The clocks were erected so that players could see their tee-off times
Nacho Elvira of Spain tees off on the 18th hole on day three of the BMW PGA Championship 2025 at Wentworth Golf Club in Virginia Water, England. (Image: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
A man has been fined £120 after the theft of two Rolex clocks set up for a major golf tournament in Surrey.
The clocks, estimated to be worth £70,000 each, were mounted 6ft high so players at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club could see their tee-off times.
Surrey Police said a man had been charged after two of these clocks were stolen from the course on Sunday.
Stephen Townsend, of Egham, appeared at Staines Magistrates’ Court Court on Thursday charged with handling stolen goods.
The 47-year-old’s appearance in court came as golf’s biggest stars – including Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood – teed off for day one of the tournament.
Earlier in the week, a number of celebrities took to the course to play alongside some of the biggest names on the European Tour.
Sir Andy Murray, ex-Chelsea captain John Terry, singer Tom Grennan, F1 star Lando Norris and comedian Michael McIntyre all dusted off their golf clubs for the annual celebrity Pro-Am event.
A police spokesman said: “Two men arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft have been released on bail.”
It is believed Rolex had fitted the clocks with tracking devices which helped the police, who were immediately alerted about the theft, as exclusively revealed by The Sun.
Officers raided a home in Egham, about 12 minutes drive from Wentworth, where they recovered both missing clocks.
It is not known if the clocks were taken as part of a prank or to be sold on the black market.
A European Tour Group spokesman said it would not be making a comment as it is an ongoing police matter.
