News

NOTE THE DATES AND BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THE MASTERS 2012 NOW!

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:13:00 +0200

After a spectacular success and an amazing line-up in 2011, the 2012 tournament is promising to be something special.
The Omega European Masters 2012 will take place from Thursday 30 August to Sunday 2 September – put the dates in your diary now and order your tickets online at: http://www.omegaeuropeanmasters.com/en/services/billets/

WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER A GREAT AND ORIGINAL PRESENT TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY?

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:19:00 +0100

You can buy, right now, tickets online for the Omega European Masters 2012 and receive direct to your email the gift voucher to print.

>> Order and print your GIFT VOUCHER

2011 OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS : A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:10:00 +0100

The 2011 Omega European Masters was spectacular! The world's golfing elite took part in this competition, last September at the Crans-Sur-Sierre golf club in Switzerland.

Of particular note, the outstanding performance of the in-form Thomas Bjorn (DEN) secured his second consecutive victory (Johnny Walker Championship at Gleneagles and the Omega European Masters). Other top performances belonged to Rory McIlroy (NIR), Lee Westwood (ENG) and Martin Kaymer (GER), respectively second, third and fourth in the world who have coped admirably with the intense pressure throughout the year, finishing the season on top form.

2012 will be full of new developments as the World's Top 10 continue to fight it out. The Omega European Masters is already working to offer its fans a cast of star players equal to those of 2011 with guaranteed memorable moments and some surprises.

>> Order your tickets now (30 August to 2 September 2012)

THOMAS BJÖRN NEW KING OF THE MOUNTAIN

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 15:59:23 +0200

With a best round by far of 62 strokes (-9) which brought him to 20 under Thomas Björn captured the title and 333'330 Euro prizemoney at the Omega European Masters in Crans-Montana in the Swiss Alps. Four strokes back German favourite Martin Kaymer took the second prize.

For Björn it’s the second win in a row and third this season, 13th in Europe overall. The 40 years old Dane he had won the five-man-play-off at Gleneagles last sunday. Earlier in the year he won the Qatar Masters. With his third title this season the new „King of the mountain“ equalized predecessor Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain who also celebrated his third win of the season in 2010 here.

Playing in the 22th and second last group Björn got into contention for the victory after four birdies in a row on the last five holes of the way out. The players of the top flight with Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Jamie Donaldson never went alone on top. The threat came from group 20 when Martin Kaymer moved ahead with eagles at the holes 1 and 5. With two following birdies the German went to 16 under but on the way back he missed many birdie chances. In the meantime Björn noted an eagle and three birdies on the last five holes to get his very comfortable lead.

THIRTEENTH VICTORY

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 14:04:03 +0200

After his eagle three at hole 15 Thomas Björn could be nearly sure to win the Omega European Masters. He went 18 under and overtook former leader Martin Kaymer (-16) by two strokes. The German lost his chances with four missed birdies in a row. For Björn Crans-Montana ist he second title in a row after last sunday’s triumph at Gleneagles where he won a play-off with four rivals. It’s the Dane’s 13th victory on the European Tour International Schedule in his 369th tournament on this circuit. He also won the Qatar Masters and becomes the second player on the 2011 season to win three times, following World Numer One Luke Donald.

EIGHTH WORLD NUMBER ONE TO WIN IN CRANS-MONTANA?

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 12:42:48 +0200

Among the 15 players on top in the 24 year history of the official World Ranking you find nine members of the European Tour. Seven of them won at least once the Omega European Masters, Severiano Ballesteros (61 weeks on top spot) in the years 1977, 1978 and 1989, Nick Price (44 weeks) 1980, Ian Woosnam (50 weeks) 1982, Nick Faldo (97 weeks) 1983, Lee Westwood (22 weeks) 1999, Ernie Els (9 weeks) 2003 and Luke Donald (now in his 14th week) 2004. As a matter of fact Martin Kaymer, leader by two shots after 30 strokes (-6) for his first nine holes sunday, could be the eighth former European Number One to win Crans-Montana. The German was world’s best player during eight weeks earlier this season before dropping to number 5.

SEVEN PLAY-OFFS IN CRANS-MONTANA

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 10:35:22 +0200

Since the Omega European Masters is part of the PGA European Tour (1972 onwards) there were seven play-offs to decide the well known tournament, for a long time called Swiss Open. Last time it happened 2008 when Rory McIlroy lost against surprising Frenchman Jean-François Lucquin. Lucky play-off-winners before were Australian Brett Rumford (2007 beat Philip Archer), German Sven Strüver (1998 beat Patrik Sjöland), England’s Jamie Spence (1992 beat Anders Forsbrand), Sir Nick Faldo (1983 beta Sandy Lyle), Welshman Ian Woosnam (1982 beat Bill Longmuir) and Spaniard Manuel Pinero (1981 beat Antonio Garrido an Tony Johnstone).

SEVEN FIRST TIME WINNERS

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 09:54:05 +0200

If overnight leader Jamie Donaldson goes firmly on and wins the title at the OMEGA European Masters in Crans-Montana the 35 years old Welshman will be the eighth player in this thrilling season on the PGA European Tour to celebrate the first big trophy of his career. The other First-time-winners of the European Calender 2011 are Nick Watney (USA / WGC – Cadillac Championship), Nicolas Colsaerts (Belgium / Volvo China Open), Thomas Aiken (South Africa / Open de Espana), Robert Rock (England / BMW Italian Open), Matthew Zions (Australia / Saint-Omer Open) and Oliver Fisher (England /Czech Open).

35 YEAR OLD HOPES FOR BREAKTHROUGH WIN

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:47:22 +0200

Jamie Donaldson who played 237 tournaments but never won on the PGA European Tour so far leads the Omega European Masters in Crans-Montana after three days. Sunday the 35 year old Welshman will walk along with two of European golf's biggest names, Lee Westwood who realized a best-of-the-day 64 - one less than Donaldson and moved into second place on 13 under, and US Open Champion Rory McIlroy, who was out in front alone until he bogeyed the 16th and 17th for a 67 on the day and twelve under.

Gleneagles winner Thomas Björn and Gary Boyd are eleven under, six players, among them German Martin Kaymer and surprising home hope Damian Ulrich are a further stroke behind and hope for a splendid sunday – which will probably bring rain and thunderstorms.

Saturday was the day of separating the field. The 68 players started in a range of only six strokes. Now the range goes from 199 to 215 strokes.

Starting modification

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:29:00 +0200

Due to the bad weather forecast, the 4^th round will be played from 2 tees with starting times between 7.45am and 9.45am. The tournament will therefore end around 3pm.

NO FIVES AND NO BOGEYS

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:38:07 +0200

LEE WESTWOOD, World Number 2 after his 64 (-13 total) on saturday:

I’m finding a bit of form. I had two weeks off after the PGA Championship and I played six holes. Not the right preparation but at some point in the year you have to take a break and try to recharge the batteries. It’s always nice to play a round with no fives an no bogeys, especially on this course as it can trip you up quite easily. I made a couple of nice putts and I’m pleased with the way the day went.

A 61 OR 62 IS POSSIBLE

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:33:50 +0200

RORY MCILROY, Third ranked world number 6 after the third round, two strokes behind leader Jamie Donaldson and one behind world number 2 Lee Westwood:

It’s always nice to go in the last group as you get the atmosphere. I’m looking forward to sunday and getting out and making a fast start and putting some pressure on Jamie and Lee. I feel as if the way my game is there a 61 or 62 out there is possible. It’s just a matter of holing the putts when you need to.

THE PLEASURE TRANSMITS

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 16:23:07 +0200

DAMIAN ULRICH, leading Swiss player, tied sixth after three rounds at ten under par:

The eagle on the opening hole helped me to calm down. I felt good nearly all day an dplayed solid golf. Some puts could have been better bit otherwise some important ones have gone my way. You don’t really see the huge crowd but you hear that’s loud and you feel the fun. The pleasure transmits to the players.

FOUR TIMES FOUR LEADERS AFTER 36 HOLES

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:38:34 +0200

Four leaders with eight under par (McIlroy, Dyson, Boyd and Donaldson) is unique for the Omega European Masters but not for the European Tour. This season it happened before on three occasions that four players started tied to the third round. First time was at the Volvo Golf Champions (Jacquelin, E. Molinari, P. Hanson, M. A. Jimenez at 11 under par), then at the Barclays Scottish Open (P. Whiteford, G. McDowell, S. Jamieson and Peter Hanson again at 11 under) and finally at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational (Ryan Moore, Rickie Fowler, Adam Scott, Keegan Bradley at eight under).

EXTRAORDINARY LEADERBOARD

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:16:25 +0200

It’s a very special day at the Omega European Masters in Crans-Montana. A quarter to two there was a moment with not less than nine players nine under par to share the lead in the tournament of the European Tour. Sweden’s Fredrik Andersson Hed who plays in group 5, Peter Lawrie (group 18), Scotsman Stephen Gallacher and Swiss Damian Ulrich (19), German Martin Kaymer (21), Danny Willett und Rory McIlroy (22), Jamie Donaldson and Gary Boyd from the last group 23. Just some minutes later Gallacher went in front alone with his fourth birdie of this extraordinary day at par 4 hole number 7.

FOUR ON TOP, FIVE JUST ONE BEHIND

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:45:00 +0200

There is a weekend full of thrill at the Omega European Masters in Crans-Montana. After two rounds there are some of the European Tour’s brightest stars at the top of the scoreboard. US Open Champion Rory McIlroy fired a second round 69 to join Irish Open winner Simon Dyson, his fellow Englishman Gary Boyd and Welshman Jamie Donaldson on eight under. World Number Five Martin Kaymer is amongst those five players only one further back, along with thursday leader Nick Dougherty as well as South African Jaco Van Zyl, England’s Danny Willett, who shot day’s best 64 friday and Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti. Former top ranked Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood are only one and two shots back respectively.

68 players made the cut at two under as in the year 2009. The public will miss some of the former winners in Crans-Montana as Colin Montgomerie despite a 66 on friday, José-Maria Olazabal and Eduardo Romero.

IT WAS TOUGH TO ACCEPT THAT ROUND

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:32:21 +0200

MARTIN KAYMER, World Numer 5 and one stroke behind the four leaders: It was tough to accept that round with two bogeys and a double. I shot one under and felt like it should have been four or five under. Nothing really happened. The greens were bad in the afternoon. On the 18th it was in then it turned right. It’s important just to give myself more chances over the next two days.

GIVE THE CROWD SOME EXCITEMENT

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:30:30 +0200

RORY MCILROY, World Number 6 and joint leader after two rounds: Lee Westwood is at six under, Martin Kaymer at seven and myself at eight, it’s a great leaderboard and great to see the top guys up at the head of affairs. Hopefully we can play good golf over the weekend and give the crowd some excitement.

BOYD AND DYSON OVERTAKE THURSDAY LEADER

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:00:36 +0200

England's Nick Dougherty finally made his first cut since last november at the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS. But his second round was by far not to compare with the 63 of thursday. The 29 year old from Liverpool added only a one-over par 72 and slipped one behind clubhouse leaders Simon Dyson and Gary Boyd. Irish Open winner Dyson moved in front with a 68 and was joined later by Boyd. The best player of the morning session was another Englishman, Danny Willett with a 64 and seven under after two days. 45 players scored better than par. Before the start of the second half of the field the projected cut seemed to be at one under par. This means that Colin Montgomerie missed the cut despite a top second round of 66.

Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer had yet to tee off again on six under, while World Number Two Lee Westwood was six under and joint seventh among with young Italian Matteo Manassero, former winner Alex Noren (Sweden) and home surprise Damian Ulrich from Switzerland.

THIS IS A BONUS WEEK

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:26:29 +0200

DAMIAN ULRICH, at 136 (69+67) best Swiss player: I felt less nervous than thursday and could enjoy it out there. I produced some really good strokes, putted well and had a good caddy, Mike Batty who normally works for Rafael Cabrera-Bello. There are still two rounds to play. At the moment I don’t feel any pressure. Because I have no card fort he European Tour, this is a bonus week for me. To get the card, I had to win the title and that is very far away.

SPLENDID WAY OUT

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:03:52 +0200

MARC WARREN SHOOTS 29. Scotsman Marc Warren who suffered a lot in the first round at the Omega European Masters and saw him on position 135 thursday night came back very strong friday morning. Playing in the first group at 7:40 along with leader Nick Dougherty the pro from Glasgow started with an eagle three and let follow five birdies at the holes number 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8. His 29 shots are the best of all players for the way out (Par 36) so far. He climbed up the scoreboard more than 100 positions before falling back to two under due to a bogey at hole number 12.

EXAMPLE ROBERT KARLSSON

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:30:17 +0200

FOUR WIRE-TO-WIRE-WINNERS. The brillant display of golf of Nick Dougherty thursday at the Omega European Masters is no guarantee to win title and trophy and the 333'330 Euro prize money on sunday. There are only four wire-to-wire-winners in the history of the famous tournament in the mountains, which became part of The European Tour International Schedule in 1972: Jerry Anderson in 1984, Eduardo Romero in 2000 (picture), Ricardo Gonzalez in 2001 and as last in this row Sweden's Robert Karlsson nine years ago in 2002.

TWELVE UNDER PAR. The lowest first 18 holes at the Omega European Masters ocurred 1985 and 1997. First pro to realize a first round of 61 was Roger Chapman (-11). The second came twelve years later, when on the Severiano Ballesteros Course, now a Par 71, Gary Orr scored a ten under round.

EVEN BETTER THAN DOUGHERTY

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:44:00 +0200

The eight under par round from England’s Nick Dougherty at the Omega European Masters in Crans-Montana is one of the best this season on the PGA European Tour. But there were ten occasions players had an even better start in a tournament. Jamie Donaldson scored eleven under at the Volvo China Open, followed by five players with a ten under par start (Charl Schwartzel at the Joburg Open, Kenneth Ferrie at the Open de Andalucia, Thomas Björn at the Trophée Hassan, Thorbjorn Olesen at the BMW Italian Open, and Fredrik Anderson Hed at the Barclays Scottish Open). Four times there was a tournament start with nine under par (Soren Kjeldsen, Brett Rumford, Simon Wakefield, Alex Noren).

NICK DOUGHERTY FINDS HIS SMILE AGAIN

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:45:00 +0200

Huge surprise at the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS : England's Nick Dougherty shot an eight under par 63 at Crans-Montana and took the lead two shots ahead of Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy, England's Gary Boyd and Korean Lee Sung. Spaniard Alejandro Canizares and Simon Dyson followed with 66, while British Open Champion Darren Clarke was among those alongside Lee Westwood and Michael Campbell four behind.

Before his really astonishing performance in the Swiss mountains 29 years old Dougherty lived quite a nightmare with 22 missed cuts in a row. He slumped to number 791 in the Official World Golf Ranking. His last prizemoney he had got last november in Hong Kong. This happened after years of solid golf with three titles on the European Tour 2005, 2007 and 2009. "It's been tough coming home and having to deal with constant disappointment and I'm really, really proud of how I played today“, he told the journalists with a big smile.

SHE IS A ROCK FOR ME

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:35:00 +0200

Nick Dougherty, leader at -8 after the first round (before yesterday he had missed 21 cuts in a row)

My wife Di Stewart, a Sky Sports golf presenter, is great. She has a sporting background. She’s a rock form e. It is hard for her. I can’t pretdend I’ve been coming home happy. She’s a strong woman and I admire greatly for her drive and ambition an her career and it helps pull me along.

GOOD START FOR KAYMER AND MCILROY

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:04:00 +0200

Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer started very well into the OMEGA European Masters and shared the lead after the first half of the field had finished the first round in Crans-Montana in Switzerland. After 12 holes the world's number 5 and 6 were both -4, one behind Spaniard Alejandro Cañizares. Then the German realised two birdies, the US Open champion from Nothern Ireland bogeyed but was happy with three birdies on the last five holes.

36 of the 78 morning players got scores under par. There was no bogey free round. The players with most birdies (or better) were Kaymer (-6), McIlroy (-6), McEvoy (-4) and Noh (-2) with seven. Six players were lucky with eagles, beyong them Dane Thomas Björn (-3) winner of the marathon play-off at Gleneagles on Sunday, and Swiss Julien Clément (+1).

Some of the former Crans-Champions were not on the top of here game. The spanish Ryder Cup Captain José Maria Olazabal (winner 1986) brought back a card with +5, the German Sven Strüver (winner 1998) had to withdraw after hole number 13 (+8) due to a back injury.

Seven of ten Swiss players in the field were out in the morning. No one got a red number on the scoreboard. Only a duo played par, Martin Rominger who started in the first group and André Bossert in the last group.

Fun at Crans-Montana

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:00:00 +0200

Find out what the players are doing while they are not playing. For the third year, activities are organized for the players and their families. On the Wednesday, some of them went to the Plaine Morte Glacier and some other to the Grande Dixence Dam. Every day, you can find new pictures of the trips here.

RATHER SATISFIED

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:42:29 +0200

Julien Clément, after his round of 72 (+1):

Plus on eis not exceptional good but you can still hope to make the cut. I was a little bit nervous at the beginning, had some difficulties to find my rhythm. The double bogey at the par three number 3 was quite silly, took the wrong club. Overall I’m rather satisfied because the work on the driving range afterwards was better. This could bet he key for friday.

MY WRIST IS TOTALLY FINE

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:32:40 +0200

Rory McIlroy, World number 6 after his first round of 65 (-6), sharing the lead with Martin Kaymer:

It’s a great way to start the week. When I had a chance to win here in 2008 I got off to a great start and shot a 63. I felt I left a couple of shots out there but I’m not going to complain. My wrist is totally fine. I’m able to hit all of the shots I want and I’m hitting it really good.

NICE TO COMPETE WITH THE BEST

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:28:54 +0200

Martin Kaymer, World number 5 after his first round of 65 (-6) and sharing the lead with Rory McIlroy:

It’s an extra spur if you have good players in the field. I had two of the best in my group today. It’s nice to compete against the best and that was one reason I came here when I heard about the field there would be a lot of world ranking points. I’ve lost a few spots in the last few weeks and I thought if I could win here then maybe I could jump up the rankings again.

WINNERS OF THE CREDIT-SUISSE GOLD PRO-AM: MONTGOMERIE (PRO), VAN BREDA, EGLOFF, BURGENER

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:37:00 +0200

Results of the CREDIT-SUISSE Gold Pro-am and the best pictures of the day:

LEARN SOMETHING FROM TOP CLASS PLAYERS

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:34:49 +0200

NOH SEUNG-YUL, Winner of the Asian Tour in 2010, an Omega ambassador and 4th in Crans-Montana last year, World Number 105: I try to have a good result every day and every week. I’m far from home but I feel comfortable. Playing in the altitude is not so different. I just feel a little bit lighter (laughs). To play with McIlroy and Jimenez thursday and friday gives me the chance to learn something from top class players.

