golf Tournament has its own set of rules and procedures, setting it apart from other golf tournaments. It is the only tournament that does not go to an immediate playoff after the players are tied at the completion of the fourth round. In order to break the deadlock, players have to compete in an 18-hole fifth round. However, if the status quo remains even after the fifth round, a sudden death playoff is held.

Rolex has been associated with sports since 1927, when Mercedes Gleltze first swam across the English Channel wearing a Rolex Oyster wristwatch. At present the Swiss Watchmaker supports more than 150 events worldwide which include golf, sailing, tennis, motor sports and equestrian competitions. Rolex also sponsors cultural and arts programmes across the globe. It strives to promote young innovators through the Rolex Young Laureates Programme, which awards young innovators in the field of science and technology, culture, education, and the like.

Rolex is the most well recognized name when it comes to promoting human brilliance through events which can really test someone’s ability to perform under pressure with utmost confidence and with a cool head. Golf is one sport which requires perfect mix of talent, concentration and a level head to even play, and participating and wining tournaments which have the most talented and best players in the fray is always the dream of every player. The year 2009 is going to see another addition to the top of class golf tournaments as for the first time Dubai World Championship goes underway towards the middle-end of the month. Going by the significance of the championship the fact that Rolex is involved with the tournament as the Premier Partner is just another example of the role that Rolex has always played and still keeps playing in the arena of sports and the like.

Dubai World Championship which will make its debut on the 19^th of November, 2009 is going to be part of the prestigious European Tour. The tournament would be held at the beautifully carved Earth course at the Jumeirah Golf Estates right in the heart of Middle East. The course is situated in the buzzing city of Dubai in United Arab Emirates and the tournament is going to be another option for the top golf players from all across the world to come together and putt for greater glory.

Rolex has earned the honor of becoming the Premier Partner of the Dubai World Championship which in fact is going to be the climax of the popular and prestigious European Tour Race to Dubai. The tournament which will be taking place for the first time would replace the Order of Merit. The championship is going to be a championship among the champions considering the golfers who shall

Rolex has been involved with the world of golf for a very long time now. As a matter of fact the association between Rolex and golf began in the year 1967, which was the year when the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer had become a Rolex Testimonee. Given the fact that golf is a sport that survives on excellence as well as precision and Rolex is a brand that has earned its reputation based on the same two factors it was a relation that could have only grown with time. Not only that is precisely what happened but also the relationship is likely to reach newer levels as Rolex becomes the Premier Partner for the most eagerly awaited entrant to the world of golf, Dubai World Championship. As a last event in the Race to Dubai, Dubai World Championship with Rolex as Premier Partner has already generated immense interest and is sure of surpassing everyone’s expectations.

Championing the cause of exceptional brilliance around the world, the most renowned premium watch manufacturer, Rolex supports a number of initiatives. The rudimentary philosophy of Rolex has always been to lead mankind towards greatness and inspire them to attain perfection. Constantly associating with eminent organization that are involved in the process of progress, Rolex partners organizing committees to create events that become a platform for developing talent. Supporting international golfing events around the globe, Rolex is responsible for co-creating and assisting in organizing several golfing championships.

From the Masters and the Solheim Cup, Rolex has been the fuel behind illustrious golfing tournaments. Rolex’s association with golf can be traced back to the gold Oyster Perpetual Rolex watch that was presented to the legendary Arnold Palmer in 1967 in honor of his remarkable achievements on the golfing circuit. Pioneering the system of sponsoring golf by partnering the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 1978, from then on till now, Rolex has constantly supported this organization in creating world class golfing tournaments that are aimed at developing the sport of golf. Involving itself in all features of golfing, Rolex not only takes on the role of a publishing partner for the Rules of Golf booklet but it also supports the official film and annual tournament of the U.S. Open Championship. Sustaining young golfing talent for two decades now, Rolex has been supporting the American Junior Golfers Association (AJGA) for more than 25 years now. The basic purpose behind supporting the AJGA was to aid the development of young golfing talents and provide them with ample opportunity to pursue the aspect of perfection in the game of golf. Honing the skills of the young golfers, the AJGA golfing tournaments act as a stage for showcasing the brilliance of these talented players. Taking on the role of the principal partner or an official timekeeper for many golfing events around America, Rolex strives to assist the surging ambition of a talented golfer. Apart from directly involving itself with varied associations for promoting golf, Rolex brings forward the Rolex Junior All-America Teams Awards, which is an effort to honor the talent of these young talents and propel their ambitious vision.

This pioneering award is aimed at identifying and recognizing the brilliance of skilled golfers in attaining the highest level skill. The Rolex Junior All-America Teams Awards jointly created by Rolex and AJGA aims to hone the talent and skills of young players and assist in the formative development of their ability. In 2008 this remarkable initiative awarded 48 young male and female golfers for their performance and growth attained throughout the year. The award honors the performance of the team that secured the first place, the second place and the team that came in third. The first team for boys was led by Byeong-hun An from Bradenton, Florida, while the first team for girls was led by Karen Chung from Livingston, New Jersey.

Over the years Rolex has proudly propounded the principal attaining the extraordinary through constant labor and dedicated ambition. In accordance with this philosophy, Rolex collaborated with organizations to develop the game of golf and take it to greater heights.

