Phil Mickelson’s victory in the 103rd PGA Championship last week made him the latest Rolex Testimonee to have lifted the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy more than once, joining the likes of Gary Player (1962, 1972), Jack Nicklaus (1963, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1980), Tiger Woods (1999, 2000, 2006, 2007) and this year’s joint runner-up Brooks Koepka (2018, 2019).
At age 50 years, 11 months and 7 days, Mickelson’s second PGA Championship title (2005, 2021) and sixth Major made him the oldest winner in Major championship history. The popular American displayed impressive accuracy and resilience throughout the tournament, attributes that resonate strongly with Rolex’s own pursuit of perpetual excellence in its watchmaking and all other endeavours.
“This is an incredible feeling because I just believed that it was possible, but yet everything was saying it wasn’t and I hope that others find that inspiration. It might take a little bit of extra work, a little bit of harder effort to maintain physically or maintain the skills, but gosh, is it worth it in the end, and I am so appreciative to be holding this Wanamaker Trophy,” said Mickelson, who took his PGA Tour title tally to 45.
Renowned for its stunning views of the Atlantic coastline, and the swirling winds and challenging natural features that place a premium on accurate driving and precise iron play, Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course previously hosted the PGA Championship in 2012 and once again produced four days of exceptional golf. Leading by one shot after 54 holes, Mickelson closed with a final-round 73 to finish with a six-under-par total of 282, winning by two strokes from Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen.
ROLEX TESTIMONEE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS
Gary Player (1962, 1972)
Jack Nicklaus (1963, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1980)
Tiger Woods (1999, 2000, 2006, 2007)
Phil Mickelson (2005, 2021)
Pádraig Harrington (2008)
Martin Kaymer (2010)
Jason Day (2015)
Justin Thomas (2017)
Brooks Koepka (2018, 2019)
Rolex’s presence as Official Timekeeper and Partner at the PGA Championship is part of its long-standing support for golf. The brand’s enduring relationship with the sport began more than 50 years ago, in 1967, when Arnold Palmer, joined by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, became the brand’s first golfing Testimonees.
Known together as The Big Three, these legendary players changed the face of golf forever, and their partnership with Rolex marked the beginning of a relationship based on the shared commitment to continuous improvement and unwavering precision.
Since then, the affiliation has grown and flourished, permeating every level of the game worldwide. From elite players and golf legends, to all the game’s Major championships, where success represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sport, as well as the foremost professional tours and worldwide amateur championships, Rolex is ever-present.
In 2021, Rolex further deepened its support by becoming a Worldwide Partner of The Ryder Cup, to act as Official Timekeeper at every iteration of the sport’s preeminent team competition.
The Swiss manufacturer’s support for the game is built on a strong sense of integrity and respect for tradition that promote the continuity of expertise and transfer of knowledge, and an understanding of the importance of investing in the sport’s development for future generations.
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