THE GREENS ARE BUMPIER

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:29:00 +0200

DARREN CLARKE, British Open Champion and World Number 35: The course is in good shape and the greens are a bit softer than in previous years and consequently bumpier. I hope they will smmooth out in the coming days. I’ve played well here and it is a beautiful place. I enjoy coming back here every year and this is no exception. My fiancé Alison is with me and we have a fantastic hotel.

YOU NEED PROPER TIME TO REST

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:31:00 +0200

MARTIN KAYMER, World Number 5: I do not know if I will play on the US PGA Tour next year but I will definitely be playing on the European Tour. I think I will play more tournaments next year and have longer breaks to really get away from golf and get back into it again. This year I probably had a week’s off and played about two weeks. You don’t really calm down. You need some proper time to rest.

NEW FACES COME IN, THATS LIFE

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:16:37 +0200

MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ, Defending Champion and World Number 36: The Ryder Cup produces the same thoughts as every two years. I’m concentrating on the Swiss Open and enjoying my week here. It’s important that everything else is in the back of your mind. It’s a long term goal to be part of the team – you get there step by step. It would be nice if at 48 I was on the team but you have to be conscious that new faces come in, that’s life.

WE HAVE WHAT THE OTHER WANTS

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:30:00 +0200

RORY MCILROY, World No. 6 : What I can learn from Caroline Wozniacki? She is number one in the world and I got a major. We each have what the other person wants. We definitely complement each other. It is very healthy.

WATER SKIING HAS IMPROVED

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:43:00 +0200

LEE WESTWOOD, World No. 2 : Yeah I played well in America. I’ve had nice holidays in Barbados, water skiing has improved a lot. I’m looking forward starting for the second half of the season. I play little blocks. I don’t like to play more than three weeks in a row.

STARS FROM MORNING TO NIGHT

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:56:00 +0200

This year's alls star cast brings about the fact that on Thursday and Friday worlwide renommed players can be seen on the course from early morning to late afternoon.

On Thursday, the first world class flights tee off from tee 10, Fransesco and Edouardo Molinari start their first round at 8 and 8.10, directly followed by the top trio of Louis Osthuizen/Martin Kaymer/Thomas Björn (8.20) and Rory McIlroy/Seung-yul Noh/Miguel Angel Jimenez (8.30).

The most spectacular afternoon flights start from tee 1 at 13.10 with Jeev Milkha Singh/Colin Montgomerie/Simon Dyson, at 13.20 with Lee Westwood/Thongchai Jaidee/Alexander Noren and at 13.30 avec Darren Clarke/Matteo Manassero/Oliver Fisher.

The Swiss players start from 7.40 (Martin Rominger/Tee 1) to 14.30 (Damian Ulrich/1 und Amateur Arthur Gabella/10).

Starting List 1st Round/ 2nd Round :
http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2011/tournamentid=2011063/teetimes/index.html

CRANS-MONTANA CHANGED THE LIFE OF MATTEO MANASSERO

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:20:00 +0200

Much has happened to Matteo Manassero since his last visit to Crans-Montana 12 months ago but the remarkable Italian teenager of 17 years still credits his third place in the 2010 OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS as the most significant week of his fledgling career to date. The now a two-time European Tour Champion and World Number 30, was battling to secure a European Tour card when he arrived in Switzerland last year. After rounds of 64, 67, 69 and 68 he finished five strokes behind winner Miguel Angel Jiménez and two behind compatriot Edoardo Molinari. His cheque of €125,200 took his season’s earnings to €255,383, guaranteeing him starts for the rest of the 2010 season and effectively sealed his card for 2011.

WINNERS OF THE CREDIT-SUISSE SILVER PRO-AM (TROPHEE FLORY VAN DONCK) : SIDDIKUR MOHD (PRO), ROTONDI GIUSEPPE, CALIENDO ENRICO, FIORI GIROLAMO

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:37:00 +0200

Results of the CREDIT-SUISSE Silver Pro-am (Trophee Flory Van Donck) and the best pictures of the day :

OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS 2011 AN OUTSTANDING PARTICIPATION

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:12:00 +0200

In recent years, the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS in Crans-Montana has impressively consolidated its position on the PGA European Tour and its international reputation as one of the most famous sporting events in Switzerland. Not only because of its unique atmosphere, professional organisation, hospitality, or the solid support of its sponsors, but also the beauty of its grounds. The 2011 version, from 1^st to 4^th September, will prove simply outstanding, with the World Nos. 2, 4 and 5 joined by world champions from every continent, not to mention a host of legends and other talented stars. The Crans-sur-Sierre Golf-Club course is the most spectacular on the PGA European Tour and has played host to the tournament since 1939.

The OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS prize money is 2 million euros and the tournament's overall budget amounts to 10 million Swiss francs.

Among the big names entered in the competition: the Englishman Lee Westwood, current World No. 2 and holder of 22 titles on the European Tour. Martin Kaymer (Germany, World No. 4), who won last year's European rankings and the major US PGA 2010 Championship tournament. The young Northern Irish prodigy, 22, Rory McIlroy (World No. 5), brilliant winner of the US Open 2011 where his style was reminiscent of Tiger Woods in his glory days. The winner of the 2011 British Open, Darren Clarke (N. Ireland/age 42), with his wonderful track record on the European Tour and Ryder Cup and his predecessor, the South African Louis Oosthuizen, winner of the 2010 British Open. Then comes the young and vigorous Squadra Azzura: Matteo Manassero (age 18, acknowledged by many experts as the greatest talent in the golfing world) and the brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari, true pillars of the European team which won the 2010 Ryder Cup and triumphant joint winners of the 2009 OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup. Next, the Spanish stars Miguel Angel Jiménez and José Maria Olazábal, both past winners at Crans-Montana: for Jimenez, it was last year during his 22nd (!) tournament and for Olazábal, it was back in 1986. The captain of the 2011 European Ryder Cup won his first tournament on the European Tour there. The following, also ranked among the current top 20 Europeans ("Race to Dubai"), will also be teeing off: Simon Dyson (England), Pablo Larrazábal (Spain), Thomas Björn (Denmark) and Thomas Aiken (South Africa) along with the solid French contingent of Christian Cévaër, Grégory Bourdy, Thomas Levet, Raphaël Jacquelin and Grégory Havret. In 2011, the following players will also be taking part alongside the long list of former winners at Crans-Montana: Westwood (1999), Jiménez (2010) and Olazábal (1986): Barry Lane (England, 1993), Eduardo Romero (Argentina, 1994 and 2000), Colin Montgomerie (Scotland, 1996), Sven Strüver (Germany, 1998), Ricardo Gonzalez (Argentina, 2001), Bradley Dredge (Wales, 2006), Brett Rumford (Australia, 2007), Jean-François Lucquin (France, 2008) and Alexander Noren (Sweden, 2009). For the third time in a row, the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS, the only tournament in Europe to be co-sanctioned by both the European and Asian Tours, offers 30 Asian tour players the chance to participate. They will include: Noh Seung-yul (S. Korea, 1st on the Asian Tour and 4th at Crans-Montana in 2010), Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand, record-holder for number of victories on the Asian tour), S.S.P. Chowrasia (India, current leader on the Asian tour) and Mohd Siddikur (Bangladesh, No. 2 on the Asian Tour). Not to mention the participating Swiss professionals: Martin Rominger, Raphaël de Sousa, André Bossert, Nicolas Sulzer, Damian Ulrich and Julien Clément.

The Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club now has a brand new driving range, which also hosts the Performance Center, Europe's premier golf coaching centre at altitude. These facilities bring great value to the already unyielding high standards of the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS. On the course side, all the “tees” reserved for professionals have been redesigned and some holes lengthened. The total distance has thus increased by hundred metres. To cap this wonderful festival of golf, over 50,000 spectators are expected during the four days of the competition.

The Swiss TV broadcasters SF 2, TSR 2, Info and TSI 2 will broadcast several hours live during the weekend of the 3^rd and 4^th of September, whilst Canal9 will provide delayed coverage during the four days of the tournament.

A COMPLETELY REFURBISHED DRIVING RANGE AND A REDESIGNED GOLF COURSE

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:40:00 +0200

The all new Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club driving range is almost finished. It will be fully operational in time for the 2011 Omega European Masters.

Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club now possesses a fantastic, all new driving range facility. It has been built in 2 stages at a cost of 4.4 million Swiss francs: starting with the building which hosts the « Performance Centre » a premier, advanced, fully-equipped European golf training centre at altitude and then the driving range itself which has also been completely revamped and the « tees » moved back 30 metres. (www.golfcrans.ch)

Additionally, all the professional tees have been extensively rebuilt – some holes have been lengthened to contribute an extra 100 metres to the 18 hole total. Hole no.9, at a length of 593 metres, remains one of the longest par 5 in Europe.

These recent developments represent a significant improvement and will delight the 156 players signed up for the tournament taking place between the 1st and 4th September – a field headlined by Lee Westwood (World No.2), Martin Kaymer (World No.3), Rory McIlroy (World No.4 & US Open Champion) and Darren Clarke, winner of this year’s British Open.

DARREN CLARKE, FROM NORTHERN IRELAND, COMPLETES THE REGAL LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:47:00 +0200

It took Darren Clarke 20 attempts to seal his first British Open Championship, which he won last weekend at Royal St. George’s.

Having captured the Iberdrola Open in May of this year, the 42 year old Northern Irishman clinched his first major of a long career which began in 1991 – a distinguished career consisting of 14 victories on the European Tour and many memorable wins with the European Ryder Cup team.

On the very evening of his victory, he confirmed his attendance at the Omega European Masters (1-4 September, 2011). He will be competing for the 13th time in the tournament with his best finish to date being two third places (1998-2000).

His attendance at the Crans-Montana course only adds to the already elite gathering of Lee Westwood (World No. 2), Martin Kaymer (World No. 3) and fellow compatriot Rory McIlroy (World No. 4).

If you then go on to add the Molinari brothers, the young prodigy Matteo Manassero and the current European Masters Champion, Miguel Angel Jimenez, the scene is already set for a fascinating tournament at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

NOH SEUNG YUL AND THONGCHAI JAIDEE READY TO PEAK AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:42:00 +0200

Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion 2010 Noh Seung-yul of Korea and decorated Thai star Thongchai Jaidee aim to replicate their stellar performances at the Omega European Masters in September.

The supremely talented Noh placed fourth last year while Thongchai, who secured fifth placing in 2009, will spearhead the Asian challenge at the Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland from September 1 to 4.

Noh, an Omega brand ambassador, was a figure of consistency last year where he won the Maybank Malaysian Open and claimed five top 10s. He missed only two cuts in the entire season and was crowned the youngest ever Order of Merit champion at the age of 19 years and 204 days.

He struggled to find his form earlier in the year after making swing changes under the guidance of world renowned coach Butch Harmon but showed a welcome return to form when he finished tied 30^th at the US Open.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Crans-sur-Sierre. I finished nicely there last year because I was more familiar with the course. I like playing there, it suits my game and it is a very beautiful golf course,” said the 20-year-old.

Thongchai, who holds the record of winning 13 Asian Tour titles and 3 Order of Merit crowns, will be eyeing a first title outside of Asia at the Omega European Masters.

A back injury curtailed his performances earlier in the year but he returned to his best form when he finished second at the Indonesian Masters in April, losing to Lee Westwood of England, another confirmed participant at Crans-sur-Sierre.

New Asian Tour champions Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, Anirban Lahiri of India and Berry Henson of the United States will also make their debuts in the €2,000,000 (approximately US$2.6 million) event co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

NOW ITS THE TURN OF THE SPANIARDS, MIGUEL-ANGEL JIMENEZ AND JOSE-MARIA OLAZABAL, TO CONFIRM THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:27:00 +0200

Following in the footsteps of 3 out of the World Top 4 golfers, Lee Westwood (No.2), Martin Kaymer (No.3) and the Irish prodigy Rory McIlroy, runaway winner of the US Open and now No.4 in the world, the title holder, Spaniard Miguel Angel Jiménez has confirmed his appearance at this year's Omega European Masters.

Loyal to the Crans-Montana tournament since 1989, the charismatic Spaniard had to wait 22 years to win in 2010 in one of his favourite competitions. A member of the victorious Ryder Cup team last October in Wales, he remains at the top of his game, occupying 8th place in the European rankings with, notably, 2 second places this year at the Ballantine's and Volvo Golf Championships as well as 5th place in the recent WGC Match Play.

The 1986 winner at the Crans-sur-Sierre golf course, and the next Captain of the European Ryder Cup team, another great Spanish player, José Maria Olazabal, returns to Valais. Handicapped for a long time with rheumatism, he will return to the course which gave him his 1st win at the age of just 20 and sparked the beginning of an exceptional career including many appearances in the Ryder Cup and memorable partnerships with his friend, the sadly missed Seve Ballesteros, and above all, a US Masters victory in 1999.

In addition to the 3 Italians, the Molinari brothers and Matteo Manassero, the 2011 Omega European Masters will feature a few more exciting players.

THE GOLFING "AZZURI" AT CRANS-MONTANA

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:27:00 +0200

The 2011 Omega European Master will be one of the best ever held. Following the announcement that the golfing elite will be appearing such as Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Rory McIlroy, the golfing “Azzuri” has been added to the tee-off list: Matteo Manassero, Francesco Molinari and Edoardo Molinari – the phenomenal Northern Italians of the golfing world.

For many years, Italian golf has been led by Costantino Rocca, winner at Crans-Montana in 1997. Manassero and the Molinari Brothers have positioned Italy among the best European nations for golf. Presently, with the exception of England, only Italy has 3 players in the Top 40 World Rankings.

Matteo Manassero, barely 18 years old, is recognised by many experts as the biggest talent in the golfing world. Following his victory at the British Open Amateurs in 2009, he has very quickly established himself at the table of the world golf professionals. Finishing 3rd at last year’s Omega European Masters, he was assured of his European PGA Tour card, just 4 months after turning professional.

If that’s not impressive enough, at the end of October in Valence, he was crowned the youngest winner in the history of the European Tour. In April 2011, he repeated the feat in Malaysia thus making the Top 30 in the world in record time. There was also a lot of talk about him at the Majors. In April 2010, as a mere amateur, he became the youngest player of all time to make the cut at the US Masters in Augusta.

Through his victory at the 2006 Italian Open, Francesco Molinari unlocked the gate. At this time, his older brother Edoardo Molinari was only an amateur – but not just any old amateur - the first overseas winner of the US Amateur Championship (2005). At the 2010 Omega European Masters, Edoardo Molinari finished a brilliant 2nd behind Miguel Angel Jimenez and ahead of Matteo Manassero.

In the meantime, the Molinari Brothers have accumulated 4 European Tour Titles. They were also solid pillars within the European Ryder Cup team that inflicted a heavy and painful defeat on the Americans in Wales last October. They were the first brothers in history to feature in this competition.

THE MAIN VICTORIES:
Matteo Manassero
2009: British Amateur Championship
2010: Castelló Masters Costa Azahar Valencia
2011: Maybank Malaysian Open

Francesco Molinari
2006: Telecom Italia Open
2010: WGC-HSBC Champions

Edoardo Molinari
2005: US Amateur Championship
2010: The Barclays Scottish Open / Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles

GERMAN WORLD NUMBER 3, MARTIN KAYMER, CONFIRMS HIS PARTICIPATION AT CRANS-MONTANA

Mon, 23 May 2011 05:24:00 +0200

The Omega European Masters field has been strengthened with the news that Martin Kaymer, current Number 3 in the world, has confirmed his first appearance at Crans-Montana.

Kaymer reached the top of the World rankings in February this year, following his WGC Accenture Match Play Championship final defeat by Luke Donald, 3 & 2. He would remain at No. 1 for 8 weeks, conceding his throne at the end of April to another player competing at Crans-Montana, Englishman Lee Westwood.
Recently crowned European No. 1 in 2010, the result of an impressive season during which he won 4 titles, including his 1st Major, the US PGA Championship, he then crossed the line 1st in the Race to Dubai, becoming only the 2nd German after Bernhard Langer to win the trophy.
As a grand finale to his 2010, he played a significant role as "rookie" in the winning European Ryder Cup team at Celtic Manor.
He continued this form in January with his 9th victory on the European Tour. The German 26 year-old won the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship for the 3rd time in 4 attempts; winning his first title in 2008 and narrowly missing out to Paul Casey in 2009.
At the beginning of his professional career, he was named "Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year" in 2007. He won his first 2 titles the following year and reached third place in the European rankings in 2009, despite 2 months out due to a fractured foot caused by a go-karting accident.

The presence of Martin Kaymer (World No. 3), Lee Westwood (No. 1) and Rory McIlroy (No. 6), promises to make this an exciting week of golf!

His main victories:
2008 : Abu Dhabi Golf Championship / BMW International Open
2009 : Open de France Alstom / The Barclays Scottish Open
2010 : Abu Dhabi Golf Championship / US PGA Championship / KLM Open / Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
2011 : Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

LEE WESTWOOD THE WORLD'S NO. 1 COMES TO CRANS-MONTANA

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:42:00 +0200

One week after the announcement of Rory McIlroy’s appearance, it is now the turn of Englishman Lee Westwood, currently ranked first in the world, to confirm that he will also be competing in the Omega European Masters (Crans-Montana, 1-4 September 2011).

After a remarkable first half of the 2010 season with most notably two “Major” second places (the Masters and the British Open), his progress was halted by a leg injury sustained during the French Open. Although he had committed to play in Crans-Montana in 2010, the injury prevented him from even making it to the first tee.

Side-lined for more than two months, he returned successfully in October to compete and contribute to the European victory at the Ryder Cup in Wales.

He then went on to finish the season in style in November 2010, (with 11th, 2nd and 3rd places finishes), becoming no. 1 Golfer in the World, ending the long reign of Tiger Woods at the Top.

2011 looks set to be just as outstanding for the 38-year-old English player, as he has already finished in the top 20 of the major tournaments in which he has competed: 15th in the Omega Dubai Open, then 17th and 18th in the first two WGC events, and finally 11th in the recent Masters at Augusta.

Having first reached the top in 1996, Lee Westwood, now 38, has demonstrated that he can sustain exceptional consistency and reliability. His success adds to the current supremacy of European players in the world hierarchy, with 6 Europeans in the top 10 in the World of Golf.

With a record of 22 victories on the European Tour, he will be appearing at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Course for the 11th time; his best result to date remains his win in 1999.

MASTERS STAR, RORY MCILROY RETURNS TO CRANS-MONTANA IN 2011 !

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:43:00 +0200

Ahead for a large part of the last Augusta Masters before unravelling during the final 9 holes of the course, Rory McIlroy, currently ninth in the world, has confirmed that he will play in this year’s tournament, to be held from 1 to 4 September 2011 at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

After a successful 2010 marked by his first victory on the US PGA Tour and a noteworthy performance at his first Ryder Cup, 21-year-old Irish prodigy Rory McIlroy has decided to come back and play in Europe.

In an interview last October, he even said that it was whilst following broadcasts of the Omega European Masters 2010 live on the US Golf Channel that he actually realised he would rather be in Switzerland than the United States!

