Omega's Prowess On The Fairway: A Look at the Brand's Golfing Legacy
5 min read
As an avid golfer and watch enthusiast, you appreciate the rich history between the sport of golf and the Swiss watchmaker Omega. The brand has had a strong presence in professional golf, sponsoring events and partnering with world-class golfers. The Omega Masters tournament, held annually in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, showcases Omega’s integral role in golf. Some of the biggest names in golf, from Sergio Garcia to Rory McIlroy, represent Omega. The brand’s impressive roster of golf ambassadors and long-standing sponsorship of premier golfing events around the globe prove Omega’s prowess in the sport.
Omega's Long-Standing Relationship With Golf
Omega has cultivated a deep, long-standing relationship with golf that has spanned over decades. This connection is built on shared values of precision, performance, and timeless style. For Omega, golf is more than just a sport - it is a passion.
Omega’s partnership with golf began in earnest in 2001 when the Swiss watchmaker became the title sponsor of the Omega Masters tournament, held annually in the breathtaking mountain scenery of Crans-Montana, Switzerland. This prestigious competition, formerly known as the Swiss Open, has a rich history dating back to 1923 and has been held at the same venue, Crans-Sur-Sierre Golf Club, since 1939. The Omega Masters attracts some of the world’s top professional golfers and has been sanctioned by both the European Tour and Asian Tour, forging a bridge between the two continents.
Omega’s commitment to golf is also evidenced through its illustrious roster of brand ambassadors who are also top professional golfers, including Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, and Michelle Wie. These ambassadors showcase Omega watches tailored for golf, such as the Seamaster Aqua Terra “Ultra Light” and the Seamaster Aqua Terra “Golf”.
Golf returned as an official sport in the 2016 Rio Olympics after over a century, and Omega served as the Official Timekeeper. Omega provides advanced technology for measuring and displaying player performance data to spectators. Golf will once again be featured at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and Omega will surely be there to support the sport on its grandest stage.
Through championship sponsorships, brand ambassador partnerships, and Olympic support, Omega has cultivated a profound connection with golf that will endure for years to come. For Omega, golf is a lifelong passion and a key part of the brand's identity.
Omega's Impressive Roster of Golfing Stars and Ambassadors
Omega’s prowess in golf is evident through its impressive roster of ambassadors and partnerships within the sport. The brand has associated itself with some of the biggest names in golf, proving its dedication to excellence that mirrors that of its timepieces.
Omega’s golfing ambassadors include major champions like Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, and Michelle Wie. McIlroy, winner of four major championships, has represented Omega since 2013. Garcia, a friend of Omega since 2003, has over 35 professional wins including the 2017 Masters. Wie became only the second woman to compete in the Omega Masters in 2006 and has been an inspiration for women in the sport.
The brand has also partnered with rising stars like Will Zalatoris, Danielle Kang, and Céline Boutier. Zalatoris has come close to winning several majors and captured his first PGA Tour victory in 2021, signaling his ascent to the top of the men’s game. Kang, who qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open at 14, won her first LPGA major in 2017. Boutier, who plays on the LET and LPGA Tours, won her first major at the 2023 Evian Championship and the Women's Scottish Open the following week.
Omega’s dedication to golf extends beyond its ambassadors to its integral role as the Official Timekeeper of the sport’s return to the Olympic Games. After a 112-year absence, golf returned as an Olympic sport at the 2016 Rio Games. Omega provided scoring technology, including ground-level scoreboards with radar to display details of each stroke. Golf will continue as an Olympic sport at the 2024 Paris Games, where Omega will again serve as the Official Timekeeper.
Through its ambassadors, partnerships, and role as Official Timekeeper of golf’s Olympic return, Omega has solidified its identity as a preeminent brand within the sport, sharing values of precision, performance, and timeless excellence. The brand’s support has been pivotal to golf’s growth on the global stage.
Omega's Innovative Golf Watch Designs Over the Years
For decades, Omega has had a close association with golf through sponsoring and designing watches for the sport. This connection is highlighted each year at the Omega Masters tournament held in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Omega has a history of creating watches with innovative designs specifically for golf, including recent vintage-inspired models.
Omega launched its first watch designed for golfers, the Seamaster Aqua Terra “Golf”. This stainless steel timepiece features a green sunray dial with a teak pattern reminiscent of yacht decks, ideal for sporting activities. Rhodium-plated hands and indexes coated in white Super-LumiNova provide legibility, along with a date window at 6 o’clock. Powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8900 movement, this watch meets the precision standards set by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology.
