rolex series winners 2017 | dp order of merit

The Rolex Series, established in 2017 as the European Tour's (now DP World Tour) flagship events, represents the pinnacle of competitive golf in Europe. These tournaments boast elevated prize funds, enhanced world ranking points, and attract the world's top players, solidifying their status as must-watch events. Understanding the history of the Rolex Series, its winners, and the significance of each victory offers a compelling narrative of golfing excellence. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the landscape of the Rolex Series, focusing particularly on the inaugural year of 2017, and contextualize it within the broader history of the competition, including Collin Morikawa's recent triumph.

The Genesis of the Rolex Series: A New Era for European Golfrolex series winners 2017

Prior to 2017, the European Tour already hosted prestigious events, but the Rolex Series aimed to elevate the tour's profile and attract a wider international audience. The concept was simple: create a series of tournaments with significantly larger prize pools, making them more attractive to top players from both the European Tour and the PGA Tour. Rolex, a long-time supporter of golf, became the title sponsor, further enhancing the prestige and credibility of the series.

The inaugural 2017 season featured eight events, each offering a minimum prize fund of $7 million. These events were strategically placed throughout the season, culminating in the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, which serves as the grand finale of the Race to Dubai (formerly the Order of Merit). The Rolex Series was an instant success, generating significant buzz and contributing to a noticeable increase in the quality of competition on the European Tour.

Rolex Series Winners 2017: A Tournament-by-Tournament Breakdown

Let's delve into each of the Rolex Series events from 2017, examining the winners and the key moments that defined each tournament:

1. BMW PGA Championship (Wentworth Club, England): Alex Noren

The BMW PGA Championship is a historic event, steeped in tradition and held at the iconic Wentworth Club. In 2017, Alex Noren delivered a stunning performance, carding a final-round 62 to secure a two-stroke victory. Noren's remarkable finish included an eagle on the 18th hole, solidifying his place in Rolex Series history. This win was a significant milestone in Noren's career, showcasing his exceptional ball-striking and clutch putting. The leaderboard was packed with talent, further highlighting the competitive nature of the event. Noren’s victory earned him significant DP World Tour Ranking points and propelled him up the world rankings.

2. Italian Open (Olgiata Golf Club, Italy): Tyrrell Hatton

The Italian Open, a staple of the European Tour schedule, found a new level of prestige as part of the Rolex Series. In 2017, Tyrrell Hatton emerged victorious after a thrilling playoff against Kiradech Aphibarnrat. Hatton, known for his fiery demeanor and exceptional talent, demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the week. The playoff was a tense affair, with both players showcasing their skills under pressure. Hatton’s win marked a significant moment in his career, solidifying his status as a rising star in European golf. His aggressive style of play and unwavering determination resonated with fans.

3. Irish Open (Portstewart Golf Club, Northern Ireland): Jon Rahm

The Irish Open, renowned for its challenging links courses and enthusiastic crowds, provided a dramatic setting for the 2017 edition. Jon Rahm, the young Spanish sensation, dominated the field, securing a commanding six-stroke victory. Rahm's powerful ball-striking and exceptional short game were on full display, leaving his competitors in his wake. This win was a clear indication of Rahm's immense potential and cemented his position as one of the game's brightest stars. He continued his ascent to the top of the world rankings following this impressive victory.

4. Scottish Open (Dundonald Links, Scotland): Rafa Cabrera Bello

The Scottish Open, another links golf gem, saw Rafa Cabrera Bello triumph in 2017. Cabrera Bello overcame a strong field and challenging conditions to secure his first Rolex Series victory. His consistent performance throughout the week, coupled with a solid final round, proved to be the winning formula. This victory was particularly sweet for Cabrera Bello, who had been seeking a significant win for some time. It also showcased his ability to handle the unique demands of links golf.

5. WGC-Bridgestone Invitational (Firestone Country Club, USA): Hideki Matsuyama

While technically a World Golf Championship event, the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational was included as part of the Rolex Series in 2017. Hideki Matsuyama delivered a spectacular performance, carding a final-round 61 to claim a five-stroke victory. Matsuyama's exceptional ball-striking and precise iron play were key to his success. This win marked a significant moment in his career, solidifying his status as one of the world's top players. It also demonstrated the global reach of the Rolex Series, attracting top talent from around the world.