He will therefore be competing this year in all the major tournaments of the European Tour and will be aiming for a win that escaped his grasp on the last putt in 2008.

Despite his young age, he already has an impressive list of victories. In 2009 he became the second 20-year-old player, after Sergio Garcia, to make the top 10 in the world ranking. After winning his first title at the Dubai Desert Classic in February 2009, he finished second at both the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and the UBS Hong Kong Open. He then took third place at the US PGA Championship in the same year.

He followed this in 2010 with a victory on the US PGA Tour in May, at the Quail Hollow Championship, setting a new course record on the last day (62), beating Phil Mickelson by 4 strokes! He put in an excellent overall performance throughout the year, reaching the top six in nine tournaments and achieving third place in two of them, one at the British Open and the other at the US PGA Championship again.

In October 2010 he made his Ryder Cup debut at the Celtic Manor Resort and gained two points, including a crucial ½ against Stewart Cink on the last day of the competition.

He is currently ninth in the world ranking and in September will be one of the main attractions at this prestigious tournament, which will bring together an exceptional line-up!

Some additional facts...

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 11:29:48 +0200

- Should Edoardo Molinari win, he would be the first italian golfer to succeed three times in one season.

- Baldovino Dassu won twice in 1976 and Costantino Rocca also won twice in the 1993 season.

- The last player to win three European Tour events was Wolrd Number One Tiger Woods in 2008 (Dubai Desert Classic, WGC-Accenture Match play, US Open).

- The last European player to win three times in on season was Sweden's Johan Edfors in 2008 (TCL Classic, Britisch Masters, Barclays Scottish Open).

- The last European player to win four times in the same season was MIguel Angel Jiménez in 2004 (Johnnie Walker Classic, Open de Portugal, BMW Asian Open, BMW International Open). Jiménez is attempting to win his third event of 2010 after the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the Alstom Ope de France.

Manaserro: Up and down

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:43:00 +0200

My start was not so good as wanted. A had a lot of ups and downs during the day.

Teenage star Matteo Manassero seemed not unhappy with his round of two under par.

Miguel Angel is a little bit far but I will try everything to come near he promised for sunday. He knows he needs a fifth place to secure the European PGA Tour already now.

Molinari: extremely tired

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:55:22 +0200

The first nine holes I played great, made four birdies and stayed with Miguel. On the back nine I felt extremely tired and played not so good.

Thats what Edoardo Molinari told the media after his third round. He will go to bed very early to recover.

For sunday I hope that my putts fall and I can put pressure on him. But a three strokes deficit is quite a lot.

Jiménez: no guarantee

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:34:42 +0200

The 22nd Swiss Open in a row could finally bring the first title at the Omega European Masters for Miguel Angel Jimenez. But the spansih memeber of Europes Ryder Cup-Team, who had to give himself a penalty stroke for an unusual error, is experienced enough to say, it is not done yet. There are still 18 holes. To be three strokes ahead is good but no guarantee for victory.

Jiménez... Some extra facts

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:16:00 +0200

- His 61 on friday is his lowest round on the European Tour. He had four 62s to his name previously.

- His 61 equals the lowest round of the 2010 European Tour season, matching the 61 of Ross Risher at the 3 Irish Open.

- Before friday, his best round at Crans-sur-Sierre was a 63 in 1993 - the same year that Matteo Manassero was born!

- His 36 hole total of 128 is the lowest opening 36 holes of the season so far.

- His 36 hole under par total of 14 under equals the bet opening 36 holes to par of the season, matching the 14 undr by Trevor Fissher at the Africa Open.

Svanberg disappointed

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:20:00 +0200

I startet poorly with a bogey. I fought back but then there was a steady up and down."

Fredrik Svanberg was really not happy as things went for him in this round when he carded a 73, two over par for a total of 211.

I produced some mental errors, I had not a good feeling and played anyway."

Thousands on the way

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 14:59:00 +0200

Thousands of spectators follow this wonderful saturday the spanish italian game of the leaders. Miguel Angel Jimenez (at -18 for the total) and his main rival Edoardo Molinari (-15) carded four birdies on the way out and extended the margin to teenager Matteo Manassero (-12).

Julien Clément best Swiss again

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 14:15:00 +0200

Julien Clément finished the third round with 69 strokes, two under par. The start was rather difficult again. I have to play in a more regular way the Swiss pro from Geneva told. Any way I won some positions.

Peter Lawrie ends with -9

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 13:05:00 +0200

Peter Lawrie, tied 61st Friday evening and just in the cut (-1), realised a famous third round. The 36 year old Irish carded a 63 with eight birdies and jumped more than 50 positions.

Follow the tournament on your iPhone

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 09:51:00 +0200

The Omega European Masters on your iPhone, follow the tournament live!

- News: discover the highlights of the tournement

- Leaderboard: follow all the results live

- Picture galery: visualize all the pictures of the competition

- All the useful informations, access maps, schedule

> Download the application

Greg Norman out to capture Olympic Games gold medal bid

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:38:00 +0200

Ten years ago Greg Norman jogged across the Sydney Harbour Bridge proudly holding aloft the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games torch. Four years earlier in the Olympic stadium in Atlanta, the world's elite athletes stood shoulder to shoulder at the opening ceremony on grass laid down by Norman's turf company.

Now in six years time, Norman is hoping a golf course, codesigned by him and Mexican golfing great Lorena Ochoa will play host to the world's best golfers competing in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. The double Open champion will be among those bidding to design a course or rework an existing layout.

The Australian champion has been in discussion with Ochoa, a former women's world number one, who is keen to team up with Norman in an effort to win the bid for the Rio de Janeiro golf course. «I am very excited about that and so too is Lorena and, while we haven't signed a deal, we are both very supportive of the idea», said Norman. Norman likens teaming up with Ochoa as akin to the spirit that sets the Olympic Games apart. «You have to team up with the right person in the golf course design business and Lorena's just getting into the business, so she's keen to learn,» said Norman.

«She's got a tremendous name in golf and she's also fluent in Spanish and, while she wanted to be involved in the bid, she felt she couldn't be involved on her own.»

«So just like in the spirit of what the Olympics is all about, Lorena and I will be ensuring, if we win the bid, we can design a golf course fitting for the Games.»

Bernie McGuire

NORMAN SEES BRIGHT FUTURE FOR NOH

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:18:43 +0200

Crans Montana, September 3: Australian legend Greg Norman has predicted a great future for Koreas teen titan Noh Seung-yul after playing two rounds together at the Omega European Masters.

After watching the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader shoot a five-under-par 66 in the second round on Friday, Norman, who was this week announced as Omegas newest brand ambassador, liked what he saw from the 19-year-old prodigy.

Hes an impressive young player. Hes got a big future and I enjoyed my walk in the park with them, said Norman, referring as well to clubhouse leader Edoardo Molinari of Italy.

Man-of-the-moment Molinari, who won last weeks Johnnie Walker Championship in Scotland which earned him a Ryder Cup call-up, was also impressed with Noh. Hes a hell of a player. It was definitely good fun out there playing with Greg and him, said the Italian, who holds the clubhouse lead in the co-sanctioned Asian Tour and European Tour event on 11-under-par 131.

The supremely talented Noh has continued to make heads turn this season, thanks largely to his victory at the Maybank Malaysian Open in March where he produced a sensational chip at the 72nd hole to set up his winning birdie against countryman K.J. Choi.

The Korean teenager, who grew up playing golf by the beach near Seoul, also finished 40th at the US Open at Pebble Beach and also impressed with a 28th place outing at the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits last month.

Noh said he enjoyed the opportunity of playing alongside Norman, a former world number one and winner of 91 titles around the world. Greg is a former world number one, so I had a lot of good experience playing with them. Im happy, said Noh, who will enter the weekend five shots behind Molinari.

Noh added that Molinari was the obvious man to beat. He hits it so straight and is a nice chipper and putter. I played with many players and I think hes the number one short game player. I learned a lot from him as well, said Noh.

Ill keep working hard for the weekend rounds. Putting is difficult here as the greens are difficult. But it was better for me than yesterday. I had more confidence today. It felt better.

The Korean is determined to finish strongly at the 2 million (US$2.8 million) event to preserve his slender lead atop the Asian Tours Order of Merit. He missed the cut at the stunning Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, set amidst the Swiss Alps, last year but said he learned from his mistakes.

Because of the high altitude, you get a bit more distance than other courses. Last year, I didnt know how to handle the distances and kept hitting every shot over the green. Its much better this week. I just take away 10% in my distances, he said.

About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include J.Lindeberg (Official Apparel Partner), Ricoh (Official Office Solutions Provider), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Royal Selangor (Official Trophy Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Pan Pacific (Official Hotel), BlackBerry (Official Mobile) and Srixon (Official Ball).

Chuah Choo Chiang

LIANG FIGHTS BACK WITH 64 AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:17:42 +0200

Golfing Legend Greg Norman joins OMEGA

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:38:00 +0200

When Greg Norman golfs legendary Great White Shark stepped up to the first tee at the OMEGA European Masters golf tournament in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, he did so as the newest member of OMEGAs family of brand ambassadors.

OMEGA and Norman made the announcement as the event got underway at the scenic Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club on Thursday the 2nd of September.

Norman joins a roster of OMEGA ambassadors which includes fellow golfers Sergio Garcia and Michelle Wie, Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps, actors George Clooney and Nicole Kidman, supermodel Cindy Crawford and astronaut Buzz Aldrin among others.

One of the worlds most iconic golfers
Greg Normans nickname recalls not only his Australian origins but the aggressive playing style that made him one of the worlds most iconic and recognizable golfers. Since turning professional, Norman has won 91 events including 20 US PGA tour titles and the British Open Championship in 1986 and 1993. Throughout the late 80s and early 90s, Norman held the number one position on golfs world rankings for an incredible 331 weeks.

Greg Norman equally impressive off the course
In addition to his remarkable on-course achievements, his successes in business have been equally impressive. As chairman and CEO of Great White Shark Enterprises, Norman has established an international business portfolio with interests focused around golf and the golfing lifestyle. In recognition of his accomplishments as a golfer, sportsman, businessman, author and philanthropist, Norman was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.

OMEGA President Urquhart: delighted that Norman is part of the OMEGA family
OMEGA president Stephen Urquhart said, We all know that Greg Norman is a golfing legend. Furthermore, he is one of the games great personalities and is enormously popular both on and off the course. We are very much looking forward to this partnership.

Greg Norman and OMEGA: common values and similar objectives
Greg Norman is enthusiastic about working with OMEGA, saying, From the Apollo program to the Olympic Games, OMEGA has always set the standard for precision and reliability. It is clear that we not only share common values but very similar objectives in where we want to take our respective businesses. I look forward to developing a long-term partnership with them.

SINGH LAMENTS POOR PUTTING IN OPENING 70 AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:21:00 +0200

Crans Montana, Switzerland, September 2: Indian star Jeev Milkha Singh rued a cold putter as he fired a one-under-par 70 in the opening round of the Omega European Masters on Thursday.

Singh, the Asian Tours number one in 2006 and 2008, failed to take advantage of perfect scoring conditions at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, trading two birdies against a lone bogey on his last hole

C. Muniyappa, making his debut in the co-sanctioned Asian Tour and European Tour event, enjoyed a flying start with an outward 32 but dropped three shots coming home to settle for a level par 71.

I was really disappointed with the way I played. I hit the ball really well but couldnt hole anything. It was summed up at the last hole, making a bogey with sandwedge in the hand, said Singh.

After battling with injuries in the past 18 months, a fit-again Singh has shown signs of regaining his best form but admitted it was a challenge to get all departments working in his game.

Its tough. Its been a tough year and half and Im trying to get out of it. I just cant get everything together in the game. You have to hole putts. Im trying to get everything going in a day, said Singh.

I just need to work hard and get sharper. Its there for the taking. There are a lot of birdies out there. You just have to go out and grind it out. Youve got to make a lot of up and downs. Im going to work on my putting now, said Singh, who trails early leader Matteo Manassero of Italy by six shots.

Muniyappa, the reigning Hero Honda Indian Open champion, charged to the top of the leaderboard with five birdies against two bogeys in his first nine holes but ran out of gas.

I putted badly on the back nine. I three putted the first and second holes (his 10th and 11th holes) and after that, my putting feel was gone. I couldnt judge the pace. I hit the ball nicely, it was all down to the putting. It was disappointing, said Muniyappa.

Since arriving for his maiden trip the renowned Swiss skiing resort town, Muniyappa has been in awe of the sights of the snow-capped mountains which are visible from almost every corner of the golf course.

The location is very good. Its my first time here and when I first got here, I thought that this was a superb venue. Conditions were really good for scoring today, there was no wind at all. You can easily shoot four or five under. I didnt hit the ball well at the start of the year but its slowly coming back, he said.

Shiv Kapur carded a 74 while Bangladeshs Siddikur, winner of the Brunei Open, started strongly with a 70.

The opening round is still in progress.

Chuah Choo Chiang

NEW PUTTER ROLLS CHAPCHAI TO A 66 AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:18:00 +0200

Paul Waring: Eagle hole n°18

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:53:37 +0200

Mikael Lundberg hole-in-one

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:34:00 +0200

Sweden's Mikael Lundberg holed in on at the third hole in the first round of the Omega European Masters today.

Lundberg's six iron from 179 meters has earned him a one kilo gold ingot from Crédit Suisse worth approximately CH 41'000. The prize was only available to the first hole in one of the week at the third.

The lucrative ace helped Lundberg get off to a flying start in the tournament as he birdied the first, second and fourth to stanf five under par after just four holes!

After shooting a two under par 69, Lundberg said:"It was a bit cold but with a breeze helping. My caddie said I would never get there with a 7 iron and happily it landed 2 metres short and ran straight in. We saw it all the way.

"In competition this was my third or fourth and only a bottle of champagne. Now I hear I've won a bar of gold. That's a nice feeling. I've never held a bar of gold!"

SIDDIKUR AIMS FOR NEW PEAKS AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:02:00 +0200

Crans Montana, Switzerland, September 1: From Dhaka to Crans Montana, Bangladeshs Siddikur knows he has certainly come a very long way in his golf career.

The Asian Tours newest star is part of a 35-man contingent from Asia competing in the 2 million (US$2.8 million) Omega European Masters at the stunning Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in the Swiss Alps and he is loving every minute of it.

From a little-known competitor, the 25-year-old is now a cult hero in his home nation after becoming the first Bangladeshi to win on the elite Asian Tour following his success at the Brunei Open in July.

Im very excited as its my first event in Europe and its really grand. Its my dream to play in big tournaments and great to see so many top class players here. Its a good experience to be here. Its awesome, said Siddikur today.

From playing around with a makeshift seven iron club with fellow caddies at the Kurmitola Golf Club when he was young boy, Siddikur now finds himself lining up alongside golf greats including Australian legend Greg Norman and Europes Ryder Cup stars Miguel Angel Jimenez and Edoardo Molinari of Italy.

The slightly built Siddikur does not feel overawed with the big occasion but knows that competing on a golf course 1,500 meters above sea level will pose a different kind of challenge compared to what he is used to on the Asian Tour.

I think its a bit different. Ill try my best and aim to play in all four rounds. Its not a long course. If I can do well on the greens, I can do better. My form is good. Im looking forward to the week, he said.

Siddikur was given a heros welcome when he finally returned home to Dhaka last month after his Brunei Open success. There were like 200 over media in the VIP lounge at the airport when I arrived. I had to do so many interviews but it was fun, he said.

I guess it was the first achievement for me and the country. It felt something like a heros welcome. Im very happy that the country honoured me. Its good for me and golf back home, he said.

The Omega European Masters became the first tournament in Europe to be jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour last year, won by Swedens Alexander Noren.

Top Asian Tour stars competing in Crans Montana include reigning number one Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, current Order of Merit leader Noh Seung-yul and Indian star Jeev Milkha Singh.

About the Asian Tour

As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include J.Lindeberg (Official Apparel Partner), Ricoh (Official Office Solutions Provider), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Royal Selangor (Official Trophy Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Pan Pacific (Official Hotel), BlackBerry (Official Mobile) and Srixon (Official Ball).

Chuah Choo Chiang

SINGH AIMS TO BE ON SONG AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:01:00 +0200

Crans Montana, Switzerland, September 1: A fit-again Jeev Milkha Singh is eyeing a quick return into the winners circle at the Omega European Masters starting on Thursday.

The Indian star, a two-time Asian Tour number one, has endured a frustrating 18 months with injuries but feels he is ready to challenge for top honours again at the picturesque Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

The game is pretty good. Im healthy and fit. Its taken me six months to get fit from the shoulder rotator cuff injury. Ive got my distance back as Im able to release the club much better and I can move the ball and feel the club, said Singh today.

Im feeling good and its just a question of time when I start holing putts and hopefully have a win.

Singh, an Asian Tour honorary member, has slipped out of the worlds top-100 and his immediate goal is to fight his way back into the elite top-50 bracket by the end of the season.

Ive got a lot of catching up to do. A few top-10s and a few wins will get me there. Thats my goal to get back into the top-50, said Singh, who holds six Asian Tour victories and seven other titles around the world.

It has been a frustrating year with the injuries. Its been a year and half now. Its been a tough time but I think its all part of learning. All sportsmen go through it. Im back now and Im looking to getting back into the winners circle, added the Indian, who won the Asian Tours Order of Merit in 2006 and 2008.

His return to form is evident as Singh has missed only one weekend in his last nine tournaments. He is also delighted to return to the 2 million (US$2.8 million) Omega European Masters, jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

I love this place. Its one of my favourite places on Tour. Its a beautiful spot, the atmosphere and the village and people, its a great feeling, he said of the stunning venue which is located in the Swiss Alps.

Singh will not be surprised if an Asian star lifts the Omega title this week which could lend weight to calls for more co-sanctioned events to take place in Europe. I think its fantastic that this co-sanctioned event has happened. When its cold out here, the Europeans come out to Asia. Having an event here is fantastic for the Asians as they rub shoulders with the top Europeans and they are good enough to win too, said Singh.

Countryman Gaganjeet Bhullar is hoping to build on last weeks four rounds at the Johnnie Walker Championship in Scotland and challenge for honours at Crans Montana.

I made birdie, birdie to make the cut at the number last week. Im hitting the ball well Its just a matter of finding a week where everything comes together, said Bhullar, who won the season-opening Asian Tour International in Bangkok in February.

Former Asian Tour number one Jyoti Randhawa is also in confident mood ahead of the Omega European Masters after posting his first top-10 of the season in Europe last week.

Ive been trying to find form and played decent last week. It was good. Ive changed a few things with my swing but I dont take it to the golf course. Im just trying to stick to the changes. Its all about committing to what youre trying to improve, he said.

Its the best venue we have in Europe. Its very picturesque and it doesnt get better than this. The way Im playing, I have a fair chance of a good performance here. The confidence is back, he said.

