Longtime AJGA sponsor inks a five-year deal, increasing its support of junior golf
With Rolex Watch USA approaching its third decade of support of the American Junior Golf Association, a new title now stands next to its name: Premier Partner. A five-year agreement secures Rolex as the inaugural Premier Partner, crowning this distinguished timepiece maker as one of the largest contributors in the 26-year history of the AJGA.
“This new commitment to the AJGA underscores our long-term view of communications,” said Rolex Watch USA President Walter Fischer. “Providing recognition and support for junior players today allows Rolex to be associated with the ideals of sportsmanship and the wonderful traditions in golf that are so important to the future. The AJGA reflects the highest standards of the game, so it’s an ideal match for Rolex.”
With the added level of support, Rolex’s presence in junior golf is heightened on numerous fronts. Rolex is now the proprietor of the AJGA Rolex Players of the Year, Rolex Junior All-America Teams and year ending Rolex Junior All-America Awards Banquet. This year, the banquet will take place on Nov. 23 at Sea Island Golf Club, where the Rolex Junior Players of the Year and Rolex Junior All-America Teams will be honored.
The two AJGA events it already sponsors – the Rolex Tournament of Champions and Rolex Girls Junior Championship – will now be elevated to an even higher status within the top-tier of junior golf tournaments. These two events, which have crowned such impressive champions as Phil Mickelson, Charles Howell III, Beth Bauer and Grace Park, will continue to attract junior golf’s brightest while providing the best tournament experience possible.
As part of the agreement, Rolex also becomes an Official Partner to the PING Junior Solheim Cup, an international team match play event that pits the best junior girls from the United States against their European counterparts. The third biennial PING Junior Solheim Cup will take place at the Bridgewater Club in Noblesville, Ind., Sept. 5-8, 2005.
Rolex was also named the inaugural Founding Partner of the Achieving Competitive Excellence Grant in January. The ACE Grant is designed to give top-flight junior golfers the ability to play a national junior golf schedule despite their financial resources. With Rolex’s support, the AJGA hopes to help 25 deserving junior golfers in 2004.
“In 1985, Rolex became the first prominent supporter of the AJGA by sponsoring the Rolex Tournament of Champions,” said AJGA Executive Director Stephen Hamblin. “What’s even more special is that we have enjoyed nearly 20 years with Rolex, which has created a win/win relationship. This is clearly evident with Rolex recently upgrading their involvement with the AJGA to Premier Partner.”