This golf competition – the world-famous Omega European Masters – has seen players such as Severiano Ballesteros, Lee Westwood and, more recently, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Ludvig Aberg win the coveted trophy. It is the oldest European tournament to be held annually on the same course and has continued to evolve over time to offer an extraordinary experience to its 50 spectators each year.
The Swiss Open has a long history, having been held for the first time in 1923. At that time, there were only eleven golf courses in Switzerland. The Engadine-Samedan, the oldest of all, founded in 1898, hosted the first editions of the tournament. Until 1938, the Open was held alternately in Engadine, Lucerne, Lausanne and Zurich Zumikon. In 1939, the 72-hole Swiss Open was held for the first time in Crans-sur-Sierre. Then came the long night of war and the Open was not revived until 1948. Since then, Crans-sur-Sierre has been the permanent venue of this tournament, which became the European Masters in 1983.
The golf course is located in the middle of a plateau overlooking the Rhone Valley from its 1500 meters. In front of it are the highest peaks of the Alps, from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc. It is in this majestic setting that the pioneers of golf laid out the first course in 1906. Since then, the greens have continued to flourish under the sun and the greatest players have been won over by the natural beauty of the site. Here, golf is on solid ground, with 2 courses, including the famous 18-hole course named after its prestigious creator, Severiano Ballesteros, classified by specialized magazines as one of the most beautiful in the world and which hosts the Omega European Masters. The course requires precision and a complete game. It meets the needs of all levels of golfers. Located in an exceptional setting, it offers an unforgettable view in a natural environment.
The quality of its preparation and the magnificent view of the Valais Alps have earned the Jack Nicklaus course the Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre four times the designation of the 9 most beautiful holes in Switzerland. Relatively short, it nevertheless requires great precision with its never-straight fairways and the obstacles that line the course. A challenge that appeals to both the average player and the experts.
