When you think of classic events on the DP World Tour and iconic venues, the spectacular visuals of the Omega European Masters and its host course of Crans-sur-Sierre will spring instantly to mind.
The tournament - then known as the Swiss Open - was first staged within this magical corner of Crans-Montana in 1939, with this being its permanent home every year (apart from a pandemic related cancellation in 2020) since the showpiece event was relaunched after the Second World War in 1948.
During that time, the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Ian Woosnam, Nick Faldo, Jose Maria Olazabal, Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, Sergio Garcia and Matt Fitzpatrick have all won here, establishing an indelible connection with so many of the enduring greats of European golf.
It was the legendary Seve himself who ultimately later oversaw the design revamp of the course, but when you come here, it's the location that you're consuming above all else, as this layout is situated within an environment that is among the most breathtaking on the planet.
Why is Crans-sur-Sierre So Special?
Surrounded by the Swiss Alps, Crans-Montana is a resort town that is renowned for skiing, but the golf course has become a significant part of its identity with tourists regularly travelling to walk in the footsteps of the famous names who have played here, taking in the majestic views and inhaling the freshest of air.
You might believe that experiencing all of this for yourself is a fanciful dream that will never happen, but you would be mistaken, as this most special of tee times is far more accessible than you have likely imagined.
Back in 2024, Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook fulfilled a longtime ambition by playing Crans-sur-Sierre, which was an opportunity that crafted enough memories to satisfy a golfing lifetime.
Reflecting on that unforgettable round, he wrote: "Crans-Sur-Sierre is simply a stunning golf course, with stunning scenery and set within a stunning landscape (yes, that stunning three times). Each hole is different, different views, different test, different opportunity. I was lucky enough to play this the week before the European Masters meaning the course was in exceptional condition.
"The (Ballesteros) championship course will give you everything you think it would and then so much more on top. A tour venue, in excellent condition, outstanding service and scenery to die for. An experience I'll never forget."
Well, it's hard to argue with that review.
Undeniably one of the most scenic courses on the planet to play, this is a feast for both the senses and the memory bank.
How You Can Book a Tee Time at Crans-sur-Sierre
But how can you go about securing your own tee time?
The easiest thing would be booking your round directly with the venue itself. Green fees start from 115 Swiss Francs at the beginning and end of the golf season, with the peak months of the year charging up to 184 Swiss Francs per golfer, which is roughly £167.
With differing prices available throughout the year, your best bet would be to book well in advance to ensure that you can make your way there during the month that most suits you.
What Makes Crans-Montana a Must Visit Destination
Positioned about 1,500 metres (4,921 feet) above sea level, Crans-Montana is a distinctive place to visit, with dozens of hotels and accommodation options to pick from, there are so many attractions and sites of interest to discover.
International flights to either Geneva or Zurich are readily available, both only a few hours away. That connecting journey can be made by train to Sierre/Siders railway station, which is only a short distance away from Crans-Montana itself.
There are additional courses that you can play in this area too, including Golf Club de Sion, Golf de Sierre and Golf Club Leuk, so you can easily package all of that together to complete a truly absorbing golf trip.
Each of these destinations have been available to book through Golfbreaks in the past, and we would highly recommend that you keep an eye on their pages for future offers and deals that will help to make the planning for your adventure to the Swiss Alps even easier.
Crans-sur-Sierre is a bucket list item for many golfers who have long been captivated by its majestic setting and the icons who have triumphed there in the past.
Why not make this your next golfing odyssey?
As Matt said after playing here: "This was all about the experience, and some experience it was too."
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