The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is proud to announce that Rolex, “The Official Timepiece of the AJGA” and one of the most iconic brands in golf, has elevated its level of support to Global Sponsor of the AJGA. Rolex joins TaylorMade as one of the association’s two Global Sponsors, the highest level of partnership within the organization.
In addition to its elevated Global Sponsor status, Rolex will also become the Lead Partner of the AJGA’s International Pathway Series (IPS), an initiative designed to expand playing opportunities for junior golfers around the world and strengthen the bridge between global junior golf and the AJGA’s competitive platform. This enhanced role underscores Rolex’s commitment to growing the game beyond borders and creating pathways – DEVELOPING GOLF'S NEXT GENERATION®.
“Rolex’s commitment to junior golf is unmatched, and their belief in our mission has been unwavering,” said Stephen Hamblin, AJGA Executive Director. “For nearly four decades, they have supported our players, honored our champions and elevated our events. Their new role as a Global Sponsor and as the Lead Partner of our International Pathway Series will create even greater opportunities for the next generation of golfers to pursue their dreams on a global stage.”
This announcement marks a new chapter in a partnership that has spanned four decades. Since first partnering with the AJGA in the mid-1980s, Rolex has played an instrumental role in advancing the association’s mission to develop young men and women through competitive junior golf. From serving as a Tournament Sponsor to its new status as Global Sponsor, Rolex’s commitment has always extended beyond sponsorship, shaping many of the AJGA’s most prestigious traditions and championships.
“In 2026, Rolex marks 40 years of partnership with the AJGA, so it feels like the perfect time to extend our support,” said Arnaud Boetsch, Director of Communication & Image at Rolex. “The AJGA is committed to nurturing and developing the next generation, from the earliest moments of their career to laying the foundations for future success. Rolex champions all levels of golf and is proud that the Rolex family of Testimonees includes many AJGA alumni. We look forward to continuing to build this legacy and being part of the future of the game around the world.”
Rolex’s support has been foundational to some of the AJGA’s most significant events and honors. The Rolex Tournament of Champions, one of the longest-running and most prestigious Invitationals in junior golf, annually brings together the top junior players in the world. Rolex also serves as Major Partner for the Hilton Grand Vacations ANNIKA Invitational presented by Rolex, The Junior PLAYERS Championship presented by Rolex, the PING Junior Solheim Cup and the Junior Presidents Cup.
Additionally, Rolex partners the Rolex Scholastic All-Americans, Rolex Junior All-America Teams, the Rolex Junior Player of the Year awards and the Rolex AJGA Rankings. These programs recognize the very best junior golfers each season and celebrate their achievements on a national stage.
Through these events and honors, Rolex has helped create opportunities for thousands of junior golfers to showcase their talents, build character and prepare for the next levels of competition from college golf to the professional ranks.
The bond between Rolex and the AJGA extends deeply into the professional game. Many of Rolex’s most celebrated Testimonees began their journeys in AJGA competition, including legends and current stars Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, Lexi Thompson, Rose Zhang and Lydia Ko. Their accomplishments on the AJGA stage served as important steppingstones to careers that have shaped the sport with many of these professionals giving back to junior golf and the AJGA through hosting tournaments and financial contributions.
This shared legacy speaks to the powerful role the AJGA plays in growing the game and to Rolex’s enduring commitment to supporting athletes from their junior beginnings through the pinnacle of their careers, and beyond.
For more information, contact Tim Jackman (tjackman@ajga.org ) in the AJGA Communications Department.
About Rolex
AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE
Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization.
The word ‘Perpetual’ is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 600 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components. A fifth site, also in Switzerland, is under construction and is expected to open in 2029. Rolex carries out its own manufacturing operations, from casting the gold alloys to machining, crafting, assembling and finishing the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.
About the AJGA
The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls, ages 12-19) of more than 10,000 members from 50 states and 51 international countries and territories. Through initiatives like the Liberty National ACE Grant, a financial assistance program, and Leadership Links, a service-oriented platform that teaches juniors charitable-giving skills, the AJGA fosters the growth of golf’s next generation.
TaylorMade and adidas are the AJGA’s Global Sponsors, supporting the AJGA for more than 25 years. TaylorMade has served as the Official Ball of the AJGA since 2016. adidas has been the Official Apparel and Footwear of the AJGA since 2017. Rolex, in its fourth decade of AJGA sponsorship, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004.
AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate and professional golf. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 1,000 victories on the PGA and LPGA Tours. AJGA alumni include Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Tiger Woods, Paula Creamer, Jessica Korda, Nelly Korda, Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park, Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang.