Danny Willett is hoping that a return to the epic scenery of Crans-sur-Sierre for his first title defence of the 2016 season, at the Omega European Masters, can lift his form back to the heights which made the Englishman the Masters Champion and leader of the Race to Dubai.
This tournament is the second longest-running event in golf history to take place at the same venue – after the Masters Tournament – so it is fitting that the 28 year old returns this year with the famous green jacket in hand.
Having marched to a dramatic triumph at last year’s edition in Switzerland, finishing one clear of his compatriot Matt Fitzpatrick, Willett is relishing the opportunity to defend the title at an event which he counts as one of the best on tour.
“I love this week,” said the five-time European Tour winner from Sheffield. “I think I’ve played now for six straight years and it’s always great to come back. There’s always a little buzz when you drive up the mountain and you see the signs as you approach.
“It’s been a crazy 12 months and this win last year really kick-started my little effort back in Europe. I finished sixth at The Open and then came here and won and didn’t really look back after that.
“Unfortunately I finished second in The Race to Dubai but then I came out this year, won in Dubai and then the Masters.
“It’s been a pretty epic 12 months and the golf hasn’t been fantastic over the last two or three months but I’m just trying to get everything back on track now. I’m working really hard and hopefully coming back to a place I like and feel comfortable on and hopefully I can have a good week here.”
The Omega European Masters is one of the most famous stops on the European Tour’s schedule due to the welcoming atmosphere in the famous village of Crans-Montana, the breath-taking views of the Swiss Alps and a stunning course which has aged like a fine wine.
Like so many others, Willett believes it is a unique event which players cannot help but enjoy and he is looking forward to once again facing the challenges that the tricky course presents.
“It’s something that you don’t get on any other tour in the world. We’re at 1,300 metres up here in Crans Montana and you’ve got fantastic restaurants, a very fun golf course to play – obviously Seve redesigned it a few years ago now and he took the scoring down a bit from 25 under par to 15 under depending on the weather. I think if you ask anyone on the European Tour, this is one that not many people will miss out on.
“There have been a few changes over the last couple of years, they’ve flattened a couple of greens and there’s not so much elevation on a couple of the par threes and there’s a bit more water, but it’s very similar to a course I play back home.
“It’s quite narrow with the trees, quite small greens and you have to hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens and if you do that you can give yourself a lot of putts that aren’t massively far away. There are a lot of wedges too.
“It’s similar to a course I play back home which is why I think I picked up pretty quickly around here. Ever since I’ve come here, I think it’s because you enjoy the week as a whole, I think it helps you to relax and play good golf.”