About the Asian Tour

As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include J.Lindeberg (Official Apparel Partner), Ricoh (Official Office Solutions Provider), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Royal Selangor (Official Trophy Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Pan Pacific (Official Hotel), BlackBerry (Official Mobile) and Srixon (Official Ball).

Chuah Choo Chiang

Palmarès CS Gold Pro-Am

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:17:00 +0200

2007

1. Quirós Manuel (Pro/ESP); Ploix Hélène (FRA); Faillon André (SUI); Bonvin Stéphane (SUI) 58* ( 13)

2008

1. Lara José Manuel (Pro/ESP); Champalimaud Miguel (POR); Champalimaud Frederico (POR); Hermann Philippe P. (SUI). Dyson Simon (Pro/Eng); Bütikofer Beat (SUI); Dietrich Andreas (SUI); Schüpbach Urs (SUI) 58* ( 13)

2009

1. Kang Anthony (Pro/USA); Dr. Fluri Edgar (SUI); Rieder Wolfgang (SUI), Tinner Peter (SUI) 57 ( 14)

Swiss Most Prestigious Golf Event

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:04:00 +0200

How important is the Omega European Masters in Credit Suisses sponsorship portfolio? The bank sees the event as an excellent opportunity for use an exclusive client platform. But the 50,000 fans who attend the tournament each year also include people in the target groups were trying to reach. So the tournament is an excellent way for us to present the bank to a wider audience. Spots in the Credit Suisse Gold Pro-Am are highly coveted. Which professional would you most like to play with? I have enormous respect for all of the professionals on the PGA European Tour. But, of course, Id love to have a round with Louis Oosthuizen, this years British Open winner. And what about the Swiss players? It would be a real pleasure to play with Julien Clément, because its great to see that the promotion of young talent and our commitment to golf are having a real impact. How attractive is the Omega European Masters for guests who are not invited to a Pro-Am? This is an extremely attractive tournament. We have around 1,000 guests over the course of the week and invite them to join us in the lounge or to follow the players around the course. The wonderful atmosphere and unique vistas help ensure that our guests enjoy their stay in the Valais Alps to the fullest.

NOREN soars to victory at the Omega European Masters

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:52:00 +0200

Alexander Noren soared with an eagle to secure a two-stroke victory at the Omega European Masters for his maiden title on the European Tour.

The talented Swede held off former champion Bradley Dredge of Wales with a closing five-under-par 66 and will look back at a magical bunker shot on the par five 15th hole for eagle which pulled him clear of the chasing pack.

Dredge signed off with a 65 to come up just short of another title at the stunning Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club while Englishman Ross McGowan finished a further stroke back in third place following a 65 as well.

Holding an overnight two-shot advantage, Noren, whose season has been blighted by injuries, enjoyed the best of starts with two opening birdies as he took a firm grip of the prestigious tournament in the Swiss Alps.

He turned in 34 with two more birdies against two dropped shots but Dredge was on a title charge with an outward 32, highlighted by a chip-in eagle on nine.

Dredge tied Noren briefly with birdies on 10 and 11 before the Swede regained control with a birdie on 14. Noren then produced the shot of the tournament on 15. Two in the greenside bunker, he splashed his shot which took one bounce before rolling straight into the hole for a two-shot lead which he maintained until the finish line.

It feels unbelievable to be the champion here, said the Swede after receiving the trophy from Omega Ambassador Buzz Aldrin, the first man to walk on the moon with an Omega watch.

I had doubted myself a lot over this year after the injuries and everything and I was wondering how the season was going but this is unbelievable.

I have questioned myself a few times, wondered whether I was good enough to win here or whether I needed to change anything in my game. This week I really proved to myself that I could play well and go low for four rounds.

The last time I had the lead going into the final round I played bad and finished 11th but today I probably only made a couple of mistakes by missing two short putts but I still shot five under and that proved a lot to me in terms of confidence.

Dredge said Norens eagle was the turning point. I played well on the front nine and nothing was happening and then I holed a nice third shot on nine (for eagle) and that kicked start my round. And then I birdied the next two as well.

I couldnt really afford to make bogeys and pushed a drive on 12 on the short par four and took bogey there. I knew Alex had the power to get to the two par fives and that proved to be the big difference and then he holes that bunker shot on 15.

I was relying on him to make mistakes in the last three holes but he played great and congratulations to him.

Asias top performer was Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, who took fifth place in the event which was jointly sanctioned with the Asian Tour for the first time.

Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain finished a stroke ahead of Jaidee in fourth place but the day belonged to Noren, who secured his maiden European Tour success in brilliant fashion.

The Swede is now Number One on The European Ryder Cup Points List after the first counting event in the race to make Colin Montgomeries 12-man team that will take on the USA in Wales next year.

High five for thongchai in Omega European Masters

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:13:00 +0200

Crans Montana, Switzerland, September 6: Thailands Thongchai Jaidee finished fifth at the Omega European Masters on Sunday and kept his fingers crossed it would sneak him into the International Team for the Presidents Cup.

Thongchai, the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, signed off with a four-under-par 67 at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club for a 14-under-par 270 total, six shots behind winner Alexander Noren of Sweden.

It was a good finish. I played good and started well on the front nine. I didnt make anything on the back nine and then made a good birdie on the last hole (after a bogey on 14), said the Thai, who has won twice this season.

The former paratrooper kept up his title chase with a front nine 32, which left him three behind Noren at the stage, but the back nine at the stunning par-71 course proved to be his nemesis this week as he failed to make any headway on the leaderboard.

The back nine is quite tough. I bogeyed 14 and couldnt make birdie on the par five 15 and I knew it was over. I played well. It was a good finish and Im happy with that, he said.

Thongchai finished 16th on the International Team rankings but is counting on this weeks good form to throw his name into the hat for the two wildcards which captain Greg Norman will name on Tuesday.

He finished tied 13th at the British Open where he was in contention on the final day and also played in all four rounds at the US PGA Championship last month.

I have no idea, said Thongchai when asked if he thought Norman would consider him in the side to face the United States next month.

I played well. Im okay, if I dont get in. Maybe I will try again and get into the worlds top-50 which is the main thing for me, added Thongchai, who is presently 51st in the world.

Filipino Angelo Que completed a memorable week with a tied seventh outing after a 70. Im actually happy with the way I played, four rounds under par is pretty good. Today, I didnt make many putts which I had hoped for. Everyone else played better which made me look I played bad but I didnt play bad, said Que.

The Filipino eagled the first but a bogey on the third and a double on the fourth derailed his title charge. He came back with five more birdies and three bogeys.

I didnt hole the putts which I usually make. I could have finished higher but you cant have everything, said Que.

Thailands Thaworn Wiratchant also finished strongly with a 67 for a 273 total, good for a share of 11th place which is his best outing of the season. The former Asian Tour number one carded seven birdies against three bogeys.

Im happy. I thought my way around the golf course well today and played solid. My putting was good on the back nine. I was hoping to make the cut this week, and improve my ranking on the Asian Tour. I feel like my game is coming back and Im slowing regaining my confidence again. Im looking forward to the remaining events for the year, he said.

Chapchai Nirat closed with a 72 to finish tied 49th in the US$2.8 million event co-sanctioned for the first time by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

ASIAN TOUR - CHUAH CHOO CHIANG

Singh years for captain's call after Omega European Masters campaign

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:13:00 +0200

Crans Montana, Switzerland, September 6: Indian star Jeev Milkha Singh wrapped up his campaign at the Omega European Masters with a disappointing three-over-par 74 on Sunday, leaving his Presidents Cup dream in the hands of International Team captain Greg Norman.

The reigning Asian Tour number one endured a tough back nine at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, coming home in 39 as he finished in the lower half of the leaderboard.

I was hanging in there. But it was a bad way to finish. The back nine got me again. I think the 12th hole (where he bogeyed today) is the one that has taken the toll on me. I was six over par on that hole this week. It happens but the game is good, said Singh.

I was pushing it too much. I was one under and was trying to be too aggressive on the back nine and went the other way. The course can eat you up but thats alright as I tried. My game is good and I feel comfortable with it.

Singh was hoping to put in a strong showing in the Swiss Alps to boost his chances of a call-up from Norman, who will announce his two picks on Tuesday. The Indian had finished 12th on the team rankings, two rungs outside automatic selection after missing several weeks of action through a rib injury.

Asked if he felt he had done enough to catch Normans eye this week, he said: I dont know. I played well, Im playing well. Its the captains choice, whatever he wants to do, said Singh.

Compatriot Jyoti Randhawa signed off with a 70 while Shiv Kapur carded a 73 to end their campaigns in the Omega European Masters, which was being co-sanctioned for the first time by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

ASIAN TOUR - CHUAH CHOO CHIANG

Numbers of Spectators

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:25:00 +0200

Thursday: 6'700
Friday: 9'900
Saturday: 14'800
Sunday: 13'350

THONGHAI stays in the hunt at Omega European Masters

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:01:05 +0200

CRANS MONTANA : Thongchai Jaidee reaped the rewards of a new putter in his bag when he fired a four-under-par 67 to remain in contention at the Omega European Masters yesterday.

The current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader produced five birdies against a lone bogey at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club for a share of seventh place, five shots behind third round leader Alexander Noren of Sweden.

After taking 34 putts in the second round, the former paratrooper switched his putter and it worked nicely for the Thai.

"I played really good. I putted better, no three putts this time. I changed my putter this morning and it helped," said Thongchai.

"My irons and driver are okay but I lose confidence with my putting sometimes. I putted better than before, taking 29 putts compared to 34 in the previous round."

Thongchai is not overly concerned with the five-shot deficit and reckons he is capable of pulling off a low number today to win the US$2.8 million event co-sanctioned for the first time by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Coincidently, one of Thongchai's two titles this year was over Noren at the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open.

"This course is quite easy especially the front nine. But the back nine is tougher because of the greens. I'll try and give myself a chance. You will never know. Everyone has a chance. If you shoot seven or eight under you have a chance," said Thongchai.

Alexander Noren of Sweden hits a shot during the third round.
"On this course, I think I can do it (go low). I just need to putt well. The feeling is getting better."

Compatriot Thaworn Wiratchant shot a 67 to move up to tied 15th place and he was delighted to improve his score with each passing round.

"I've gradually got better and my putting has improved every day. You have to adjust yourself on this golf course because of the altitude and the grass which is different to Asia," said the 2005 Asian number one.

"I hit my tee shots good today but didn't take advantage with some poor second shots. In my first five holes, I found five greens side bunkers but my putting saved me. I had only 10 putts on the front nine. I hope to finish strongly."

Chapchai Nirat however stumbled down the leaderboard with a 74. Suffering from a stiff neck, he turned in 39 with three bogeys before shooting one birdie and another bogey on his inward nine.

"I just didnt have it in me today. I didn't hit it good at all," said Chapchai, who started the day three off the lead but ended in joint 40th place after the third day.

Noren put himself on the brink of a maiden European Tour victory by firing a third-round eight-under 63 to take a two-shot lead.

Noren finally proved his comeback was complete after a worrying time with injuries this year as he surged to 15-under-par 198, picking up four shots in the last four holes to go clear of second-placed Charl Schwartzel of South Africa (65).

The 2006 Crans winner Bradley Dredge of Britain (68), like Noren aiming for a fast start in Europe's year-long Ryder Cup race, holds third place, three adrift of the lead.

BANGKOK POST - CHUAH CHOO CHIANG

Making A Point

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 09:05:00 +0200

Colin MONTGOMERIE was a late withdrawal from this years Omega European Masters, but he says he will be watching «avidly» as the tournament reaches its climax and not just as a golf fan any more.

MONTGOMERIE, of course, has become Europes Ryder Cup captain and this is the first leg of the points race for next years match.

Winning the title in 1996 with a 61-63 finish 13 years on it still stands as a European Tour record set the Scot up to be the leading qualifier a year later, just as he had been in 1995 and would be again in 1999.

Now he is looking for star quality in 12 others and nothing would please him more than to see a European as champion at todays prizegiving ceremony. The roll call of winners is packed with players whose careers included at least one Ryder Cup cap.

Four years ago Sergio GARCIA started the qualifying campaign with victory at Crans-Montana and 12 months before that Luke DONALD arrived by private jet to discover that Bernhard Langer had made him one of his wild card picks. Seven days later he had a five-stroke triumph to celebrate as well.

When Costantino ROCCA lifted the trophy in 1997, it was the start of a memorable month which ended with him bringing down the mighty Tiger WOODS as Europe won at Valderrama.Ian Woosnams first Tour win was the 1992 Ebel Swiss Open. A year later he made his Ryder Cup debut and the same was true of José Maria OLAZABAL in 1986.

Three-time champion Seve BALLESEROS, Nick FALDO, Ronan RAFFERTY, Barry LANE, Lee WESTWOOD and Robert KARLSSON are other stars who also know what it is like to achieve success at this very special stop on the circuit. Who will be next? We are about to find out.

MARK GARROD

QUE stays in title chase at Omega European Masters

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:33:00 +0200

Crans Montana, Switzerland, September 5: Filipino Angelo Que believes his can pull off an historic triumph at the Omega European Masters after a three-under-par 68 in the third round left him four shots behind leader Alexander Noren of Sweden on Saturday.

The 30-year-old Que, a two-time winner in Asia, produced four birdies against a bogey at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club to stay in the title chase at the US$2.8 million event co-sanctioned for the first time by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Thai star Thongchai Jaidee shot a 67 to end the day a further stroke back and the current Asian Order of Merit leader has not discounted his chances as well against the leader whom he defeated in Indonesia for one of his two titles earlier this year.

Que was rock solid with a front nine 33 but found trouble with a bogey on 16 after missing a seven foot par save. He got the shot back immediately at the next hole.

Im very pleased. I started really well but all of the sudden, I wasnt holing putts. I had a few close calls but all in all, Im still happy playing in a big event and still in contention. Four shots back, anything can happen tomorrow. If I play like I did yesterday, maybe I can win, said Que.

He insists that the stunning par-71 course, which offers stunning views of the Alps, will offer low rounds which Noren took advantage of with a spectacular 63 to lead by two shots from Charl Schwartzel of South Africa.

Its not a big lead. A lot of the par threes are tough here. If you make a mistake, you can drop shots. I was feeling calm. The first few holes, I was a bit nervous but after I made my two birdies, I sort of calmed down. If you stay patient, the birdies will just come.

Im carrying the Asian Tour flag and Ill try to make them more proud, said Que.

Thongchai, Asias number one in 2001 and 2004, reaped the rewards of a new putter in his bag when he fired a 67 to remain five off the lead in tied seventh place, thanks to five birdies against a lone bogey.

After taking 34 putts in the second round, the former paratrooper switched his putter and it worked nicely. I putted better, no three putts today. I changed my putter this morning and it helped, said Thongchai.

I certainly putted better than yesterday, taking 29 putts compared to 34 yesterday.

Thongchai is not overly concerned with the five-shot deficit and reckons he is capable of producing a low number on Sunday to win the prestigious event, the first European event to be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

This course is quite easy especially the front nine. But the back nine is tougher because of the greens. Ill try and give myself a chance. If you shoot seven or eight under you will have a chance, said Thongchai.

On this course, I think I can do it (go low). I just need to putt well. The feeling is getting better.

Ends

Noren takes control of Omega European Masters

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:46:00 +0200

Alexander Noren leads with a round to play at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland after a brilliant putting display.

The 27 year old Swede, seeking his first European Tour title, produced a sparkling 63 to move two ahead of South African Charl Schwartzel on 15 under par.

Noren could hardly miss over the closing stretch. He was three behind Schwartzel on the 15th tee, but sank a seven foot eagle putt there and then holed from 15 feet at the short 16th and ten feet on the final green.

"I played pretty much the same as yesterday, but was seven shots different and that was pretty much seven putts different," he said. The greens are good, but as soon as you start missing you start forcing them. Today I was calmer and 'letting it happen' as the mental coaches would say.

All I have thought about lately is playing a bit better. I started the year well and had a few chances and then I got injured for three months due to two injuries and then after that I have been struggling to come back. I have played better lately but it feels great to have the chance to win again. I have led once going into the final round and didn't do it but you have to do it eventually - tomorrow feels like it will be a good day.

The former Oklahoma State student is 88th on The Race to Dubai, but that is partly explained by two injury lay-offs - first his wrist and then his knee while out running.

Schwartzel shot 65, but was heading for something even better before he went from a greenside bunker into the trees on the 516 yard 15th and took six.

I felt like I played really well, said the former Madrid Masters winner. I am swinging the club well and if you can get your ball on the greens around this golf course then you are going to make a good score. There are a lot of birdies out there if you are playing well. I have managed to put myself in position for the last round and if I can play like I did today then I can win tomorrow.

Welshman Bradley Dredge, winner in 2006 and desperate to play against the Americans on home soil at The Celtic Manor Resort next October, is three behind in third place following a 68.

The biggest move through the field came from England's Chris Wood, the Bristol 21 year old who was fifth in The Open Championship last year as an amateur and then joint third with Westwood at Turnberry in July.

Wood began the day joint 30th with Westwood and McIlroy, but ended it joint sixth on ten under thanks to a 65.

It was not a day to remember for overnight leader Thomas Aiken. Resuming one ahead of Dredge and Miguel Angel Jiménez, the South African had two double-bogey sevens and needed a long birdie putt on the last just for a 75.

Jiménez, keen to make a fourth Ryder Cup appearance at the age of 46 next year, had a double bogey of his own on the 235 yard 16th and slipped to joint fourth with England's Ross McGowan and Filipino Angelo Que - part of the Asian Tour contingent taking part in the first co-sanctioned tournament in Europe.

The Unkindest Cut

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:30:00 +0200

Newspapers this week forecast that in years to come British homes can expect to suffer regular power cuts, something to do with the national grid unable to cope. In Switzerland this scenario began on Wednesday night. My hotel was unable to cope. With me.

Before reading further, I must warn you I have previous over fused lights. Some years ago I blew everything in my hotel when a badly aimed shot at a mosquito resulted in me shattering my ceiling light. On this latest occasion, though, I was much less culpable, far more innocent.

Suffering a heavy cold I retired to bed early. Sleep wouldnt come so I decided to do a crossword. I was warming to my task when off went my bedside lamp. From the reaction of the guests next door, one of whom had been trapped in his shower, it was obvious wed had a power cut.

With no immediate return of light, I gave in and dropped off. The return to their room of my neighbours a few hours later, though, awoke me. I tried my lamp, it came on. So back to the crossword. Within seconds off went the lamp with that thud that spells power-cut. Was I just unlucky or was there some connection between my lamp and the power cuts?

No matter. After stumbling around for the bathroom, I dozed off again. In the early hours I needed a drink of water. Forgetting that I might be the power cut perpetrator, I turned on the lamp. That thud, darkness. Finally the chilling truth dawned.

In the morning after sheepish looks at my fellow guest, I reported the sequence of events to the hotel owner. An electrician would be sent to my room. Good. That was all right then. I arrived at the media centre, switched on my laptop. Immediately we all lost power.

