Renowned for its spectacular views of the Swiss Alps, Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club has undergone course renovations ahead of hosting the 2023 Omega European Masters.
As part of a long-term project, work has taken place on the greens at the Severiano Ballesteros Course in Crans-Montana.
In June, renovation to the first, fourth and fifth holes was completed with further work to be carried out at the host venue of the historic event in the coming years.
Reflecting on the changes that have taken place since last year’s edition, Senior Tournament Director José María Zamora said: “It is a big improvement. It is giving us more pin positions and more difficult pin positions which is what we want for the Omega European Masters.”
Both the first and fourth featured among the three toughest holes in Thursday’s first round, having ranked as the two hardest holes across the week last year.
By comparison, the fifth – a short par four – was statistically the fourth easiest hole, with 52 birdies made and just three scores of double bogey or worse across the opening day.
Speaking in a pre-tournament interview, three-time DP World Tour winner Victor Perez said: “It’s an iconic course. They've remodelled a few holes, which I think make it even better. I think it's getting better every year.”
The course is open from Mid-May until October, before it closes for the winter when it becomes a popular ski resort.
Zamora added: “We are delighted with the condition this year, probably the best we have encountered in the last 10 to 15 years.
“We are very happy with the job the club is doing and we are hoping that all the renovations will be finished in the next three to four years.”
South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence is the defending champion this week.
