A Winning Approach

A long-time supporter of golf, Rolex has been the official timekeeper of the US Open for over 40 years and will once again reprise its role in 2021. Who will emerge champion at Torrey Pines?

At the 2020 US Open, Bryson DeChambeau was on track to win his first major title on the West Course of Winged Foot Golf Club in New York. But few got to witness the American golfer sink his 7-foot putt on the 18th and thrust his arms into the air to celebrate his maiden major triumph. The US Open organisers had to implement changes and safe distancing measures during the tournament.

“It’s been a lot of hard work. I’d also be remiss not to talk about my sponsors and the people who have affected me to make this all possible,” said the 27-year-old Rolex Testimonee after winning the US Open last year. “They’ve all been there supporting me through the tough times and the good times; they’ve been incredible for me.”

But when the 156-strong field tees off at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in California for this year’s US Open, from June 17 to 20, things will be back to somewhat normal. For one, the tournament returns to its usual spot in June after it was rescheduled to September last year. Fans will be allowed into the famous golf course too.

The return of the US Open to Torrey Pines this year is also significant. It marks the first time the oldest of the three US majors is being held there since former world No 1 and Rolex Testimonee Tiger Woods dramatically edged out American golfer Rocco Mediate in 2008. (Woods, however, will not be participating this year as he recovers from the injuries he suffered in a car crash in February.)