Norman Dabell

CS Trophy: A Round with PGA Stars

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:33:00 +0200

Sponsors do not only spend money. They also commit themselves to the cause to provide special guests memorable days. 22nd consecutive year mainsponsor of the Masters, Credit Suisse offers several invitations. After the traditional CS Gold Pro-Am and yesterdays media breakfast when Head of Région Suisse romande Jean-Luc Rochat (2nd from left) welcomed for the first time Asian Tour Media Director Chuan Choo Chiang, David Probyn (Tournament Director of the PGA European Tour) and PGA Press Officer Michael Gibbons (from left to right), todays focus lies on the CS Trophy. Guests of the world known Swiss bank play a round of golf on the Jack Nicklaus Course with ten of the most popular pros missing the cut.

Historic Week

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:20:00 +0200

The Asian Tour is honoured and privileged to be a part of the 2009 Omega European Masters this week. The prestigious tournament is the first on European soil to be jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the European Tour, and this is a historic milestone for the growth and development of Asian golf. A total of 35 Asian Tour members are competing against Europes finest players at the spectacular Crans-sur- Sierre Golf Club and we hope to put on a strong showing for golf fans in Switzerland. All our top stars, led by Indias Jeev Milkha Singh and Thailands Thongchai Jaidee, have made the trip to the Omega European Masters and they are committed to show the strength of the game in Asia. Sponsors are the lifeblood of professional sports and, on behalf of our talented players, I would like to express our fullest appreciation to the title sponsor, Omega and the European Tour for the invitation to be involved with this wonderful tournament.

Omega has been a huge supporter of golf globally, including in Asia where it was the Tours title sponsor during the 1990s and also title sponsor of the season-ending Championship and Hong Kong Open. The setting at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club this week is simply breathtaking. The views from around the golf course, the ambience within the resort town and the friendly faces who greet us make the Omega European Masters a truly special tournament. Ultimately, we believe this years Omega European Masters will be the first step towards a stronger and closer collaboration between the Asian Tour, the European Tour and Omega. Enjoy a great week!

Kyi Hla Han,(Executive Chairman, Asian Tour)

Historic Week

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:30:17 +0200

Asian Tours Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han speaks about the importance of the Omega European Masters.

The Asian Tour is honoured and privileged to be a part of the 2009 Omega European Masters this week.

The prestigious tournament is the first on European soil to be jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the European Tour and this is an historic milestone for the growth and development of Asian golf.

A total of 35 Asian Tour members are competing against Europes finest players at the spectacular Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club and we hope to put on a strong showing for golf fans in Switzerland.

All our top stars, led by Indias Jeev Milkha Singh and Thailands Thongchai Jaidee, have made the trip to the Omega European Masters and they are committed to show the strength of the game in Asia.

Sponsors are the lifeblood of professional sports and on behalf of our talented players, I would like to express our fullest appreciation to the title sponsor, Omega and the European Tour for the invitation to be involved with this wonderful tournament.

Omega has been a huge supporter of golf globally, including in Asia where it was the Tours title sponsors during the 1990s and also title sponsor of the season-ending Championship and Hong Kong Open.

The setting at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club this week is simply breathtaking. The views from around the golf course, the ambience within the resort town and the friendly faces who greet us make the Omega European Masters a truly special tournament.

Ultimately, we believe this years Omega European Masters will be the first step towards a stronger and closer collaboration between the Asian Tour, the European Tour and Omega.

Enjoy a great week.

Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman, Asian Tour.

RANDHAWA with 70 at Omega European Masters

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:49:00 +0200

Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland, September 3: Indias Jyoti Randhawa showed a welcome return to form with a one-under-par 70 in the opening round of the Omega European Masters on Thursday.
The former Asian Tour number one mixed five birdies against four bogeys at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in the Swiss Alps to give himself his best start since May. However, Indian youngster Gaganjeet Bhullar, who broke through on the Asian Tour with a win in Indonesia in July, struggled home to a 73.
It was exciting. I made some bogeys but made a lot of birdies but this being the first round, Ill take it, said Randhawa, who has missed five cuts in his last six tournaments.
I putted decent which is something I havent been doing too well of late. If the shot-making comes around, hopefully I can do better.
He is fighting to keep his European card as he currently lies in 109th place on the rankings but the reigning Singha Thailand Open champion reckons he has found the flaw to his recent woes.
There has been a lack of concentration in the past few months on my part and today I concentrated a lot better. That was lacking previously and I committed to my shots and executed them well today. All in all, it was a good focussed round, said Randhawa.
The talented Bhullar reckoned his effort today was the first time in six years that he has not shot a single birdie during a round.
I hit it well but didnt putt well. I made two bogeys and no birdies. I think this round is the first time in six or seven years where Ive not made a single birdie. The greens are a bit tricky and I had a tough time reading the greens and the pace, said Bhullar.
I hit some shots to within four or five feet but I just couldnt read the greens. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better. I am disappointed with this round but Im going to try and pull it back tomorrow, he added.
Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain, Argentinean Andres Romero and Swedens Christian Nilsson hold the early clubhouse lead with 65

Chuah Choo Chiang / Media Director

Lam enjoys strong start at Omega European Masters

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:46:00 +0200

Crans Montana, Switzerland, September 3: Singapores Lam Chih Bing flew Asias flag at the Omega European Masters on Thursday, shooting an impressive three under-par 68 to lurk behind the early leaders.
Lam, a one-time winner on the Asian Tour, rolled in six birdies against three bogeys at the spectacular Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in the Swiss Alps and then credited his English caddie John Roberts for his strong start.

My caddie is a big help this week with the altitude. Ive got no idea how far the ball is going and hes doing all the calculations for me. He translates everything back to sea level and I just hit the shots, said Lam.
I cant complaint with this start. I made six birdies and I played quite nicely except for a couple of bad shots. Other than that I felt pretty good out there.

Lams form is an extension of last weeks successful Omega Mission Hills World Cup Asian Qualifying campaign where he partnered Mardan Mamat to qualify for their fourth appearance together.
Mardan battled to a 72 after trading four birdies, three bogeys and one double bogey in the 2 million (US$2.8 million) event co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour. It is the first co-sanctioned event held on European soil.

Big-hitting Lam took advantage of the par-fives, missing eagle chances on all three holes. I missed a couple of putts out there but made a few good ones as well. It kind of evened out, he said.
They key is to try to score on the par fives which I did today and then try to play the par three holes well as they are quite tough.
Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain and Argentinean Andres Romero hold the early clubhouse lead with 65s.

Chuah Choo Chiang / Media Director

ZHANG STRUGGLES to opening 74 at Omega European Masters

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:32:00 +0200

ZHANG STRUGGLES TO OPENING 74 AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS Crans Montana, Switzerland, September 3: Chinas Zhang Lian-wei lamented an error-prone day en route to an opening three-over-par 74 in the Omega European Masters on Thursday.

Given the honour of striking the opening tee shot in event, which marked the Asian Tours first co-sanctioned tournament with the European Tour on European soil, the five-time winner mixed two birdies against five bogeys a the spectacular Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

I didnt have a good start and was two over after three holes. I tried to come back and got it to even par but then made mistakes again on the 15th and 16th holes for two more bogeys, said the 44-year-old Zhang.

A new putter in the bag failed to give him the birdies that he was looking for. He three putted for bogeys twice at the third and eight holes and struggled to get up-and-down for pars.

The greens were very soft and I was spinning my chips away from the flags. I made some mistakes out there and I need to play better tomorrow if I want to make it into the weekend rounds.

The cut here is normally one under or lower, so that means Ill need a good day on Friday. I put in a new putter in the bag this week and I felt pretty comfortable with it during the practice rounds.

Although I three putted on two occasions, Im going to stick with it tomorrow and hope to turn it around, said Zhang.

Zhangs caddie Stephane Barras, who is the clubs teaching professional, said the early mistakes rattled Zhang. It wasnt the best of starts for him but he got it to even par midway through the day. He needed some breaks out there which he didnt get.

Chuah Choo Chiang / Media Director

Thongchai targets treble at Omega European Masters

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:28:00 +0200

Crans Montana, Switzerland, September 2: Thai star Thongchai Jaidee will be targeting an unprecedented third victory of the season when he competes in the Omega European Masters starting on Thursday.
Thongchai, the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, said today his confidence has skyrocketed over the past few months that he feels capable of winning on any given week.
I feel comfortable and confident every time I get to a tournament now. I have never felt like this before. After I got my body stronger this year (following illness and injuries in 2008), I have felt more comfortable with my game.
Ive not won three tournaments in a year in my career but this year I feel I have a very good chance, said Thongchai, who holds a record 12 titles in Asia.

The former Thai paratrooper claimed victories in Indonesia and Korea earlier this season to shoot to the top of the Asian Tours Order of Merit, which he also won in 2001 and 2004.
No player has won three merit titles in Asian golf history and with the Asian Tour making a small slice of history this week as the Omega European Masters is the first co-sanctioned event with the European Tour on European soil, the 39-year-old is feeling upbeat at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.
Its the first time we are playing outside of Asia and its exciting and very good for the Asian Tour. We are all looking forward to it, said Thongchai.
He is also yearning for a taste of victory in Europe and a tied 13th finish at the British Open has only fuelled his ambition even further. I had a chance at the Open. But my putting was not very good (on the last day), he recalled.

You have to play the courses many times to know it well. When I came over to Switzerland for the first time, I didnt play well, the second year, it got better and then last year I was in the top-20, said Thongchai.
After some initial difficulties when he arrived at the resort town on the Swiss Alps where his flight was delayed and his baggage went missing, Thongchai has since eased his way into the prestigious 2 million (US$2.8 million) event.
I had some trouble at the start but after my practice round on Tuesday, I started to play better. And in the pro-am today, I hit six birdies on the front nine, said Thongchai.
He was also delighted to see Koreas Yang Yong-eun make history by becoming the first Asian male player to lift a Major title at the US PGA Championship last month. I always dream that an Asian will win a Major. We have always talked about it and we always knew it would be soon. We are very proud of Yang. I think there will be more Major winners as the Asians are getting better on the Asian Tour.

Chuah Choo Chiang /

Media Director

Tournament Atmosphere in the Air

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:29:00 +0200

This is your first visit to Crans- Montana as the host representing Credit Suisse. What has impressed you the most so far?

The fantastic alpine scenery, of course, but also the special atmosphere on the course. There is a certain excitement in the air, hinting that a tournament of the highest caliber is about to take place here.

How is the Omega European Masters benefiting from the activities of Credit Suisse?

Our bank is a reliable partner which has contributed to the development of the tournament for more than twenty years now. As with all other sponsorship commitments, we are always considering ways of improving what we do in Crans-Montana and looking at what is needed to make our guests feel even more at home.

The Omega European Masters is also always a platform for Swiss players. Does your commitment
as the main sponsor bear any influence?

We have been deeply involved in promoting Swiss golf for a number of years now and are delighted when players such as Clément last year or Bovet a few years ago are competing right at the top. However, more important than a good result is that Swiss players are given an opportunity to obtain starting places at international tournaments so that they can build up their experience.

Molinari amongst early movers

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:45:00 +0200

Francesco Molinari shot a final round 66 to move through the field at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland and set a clubhouse target of ten under par.

The Italian carded six birdies and a bogey in his five under par round at Crans-sur-Sierre.

Starting with six pars, he then birdied both the par four seventh and par three eighth.

Three birdies in four holes at 12, 13 and 15 saw Molinari cut through the field although he then dropped a shot at the 16th.

But a birdie at the par four 18th was enough to give him a one shot clubhouse lead over France’s Michael Lorenzo-Vera, who hit a superb final round 65.

Out on the course, Northern Ireland’s 19 year old Rory McIlroy, four clear after three rounds, had slipped from the top of the leaderboard as Juan Abbate and Jean-François Lucquin advanced to 13 under par.

Both leaders were four under for their round, with Argentina’s Abbate through 13 and his French counterpart approaching the 13th tee.

Spain’s Alejandro Cañizares was a shot further back, along with McIlroy - who was bidding to become the third youngest winner in European Tour history.

McIlroy bogeyed the second and was overtaken by three birdies in the first five from Abbate.

The teenager came back with a matching three on the 341 yard fifth, however, and began the back nine 12 under par with Abbate and also Canizares, son of former Ryder Cup player Jose Maria.

PGA

A PRANCING HORSE AND A GREAT WHITE SHARK

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:50:58 +0200

Seeing a gleaming red Ferrari parked in front of the Omega reception on Friday night reminded me of story involving Australian great Greg Norman. Norman made his only visit to the tournament in 1995 and I walked with him for a few holes in the Pro-Am.

At one stage in the round he turned to his caddy and myself declaring: «I was in Crans last night and this fellow walked up to me and gave me this brand new Ferrari». Tony Navarro and I couldnt believe Normans good fortune. I said: «Youre kidding! A fellow just walked up and gave you a Ferrari?» Norman responded: «Yes, a brand new Ferrari.» With Navarro and I still shaking our heads in disbelief Norman then said: «Do you want to see it?» The long-time former World Number One then began digging inside his golf bag before pulling out a small replica of one of the worlds most sought after motor vehicles.

I walked the weekend rounds of this years Open Championship at Royal Birkdale with Norman where the newly wed 53-year old produced a Ferrari-like performance in all but capturing a third Claret Jug. It was the Great White Sharks rampage around the globe that fuelled the interest of then youngsters like Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Robert Allenby, Rod Pampling, Richard Green, Nick OHern and defending Omega European Masters champion Brett Rumford. «There is just so many Australians competing in the States nowadays and you can really trace that back to the efforts of Greg,» said Rumford.

«The success he enjoyed in the 70s, 80s and early 90s just help open so many doors for the current crop of Australian players. «Golf Australia now has a structure in place where more and more young Australian amateurs can attend U.S. colleges and then when those golfers turn pro they will have played so much golf in the U.S. «So as far as my career is concerned, and that of the majority of Australians competing overseas, its been Greg who has been one of the biggest influences.»

Bernie McGuire

McIlroy and Rumford neck-and-neck in Switzerland

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:51:14 +0200

Rory McIlroys astonishing young talent may be drawing a lot of the plaudits at the Omega European Masters, but defending champion Brett Rumford has shown he will not give up his title without a fight.

The Australian carded a second successive round of 67 to reach eight under par, while McIlroy, who led by three overnight in his bid to become the third youngest winner of an event on The European Tour, only managed a level par 71.

It leaves both players with a share of the early second round clubhouse lead, but Alejandro Cañizares, Jean-François Lucquin and Juan Abbate are just a shot back at seven under.

The 19-year-old Northern Irishman stretched his lead to four with an opening birdie, but although he chipped in on the eighth and added a further birdie at the long 14th there were also three bogeys on his card.

Rumford birdied three of his first five holes, grabbed two more early on the front nine, but bogeyed the 506 yard par four fourth like McIlroy and parred his way in from there.

Only South African Dale Hayes and Spanish star Seve Ballesteros have tasted success on the circuit at a younger age than McIlroy.

Should he do it on Sunday, last year's top amateur at The Open Championship would be only five days older than Ballesteros was when he captured the 1976 Dutch Open.

McIlroy's opening 63 had been the lowest score of his professional career by three, but two more than the lowest round of his life, an almost unbelievable 61 at Royal Portrush.

McIlroy said: It's always difficult to follow up a really low round. I've learnt that before.

You rarely see a player go 63-64. A 71 was a pretty good effort. It was quite tricky out there and some of the pin positions are quite extreme.

He described the 236 yard 16th, for example, as a dogleg par three because of a tree in the way. I've never played one of them before, he added.

Rumford is braced for a different challenge at the weekend. He said: Conditions are getting tough. This is how it played at the Pro-Am and the greens dried out and the course changed completely from Wednesday to Thursday with all the rain.

As we all know it only takes on day of good weather to get these greens reacting so differently. I guess this will be the day. The weekend will be a completely different. After the rain yesterday afternoon without the wind we got the better half of the draw and the scoring will be evident of that after today's play.

Miguel Angel Jiménez shot a two under par round of 69 to improve to five under par.

Omega European Masters to be co-sanctioned

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:46:00 +0200

The Omega European Masters will be co-sanctioned for the first time in 2009 following an historic agreement between The European Tour and the Asian Tour.

The prestigious event, hosted by the spectacular Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Switzerland since 1939, will be the first tournament on European soil to be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour.

Omega, a global supporter of sports where it was the Official Timekeeper at the Beijing Olympics, has title sponsored the tournament since 2001 and is also the title sponsor of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China.

Stephen Urquhart, president of OMEGA, is particularly looking forward to next years tournament, saying: At OMEGA, we are excited about the emergence of golf as a truly global sport. We commend both the Asian and European Tours for following up on our initiative and implementing our proposal that the two tours join forces.

OMEGA, as title sponsor of the China Tour and the Mission Hills World Cup of Golf, has long been a major presence in Asian golf . Urquhart knows that the participation by some of Asias leading players in the European Masters will add a special element to the competition.

While this co-sanctioned tournament is important to OMEGA, he added, it has even greater significance for the world of golf. As the sport becomes increasingly popular in Asia, its the perfect time to be introducing the golfers playing there to the international stage.

Among the field of 156 players will be 30 players from the Asian Tour. A further ten places in the field will be through Sponsor / Promoter invites with the balance of the field completed in accordance with The 2009 European Tour Exemption Category List.

Keith Waters, The European Tours Director of International Policy, said: The Asian Tour and its Members have made a significant contribution to the development of the European Tour International Schedule over the last decade. The leading Asian Tour players have added to the quality, style and diversity of The European Tour.

It is timely and appropriate for The European Tour to support Omegas request to co-sanction this historic event. This arrangement extends Omegas support of golf and The European Tour both in Europe and Asia. This event will create more opportunity for Asian Tour Members to develop their careers on the international stage and play the picturesque venue of Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han hailed the groundbreaking announcement, saying it was a wonderful reflection of the growth of the Asian Tour which will stage a record 30 tournaments with nearly US$39 million in prize money this season.

Han expressed his appreciation to Omega and The European Tour for extending the invitation to the Asian Tour to be a part of the event.

It is a terrific milestone for the Asian Tour, said Han, who is attending this weeks Omega European Masters, which started on Thursday.

Since 1999, the Asian Tour has worked closely with The European Tour through a successful co-sanction programme in Asia and our talented players have taken the opportunity to broaden their playing careers.

With the Asian Tour scheduled to visit Europe for the first time in 2009, I believe it will pave the way for our Tour and playing members to enjoy greater achievements.

Omega helped shape the growth of professional golf in Asia during the 1990s when it title sponsored the Asian Tour and is currently involved with great events including the Omega Mission Hills World Cup. We truly value Omegas support.

As a prelude to next years event, Omega invited several Asian Tour Members to compete in this weeks Omega European Masters, which is offering a 2 million prize fund.

