The DP World Tour visits Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club for the 50th time as the Omega European Masters takes place this week. Here are your five things to know.
Half century on the DP World Tour
This week’s event will mark the 50th staging of the Omega European Masters on the DP World Tour. The iconic tournament was part of the Tour’s first International Schedule in 1972 and has been present ever since, with its only omission in 2020 when it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Swiss Open, as the tournament was originally known, was first staged in 1923, and first played in Crans-Montana in 1939, where it has been held ever since. This is the 83rd anniversary and 75th staging of the event at the iconic venue, which has witnessed many memorable moments and iconic winners.
Location. Location. Location.
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. A bucket-list location for amateur and professionals, the picturesque surroundings provide incredible views with the signature 13th hole not to be missed.
During the summer, Crans-sur Sierre is home to the par 70, 6824-yard golf course but during the winter several feet of snow closes the layout as it becomes a popular ski resort.
Esteemed winners
The Omega European Masters trophy has been lifted by golfing royalty, including the late, great Seve Ballesteros, who triumphed three times in Crans-Montana. Reigning U.S. Open Champion Matt Fitzpatrick is a two-time winner and the only player since Ballesteros in 1978 to defend his title after his success in 2017 and 2018.
Former World Number One Luke Donald became a winner in Switzerland in 2004 while former Ryder Cup Captains Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, Sir Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam also have their name etched on the trophy.
Rasmus Højgaard ready to defend
Last year Rasmus Højgaard became the King of the Mountains with a final round of 63 to claim his third DP World Tour victory at the age of 20. The Dane began the final day four shots behind the overnight leaders but shot five under par for his last six holes to claim the win.
The victory saw Højgaard follow in the footsteps of compatriot Thomas Bjørn, a two-time Omega European Masters champion, becoming the second Dane to win the title after Bjørn’s success in 2011 and 2013.
Can the 21-year-old match 15-time DP World Tour winner Bjørn and lift the trophy for a second time this week?
Play-off history
Six of the last eight editions of the Omega European Masters have been decided by extra holes with Højgaard’s victory 12 months ago ending a run of four consecutive play-offs.
Swede Sebastian Söderberg came out on top in a five-man play-off in 2019, holding off Rory McIlroy en route to win his first DP World Tour title. A year prior, Fitzpatrick sealed his second title in the mountains via extra holes having won his first Omega European Masters in the same fashion.
America’s David Lipsky won his maiden title on Tour after defeating Graeme Storm in 2014, while Bjørn added a second Omega European Masters title to his trophy cabinet following a play-off in 2013.
