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This year, Rolex commemorates a remarkable 25-year partnership with the 2024 Masters Tournament. Held from April 11 to 14, the elite of the golfing world converged at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club, each aspiring to secure the emblematic Green Jacket, symbolising the pinnacle of golfing achievement. Among the pantheon of legendary figures who have graced the greens of Augusta, Rolex Testimonees like Adam Scott, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tiger Woods stand tall, having etched their names into the annals of golfing history.
In this landmark year, we sit down with Scott, the 2013 Masters champion and a Rolex Testimonee, to delve into his experiences, reflections, and the indelible mark the tournament has left on his illustrious career. In this revealing dialogue, he discusses his monumental career achievements, the intrinsic value of his partnership with Rolex, and the profound moments that have shaped his journey in golf.
Rolex Testimonee Adam Scott wearing the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40. (Photo: Rolex/Thomas Laisné)
You became Australia’s first winner of the Masters when you beat Angel Cabrera in a play-off in 2013. Did this moment exceed all your expectations and dreams as a golfer growing up?
It definitely did. Everyone has their own story as to how they get to that point where they achieve their dreams, and so it is very meaningful for everybody. I could not have asked for a better way of getting there. What made it so meaningful for me was that I had suffered a defeat the previous summer at The Open in 2012, and there was something in me that just was not going to give in until I won a Major championship, and it happened to be at the Masters.
Rolex has a long-term partnership with the Masters Tournament. 2024 marks the 25th anniversary. As a golfer, what do you think about the brand’s long-term support of golf?
As a golfer, I am grateful to Rolex, and any company for that matter, who is a long-term supporter of the game. Rolex has an alliance with golf and marries up nicely with a long-term view of the game. There is such a great history in the game and the Rolex brand that they match up well together. Rolex is always looking to be number one in all its endeavours — both in its industry and golf. Being at the Masters, for example, is a must, and I think that Rolex and the Masters are possibly the two most powerful brands in the game.
What are your main goals and ambitions for 2024?
I want to win tournaments with a focus on the Major championships. This is why I still push myself today. I’ve been lucky to win lots of tournaments in my career, but I’ve dreamt about being a multiple Major winner, and that dream is very much alive, so I’m going to push hard for it this year.
Rolex Testimonee Adam Scott Adam Scott on the No.17 green during the first round of the 2022 Masters. (Photo: Rolex/Augusta National 2022)
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
I don’t know if I could narrow it down to one thing. For me, finding a way to have self-belief was so important — whether that’s through positive self-talk, surrounding yourself with the kind of positivity you need, or the confirmation of being a great player to keep that positive vibe going. When I found out how to keep self-belief, it wasn’t necessarily from one piece of advice, but it came to me through a series of events, and I think that’s when I could get the best out of myself.
Who has been the biggest influence on your golf career?
There have been a few people who have had great influence on me, but my dad, Phil, has been there the entire time.
You get to play on some of the best courses in the world. What is your favourite course and why?
This has always been my answer for years now, but it is Cypress Point in California. Scenically, it is beautiful, and the course is a pleasure to play. It is fairly understated for such a great golf course, and I really enjoy that social environment in which to play.
Rolex Testimonee Adam Scott in action during the 2023 Masters tournament. (Photo: Rolex/Augusta National 2023)
How do you manage the pressure and expectations while challenging for a title at a prestigious event like the Masters?
I have mixed feelings. When I went into the play-off in 2013, my first thought was, “At least there’s only one other guy now.” When I started the week, there were about 90 other competitors, so it was good that it was narrowed down to only one other player. I remember arriving back down at the 18th tee for the first playoff hole, and the nerves really started building.
Suddenly, it felt like I was teeing off again, and the nerves were certainly there, but once we got going, I was back into the flow that I had that afternoon. Luckily, the nerves settled down quickly, and I got back into that flow because I hit a few good shots in a row. It was quickly down to that final putt on the second playoff hole because we would not play another hole that night if I tied the hole due to it being too dark, which would have been the hardest night to sleep ever!