Indias Gaurav Ghei and Digvijay Singh, Chinese duo Zhang Lian-wei and Li Chao, Englands Simon Griffiths and Australian Kane Webber have joined the likes of Singaporean Mardan Mamat and Thailands Chapchai Nirat and Thongchai Jaidee, who are in this weeks field through their playing rights in Europe.

Tournament Field

The field for the tournament will be 156 players.

Eligibility Criteria

a) The leading 30 players from the Asian Tour will be taken as follows:-

Asian Tour Order of Merit winners in the past five years

Multiple tournament winners of official Asian Tour events in the past three years

The most recent 20 winners available of official Asian Tour events preceding the tournament to be played

Players finishing within the Top 65 of the previous year's official Asian Tour Order Of Merit

b) 10 Sponsor/Promoter invites

c) The balance of the field will be completed in accordance with The 2009 European Tour Exemption Category List (excluding Category 5)

Not quite common ground!

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:00:00 +0200

As a golf writer its not very often you can say that you have something greatly in common with one of the European Tours top professionals you watch week in week out. But I can proudly boast one with Miguel Angel Jiménez, the man who will surely be one of Europes pivotal players at Valhalla in a fortnights time.

No, its not because he drinks vast quantities of Rioja, although you could tick that box alongside both our names. And no, its not our shared love of sports cars, although my pocket has only run to a TVR and five MGB GTs in the past, compared to his taste in Ferraris. And certainly I never did tie my hair in a ponytail even when it used to flow across my shoulders in my 30s.

Its our enduring love of the European Masters (and Swiss Opens, of course). Weve both served 20 consecutive years. Miguel Angel the Mechanic as he is endearingly known and I began our run at Crans- Montana similarly, lugging our luggage up the hill to the hotel and dining out as cheaply as we could as money was as tight for a relatively new golf professional as for a relatively new golf journalist.

However, there is one occurrence during our two decades coming here, WE DO NOT share. Miguel Angel divulged to us this week that My oldest son - we made him here!

Norman Dabell, Reuters

Rumford and McIlroy chase clubhouse lead in Switzerland

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:35:00 +0200

There is a distinctly Welsh feel to the first round leaderboard at the Omega European Masters, but an Australian and a Northern Irishman are trying hard to crash the party.

Brett Rumford, last years winner in a sudden death play-off, has stormed to four under par through just nine holes to sit one shot off the clubhouse lead set by Wales Garry Houston and Kyron Sullivan.

The 31 year olds title defence could not have gotten off to a better start as he collected birdies at each of the first three holes. A run of two pars then followed, but a birdie at the par four sixth and three further pars has taken him to the turn in 32.

Playing on the back nine, Rory McIlroy has made equally light work of the stunning setting. He bogeyed the 12th, but birdies at the tenth, 14th, 15th, 17th and 18th have put him in the frame.

Earlier, Houston boosted his hopes of keeping his European Tour card with a superb 66.

The 37 year old is 132nd on the European Order of Merit, with only the top 115 keeping their cards at the end of the season. It has left him hoping for a repeat of his showing here three years ago.

Back in 2005 he came to the same course lying 126th on the money list, but began with a 65 and ended the week joint fourth.

The early signs of a repeat are good. Two opening birdies were followed by a bogey on the 506 yard par four fourth, but he then then birdied two of the next three and after dropping another shot at the tenth came straight back with yet another birdie.

Birdies followed at the 15th and 18th to leave him level with Sullivan. It could have been better for Houston, but he narrowly missed a hole-in-one at the third. He said: It landed an inch short of the hole and almost bullied its way in underground, but then came out of its pitch mark and went to the back of the green."

He added: It was a good start. I like it up here and have a history up here. It was important to get off to a good start which I did. Few bits of rain were a bit uncomfortable. I have been playing okay lately and just needed a couple of putts to go in and they did.

Sullivan, meanwhile, had a more straightforward day in his flawless 66. He collected a stroke at the third and another at the seventh to reach the turn in 34, before shooting further birdies at the tenth, 12th and 15th holes.

He said: It's nice to see Garry up there although I would like to be a shot ahead of him. Sure he would say the same.

I played lovely today and hit a couple of good wedges around the turn, stiffed it on the tenth and close again on the 12th and just didn't make any mistakes which is what has been costing me. I have been making a few mistakes and getting down on myself but it was a good round today and hopefully I can continue to the weekend.

Tied for third in the clubhouse on four under are Emanuele Canonica, Ross McGowan, François Delamontagne, Mikko Ilonen and Raphael Eyraud.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, returning from a three-week break, is three under par after nine holes.

Magical McIlroy is king of the mountains in Switzerland

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:28:00 +0200

Teenager Rory McIlroy shot the lowest round of his professional career to lead the Omega European Masters on eight under par in Switzerland.

"About time," said the Northern Ireland youngster, who goes into the second round three ahead of Argentina's Julio Zapata and the Welsh pair of Garry Houston and Kyron Sullivan.

"Golf's such a fickle game. I could go and play better than that and shoot level par."

The brilliant round of 63 beat by three the 19 year old's previous best on The European Tour - he switched to the paid ranks almost a year ago - but for him to take it in his stride was not entirely surprising.

In his amateur days McIlroy shot an incredible 61 at Royal Portrush.

It was also three outside the lowest ever seen at Crans-sur-Sierre, perched 4,500 feet up in the Alps.

Back in 1971 Italian Baldovino Dassu became the first Tour player to return a 60 and in 1992 Jamie Spence equalled that to win the title from a record ten behind on the last day.

After that, however, Seve Ballesteros changed the greens and made the course tougher. The official record for the new lay-out is the 62 of Eduardo Romero eight years ago.

McIlroy burst onto the circuit in sensational style last year. After being leading amateur at The Open Championship and then earning a Walker Cup cap he finished third in his second pro event and then fourth just a week later.

That had many people wondering if he could become the youngest player in Ryder Cup history, but he has not made a cut since failing to qualify for The Open.

"I've done a lot of work in the last few weeks - I've had a lot of time on my hands at weekends!" he added.

"I feel like I've been hitting it really well, but the results have not shown it.

"The pro-am was my first ever round here and I just love how far the ball goes. It's a fun course."

In the thin air he reduced the 598 yard 14th to a drive and eight iron, while at the 506 yard fourth today his eight iron flew 195 yards into the bunker over the green.

"As a kid I always played by feel - there were no yardage books at Holywood - and here whatever it looks like you just go for it.

"There are a lot of elevation changes as well and it's whatever fits your eye."

Four birdies in the last five holes of the back nine enabled McIlroy to turn in 31, he started the outward half with another and then had three more in a row from the fifth.

The trio in second place all have a chance now to secure their cards for next season.

Houston, who saved his card when he was fourth in the event three years ago, lies 132nd, Sullivan 159th and Zapata 180th. Only the leading 115 are exempt for 2009.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, the only member of Faldo's side taking part, reached six under with three to play, but bogeyed them all and had to sign for a three under 68.

Houston almost pulled off an amazing "underground" hole-in-one.

After grabbing birdies at the first two holes his tee shot to the 192 yard third landed just short of the cup and the ground was so soft it almost went through the turf and in.

Instead it came out of the pitch mark and he only parred.

"Back in 2005 I was a rookie, so people didn't expect me to hang onto the position," he said. "Now there is my expectation."

Compatriot Bradley Dredge has finished first and third the last two years and Sullivan said: "It must be the mountain air."

Zapata said: I love to play on Tour but have not had much fun. I have not played well up to now. I need to be patient and today I am very happy.

Elsewhere, Brett Rumford, last years winner in a sudden death play-off, is four under par alongside Peter Lawrie, Emanuele Canonica, Ross McGowan, Gary Orr, François Delamontagne, Alejandro Cañizares and Mikko Ilonen.

Houston flying high in Swiss mountains

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:27:00 +0200

Three years after saving his European Tour career high up in the Swiss Alps Welshman Garry Houston has made a great start in his bid to do exactly the same.

Houston played the first 13 holes of the Omega European Masters at rain-soaked Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in three under par to share the lead in the race for the €333,330 first prize.

The 37 year old is 132nd on the European Order of Merit, with only the top 115 keeping their cards at the end of the season.

Back in 2005 he came to the same course lying 126th on the money list, but began with a 65 and ended the week joint fourth.

The early signs of a repeat are good. Two opening birdies were followed by a bogey on the 506 yard par four fourth, but he then then birdied two of the next three and after dropping another shot at the tenth came straight back with yet another birdie.

Two pars followed to leave him level with France’s François Delamontagne, who shot a double bogey at the fourth and dropped a shot at the eighth but collected birdies at the first, fifth, sixth, seventh, ninth and tenth. He took a par at the 11th and has seven to play.

Big-hitting Italian Emanuele Canonica kicked off with an eagle three and birdied the fifth, but slipped down with a bogey on the next. He reached the turn in 34, two under.

Alongside him was New Zealand’s Michael Campbell, who started on the tenth and reached three under with a two on the 13th and eagle at the next. However, he bogeyed the 15th and double-bogeyed the short 16th. He regained strokes at the 18th and third and is joined on two under by Shiv Kapur, Michael Lorenzo-Vera, Mattias Eliasson, Fredrik Andersson Hed, Gary Orr, Martin Erlandsson, Christian Cévaër and Kyron Sullivan.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, returning from a three-week break, was among the afternoon starters.

Swiss test for Ryder Cup star Jiménez

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:54:00 +0200

Currently lying third behind Padraig Harrington in The European Tour Order of Merit, the Spaniard will be keen to be on top form in Switzerland ahead of taking on the United States in Valhalla.

Jiménez will be hoping to reproduce the game that saw him win the BMW PGA Championship earlier in the season and will look to join the illustrious group of recent players who have won the Omega European Masters, which includes Ryder Cup teammates Robert Karlsson (2002) and Sergio Garcia (2005), as well as Ernie Els (2003) since the turn of the millennium.

Defending champion Brett Rumford of Australia is also back in the picturesque Swiss village to defend his title this week. Rumford chipped in at the first extra-hole of a sudden-death play-off 12 months ago to beat Englands Phillip Archer and claim his third European Tour title.

Welshman Bradley Dredge, who lifted the trophy in 2006 with a staggering eight stroke margin, and then missed out on the play-off by a stroke in finishing third last year, is also returning to form following his tied seventh finish at Gleneagles.

Similarly Grégory Havret will also have been buoyed by his victory in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and will look to become the first Frenchman to win one of Europes oldest and most prestigious tournaments.

Another former Omega European Masters champion in the field is Argentine Eduardo Romero, who is currently excelling as a senior golfer.

Romero, who won the title in both 1994 and 2000, is enjoying a fine 2008 having won the US Senior Open and finished third at The Senior Open Championship presented by MasterCard. He will look to repeat his top ten finish of last year when he tied for eighth.

©2008 europeantour

Cléments Aufholjagd nach Eagle gestoppt

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:12:00 +0200

Der Auftakt war verheissungsvoll, trotz früher Morgenstunde und Nebelschwaden über dem Hochplateau: Julien Clément lochte auf dem ersten Loch den Putt aus rund zwei Metern zum Eagle ein. Die Hoffnungen waren geweckt. Doch während die Sonne sich langsam aber sicher durchsetzte, verlor Cléments Spiel an Zug und Überzeugung. Abschläge landeten in Bunkern, Annäherungen blieben zu kurz und Dreiputts schlichen sich ein. Der 26-jährige Genfer kämpfte und beendete seine Runde mit 72 Schlägen (+1). «Es bleibt mir ein Tag und damit die Möglichkeit, noch die Top 50 zu knacken. Wenn ich mich im kurzen Spiel verbessern kann, ist ein tolles Resultat möglich. Ich fühle mich gut und bin motiviert.»

Ils sont cinq dans un mouchoir

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:12:00 +0200

Le 3e tour na pas manqué dentrain. Enfin plus tendre après son accueil glacial des premiers tours, le parcours a mis en lumière les 72 joueurs en lice après un cut auquel il ne manquait pas grandchose pour passer à +3 et nous garder Clarke ou Luna. Cétait donc jour de fête pour certains démarrant sur un eagle au No 1. Dix dentre eux dont «notre» Clément plutôt bon malgré un putting indélicat qui aurait pu aussi bien déjà léliminer au 36e trou. Le voilà au dernier tour dun tournoi de lEuropean Tour. Chouette, non? Libéré de tout le poids que le spectateur amical lui fait porter, le Genevois va nous pondre, cest sûr, une belle carte. Avec Fernandez-Castaño et Beeb à deux coups, Wilson à une longueur, Westwood qui saccroche, les leaders Rumford et Dredge à 13, le Gallois étant en quête dun rare doublé comme Ballesteros (1977, 1978), la prise de bec dominicale promet, ces messieurs nayant pas lhabitude de jouer à la poussette. Naturellement, David Probyn, le directeur du tournoi, aura épicé le parcours de quelques drapeaux dans les coins. Et la pression de monter avec la bataille des premiers points distribués pour la qualification en Ryder Cup 2008 (Valhalla, Kentucky) et ceux de lOrdre du Mérite européen dont seuls les 60 premiers seront convoqués à Valderrama pour la grosse planche de prix du dernier tournoi de la saison en novembre. Aussi, ne pariez pas trop vite sur le champion que Stephen Urquhart vêtira de rouge Omega ce soir, au risque dy perdre vos sous. Cinq noms en deux coups Sûr quon va se marquer à la culotte sur un parcours illuminé au 3e tour par le 63 de Sion Beeb. Le rejouer aujourdhui tiendrait du miracle. Mais le golf étant une fumeuse science exacte, nous serions ravis de nous tromper.

Choc de générations

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:12:00 +0200

Les duels sont souvent passionnants, notamment quand ils opposent des adversaires très différents lun de lautre. Sur l ini t iat ive dOmega, le senior Eduardo Romero (53 ans) et le junior Tadd Fujikawa (16 ans) ont croisé le fer hier en fin de journée, devant un millier de spectateurs réunis autour du green du 18. Et comme la valeur nattend pas le nombre des années, cest Tadd qui a battu Eduardo à ce jeu dadresse, qui consistait à réaliser une approche de 90 mètres, une longue sortie de bunker, un pitch et un long putt.

A golfing romance

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:12:00 +0200

Warm approval is a common theme when you talk to the players about the golf course they are playing so enthrallingly this week. Opinion was not always favourable in the past but now there is a locker-room chorus that sings of trustworthy firm fairways and perfectly true and fair greens.

The changes that Seve Ballesteros began to make at the end of 1995 and has since modified have brought the course to full maturity so that almost every player talks of the enjoyment to be had on what is truly the most spectacular golfing arena on tour. There is much more than scenery.

Lee Westwood was one of those players who stayed away for a few years because he never felt comfortable with some aspects. Now he says: Its on the side of a mountain which is not a great start for a golf course. It is demanding and can punish you more than it used to. But when this course is in good condition, as it is now, it makes a huge difference. The fairways are firmer and the greens are fantastic. It has all come as a pleasant surprise. Both Westwood and his fellow Ryder Cup player Darren Clarke have not played Crans for a few years, but they have told their manager Andrew Chubby Chandler that they want to put the Omega European Masters back on their schedules.

Eduardo Romero, the veteran Argentine who won here in 1994 and 2000 and now concentrates mainly on the Senior tour as a 53- year-old, said: This is my favourite place. I love the golf course. It is very, very nice to come here.

Tournament director David Probyn has had years of experience on the European Tour and is fulsome in his praise of the work done by the course superintendent Jean-Bernard Mittaz in embellishing the work done by Ballesteros.

The course is as good as I have ever seen it, he said. Credit must go to Jean-Bernard and his team who have produced perfect conditions for this important tournament. The sun is shining, the air is clear and a happy breed of golfers stroll the fairways. With the spectators sharing the joy of golf at its finest, it is hard to imagine a better way to spend a weekend.

Mikko Ilonen blond et bon à la fois

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:12:00 +0200

Faute de grive, on peut savourer un merle. On sapproprie donc Mikko Ilonen, citoyen finnois, mais Zurichois dadoption. Ce Suisse a passé le cut. Ouais! Il a aussi gagné deux fois cette année. Son swing le mérite tout à fait. Cétait à lOpen dIndonésie (aussi une étape du Tour européen) et, récemment, à lOpen de Scandinavie, avec deux coups davance sur cinq joueurs. Le même, sorti dun trou noir, avait aussi signé un 64 sur le parcours de Fanling, à Hong-Kong. Il ny a pas de hasard en golf.

Clément: «Ich bin noch nicht fertig»

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 09:45:00 +0200

Mit einem versenkten Putt aus rund 2,5 Metern zum Par am 18. Loch hat Julien Clément (Foto) beim achten Anlauf in Crans- Montana zum ersten Mal den Cut überstanden. Gross war der Applaus, der mit dem «Plopp» des ins Loch fallenden Balles aufbrauste. «Fantastisch, wie viele Leute mich hier unterstützt haben. Umso mehr hoffe ich, dass ich ihnen weiterhin Freudebereiten kann. Ich habe mir vor dem Start die Top 30 als Ziel gesetzt. Das heisst, ich bin noch nicht fertig», fügte der 26-jährige Genfer mit schelmischem Lächeln an. «Ich werde alles geben!» Weniger Freude hatten die übrigen Schweizer: Ihre Zeit am Omega European Masters 2007 ist leider bereits abgelaufen.

André Glauser

Audi et golf, une fascination commune

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:12:00 +0200

Pour la deuxième année consé- cutive, Audi sponsorise lOmega European Masters. Ce partena- riat prévoit le transport tant des golfeurs que des personnalités officielles. La célèbre marque automobile aux quatre anneaux est présente en Valais avec 24 voitures de type Audi A8. Jour et nuit, quatorze dentre elles satisfont les besoins des joueurs. «Nous allons les chercher et les amener à leur hôtel, aussi bien quà la gare de Sierre ou à laéroport de Genève», précise Ernesto Larghi, chef de marque Audi Suisse. Quant aux VIP, ils sont eux aussi très bien soignés. «Nous mettons également nos 21.8.2007 11:39 Uhr Sei voitures à disposition des autres sponsors. Par exemple, mercredi nous avons véhiculé 140 person- nes pour une soirée.» Sur le par- cours, la marque allemande est bien visible avec sept Audi, dont la TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI/147 kW (200 ch), 280 Nm, qui est le prix récompensant le premier joueur de la semaine a réaliser un hole- o in-one au trou N 11. «Nous som- mes aussi à Crans-Montana pour accueillir les clients de nos agents Audi Suisse dans un cadre idyl- lique», poursuit Ernesto Larghi.

Présente dans le golf depuis seize ans, la marque Audi organise pour ses clients dix tournois par année. Les meilleurs Helvètes participeront tout dabord à la 1 finale nationale, qualificative pour la finale mondiale qui se déroulera cette année au Mexi- que. «Le lien entre Audi et le golf est évident. Tous deux parta- gent lamour de la technique, lélégance, la sportivité, et ils sont synonymes de plaisir. Mais ce nest quen conduisant une Audi ou en jouant au golf que lon com- prend la fascination quils exer- cent lun comme lautre», conclut Ernesto Larghi. Audi sengage sans restriction pour ce sport, par exemple en tant que parte- naire exclusif des manifestations Deutsche Bank Player Champion- ship of Europe ou Tournament PlayersChampionship der PGA European Tour.

