OMEGA Celebrates its Role as Official Timekeeper as the 2012 Ryder Cup Comes to a Close
OMEGA Celebrates its Role as Official Timekeeper as the 2012 Ryder Cup Comes to a Close
The 39th Ryder Cup, which was held Sept. 25-30 at the Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Ill., was not only one of the most anticipated golf events on the calendar – but it also marked an exciting breakthrough for OMEGA as the brand served as Official Timekeeper of the Ryder Cup for the first time.
It was a thrilling win for Team Europe, as the European squad defeated Team USA 14 ½ to 13 ½ in an epic comeback on Sunday, and it was a thrilling week for OMEGA, as the brand and its commitment to the game of golf were on display in Medinah – and around the world – during the tournament.
From the OMEGA clocks on the first and tenth tees, to the special edition Seamaster Aqua Terra “Captain’s Watch” worn by Team USA Ryder Cup captain and OMEGA brand ambassador Davis Love III, OMEGA played a significant role at the biennial golf competition and one of the most high profile sporting events in the world.
Thousands of fans and visitors at Medinah passed through the “PGA Precision Experience presented by OMEGA” tent at Ryder Cup Plaza throughout the tournament, where they experienced the Art of Swiss Watchmaking through a retail shop and an exhibition space, discovered OMEGA timepieces and products, watched live watchmaking demonstrations, and more.
Team USA, captained by Love III, entered the tournament’s final day with a 10-6 lead after a strong showing in Friday’s and Saturday’s play. But the Europeans captured the first four points of singles action on Sunday and officially won the Ryder Cup trophy when Martin Kaymer held off Steve Stricker with a six-foot putt for a 1up win on the 18th green. With the win, Team Europe tied the record for the biggest comeback in Ryder Cup history, erasing the same deficit the Americans erased at Brookline in 1999.
Sergio Garcia, an OMEGA ambassador since 2003 and a member of Team Europe, helped his team to the win by defeating American Jim Furyk in their Sunday singles match. With Sergio’s match victory, Team Europe went up 13-12 and needed only one more point to clinch the Ryder Cup trophy.
As Official Timekeeper and proud Patron partner of The PGA of America, OMEGA now looks ahead to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which will be held October 22-24 at the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda