By Steve Todd, europeantour.com
Some of the leading contenders in Omega European Masters have voiced their support for the extensive changes made to Crans-sur-sierre Golf Club.
The 10th, 12th, 13th and 17th holes of the Seve Ballesteros Championship course have all been modified, giving a new look to the spectacular venue which has hosted the tournament since 1939.
More than 2.7 million Swiss Francs (approximately €2.2 million) has been invested since last year’s tournament to reshape the four holes, and the work has been met with widespread approval by The European Tour players.
In particular, the new 13th has attracted universal praise, with a natural gallery created allowing 3,000 spectators to watch the action at the revamped par three, which is now protected by water, as is the 12th hole. A further water feature has been created on the 17th hole, with a stream now running across the landing zone.
Spaniard Miguel Angel Jiménez, the 2010 champion, knows the course better than anyone, and he welcomed the modifications ahead of his 25th consecutive Omega European Masters
“The changes this year are nice,” he said. “The 13th looks spectacular. You have the theatre behind which is spectacular for the people and it is fairer for the players. If you hit a good shot you have a birdie chance, if you hit a bad shot you are in the water. On the 12th too you have to control the spin. And the 17th too, you have to place the ball now. The changes are very good.”
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| A view of the remodelled 13th hole |
Defending champion Richie Ramsay, who claimed the title by four shots last year, also gave his backing to the alterations.
“The course changes are pretty significant in places, but they flow well and are a big improvement,” he said. “The 12th, with the water down the right makes the second shot tougher. You have to be quite pin-point with your approach there. The 13th is a dramatic change. You ask most guys what was the weakest hole here and they would have said the 13th last year. It is completely changed with the water down the left and an amphitheatre, but ultimately also making it a better golf hole. It is a better spectacle than it used to be as you can fill those natural seats around the back of the green. That’s where the tournament gets to the nitty-gritty. Guys can make two there or five, so that can lead to big swings on the leaderboard.”
Three-time Major Champion Padraig Harrington noted the significant enhancements as he returned to the Swiss venue for the first time since 2000.
“I’ve got to say, I’ve only seen improvements,” he said. “The condition of the course is immaculate and there is a substantial difference in the quality and condition of the course from back when I played it. It has come on a lot.
“I think the new changes are great. They have done a tremendous job with the 13th. It is a spectacular hole for the tournament, with the amphitheatre feeling. They’ve added to a couple of other holes as well, but that one in particular, I’m pleasantly surprised.”
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| The 13th hole - one of the key changes for this year's Omega European Masters |
