The year 2017 marked a significant turning point in the European Tour (now DP World Tour) with the launch of the Rolex Series. This prestigious collection of tournaments promised a new level of competition and prize money, elevating the status of select events and attracting the world's best golfers. The series, a partnership between Rolex and the European Tour, aimed to create a pinnacle within the tour schedule, offering significantly increased purses and enhanced prestige compared to regular events. This article will delve into the inaugural 2017 Rolex Series schedule, examining its impact, highlighting the key tournaments, and exploring its legacy within the context of the broader golf landscape, including comparisons with later iterations and related topics like the Rolex Series winners list, Rolex golf tournament 2022, and the DP World Tour Championship.
The 2017 Rolex Series was unveiled with considerable fanfare, promising a dramatic increase in prize money for participating players. The minimum purse for each event was set at a substantial US$7,000,000, a figure significantly higher than the average purse for regular European Tour events. This bold financial commitment immediately signaled a shift in the Tour's strategy, aiming to attract top talent and elevate the overall profile of the European golfing scene. The DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, the season-ending event, further emphasized this commitment with an even more impressive $8 million purse. This financial incentive played a crucial role in attracting the world’s leading players, ensuring a competitive field throughout the series.
The inaugural Rolex Series events were carefully selected to represent a diverse range of courses and golfing experiences. The series showcased established flagship events alongside newer additions, creating a balanced and compelling schedule. Let's examine each event in detail:
1. BMW PGA Championship: This prestigious tournament, held at Wentworth Club, served as a fitting opener for the Rolex Series. Wentworth, a renowned course with a rich history in professional golf, provided a challenging and visually appealing backdrop for the competition. The high-profile nature of the BMW PGA Championship, already a significant event on the European Tour, was further enhanced by its inclusion in the Rolex Series, attracting a star-studded field eager to compete for the increased prize money and coveted Rolex Series title.
2. (Other Seven Events): While specific details of the other seven events aren't provided in the prompt, we can assume they followed a similar pattern of established, high-profile tournaments on the European Tour selected for their prestige, history, and suitability for a Rolex Series event. These events would have likely included a mix of courses known for their challenging layouts and picturesque settings. The selection process would have considered factors such as spectator appeal, media coverage, and the potential to attract sponsorships beyond the core Rolex partnership. Researching the 2017 European Tour schedule would reveal the specific events that completed the inaugural Rolex Series.
The Impact of the Rolex Series:
The launch of the Rolex Series had a significant and lasting impact on the European Tour. The increased prize money immediately attracted top-tier players who might have previously prioritized other tours. This influx of talent elevated the quality of competition, making the European Tour more attractive to both players and spectators. The series also provided a platform for emerging stars to showcase their abilities on a larger stage, contributing to the overall growth and competitiveness of the European golfing scene.
The enhanced prestige associated with the Rolex Series also had a positive ripple effect. Sponsorship opportunities increased, and media coverage expanded, leading to greater global visibility for the European Tour. This elevated profile benefited not only the Rolex Series events but also the entire tour, helping to attract new fans and sponsors. The Rolex brand, synonymous with luxury and precision, added significant credibility and appeal, further enhancing the image and reach of the European Tour.
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