The Amundi Evian Championship and Rolex

The Amundi Evian Championship: Celebrating 30 Years of Golf’s Only Major to be Staged in Continental Europe.

Published on July 4, 2024

Rolex and the Amundi Evian Championship Video cover

Three decades of excellence

Every July, The Amundi Evian Championship turns the Champions Course at the Evian Resort Golf Club into a contest for the world's top female golfers. This year's edition, taking place from July 11 to 14, commemorates the 30th anniversary of the first tournament, honoring three decades of excellence in women's golf.

The tournament's roster of champions reads like a who's who of women's golf, featuring legends such as Annika Sörenstam, who triumphed in 2000 and 2002, and Anna Nordqvist, who secured her victory in a thrilling playoff in 2017.

Nordqvist reminisces about her win: "Being European and winning a Major championship on European soil was very special. I would say that with all the history associated with The Amundi Evian Championship, the stunning views, amazing atmosphere, how well it is run and it being a tournament that I used to watch every summer growing up, it was an unforgettable moment. To have my name etched on the trophy is so special."

A Major event

Situated between the peaceful shores of Lake Geneva and the majestic Alps, the Amundi Evian Championship is a landmark event in women's golf. Established in 1994, this prestigious tournament has grown to become one of the sport's five Major championships since 2013. The event has gained widespread acclaim and is celebrated for its rich history and contributions to women's golf.

Rolex has been a strong supporter of women's golf, serving as a Main Partner and Official Timekeeper of The Amundi Evian Championship since 2000. This partnership highlights the Swiss watchmaker's long-standing dedication to the sport, starting in 1980 when Rolex first partnered with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

The Amundi Evian Championship - 2023 Championship

At the top of their game

The Amundi Evian Championship is contested annually on The Champions Course at Évian-les-Bains. The layout, which was completely redesigned in the late 1980s by architect Cabell B. Robinson, presents a number of difficulties that severely test the golfers’ skills. Situated between lake and mountain, the course offers a breathtaking panorama, where the beauty of the surroundings is matched by the demanding nature of the course and the precision required for each shot. “Playing Evian” has become a common expression, such is the enormity of the challenge.

“Women’s golf has always been a second thought in a lot of companies’ minds but not in Rolex’s mind. They’ve been there from the beginning and supported the game at different levels.”

Annika Sörenstam

“Evian is really a very special place for me, and this goes beyond the fact that I won my first Major here at 17.”

Lydia Ko

Rolex, Partner of women’s golf

Partner and Official Timekeeper of The Amundi Evian Championship since 2000, Rolex is associated with all the women’s Majors – The Chevron Championship, the U.S. Women’s Open, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the AIG Women’s Open – as well as the discipline’s main tours, namely the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour and the LET (Ladies European Tour). The brand also partners the ANWA (Augusta National Women’s Amateur), the biggest tournament on the women’s amateur golf circuit. Through a series of awards, notably the Rolex Player of the Year, Rolex ANNIKA Major Award, Rolex Junior Player of the Year and Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year, the Swiss watchmaker promotes and celebrates the excellence of a women’s sport in perpetual evolution.

Rolex and The Amundi Evian Championship - The Amundi Evian Championship trophy

Rolex and golf, a foundation of shared values

The Prize for a Better Tomorrow, presented by Rolex, has been awarded at The Amundi Evian Championship since 2019. The award celebrates initiatives that achieve significant societal impact. The first recipient was Lorena Ochoa, who was honored for her Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation, which supports the education of underprivileged children in Mexico. The award, presented by fellow Rolex Testimonee Lindsey Vonn, highlights the commitment of individuals and organizations to charitable causes.