The European Masters has been held at this majestic resort in the Swiss Alps since 1939

By Kent Gray
Sculpted under the shadow of the imposing Matterhorn and Mont Blanc by the late, great Spaniard Severiano Ballesteros, Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club is one of the continent’s most recognisable courses. Home to the Swiss Open since 1923 and from 1983 rebranded as the OMEGA European Masters, the majestic venue 1500 metres above the Rhone Valley will make a welcome return to the European Tour schedule from August 26-29 after the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Swiss Masters enjoys a rich roll call of champions including Bobby Locke, Dai Rees, Bob Charles, Ballesteros, Nick Price, Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Craig Stadler, José María Olazábal, Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia and Danny Willett. It was also the scene of the first round of 60 shots on the European circuit, by Italian Baldovino Dassù in 1971, and created global headlines in 2006 when invited LPGA Tour star Michelle Wie (now Wie-West) carded rounds of 78-79 to finish last of the 156 players. Sweden’s Sebastian Soderberg won the last edition in 2019 after a five-way playoff featuring Rory McIlroy.

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The post QUICKSHOT: Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Ryan Herrington
Courses that host professional events often have a special place to honuor their champions, and Switzerland’s Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club is no exception. Home to the Omega European Masters for nearly 50 years, the facility has a “Walk of Fame” lined with plaques that commemorate past winners.

Joining a group that includes Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els, Colin Montgomerie and Sergio Garcia to name a few notables is Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2017 winner. Officials waited until Fitzpatrick returned to the tournament earlier this week before adding his marker, figuring he might like to take part in the ceremony. With cement and shaping knife in hand, Fitzpatrick was given the honors for the plaque’s final placement.

A special moment for @MattFitz94.#oem2018 pic.twitter.com/0abOO8bvfB

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 7, 2018

If the golf thing doesn’t work out, maybe Fitzpatrick has a future in masonry?

The post Watch Matt Fitzpatrick cement his place in this European Tour event’s history … with actual cement appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.