Oliver Wilson, linvité-surprise

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 09:33:00 +0200

Passé inaperçu jeudi en raison du fameux retard, lAnglais Oliver Wilson se distinguait dabord en bouclant son premier parcours en 65 (5), avant davaler rapidement un croissant et de repartir pour 18 trous de quasi-perfection (66). Il sinstallait confortablement en tête de la compétition et pouvait se reposer en observant ses concurrents sacharner vainement à le rattraper. Le tenant du titre, Bradley Dredge, était le plus virulent et il occupait une excellente deuxième place à 10, alors que lAustralien Brett Rumford décrochait la troisième place provisoire à 8. Parmi les autres poursuivants, on se plaisait à relever les bonnes performances des favoris Lee Westwood (4) et Eduardo Romero (5).

Talentueux et bon vivant

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:12:00 +0200

La prochaine fois que vous croiserez Barry Lane, dites-lui: «Bonjour! Comment va la vie?» Vous serez surpris dentendre cet Anglais bon ton vous répon- dre dans un français choisi: «Ça va, tout baigne» juste mâtiné dun soupçon daccent british, le sourire en plus. En voilà un qui a su séduire le public au fil des années. A Crans-Montana, il est à la maison, comme Jimenez, Luna ou Romero peuvent aussi lêtre. Le nombre de ses absences se compte sur les doigts dune seule main depuis 1982, année où il a vraiment pris ses quartiers au sein du PGA European Tour. Et, tenez- vous bien, avant son tee-time du er 1 tour, Barry Lane a accumulé 591 participations à des tournois de ce circuit, sans compter ses sept vis- ites à la Q-School. Pas stakhano- viste, mais presque

Son palmarès ne reflète pas sa valeur au il des ans. Cinq belles victoires y figurent, ramassées en Ecosse, Allemagne, Espagne, Angleterre et Suisse. Parce que, à Crans-Montana, Lane a dominé son monde ce 5 septembre 1993, se payant le scalp de Jimenez et, surtout, de Ballesteros, laissé à un petit coup qui aurait pu être encore plus riquiqui. Rappelez- vous, Seve sétait sorti dune prison sans barreaux par la lucarne. Le coup génial est signalé à votre attention au long du mur de la piscine, à droite du dernier trou. Au fer suivant, il avait entré son approche. Génial, mais insuf- isant. Et, ainsi, lAnglais avait pu faire les gros titres du lundi.

Hier, Barry Lane a montré que le golf de qualité nest pas le seul apanage des jeunots aux bisco- teaux travaillés aux haltères. Un petit ventre ne gêne pas trop. Un déci non plus. Son 65 est superbe, fait de six birdies et dun eagle au o N 1. Voilà qui gomme avec ei- cacité son 78 de la veille, le score qui le voyait conirmer son vol de retour vers Henley on Thames (près de Londres) avant la in du tournoi. Ordre Contre-ordre Et un homme heureux. Aujourdhui, il nest peut-être pas le premier choix du parieur, mais allez savoir avec cette glorieuse incertitude du sport.

Gardez en mémoire que Barry sait faire bien mieux que son 65, pour linstant meilleur score du tournoi er avec ceux de Wilson au 1 tour et de Tunnicliff au deuxième (des birdies sur les quatre pars 3, une rareté). 62 à lOpen dIrlande, qua- tre fois 63, cinq fois 64 Lhomme a de la ressource. Cest aussi un animateur formidable. Quand il jouait la Ryder Cup en 1993, lAlfred Dunhill Cup à quatre reprises ou la Coupe du monde, son équipe avait toujours lair plus enjoué que les autres, même battue. Voilà qui devrait inspirer toute cette belle jeunesse des fairways, au visage fermé comme si toute la misère du monde lui tombait sur la tête. Si, si, golfer et sourire, cest très possible. Lane en a fait le Barry

Fujikawa double-eagles 632-yard ninth hole at Crans-Montana

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:12:00 +0200

Crans-Montana, Switzerland, 7 September 2007. Sixteen-year-old golf phenomenon Tadd Fujikawa scored a double eagle today, his first ever in a major tournament. Playing in the OMEGA European Masters at the invitation of the title sponsor, the young Hawaiian scored his three-under-par « double eagle » (also known as an albatross) on the 632 yard (575 metre) 9th hole at the Crans-sur-Sierre Club in Crans-Montana.

In accordance with an Omega tradition, Tadd was presented with an Omega Double Eagle chronometer. Adding a special touch to the day, Tadd received his Omega watch from prominent golf fan and former James Bond, Roger Moore.

« I had about 285 yards to the pin on the second shot, » the young player said. « The shot felt really good but I couldnt see it. I heard a big roar go up from the crowd so I figured it must have gone in the hole. I hit a hole-in-one once at a par-four, but Ive never done anything like this in a tournament. »

Around the world the Omega double Eagle Trophy rewards professional golfers for a score of three under par at any hole. Any professional golfer playing on one of the worlds major PGA tours who scores a double eagle is presented with this « trophy » - an Omega Double Eagle chronometer personalised with the golfers name and the date of his double eagle engraved on the watchs self-winding rotor. Tadd Fujikawa is the 26th player to have been awarded this prestigious trophy.

Stephen Urquhart, President of Omega, commented : « Who would have imagined that the youngest player in the field, whom Omega invited especially for the tournament, would score a double eagle on one of Europes longest championship holes. It is a spectacular start to a very promising career. »

Tadd Fujikawa Albatross two on the ninth hole

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:12:00 +0200

Comments: I was playing so badly, terrible, couldn’t make a putt to save my life, couldn’t hit the ball and nothing was going right and then I double eagled the last hole. It was amazing. I had 278 yards to the front, 285 yards to the pin and hit a three wood. I was pretty sure it would be on the green but didn’t think it would go in. I couldn’t see it drop but heard it go in. It was pretty nice to finish like that.

That was my second albatross, but the other was only practice on a par four.

Julien Clément im achten Anlauf weiter?

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 09:49:00 +0200

14 Löcher lang hielt sich Julien Clément wacker, ehe ihn ein Double Bogey auf Loch 6 (seiner 15. Spielbahn) und ein Bogey an der 9 zurückwarfen (+3). Trotzdem sind die Chancen des 26-Jährigen, sich bei seiner achten Teilnahme am Omega European Masters erstmals für die beiden Finalrunden zu qualifizieren, absolut intakt. Der kalte und sehr böige Wind hat die 156 Teilnehmer nämlich auf eine harte Geduldsprobe gestellt. Der Cut, in den letzten Jahren stets bei +1, könnte heute Abend durchaus bei +3 oder +4 liegen. Das heisst: Vieles ist noch möglich. Allerdings nicht für Martin Rominger. Der grippekranke Bündner musste nach neun Löchern völlig entkräftet aufgeben. Im Zugzwang stehen André Bossert, Robert Wiederkehr, Marcus Knight, Marco Scopetta und Co, die sich heute enorm steigern müssen.

André Glauser

Pour lhonneur!

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 09:49:00 +0200

Cétait en dautres temps. Celui des Hogan, Snead, Palmer, Nicklaus, Ballesteros Cétait grandiose, et ce titre par équipes avait le poids dune médaille dor olympique. Le golf faisant sa mutation dans un cocktail mêlant joueurs, argent, télé, agents, cette Coupe du monde-là perdait une large part de son talent, avant dêtre embarquée comme une poire pour la soif dans la minisérie des World Golf Championships. Ce titre dévalué est aujourdhui détenu par lAllemagne (Bernhard Langer et Marcel Siem). Le dernier numéro un mondial y ayant contribué est Tiger Woods en 2000, année de lancement de cette formule, mais qui sen souvient?
Puis Zorro est arrivé. Sous la capeline, le couple Omega-Mission Hills. Il sest vite marié après une courte période de fiançailles. Les deux entités ont les mêmes goûts et les mêmes buts. Stephen Urquhart (Omega), comme le bon horloger suisse quil est, sait que lavenir dun chiffre daffaires trouve ses meilleures bases en Asie-Pacifique et que, en golf, le succès dune communication performante passe par une couverture mondiale. Pour ce faire, on doit encore compter sur un tournoi qui fasse bouger les têtes. Pour David Chu (Mission Hills), la promotion de son resort, en bonne place dans le livre des records avec ses douze parcours, et celle de la Chine, qui focalise déjà toute lattention avec les Jeux olympiques de 2008, sont ses buts prioritaires. Alors, imaginer une Coupe du monde de golf dans un format de haute tenue, armé des meilleures intentions pour faire vibrer les fans comme lors des quelques hyper rendez-vous du sport mondial, ne pouvait que les réunir.
Du 22 au 25 novembre, sur le parcours Olazabal de Mission Hills, près de Shenzhen, 28 nations se retrouveront donc, devant les téléspectateurs de 148 pays, pour sattribuer la nouvelle Omega Mission Hills World Cup à nouveau digne de son appellation, maintenant très contrôlée. Les grands joueurs ny seront plus aux abonnés absents dès quelle aura pris son envol. Ce serait honteux de leur part.

Philippe P. Hermann

Frost does not dampen players spirits

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 09:49:00 +0200

The European Masters has had its weather delays in the past, but this may be the first year frost has been the culprit. Delays are nothing new, as long-time visitors can verify, none more so than Barry Lane.
Lane has been coming here for 21 years. The record books show that he started out in 1986 and played every year until last year, winning it in 1993. But he has returned for Number 21 this year. Perhaps he should be honoured as Eduardo Romero has been this week for playing 20 times.
Yeah, we have had frost delay and we have snow delay. I remember waking up one morning to see snow on the trees, Lane recalled as he waited for his delayed teetime on Thursday. And we have had fog delays because of the clouds.
He expects the same again on Friday, when some players are going to have to complete their rounds. Its the same for everybody except that youd be better off having an early time because you are actually going to play the whole day in sunshine. The late tee-off times, it will be very cold tonight when it finishes and very cold in the morning, so the ball wont go quite so far. But its such a beautiful place it doesnt matter, when the sun comes up, well be all smiles.
Lane, 47, is playing his first two rounds with Tadd Fujikawa, the 16-year-old from Hawaii who fired two rounds of 66 in the Sony Open at home at the start of the year before finishing 20th. Fujikawa conceded he found it cold but was still surprised by the delay. Lane said: I went to buy some long johns for warmth and bumped into Fujikawa. I said Theres a two-hour delay. He said What for? Told it was because of frost, Fujikawa replied: Frost? Its sunshine, I dont understand.
Andrew Coltart is another who accepts the delays, even though he has been fortunate with warm, sunny weather most of the ten times he has played. When you come here you accept that delays are part and parcel of being here. But its such a bloody beautiful place youre quite prepared to take that on the chin, Coltart said. You look forward to coming here. The village, the views and the food and all within walking distance.

Brian Creighton Associated Press

Du vent dans les voiles

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 09:42:00 +0200

Dans ce contexte perturbant, la carte de 66 (5) rendue par le tenant du titre, Bradley Dredge, est tout bonnement exceptionnelle. Il faut dire que ce Gallois a lhabitude de jouer sur des greens durs et dans les bourrasques du bord de mer! En tous les cas, ce score vierge de tout bogey confirmait les ambitions dun joueur qui ne sest pas encore imposé cette saison et qui veut mettre à profit lextrême confiance qui lhabite lorsquil se mesure au parcours Severiano Ballesteros.

Derrière lui, le Finlandais Mikko Ilonen et lAustralien Marcus Fraser suivaient à deux coups, profitant, comme Dredge, dun vent encore maîtrisable pour les parties du matin. Les choses se compliquaient laprès-midi, avec les caprices dEole et la lenteur du jeu, puisque certains flights passaient largement plus de cinq heures sur le parcours. Cest la raison pour laquelle le premier tour nallait pas être bouclé hier soir, loin sen faut. A lheure où nous écrivions ces lignes, le vent redoublait de violence et le bleu des scores au-dessus du par sétendait progressivement à lensemble des joueurs encore au «turbin». Les observateurs saccordaient dailleurs à dire que le cut pourrait être lun des plus élevés de lhistoire de lOpen.

Concernant les Suisses, on relevait surtout labandon de Martin Rominger en raison dune forte grippe et lhonnête carte de 74 (+3) ramenée par le Genevois Julien Clément.

Jacques Houriet

Alessandro Tadini : Hole-in-One

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 09:16:00 +0200

The 33 year old hit a six iron 197 yards and wins a 1 kilo gold ingot from Credit Suisse, valued at CH 26,0000 approximately.

Une tête et deux bras

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:58:00 +0200

Quand on le voit si aimable et poli, on a de la peine à croire que Paul Casey ait pu tenir des propos qui ont scandalisé tout ce que lAmérique compte de golfeurs! En 2004, après la victoire de lEurope sur les Etats-Unis dans la Ryder Cup jouée à Oakland Hills (USA), le jeune Anglais avait été interviewé par des journalistes américains qui lui demandaient pourquoi lEurope montrait tellement de motivation dans cette épreuve: il avait répondu que cétait essentiellement parce que les Européens détestaient les Américains Si la réponse était terriblement maladroite, elle se voulait surtout ironique. Mais les concitoyens du président Bush ne lont pas entendu de cette oreille et la presse sest déchaînée sur le pauvre Casey. Lui qui rêvait de faire carrière aux Etats-Unis a dû revoir ses plans, quitter précipitamment sa maison de Chicago et soigner la quasi-dépression dans laquelle cette triste affaire lavait plongé. Sa saison 2005 allait être très modeste, jusquà ce que son swing retrouve une efficacité qui lui permette, en compagnie de Luke Donald, de gagner la World Cup à Séville, au mois de novembre. Lannée suivante allait être dun tout autre tonneau!
En 2006, Paul Casey se montrait en effet comme le joueur européen le plus en vue, avec trois victoires pendant la saison, dont une retentissante au HSBC World Match Play et, surtout, une constance impressionnante. Il faisait même figure de grand favori pour la victoire à lOrdre du Mérite du Tour européen 2006, avant la finale disputée à Valderrama. Et cest par un malheureux concours de circonstances que le titre lui échappait; Sergio Garcia manquait en effet un putt de 2 mètres sur le dernier green de la compétition. Putt qui lui aurait permis de revenir à la hauteur de Padraig Harrington et, incidemment, dempêcher celui-ci dêtre couronné meilleur joueur européen. Et cest ce petit coup manqué par lEspagnol qui arbitrait le duel des deux Britanniques, au profit du sympathique Irlandais.
Cette saison, Paul Casey a démarré sur les chapeaux de roues en gagnant à Abou Dhabi, avant de baisser le rythme. Mais dexcellentes performances dans les tournois majeurs lui ont permis de sauver les meubles et de frapper à la porte des 20 meilleurs mondiaux, tout en occupant la 12e place provisoire sur le circuit européen. Son jeu est en place, avec des drives toujours aussi puissants et un toucher dhorloger au putting. Il ne lui manque quun peu de réussite dans une épreuve du Grand Chelem pour asseoir définitivement une carrière déjà brillante. A 30 ans, Paul Casey a son avenir encore devant lui, dautant plus quil a compris désormais que plaisanter avec la presse américaine pouvait être néfaste pour sa carrière!

Jacques Houriet

Les rois de la communication

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:58:00 +0200

«Pour transporter notre matériel, nous avons utilisé un joli camion de 40 tonnes», commente Emmanuel Guerrero, project manager Swisscom. En Romandie, lentreprise de télécommunication a vraiment ciblé sa présence sur les événements sportifs. LOmega European Masters et Athletissima sont inscrits à son programme. A Crans- Montana, Swisscom a équipé la salle de presse, le Village dhospitalité, le Village public et le Players Lounge. Cela correspond à 28 téléphones, 3 fax, 4 bornes internet, 20 lignes ADSL, 32 écrans plasma et une centaine de radios pour les organisateurs. «Nous pouvons ainsi démontrer notre savoir-faire à plus grande échelle que chez des privés», conclut Bruno Keller, event manager Swisscom.

CAZ

The crown jewel of the European Tour

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:58:00 +0200

With an array of champions both past and present its little wonder the Omega European Masters being staged high in the mighty Swiss Alps sits as the crown jewel of the European Tour. Making a 20th appearance is affable Argentinean Eduardo Romero who won in 1994 and 2000. Other former winners include Jamie Spence (1992), who came from 10 shots back to win in play-off, Manuel Piñero (1976 and 1981), Barry Lane (2003), Mathias Grönberg (1995), Sven Strüver (1998), Lee Westwood (1999), Ricardo González (2001), Robert Karlsson (2002) and defending champion Bradley Dredge. 2006 Ryder Cup winning stars Darren Clarke, Paul Casey and David Howell along with Westwood and Karlsson are present and looking to make the most as this years Omega European Masters also heralds the start of the 2008 European Ryder Cup qualifying process. New Zealands Michael Campbell is also competing for a first occasion since he triumphed in the 2006 US Open at Pinehurst. Also in the field is South African David Frost who is returning to contest the event for a first occasion since 1989. When Frost first started coming to Switzerland in the early 80s he was more intent on building on a budding pro career. Nowadays, hes working hard to expand an ever-growing wine business. «I admit that I didnt know enough of Crans in 1982 when I first came here to get excited but coming up here now I realise what a special place this is,» said Frost. «Im now amazed by the number of vineyards in the region and that shows you how much my life has changed as they seem to use every bit of soil they can to grow grapes. But the course is in immaculate condition and the greens are superb so the whole course is in fantastic shape.» Frost revealed his Frost Wine business exports some 10,000 cases of wine around the world annually and is hoping to visit one of the area vineyards before leaving Switzerland. And in toasting this years Omega European Masters lets not forget the course the Grand Old Lady of European Tour golf. Crans-Montana this year plays host to the Omega European Masters for the 61st occasion since 1939. No other European Tour venue can boast such a rich history than the Swiss golf gem.

Bernie McGuire

Une vallée tournée vers le golf

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:58:00 +0200

LOmega European Masters est diffusé dans 692 millions de foyers à travers les cinq continents. Cette production télévisuelle permet de véhiculer limage de Crans-Montana, mais également celle de tout le canton. «Nous nous devions donc dêtre présents directement sur la manifestation, explique Urs Zenhäusern, direc- teur de Valais Tourisme. Pour quune information soit encore plus percutante, il faut quon puisse la voir, la lire et lentendre. Dans ce sens, nos banderoles placées tout au long du tracé sont très importantes.» Car le Valais a désormais une véritable offre touristique à vendre avec ses neuf parcours, tous très diférents. «Les golfeurs demandent de pouvoir jouer sur plusieurs sites durant leur semaine de vacances. Dans la région, nous leur proposons par exemple un package intitulé Cur du Valais, avec un hôtel en plaine et des départs à Crans- Montana, Loèche, Sierre et Sion», relève Marco Decurtins, marke- ting manager de Valais Tourisme. La marque Valais fait également partie du pool Top of Golf. Dans le Village public, elle partage un stand avec lASG et les parcours valaisans de golf.

