It is one of the most spectacular stops on the European Tour schedule and a popular week for players and spectators alike. Here are five things you need to know about the Omega European Masters...
Fitzpatrick takes title number four
Matt Fitzpatrick took last year’s Omega European Masters title in thrilling fashion after he carded a final round 64 to force a play-off with Australia’s Scott Hend.
On the first play-off hole, the Englishman calmly converted a difficult par putt to keep his title hopes alive, and after narrow misses for birdie by both Fitzpatrick and Hend on the second extra hole, the duo headed back to the 18th tee once again. Maintaining his nerve throughout, Fitzpatrick found the fairway and green before two putting for par and breaking the deadlock as Hend made bogey following a missed green.
With four European Tour victories already to his name, and a distinguished amateur career, which included wins at both the US Amateur Championship and the Boys Amateur Championship, the World Number 45 is sure to be among the favourites when he tees it up at the 2018 Omega European Masters.
Beautiful Crans Montana
Breath-taking is the word that comes to mind when describing this venue on the European Tour. With views up to the Pleine Morte Glacier and across the mountain ranges and valley below the seventh tee, Crans-sur Sierre Golf Club sits high amongst the snow-capped Swiss Alps at almost 5,000ft above sea level.
Its signature hole is the 13th, an amphitheatre for spectators as they take in all the drama on the par 70, 6,831-yard golf course. The picturesque surroundings provide incredible views for golfers and fans alike. The tournament is being staged for the 72nd time at the Alpine venue, with only Augusta National (82 times for the Masters Tournament), having held the same event more times than the Swiss venue.
Crans-sur Sierre closes under several feet of snow in the winter months as a popular ski resort, however summer provides perfect playing conditions for some of the world’s best golfers.
Record-breaking Miguel
One of the most loveable characters in the game, Miguel Angel Jiménez won his first Omega European Masters title at the 22nd attempt in 2010. This was a then European Tour record for a player competing in the same event the most times before winning it for the first time. The Spaniard then broke his own record, winning the Open de España at the 27th time of asking in 2014. With his recent Major success on the Staysure Tour, Jiménez continues to push the boundaries
Illustrious history
The picturesque mountain views of Crans Montana offer an exquisite setting for the Omega European Masters - an event that has been part of the European Tour’s International Schedule since the Tour’s inception in 1972 – producing a list of winners that would be envied by most in the golfing world. Those on the illustrious list include the late, great Seve Ballesteros and 15-time European Tour winner Thomas Bjørn, as well as numerous Major Champions such as Sir Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia and Danny Willett.
Third time lucky?
Scott Hend has come close to winning this event not once but twice. The Australian has played his way into contention on Sunday afternoon for the past two years only to narrowly go down in play-offs to Swede Alex Noren (2016) and Fitzpatrick (2017).
After last year’s tournament, Hend said: "I had the opportunity and I didn’t take it. It’s just what happens when you don’t take your opportunities. I hit a good bunker shot on the 18th in regulation play to get into the play-off. I didn’t play as nicely in the afternoon but it is what it is. Fitzpatrick played great to win. He’s a good champion."
