Spieth and Ko represent a family of Rolex Testimonees, chosen for their talent, who share the luxury watchmaker’s passion for excellence. With 40 years between them the Testimonees earned the votes of golf’s most influential commentators following tremendous individual success in 2015. Collecting the award at the annual GWAA Awards Dinner, 22-year-old Spieth said, “Thank you so much to the Golf Writers Association of America and everyone involved in this tremendous honour. The reason tonight is so special is that you are the men and women who bring our sport to the public and without you golf wouldn’t have anywhere near the impact it does. We feel that you are all here to help promote our sport, just like we are doing. We really appreciate that.”
In the award’s history only fellow Rolex Testimonee, Tiger Woods, has earned the valuable prize at a younger age. 18-year-old Ko, whose remarkable achievements in 2015 saw her become the youngest ever golfer to rise to world No. 1 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings said, “2015 was a really special year for me and to be here is an honour. Thank you to all those in the room who cover the LPGA, our Tour wouldn’t be here without your interest and support.”
Exemplifying the values of innovation and accomplishment shared with the Swiss watchmaker, the two golfers join eminent Rolex Testimonees Fred Couples, Luke Donald, Lorena Ochoa, Adam Scott, Annika Sorenstam, Yani Tseng, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods as winners of the esteemed awards.