The U.S. Open is just one of several major golf tournaments sponsored by Rolex, but it serves as one of the most visible examples of the brand’s long-standing involvement at the highest levels of the sport. First played in 1895 and organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the U.S. Open is one of golf’s four major championships and is being played this year at Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This year, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is seeking another major title, with World No. 2 Rory McIlroy among the favorites, former U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau back in contention, and defending champion J.J. Spaun attempting to retain the trophy he captured last year.
Why Golf’s Biggest Stage Matters to Rolex Collectors
Scheffler and DeChambeau are also Rolex Testimonees, continuing a relationship between the Swiss watchmaker and the sport that stretches back decades. As the national championship of American golf, the U.S. Open represents one of the sport’s most prestigious titles and remains one of the achievements every professional golfer hopes to add to a career résumé. For Rolex enthusiasts, the championship also provides a useful lens through which to examine several of the brand’s most enduring models, from established classics like the Rolex Day-Date and Rolex Datejust to modern favorites such as the GMT-Master II, Sky-Dweller, Oyster Perpetual, and Submariner.
The Rolex Watches Worn by Golf’s Top Players
Rolex’s connection to professional golf extends well beyond tournament sponsorships. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, one of Rolex’s Testimonees, is frequently seen wearing green Submariner references, including the popular “Hulk” (Ref. 116610LV), as well as a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41. Fellow Rolex Testimonee Bryson DeChambeau is closely associated with the two-tone Submariner Date “Bluesy”, one of the most recognizable modern Rolex sports watches. Defending champion J.J. Spaun has been spotted wearing both the Sky-Dweller and GMT-Master II, while Rolex ambassador Jon Rahm is often seen with Sky-Dweller and Daytona references.
Rolex Day-Date: The Championship Watch
Few Rolex models evoke the same sense of accomplishment as the Rolex Day-Date. Introduced in 1956, it was the first wristwatch to display both the day of the week and the date in full. Available exclusively in precious metals, the Day-Date has long been associated with executives, political leaders, and individuals who have reached the highest levels of their professions. Long before ceramic sports references became fixtures on the wrists of touring professionals, the Day-Date had already become closely associated with championship golf.
During the 1960s and 1970s, players such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player were frequently seen wearing the watch, helping make it one of the icons most readily associated with success in the professional game. That reputation makes it a natural fit for a championship like the U.S. Open. Winning one of golf’s major championships represents the pinnacle of achievement within the sport, and the Day-Date has long occupied a similar position within the Rolex catalog. Vintage references remain highly collectible, while modern examples continue to stand among the most recognizable luxury watches in the world.
Rolex Datejust: Versatility On and Off the Course
The Rolex Datejust watch also deserves a place in any discussion of Rolex and golf. Introduced in 1945, it successfully bridges the gap between sport and dress, making it equally appropriate on the golf course, in the clubhouse, or in the office. That versatility has helped make the Datejust one of the most appealing options in the pre-owned Rolex market. Collectors can choose from decades of references, dial configurations, bezel styles, and bracelet options.
Rolex Sky-Dweller: Built for the Global Golf Calendar
Professional golf is increasingly global. Players compete across continents throughout the season, often crossing multiple time zones in a matter of weeks. The Rolex Sky-Dweller was designed with that kind of lifestyle in mind. Featuring dual-time functionality and an annual calendar, the Sky-Dweller is among the most technically sophisticated watches Rolex currently produces. It appeals not only to traveling professionals but also to collectors who want practical functionality without sacrificing refinement. In the pre-owned market, it has emerged as one of Rolex’s most distinctive modern references. It’s no surprise that top-ranked players such as Spaun have gravitated toward the model.
Rolex GMT-Master II: The Travel Watch for a Global Sport
Originally developed for commercial airline pilots, the Rolex GMT-Master II has evolved into one of Rolex’s most sought-after sports watches. Its ability to track multiple time zones makes it especially relevant in a world where tournaments, business commitments, and travel increasingly span the globe. For collectors, the GMT-Master II offers an appealing blend of tool watch practicality and important heritage. Vintage references remain highly desirable, while contemporary versions such as the Rolex Pepsi and Rolex Batman continue to generate strong demand in the secondary market.
Rolex Submariner: The Sport Watch Benchmark
Although originally designed for diving, the Rolex Submariner has become the benchmark against which all luxury sports watches are measured. Its combination of durability, versatility, and instantly recognizable design has made it one of the most prominent watches in horological history. Those same qualities help explain its enduring appeal among collectors. Vintage Submariners remain cornerstones of many serious collections, while modern references continue to enjoy exceptional demand. Whether worn on the golf course, during travel, or as an everyday watch, the Submariner remains one of the most classic choices in the Rolex catalog.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual: Simple, Durable, and Understated
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual strips the Rolex formula down to its essentials. Without additional complications or precious-metal construction, it focuses on the qualities that have defined the brand for generations: reliability, durability, and timeless design. That simplicity has made it increasingly popular among collectors who appreciate understated watches. Not every golfer needs a complicated travel watch or a precious-metal status symbol. For many, the appeal of the Oyster Perpetual lies in its simplicity.
Rolex, Golf, and the Watches That Define Success
The U.S. Open offers more than a showcase of elite golf. It also highlights why Rolex has remained so closely tied to the sport for generations. From the Day-Date’s long-standing association with champions to the travel-ready functionality of the Sky-Dweller and GMT-Master II, each model reflects a different side of achievement, performance, and personal style. Whether through historic icons like the Datejust and Submariner or understated modern choices like the Oyster Perpetual, Rolex watches continue to feel at home on golf’s biggest stages and in the collections of those who appreciate what they represent.
