As part of Omega’s Speedmaster watch’s 60th anniversary, top-ranked golfers and Omega Ambassadors Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia donned astronaut suits and took turns driving a lunar rover to start PGA Championship week at Quail Hollow Club.
Omega is serving as an Official Patron of The PGA of America for the seventh straight year.
Omega’s Speedmaster timepiece was launched in 1957 and its official space legacy started in 1965, when NASA qualified it for use on its piloted missions. Since then, it has been worn on all six lunar landings and earned the nickname “the Moonwatch.”
As part of Apollo 11 in 1969, Buzz Aldrin made the Omega Speedmaster became the first watch on the moon. The design has since been worn by astronauts, Air Force pilots, explorers, athletes and actors, as well as a growing community of fans from all around the world.
To celebrate this anniversary, World No. 4 McIlroy and No. 5 Garcia dressed up in “non-traditional golf attire” and surprised fans during the practice day. Throughout the week, the lunar rover will be moved around Quail Hollow Club, challenging guests to find its daily location and offering a photo opportunity.
“I never thought I’d see the day a lunar rover touched down on a golf course, but it is a cool way to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster,” said McIlroy. ““I had a lot of fun today with Sergio and wearing the suits gave the impression of being on the moon. Definitely a fun way to start the week with Omega, ahead of the PGA here in Charlotte.”
“It is one of the best things I have seen at a golf tournament,” said Garcia. “To celebrate the “Moonwatch” on earth during a Major together with Rory in the astronaut suits is pretty cool and unique. I am proud to be an Omega ambassador and supporting such great initiative at the PGA Championship this week.”
Photo courtesy Omega