The association that began almost an epoch ago, standing the test of time, adapting yet resolute, started out when Rolex presented the legendary Arnold Palmer with a gold Oyster Perpetual Rolex watch, in honor of his remarkable achievements on the greens in 1967. Celebrating the exceptional ability and performance of golfing greats like Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus, Rolex began its unfaltering support of these great golfers and soon ventured out to support a number of organizing committees in creating and sponsoring eminent golfing tournaments. The core ambition has always been to support events that promote the passion of attaining the highest forms of human capacity. Understanding the focus and resilience that is required to master the sport of golf, Rolex assists various golfing bodies around the world in propounding the sport and its players. More than the game itself Rolex propagates the idea and the inspiration behind the sport that forms the crucial core of comprehending the ability of pushing the standards of human endeavor. Even though the game of golf has undergone tremendous changes and incorporated various elements that have propelled it to great heights of popularity, one factor that remains unchanged is the steadfast support of Rolex in supporting the game.

Beginning in 1978 Rolex pioneered the sponsorship of golfing events by aiding the British Open Championship right after which it forged a partnership with the United States Golf Association (USGA). Abiding with its principal of supporting exceptionally talented individuals Rolex sought out to promote women’s golf and soon formed a partnership with the LGPA. Additionally Rolex brought out the Rolex Player of the Year, the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year and the Rolex First-Time Winners in order to honor and promote the ability of talented women golfers. The most recent development in this partnership is the launching of the Rolex Women’s Rankings that combines women golfers everywhere into one single entity. Apart from all of this Rolex is also the official timekeeper for the prestigious women’s golf tournament, the Solheim Cup.

Supporting the Ryder Cup men’s golfing challenge for many years now Rolex also became the official timepiece at the PGA of America, and the official timekeeper for the men’s European Tour. From 2008 onwards Rolex entered into an international collaboration with the Master’s Tournament and assists this eminent tournament by looking after all the broadcast and print media outside the United States that deals with this event. Supporting young golfing talent for two decades now, Rolex has been sponsoring the American Junior Golfers Association (AJGA) for more than 25 years now. Annually hosting the Rolex Tournament of Champions as well as the Rolex Girl’s Championship, Rolex ensures that remarkable talent has a platform to showcase their talent and further develop their skill. Rolex also presents the Rolex Player of the Year Awards and the Rolex All-America Teams awards, which is an effort to honor the talent of these young talents and propel their ambitious vision. Involving itself in all aspects of the sport of golfing, Rolex serves as a publishing partner for the Rules of Golf booklet and also supports the official film and annual tournament of each U.S. Open Championship. Apart from this Rolex provides on-line support to the USGA as well as supplying tee clocks at National Championships and supporting the Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History at the USGA Museum.

Unfazed by the change Rolex continues to support illustrious golfing events around the world and promotes remarkable ability in their quest to definitive triumph.

Rolex has employed many sporting greats as Ambassadors of the Rolex brand, ranging from Arnold Palmer to Roger Federer. In 1978, Rolex exhibited true ingenuity by using world-renowned French Chef Paul Bocuse in a print advertisement for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date. In the advertisement, Paul Bocuse was quoted: “There is no fine cooking without perfect timing.� Indeed, just like any sportsman, a cook needs exact timing so it makes perfect sense that Paul Bocuse would use a Rolex watch to keep the time. If Rolex was going to be represented by a Chef, who better to pick than Paul Bocuse, the inventor of nouvelle cuisine. Born into a long line of father-son chef teams, Paul Bocuse is arguably the most famous French chef of the 20th century. In 1944, he was shot in battle during World War II, and, in 1975, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor. Paul Bocuse is widely credited with being one of the first chefs to emerge from the kitchen and to enter public life, promoting French cuisine, starting restaurants and culinary institutions around the world. Paul Bocuse is one of the most prominent chefs associated with the nouvelle cuisine, which is less opulent and calorific than the traditional haute cuisine and stresses the importance of fresh ingredients of the highest quality. He avoided the use of heavy cream and butter sauces, using simpler recipes, market-fresh food and emphasized natural flavors and textures. This nouvelle cuisine caught on with many younger chefs, and Bocuse became an ambassador of French cuisine, traveling around the world giving classes. The Chef recalls that Henri Gault first used the term, nouvelle cuisine, to describe food prepared by Bocuse and other top chefs for the maiden flight of the Concorde airliner in 1969. In 1975, he created the world famous soupe aux truffes (truffle soup) for a presidential dinner at the Elysee Palace.

Paul Bocuse has made key contributions to French gastronomy and world cuisine both directly and indirectly. Bocuse has had numerous students, many of whom have become famous chefs themselves. One of his students was Eckart Witzigmann, the first German chef to receive three Michelin stars. Since 1987, the Bocuse D’Or has been regarded as the most prestigious award for chefs in the world (at least when French food is considered), and is sometimes seen as the unofficial world championship for chefs. Finalists in the 21st Bocuse d’Or found themselves engaged in a daunting trial of their talent and skills. Beneath the attentive gaze of a large audience, 24 experienced cooks did their utmost to appeal to the expert taste-buds of an international jury composed of the world’s finest experts, chaired by the legend commonly referred to as “the chef of the centuryâ€� and the “pope of gastronomyâ€�, Paul Bocuse. Paul Bocuse was honored in 1961 with the title Meilleur Ouvrier de France. His father George Bocuse, had been apprenticed to Fernand Point, a master of classic French cuisine. Paul Bocuse comes from a long line of French chefs and restaurateurs dating back to 1765. After working under several noted chefs, he took over his family’s failing restaurant near Lyon, and saved it from ruin. His family nickname was ‘primate of the palate’. Paul Bocuse’s lasting creation is the luxury restaurant l’Auberge du Pont de Collonges, near Lyon, which has been serving a traditional menu for decades. Located four kilometers north of Lyon on the banks of the Saône near the Pont de Collonges, this family house has become an obligatory stopping point for gourmets from every corner of the globe. It is one of a small number of restaurants in France to receive the coveted three-star rating by the Michelin Guide. Paul Bocuse has achieved such excellence by wearing a Rolex Day-Date and making sure his culinary creations are perfectly timed.