The Amundi Evian Championship: Where Scenery Inspires the Swing

Geneva, Spring 2026 – From generation to generation, golfing heroes continue to pave the way for aspiring players to move the sport forward. A welcome constant for the Rolex Testimonees is The Amundi Evian Championship, one of the most picturesque and prestigious events on the calendar situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. Whether it be Annika Sörenstam, Lydia Ko or Jeeno Thitikul striding up the fairways, the breathtaking scenery at Evian Resort Golf Club, France, has proven a sight to behold for the world’s best players. “I would say that the Evian Resort Golf Club is my favourite course,” Thitikul says. “The setting is amazing with beautiful views. It is also really challenging due to the hilly terrain which makes it fun to play and a real test of your ability. I love playing there.”

Thitikul is bidding to go one step further at The Amundi Evian Championship this summer, from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 July, after finishing a close second last year. The 23-year-old from Thailand has excelled on the tour ever since she became the youngest player ever to win a professional tournament at the age of 14. In the quest for her first major title, Thitikul has taken inspiration from fellow Rolex Testimonee Lydia Ko. She shares a close bond with Ko, often describing her as an older sister and a role model, and has basked in the insight gained from the 28-year-old New Zealander. Having joined the Rolex family in 2014, Ko made history at The Amundi Evian Championship the following year when she became the youngest major winner at the age of 18.

Thitikul praises her friend’s inspiring nature: “The player that I always look up to is Lydia Ko. The things that I like about her are obviously inside the course, but outside the golf course she seems happy all the time as well. She has a really great personality. Everything that I saw, every interview, everything she has done for the tour, it matters more than what she just achieved on the course.”

Reinforcing its commitment to the world of golf, Rolex became the Official Timepiece and a Major Partner of The Amundi Evian Championship in 2000. The event was promoted to become the fifth women’s major in 2013 and has evolved into one of the greatest spectacles in the sport, where the quality of the action on the course and the magnificent surrounding landscape in the foothills of the French Alps make for a captivating four days. Competitors must tackle the demanding changes in elevation between the immaculate tees, fairways and greens of the Champions Course.

Reflecting on Rolex’s support of the game’s leading players, events and organizations, Ko says: “I am incredibly proud to be associated with Rolex as it’s a brand that truly believes in the talent of players which makes the world of difference to us. Through its support of more than 50 years, Rolex has become so synonymous with golf, playing a key role in the development of the game and continuing to elevate it for future generations.”

The 32nd edition of The Amundi Evian Championship promises to be another enthralling showcase for women’s golf. A strong field will also include Rolex Testimonees Anna Nordqvist and Brooke Henderson, both of whom are former champions having triumphed in 2017 and 2022, respectively, as well as Ruoning Yin. The reward for the perseverance and precision needed for them to master this stunning course could not be more fitting. The winner’s trophy features a stylish female figure, symbolizing the elegance, strength and grace of the sport with its dynamic, sweeping motion reflecting the movement of a golf swing and the flowing scenery of Evian Resort Golf Club.

ROLEX AND GOLF

Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognizing the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminates in defining moments – determined by a path followed, not just a trophy. The Swiss watchmaker’s affinity with golf was sealed in 1967 with a gentleman’s handshake between the brand and Arnold Palmer, and centred on an association with Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. Known as The Big Three, these legendary players changed the face of golf forever. Their partnerships with Rolex marked the beginning of an enduring legacy based on the shared commitment to continuous improvement and unwavering precision, one that has grown and flourished over the decades. While honouring those who paved the way, Rolex stands alongside the world’s leading players, organizations and events, from the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open and The Open, to The Amundi Evian Championship, and team competitions such as the Presidents Cup™, The Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup.

The Rolex Testimonees striving for excellence across the men’s and women’s game include major champions Brooke Henderson, Lydia Ko, Collin Morikawa, Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, Adam Scott and Tiger Woods, while rising stars Ludvig Åberg and Jeeno Thitikul continue their own journeys of high achievement. The brand’s presence is felt at every level of the sport – extending to all the major championships and the foremost professional tours, team events and amateur tournaments. Rolex’s support of golf is built on a strong sense of integrity and respect for tradition that promotes the importance of investing in the sport’s development for future generations.

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 and 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 independent external organizations.

‘SUPERLATIVE’ – inscribed on every Oyster watch – represents the philosophy and values of Rolex. It embodies the notion of perpetual excellence instilled by the brand’s founder, Hans Wilsdorf, which drives the company forward and carries through into everything it does. This ethos led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the brand’s 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 more than 700 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.