Alex Noren will return to Switzerland and the famous Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, when the world number ten defends his Omega European Masters title from September 7-10.
Having already claimed his first European Tour victory in 2009 on the Crans-Montana course, the Swede went on to make his mark on the 2016 season with his win in Crans-Montana his third of four in a remarkable campaign which moved him into the top ten in the world.
Noren overcame Scott Hend on the first play-off hole last September in a dramatic finale. A run of four birdies from the sixth had handed the 34-year-old a two-shot lead at the turn but Hend fought back on the back nine and the duo had to go back up the last to decide a winner after finishing at 17 under.
On the first extra hole, Noren hit a wonderful tee-shot and an approach to 30 feet as Hend saw his first bounce out of the trees on the left and then only just cleared the water with his second. The Australian chipped to eight feet but Noren holed his putt for the birdie and the win.
"It feels amazing to be among Seve Ballesteros and Thomas Bjørn to win two Omega European Masters titles,” he said afterwards. “I've seen the boards showing who won multiple Omega European Masters titles walking to the course so it is great.
“I've worked hard this season. I tried to play more golf and I feel steadier with my driver. My driver hasn't been my good side but now it is steadier. It is great to have my family here, my baby and my parents here for the first time.
“I've never won coming from behind or won in a play-off on the European Tour so that makes it more amazing.”
