Formula 1 driver Lando Norris traded high-speed corners for smooth fairways this week as he teed it up at the BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am at Wentworth. The McLaren star, whose growing passion for golf is well documented, joined U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick in one of the most talked-about pairings of the day.
While the British weather kept players guessing, Norris looked relaxed as he worked his way around the course, sharing laughs with Fitzpatrick and the galleries following them. Their chemistry was clear—Fitzpatrick, who has been climbing steadily in the world rankings, seemed to enjoy guiding Norris through the finer points of a professional-level round. For the fans, it was a rare chance to see one of F1’s most charismatic young drivers outside of the cockpit, swapping paddock intensity for playful camaraderie on the greens.
The BMW PGA Championship has always been more than a golf tournament; it’s a showcase of prestige and partnership. Rolex, a long-standing patron of both golf and Formula 1, maintained its presence as the official timekeeper, its crown logo visible across Wentworth. The synergy between motorsport and golf—precision, timing, and the pursuit of excellence—was on full display.
McLaren’s watch partner, Richard Mille, was also a subtle talking point among fans. Known for its bold, technical designs and deep ties to both F1 and golf, the brand embodies the crossover of engineering performance and sporting elegance. While Rolex dominated the tournament stage, Richard Mille’s connection to Norris in the paddock added another layer of horological intrigue to the day.
These events highlight the unique ways luxury watchmakers leverage their sponsorships. Rolex leans on heritage, associating itself with the world’s most iconic golf championships, while Richard Mille targets a younger, performance-driven audience through athletes like Norris. Together, they frame an image of sport as a space where precision and style carry equal weight.
For Norris, the Pro-Am was another chance to strengthen his ties with golf—a sport he has said helps him unwind from the pressures of Formula 1. With Fitzpatrick by his side, he not only showcased his growing confidence with a golf club but also underscored the increasingly blurred line between professional sport, lifestyle, and luxury branding.
At Wentworth, the watches ticked, the galleries cheered, and Norris once again proved he is just as comfortable in spikes as he is in racing boots.
