Cover Lorena Ochoa, the first recipient of Rolex's The Prize For A Better Tomorrow, presented to her by American Alpine skier and Rolex Testimonee Lindsey Vonn (Photos: Rolex)

Besides supporting the Amundi Evian Championship 2021, Rolex is also presenting The Prize For A Better Tomorrow, a philanthropic initiative to pay tribute to those in women's golf doing their part to improve society. Who will receive this prestigious award, and who will emerge victorious at the famed tournament

Rolex Testimonee and retired golfer Lorena Ochoa might have been an ace on the greens, snagging 30 titles during her professional career. But her success has never taken away her desire to help the underprivileged. Soon after turning pro in 2002, the Mexican legend pledged to provide financial support to a school for underprivileged children near Guadalajara, Mexico. Later on, she created her own foundation to provide opportunities to minority communities in the USA through health and education as well as golf activities as part of social inclusion programmes. Therefore, it's no wonder to see the 39-year-old receive the inaugural The Prize For A Better Tomorrow at the Evian Championship 2019 for her involvement in the education of underprivileged children in Mexico.

Presented by Rolex, the award pays tribute to initiatives linked to women’s golf worldwide with a positive impact on society, which is in line with the watchmaker's belief in perpetuating excellence, continuity and inspiration. 

See Also: Meet Jon Rahm, the Spanish Golfer Who Clinched US Open 2021

Above The Amundi Evian Championship returns in 2021 at the Evian Resort Golf Course in Evian-les-Bains, France

Joking that the award was her championship trophy since she missed out on a few occasions to lay her hands on it, Ochoa said onstage: "I think it's beautiful, the idea of this award, especially when you talk about how we can leave a better world for the kids and the next generation and how can they improve, not only the underprivileged kids but everybody."

For the second edition of the award, the winner will be announced at a prize-giving ceremony held during The Amundi Evian Championship 2021 to be played at the Evian Resort Golf Course in Evian-les-Bains, France from July 22 to 25. 

See Also: The 5 Golfers Likely to Challenge Jon Rahm at The Open Championship 2021

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Above The serene greens at the Evian Resort Golf Course in Evian-les-Bains, France

With South Korean Ko Jin-young winning the 2019 edition of the famed tournament with an impressive 15-under total of 269, will she be able to defend her crown? A good mixture of seasoned golfers and young guns, many of which are experiencing a rich vein of form, is expected to give her a good run of her money. Here are some of the Rolex Testimonees to look out for at the Amundi Evian Championship 2021.

1. Maria Fassi

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First up list is Maria Fassi, who is a Mexican professional golfer in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, like her idol Ochoa was. She might have only a few years of professional experience under her belt but with her famous long drives, there is a chance she might outperform the field and is certainly be a player to watch. 

2. Brooke Henderson

Next on our list is Brooke Henderson, a Canadian professional golfer who joined the scene at just age 15. Winning her first major championship at the 2016 KPMG Women's PGA Championship at the tender age of 18 and counting 15 professional wins to date, she is undoubtedly the most successful Canadian golfer on any major tour. Currently ranked number seven in the world, the 23-year-old definitely has potential for a shot at the trophy. 

3. Anna Nordqvist

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Next up on our list of noteworthy players is Swedish LGPA golfer, Anna Nordqvist. A former winner of the 2017 Evian Championship, we can be sure to expect an excellent performance from her this summer. 

See Also: A Look at PGA Championship 2021 Winner Phil Mickelson's Glorious Career

4. Albane Valenzuela

Next on our list, is the young Albane Valenzuela. Making her debut into the LPGA just in 2019 and still finding her way on the tour, there is no doubt that this Swiss star boasts immense raw talent, and there might just be an outside chance for her to shine. 

5. Lydia Ko

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Last but not least, is Lydia Ko. This Korean-born New Zealander was not only a former No. 1 ranked woman professional golfer in the LGPA but also was the youngest to achieve that feat in 2015 at nearly 18 years old. She has had a fairly decent year to date, winning the Lotte Championship in April and missing out on top honours at the 2021 ANA Inspiration the same month by merely two strokes. 

 

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