OMEGA Ambassador, Golf legend Rory McIlroy Competes with Rising Stars on the Jungfraujoch

McIlroy played on the Jungfraujoch – a specially-prepared glacier golf course

(RELEASE) - The eternal ice on the Jungfraujoch was transformed into a golf course for Rory McIlroy’s golf challenge. It was specially prepared to include a viewing area, teeing ground and a special wall containing nine holes. McIlroy demonstrated his accuracy when taking on three promising U16 golfers from Switzerland in a direct duel. The 29-year-old golfing star from Northern Ireland and four-time major champion hit the ball into the holes in the wall from a distance of around 30 metres.

Rising stars
Rory was challenged by three promising young golfers from Switzerland, who won the pre-qualification stage earlier in the morning, which involved 18 participants from Bern, Wylihof, Limpachtal, Neuchâtel, St. Apollinaire and Interlaken-Unterseen golf clubs. The young golfers’ excellent performance on the Jungfraujoch demonstrated their determination to follow in Rory McIlroy’s footsteps.

After the golf challenge, which was won by the talented Swiss trio, the OMEGA brand ambassador answered questions from the international media. When asked about his experience on the Jungfraujoch, Rory McIlroy joked that he's "certainly used to playing on greener greens" and went on to express his admiration for the young players: "They're so incredibly focused and driven to win. It's a high pressure life on tour but they've clearly got the skills and the right attitude needed to succeed in the professional game."

More than 100 journalists from Asia, Europe, the US and Switzerland watched Rory McIlroy participate in the challenge on the Top of Europe. The event was presented by popular Swiss presenter Christa Rigozzi.

An experienced team
Jungfrau Railways CEO Urs Kessler also insisted on teeing off on the glacier golf course. Urs Kessler conceded: “My handicap is not enough to compete against a star like Rory McIlroy. In partnership with OMEGA, Jungfrau Railways is proud to welcome one of today’s most successful golfers to the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. Media coverage of this event will increase the prominence of the Jungfraujoch in Asia and Europe.” Raynald Aeschlimann, President & CEO of OMEGA, added with enthusiasm: "For me this is a triple treat. As well as the pleasure of watching Rory play, I get to witness the future of Swiss golf. And then there's Jungfraujoch, which is quite literally breath-taking. Another unique asset of Switzerland, like OMEGA."