In 2022, Omega released a special edition Seamaster Aqua Terra “Ultra Light” in collaboration with pro golfer Rory McIlroy. This lightweight yet robust titanium watch was designed by McIlroy and Omega for the Omega European Masters tournament. Its skeletonized dial provides an open view of the Omega Master Chronometer 8900 movement within.
Omega frequently looks to its archives for design inspiration. The Seamaster Aqua Terra “Golf” and Seamaster 1948 Limited Editions are recent examples that reinterpret vintage Omega models in a modern style ideal for golf.
Through its timepieces tailored for golf and long-standing sponsorship of premier tournaments, Omega demonstrates a commitment to innovation and the sport. The Swiss watchmaker’s latest golf watch designs continue to blend performance, precision, and style, reflecting the shared values between the brand and this global pastime.
Omega's Flagship Golf Event: The Omega Masters Tournament
For over 20 years, Omega has served as the title sponsor of the Omega Masters, one of the most prestigious golf competitions in Europe held at the breathtaking mountain venue in Crans-Montana. Since 2001, Omega has proudly sponsored the Omega Masters, celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year. The tournament brings together some of the world’s most talented players to compete on the historic greens of the Crans-Sur-Sierre Golf Club, which has hosted the event for 76 years.
In 2009, the Omega Masters became the first event in Europe to be co-sanctioned by both the European Tour and Asian Tour, forging strong bonds between golf communities across continents. Past victors of the high-altitude competition include renowned players such as Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Seve Ballesteros, and Nick Faldo.
What went down at the Omega Masters 2023
The 2023 Omega Masters proved to be an exciting tournament, showcasing the brand’s long-standing association with the sport of golf. As the title sponsor for over two decades, Omega’s prowess in golf is unparalleled.
A Thrilling Finish
The 72-hole stroke play event came down to a dramatic ending. Ludvig Aberg emerged victorious, carding four birdies in the last five holes to win by two shots. The young Swede held off challenges from multiple major winners to claim his first European Tour title in style.
Part of the Family
Omega’s role in golf extends well beyond sponsoring premier tournaments. The brand has built enduring relationships with professional golfers, considering them part of the Omega family. Masters champion Patrick Reed and former world number one Justin Rose serve as brand ambassadors, while Spanish star Jon Rahm joined the roster this year. These world-class golfers highlight Omega’s prestige in the sport.
Precision and Excellence
Golf and watchmaking share a dedication to precision, performance, and timeless style. Omega brings these values to life through partnerships with premiere golf events and alliances with the world’s leading players. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra “Ultra Light” and Seamaster Aqua Terra “Golf” models demonstrate the brand’s mastery of lightweight, high-performance timepieces purpose-built for the fairway.
Omega’s presence at the pinnacle of golf reinforces its position as a premier Swiss luxury brand. By cultivating meaningful relationships within the sport and producing timepieces tailored to golfers’ needs, Omega establishes itself as a natural partner for champions. The 2023 Omega Masters was a showcase of the brand’s prowess, underscoring its integral role.
What went down at the Omega Masters 2023
The 2023 Omega Masters proved to be an exciting tournament, showcasing the brand’s long-standing association with the sport of golf. As the title sponsor for over two decades, Omega’s prowess in golf is unparalleled.
A Thrilling Finish
The 72-hole stroke play event came down to a dramatic ending. Ludvig Aberg emerged victorious, carding four birdies in the last five holes to win by two shots. The young Swede held off challenges from multiple major winners to claim his first European Tour title in style. Aberg’s flawless performance in the final round earned him a winner’s check for over €500,000.
Precision and Excellence
Golf and watchmaking share a dedication to precision, performance, and timeless style. Omega brings these values to life through partnerships with premiere golf events and alliances with the world’s leading players. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra “Ultra Light” and Seamaster Aqua Terra “Golf” models demonstrate the brand’s mastery of lightweight, high-performance timepieces purpose-built for the fairway.
Omega’s presence at the pinnacle of golf reinforces its position as a premier Swiss luxury brand. By cultivating meaningful relationships within the sport and producing timepieces tailored to golfers’ needs, Omega establishes itself as a natural partner for champions. The 2023 Omega Masters was a showcase of the brand’s prowess, underscoring its integral role in golf.
As you have seen, Omega's association with golf spans decades and has shaped the brand into what it is today. Omega's prowess on the fairway is unmatched, cementing its status as the definitive watch of champions. The next time you tune into a golf major look for the Omega logo - a symbol of prestige, performance, and timeless style.
