The Rolex Series: The Crown Jewel of the DP World Tour
Why Should You Care About the Rolex Series?
Picture the most prestigious events on the DP World Tour, featuring the biggest stars, breathtaking courses, and record-breaking prize funds. That’s the Rolex Series, a collection of elite tournaments that elevate European golf to new heights. With Ryder Cup legends, high-stakes drama, and courses that challenge the best, these events aren’t just about trophies—they shape careers. If you love major-caliber golf outside the majors, you need to keep an eye on the Rolex Series.
What is the Rolex Series? A Quick Overview
Launched in 2017, the Rolex Series is a select group of high-profile events on the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour). These tournaments feature elevated prize purses, world-class fields, and increased Race to Dubai points, making them must-win events for any player aiming to dominate European golf.
- Tournaments: Includes the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, BMW PGA Championship, Scottish Open, and DP World Tour Championship.
- Prize Funds: Among the richest on the DP World Tour, with millions on the line.
- Field Strength: The best European players, PGA Tour stars, and Ryder Cup hopefuls compete.
- Race to Dubai Impact: Wins in these events can make or break a season, with players earning crucial points toward the season-long title.
The History: How It All Started
The DP World Tour (previously the European Tour) introduced the Rolex Series in 2017 to create a Premier League of European golf. With the growing dominance of the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour needed bigger events with larger prize purses to attract top players and boost global viewership.
From its inception, the Rolex Series immediately delivered, with epic battles between Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, and Francesco Molinari. Over the years, it has continued to evolve, strengthening ties with the PGA Tour and ensuring the world’s best tee it up.
Courses That Define the Rolex Series
The Rolex Series isn’t just about the players—it’s about the iconic venues. Here are some of the most legendary courses that host these events:
- Wentworth Club (BMW PGA Championship, England) – The jewel of English golf and home to unforgettable moments.
- Jumeirah Golf Estates (DP World Tour Championship, Dubai) – A stunning desert masterpiece that hosts the season finale.
- Renaissance Club (Scottish Open, Scotland) – A perfect links test before The Open Championship.
- Yas Links (Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, UAE) – A breathtaking challenge by the sea, with high winds and risk-reward holes.
- Mount Juliet (Irish Open, Ireland) – A classic parkland course that has hosted legends.
Legendary Players Who Dominated the Rolex Series
Since 2017, some of the best golfers in the world have made their mark in the Rolex Series. Here are a few of its most dominant players:
- Jon Rahm – Multiple-time Rolex Series winner, including DP World Tour Championships and Irish Opens.
- Rory McIlroy – The Northern Irish superstar has added Rolex Series wins to his already legendary career.
- Tyrrell Hatton – One of the most consistent Rolex Series performers, with key victories in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
- Tommy Fleetwood – A fan favorite and 2017 Race to Dubai champion, thanks to Rolex Series success.
- Francesco Molinari – His 2018 season, including a BMW PGA Championship win, helped him dominate the Ryder Cup.
The Current Stars & Who to Watch
The Rolex Series continues to be a launchpad for golf’s next great stars. Keep an eye on these names:
- Viktor Hovland – The Norwegian sensation is already making a big impact.
- Ryan Fox – The big-hitting Kiwi is climbing the DP World Tour rankings fast.
- Nicolai Højgaard – A young Danish talent with serious potential.
- Adrian Meronk – The rising Polish star looking to break through on a bigger stage.
- Rasmus Højgaard – The other half of the Højgaard twins, proving Denmark is a golf powerhouse.
Fun Facts & Crazy Records
- Most Rolex Series Wins? – Jon Rahm leads the way with 5 Rolex Series victories.
- Biggest Winning Margin? – Rory McIlroy won the DP World Tour Championship by 5 shots in 2015.
- Lowest Round? – A record-breaking 61 was fired in a Rolex Series event.
- Youngest Rolex Series Winner? – Rasmus Højgaard took a title at just 19 years old.
- Largest Prize Purse? – The DP World Tour Championship boasts a $10 million prize fund.
The Good, the Bad & the Controversial
- The Good: The Rolex Series has revitalized the DP World Tour, offering more prestige and prize money.
- The Bad: Some argue that too much prize money is concentrated in a few events, making it harder for lower-ranked players.
- The Controversial: The growing partnership with the PGA Tour has raised concerns about European events losing identity.
The Biggest Myths & Misconceptions
- “It’s just another DP World Tour event” – Absolutely not! The Rolex Series is the elite level of European golf.
- “Only European players win” – While many winners are European, players from the U.S., Australia, and beyond have dominated too.
- “The courses aren’t challenging” – Tell that to the pros who’ve struggled on Wentworth’s closing stretch or battled the Renaissance Club’s coastal winds.
What’s Next for the Rolex Series? Future Predictions
The Rolex Series continues to evolve, and here’s what we might see in the coming years:
- Bigger prize funds – As the DP World Tour grows, expect even larger payouts.
- More co-sanctioned PGA Tour events – Strengthening ties with the PGA Tour means more crossover events.
- Expanded global footprint – Could we see new Rolex Series events in Asia or South America?
Final Thought: Why the Rolex Series is a Must-Watch Tour
If you love high-stakes, world-class golf, the Rolex Series is where the action is. With epic rivalries, stunning courses, and massive prize purses, it’s Europe’s answer to the PGA Tour’s biggest events. Whether it’s Rory McIlroy chasing another trophy or a rising star making a statement, the Rolex Series never disappoints.
Would you rather win a Rolex Series event or finish top 5 in a major? Let us know!