Claude-Alain Zufferey

La vedette des antipodes

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:58:00 +0200

Pour un joueur néo-zélandais, il ny a pas de terrain de golf plus éloigné que le parcours Severiano Ballesteros de Crans-Montana! En efet, si lon suivait lidée de Jules Verne de voyager par le centre de la Terre, en prolongeant la traversée on déboucherait direc- tement dans le pays de Michael Campbell, la vedette de cet Ome- ga European Masters 2007. Mais, a priori, les kilomètres ou plutôt les miles, en ce qui le concerne ne lefraient pas. Et il nhésite jamais à faire en sens inverse le voyage qui avait amené son arrière- arrière-arrière-grand-père, sir Logan Campbell, dEdimbourg à Auckland en 1845! Car, si Michael Campbell est viscéralement Néo- Zélandais, avec des origines mao- ries évidentes, il a aussi du sang écossais dans les veines, comme son nom le rappelle.

Au début des années 90, il avait commencé sa carrière profes- sionnelle en Europe, en passant notamment par le PGA European Challenge Tour. Certains joueurs suisses se rappellent notamment de sa victoire au Mémorial Olivier Barras 1994 à Crans-Mon- e tana, ou de sa 7 place à lOpen dInterlaken, la même année celle qui allait lui permettre de changer de catégorie et de monter sur le PGA European Tour! Mais rares sont ceux qui se souvien- nent de sa performance lors du British Open 1995. En tête après trois tours, il avait bouclé le dernier parcours sur lOld Course de St. Andrews en rendant une carte de 76, pour inir troisième derrière John Daly et Costantino Rocca! Les plus perspicaces avaient néanmoins compris que Michael Campbell serait un jour un grand joueur. Il lui suffisait pour cela doublier temporairement une certaine inconstance. Et cest dix ans plus tard que cette consécra- tion est arrivée, lorsque ce joueur spectaculaire a proité dune belle journée de juin pour remporter sur le fameux parcours Pinehurst o N 2 lUS Open 2005, au nez et à la barbe dun certain Tiger Woods. Il devenait ainsi le premier Néo- Zélandais depuis Bob Charles, en 1963, à gagner une épreuve du Grand Chelem. On mesure mal chez nous limpact de ce titre en Nouvelle-Zélande. Le pays lui a fait une véritable ovation à son retour et ce ne sont pas les mem- bres du gouvernement qui ont été les plus réservés, eux qui navaient pas hésité à interrompre une séance du Parlement pour suivre le dernier tour de ce tournoi!

Depuis deux ans, Michael Camp- bell a reçu plus de récompenses honorifiques quil na levé de trophées de golf. Mais il reste un showman de première catégo- rie, accessible, souriant, dont le jeu est fait de drives puissants et dapproches délicates. Recon- naissable entre mille par ses polos lanqués de dessins maoris, il donne à lOpen de Suisse une dimension majeure que le public appréciera.

Jacques Houriet

Q&A with Stephen Browne

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 10:05:00 +0200

Irelands Stephen Browne is the latest player to undergo europeantour.coms Q&A examination.

Q&A With Stephen Browne

Q. Best Tournament ever played in? A. The European Open at The K Club

Q. Favourite course? A. Shinecock Hills

Q. Favourite hole anywhere in the world? A. The 11th at my home course, the Hermitage

Q. Favourite club in your bag? A. My new Paul Runyan style putter

Q. Last piece of golf equipment that you paid for? A. The new putter. It cost me $240

Q. Best you have ever played? A. A 63 at the Qualifying School Final Stage in 2002

Q. Goals for the season? A. To get my European Tour card back

Q. Dream fourball? A. Me, Harry Vardon, Seve and Paul Runyan

Q. Golfing heroes? A. Seve for charisma, Faldo for the swing and Harrington for sheer determination

Q. Worst shot you have ever played? A. I have hit some bad ones. I three putted at Volcans a couple of weeks ago and it cost me 700. Thats the most recent.

Q. Best shot you have ever played? A. I holed a 30 foot putt quite early on in the 2005 Kazakhstan Open which turned everything around for me. I went on to win the tournament

Q. What would you do if you werent playing golf? A. I would probably be singing

Q. Best piece of golf advice you have ever had? A. Dont change anything in your swing when you turn professional. Paul McGinley told me that and I rather stupidly ignored it.

Q. Which of the four Majors would you like to win most? A. The Masters

Q. Any superstitions? A. I have battled my mind not to have any because I hate the idea of them but I always mark my ball with two green spots and a little musical note, which I suppose is superstitious.

Q. Favourite country and why? A. Anywhere in Scandinavia. I have always found the people there very friendly

Q. Favourite album? A. The Unforgettable Fire by U2

Q. Favourite film? A. What About Bob.

Q. Favourite website? A. www.europeantour.com

Q. What kind of car do you drive? A. A Citroen C5

Q. What kind of car would you like to drive? A. BMW M6

Q. Favourite food? A. Irish stew

Q. Favourite drink? A. Guinness, of course

Q. Do you have any pets? A. Yes. A west highland terrier called Tammie

Q. Do you have any phobias? A. This is bizarre, but I hate teeing off from elevated tees. I only discovered it last week in Austria but I dont like it at all I am not afraid of heights but I feel like I am going to fall off the tee when its elevated!

Q. Ultimate fear? A. Not giving my all

Q. What do you do to relax? A. Go out for dinner with my wife

Q. Favourite book? A. Anything by John Grisham

Q. Best toy as a kid? A. My first bike. I loved it. It was second hand but I painted it and everything happy memories..

Q. Who would you most like to meet and why? A. Leonardo Da Vinci, mainly to see if that code of his was any use

Q. Dream Date? A. My wife, Elaine

Harrington still cannot believe he is Open champion

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:03:00 +0200

(Reuters) - Open Champion Padraig Harrington was still in a state of disbelief on Monday after securing his first Major victory by beating Spain's Sergio Garcia in a four hole play-off.

("It's hard to describe, it's unreal, especially in those quiet reflective moments when I am on my own," said the 35 year old.

("I was standing in the shower and I thought: 'I won the Open Championship'."

(Harrington was caught up in a frenzy of commitments until he left the course at 2300 on Sunday to start partying.

(The likeable Dubliner, whose victory lifted him to sixth on the Official World Golf Ranking, said he did not overdo the celebrations after becoming Europe's first Major winner since Scotland's Paul Lawrie won here eight years ago.

("The first drink I had was a beer straight out of the claret jug," said Harrington. "There was champagne spraying and celebrations and we moved into a party mode.

("I only had a couple of drinks though. I was flying anyway and there was no need for any outside help. I was in a good mood and will be for the next week, next year or maybe even 10 years."

(Harrington finally went to bed at four a.m. but did not sleep for long.

("I was wide awake at six and woke my wife up," he said. "The Claret Jug was at the end of the bed; we both looked at it and we were still in a state of disbelief. But then she said: 'Can we go back to sleep now?'"

(Harrington said he was concentrating so hard in Sunday's final round at Carnoustie that he had few clues about events going on around him.

("I was very much in the zone and had no idea Andres Romero ever led this tournament," he said. "It was only at half past eleven last night I heard he was two shots ahead when I was playing the 14th.

("I just had no concept. I can't wait to see the coverage on television although I might turn the sound down when they're talking about me on the 18th," added Harrington in reference to the two balls he hit into the water on the final regulation hole.

(Now that Harrington has achieved his dream of becoming a Major Champion, he will plough on in search of more glory.

("Before he won a Major, Phil Mickelson always had it right when he said: 'I'm going to win more than one Major'," said last year's European Number One.

("The importance of having a goal of winning more than one is that if it's your one and only goal it's not far off the finish of your golf.

("You always have to have a goal to keep moving forward so I'm definitely focused on winning more than one Major."

(Harrington said he had received telephone calls from Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and Sports Minister Seamus Brennan plus a flood of text messages from friends and European and American golfers.

(Before leaving his post-championship news conference, he spared a thought for his Ryder Cup team mate Garcia.

("I competed so hard to win the playoff, had a couple of seconds to taste what I had done, then I looked over at Sergio and could see that someone had lost," said Harrington, the first Irish winner of The Open since Fred Daly in 1947.

("He is probably the best ball-striker in the game and I felt for him so much. But he will win Majors, it will happen, there's no question.

("The more he believes that the quicker it will happen."

Manley hoping to roar to victory in Wales

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 09:59:00 +0200

Stuart Manley heads to the FIRSTPLUS WALES Challenge hoping to follow his countryman Sion Bebb onto the winners podium after roaring into contention for a place on The 2008 European Tour.

Manley has put together an impressive run of results in his last three Challenge Tour appearances finishing second, fifth and third in consecutive weeks to barge his way to 15th place on the Challenge Tour Rankings.

If he is to follow Bebb as a Welsh winner of the FIRSTPLUS Wales Challenge, Manley will have to overcome a host of leading Challenge Tour charges, with five of the top ten on the Rankings making their way to the Vale Hotel Golf and Spa Resort in Cardiff.

Heading that pursuit are two double winners in 2007 Dutchman Joost Luiten, currently in second spot in the Rankings, and Englands Ross McGowan, who is in fifth place.

Luiten tasted victory at the AGF Allianz Open de Toulouse in May, and Vodafone Challenge in June, while McGowen claimed the Oceáno Developments Pro-Am Challenge and Estoril Challenge de Portugal within a calendar month, his wins coming at the start of both June and July respectively.

Additionally, sixth place Fabrizio Zanoti and New Zealands Gareth Paddison, who is seventh and recently won for the first time in five years on the Challenge Tour when he captured the AGF-Allianz Open de Volcans with his 11 under par total, are also in the field competing in south Wales.

English veteran Peter Baker, 39 years old and ninth in the rankings, has the experience and ability to mount a serious bid for the title.

A year ago, the three time European Tour winner was tied for 10th at Nefyn, which was his previous best Challenge Tour performance until he won the Credit Suisse challenge inJune - a success which ended his 14 year victory drought.

The Wales National Course opened in 2003 and first hosted the FIRSTPLUS Wales Challenge two years later, when Frances Olivier David beat Englands Iain Pyman with a birdie at the second hole of a sudden-death play-off.

The FIRSTPLUS Wales Challenge is part of the successful bid to bring the Ryder Cup to Wales in 2010.

The bid to bring the worlds third biggest sporting event to Wales was put together by a public/private sector partnership involving Newport City Council, Newport Unlimited, Sports Council for Wales, Wales Tourist Board, the Welsh Development Agency, the Welsh Golf Union and Welsh Ladies Golf Union.

Sensational Open for The European Tour

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:07:29 +0200

The play-off brought to an end a truly sensational final days play, one of the most exciting and thrilling Sundays an Open Championship has witnessed in many years.The play-off brought to an end a truly sensational final days play, one of the most exciting and thrilling Sundays an Open Championship has witnessed in many years.The play-off brought to an end a truly sensational final days play, one of the most exciting and thrilling Sundays an Open Championship has witnessed in many years.

It was also one of the best in terms of overall result for The European Tour. For apart from the two main protagonists, the other three places in the top five were also filled by European Tour Members.

Argentinas Andres Romero produced some of the most remarkable golf witnessed on the Angus links to card a final round 67 and finish in third place on six under par 278, while Australias Richard Green and Ernie Els of South Africa shared fourth on five under par 279 after respective final rounds of 64 and 69.

Indeed, in the early stages of the final round it looked like Els might be the man to come through and win his fourth Major Championship as Garcia, with a three shot lead at the start of the day, showed signs of pressure.

Despite birdieing the third hole, uncertainty with his belly putter led to the Spaniard bogeying the fifth, seventh and eighth while Els picked up birdies at the second, third and sixth holes to propel himself up the leader board.

But the South African could not capitalise further and in the end had to settle for a share of fourth place with Richard Green who stormed through the field with a final day 64 and who indeed found himself a mere inch away from history.

Only seven players Mark Hayes, Isao Aoki, Greg Norman, Paul Broadhurst, Jodie Mudd, Nick Faldo and the late Payne Stewart have carded rounds of 63 in Open Championship history and the left handed Australian ever so nearly made it eight.

A wonderful first 17 holes saw the 36 year old notch birdies at the second, third, sixth, ninth, 13th and 17th and an eagle three at the 14th to stand at eight under par for his round.

He needed a par four at the treacherously difficult 499 yard par four 18th for a 63 but after a pushed drive, he could only play up short of the Barry Burn with his second shot. A delicate pitch left the winner of last months BA-CA Golf Open, presented by Telekom Austria with a ten footer for par but the ball slipped an inch past the cup.

Nevertheless, Green had the considerable consolation of equalling the lowest round ever carded in an Open Championship at Carnoustie the 64 of American Steve Stricker in the third round on Saturday and the course record for the Championship Course itself, jointly held by Scottish professionals Colin Montgomerie and Alan Tait.

I was very happy with my round as it leaves me in good shape for the rest of the year, he said. It is my best result in a Major and has been a great experience, hopefully Ill contend some more in the future.

With Els and Green out of contention for the main prize, the spotlight fell on the unexpected personage of Romero who, for a spell on the back nine, looked like he might produce the second Argentine winner of a Major Championship in a row following Angel Cabreras victory in the US Open at Oakmont last month.

Having blazed to the turn in three under par 33, Romero produced a rollercoaster back nine which had to be seen to be believed.

The 26 year olds putter was red-hot with six birdies putts in total dropping into the hole from a myriad of distances and, indeed, when he notched back to back birdies at the 15th and 16th, he found himself two shots clear in the Championship itself and with the Claret Jug in sight.

But unfortunately for Romero, some of his approach play was not so accurate as his work with the flat stick and a trip into the gorse cost him a double bogey six at the 12th while an unlucky ricochet off the burn wall and out of bounds at the 17th cost him another.

Although he was not to know it at the time, had he parred the 18th he would have featured in the play-off alongside Harrington and Garcia but when he failed to get over the Barry Burn in two shots, a pitch to ten feet and two putts brought him a bogey five.

I feel very pleased with my overall performance but the pressure certainly caught up with me, the pressure of the last two holes on such a big occasion, he said.

I hit a bad shot on the 17th but I also had a bit of bad luck there to fly out of bounds and I hit a poor second shot on the 18th. But in spite of it all, Im delighted. Ive thoroughly enjoyed the experience playing this year and I look forward to playing next year.

All of which left the stage clear for Harrington and Garcia to battle out who would become the first European born player to win a Major Championship since Paul Lawrie on these very same Carnoustie links eight years ago in 1999.

With Garcia wobbling, it looked like it would be Harrington, especially after he rolled in a telling eagle putt at the 14th which took him top of the leader board at nine under par as Romero was having his travails at the 17th.

But Garcia dug in and back to back birdies at the 13th and 14th showed the Spaniards grit and determination and he tied Harrington at nine under par. With Romero having bogeyed the last to drop back to six under par, suddenly, it was clear it would be one of Europes Ryder Cup heroes who would become the Open Champion.

When Garcia bunkered his approach to the 15th to make bogey he dropped back to eight under par but nothing could prepare him for the drama which was about to unfold up ahead to Harrington on the 18th tee.

With visions of Jean Van de Veldes collapse on the final hole eight years ago flooding back, the Irishman firstly pushed his drive right into the Barry Burn before dropping out and firing his second shot into the Burn in front of the green on his way to a double bogey six.

It moved Harrington back to seven under par leaving Garcia, back on the tee at eight under par, knowing a par four would bring him his first Major Championship.

But, still the drama was not over.

Despite finding the centre of the fairway from the tee, the Spaniards approach found the bunker to the left of the green and although he played a fine escape to eight feet, he could not find the bottom of the cup with the putt that would have brought him his first Major Championship.

Harrington had closed with a 67 for a seven under par total of 277 while Garcia ended with a 73 for the same total. It meant only one thing, a four-hole play-off, similar to Paul Lawries triumph at Carnoustie in 1999 and the first since American Todd Hamilton beat Ernie Els at Royal Troon in 2004.

It was also one of the best in terms of overall result for The European Tour. For apart from the two main protagonists, the other three places in the top five were also filled by European Tour Members.

Argentinas Andres Romero produced some of the most remarkable golf witnessed on the Angus links to card a final round 67 and finish in third place on six under par 278, while Australias Richard Green and Ernie Els of South Africa shared fourth on five under par 279 after respective final rounds of 64 and 69.

Indeed, in the early stages of the final round it looked like Els might be the man to come through and win his fourth Major Championship as Garcia, with a three shot lead at the start of the day, showed signs of pressure.

Despite birdieing the third hole, uncertainty with his belly putter led to the Spaniard bogeying the fifth, seventh and eighth while Els picked up birdies at the second, third and sixth holes to propel himself up the leader board.The play-off brought to an end a truly sensational final days play, one of the most exciting and thrilling Sundays an Open Championship has witnessed in many years.

It was also one of the best in terms of overall result for The European Tour. For apart from the two main protagonists, the other three places in the top five were also filled by European Tour Members.

Argentinas Andres Romero produced some of the most remarkable golf witnessed on the Angus links to card a final round 67 and finish in third place on six under par 278, while Australias Richard Green and Ernie Els of South Africa shared fourth on five under par 279 after respective final rounds of 64 and 69.

Indeed, in the early stages of the final round it looked like Els might be the man to come through and win his fourth Major Championship as Garcia, with a three shot lead at the start of the day, showed signs of pressure.
Despite birdieing the third hole, uncertainty with his belly putter led to the Spaniard bogeying the fifth, seventh and eighth while Els picked up birdies at the second, third and sixth holes to propel himself up the leader board.

But the South African could not capitalise further and in the end had to settle for a share of fourth place with Richard Green who stormed through the field with a final day 64 and who indeed found himself a mere inch away from history.

Only seven players Mark Hayes, Isao Aoki, Greg Norman, Paul Broadhurst, Jodie Mudd, Nick Faldo and the late Payne Stewart have carded rounds of 63 in Open Championship history and the left handed Australian ever so nearly made it eight.

A wonderful first 17 holes saw the 36 year old notch birdies at the second, third, sixth, ninth, 13th and 17th and an eagle three at the 14th to stand at eight under par for his round.

He needed a par four at the treacherously difficult 499 yard par four 18th for a 63 but after a pushed drive, he could only play up short of the Barry Burn with his second shot. A delicate pitch left the winner of last months BA-CA Golf Open, presented by Telekom Austria with a ten footer for par but the ball slipped an inch past the cup.

Nevertheless, Green had the considerable consolation of equalling the lowest round ever carded in an Open Championship at Carnoustie the 64 of American Steve Stricker in the third round on Saturday and the course record for the Championship Course itself, jointly held by Scottish professionals Colin Montgomerie and Alan Tait.

I was very happy with my round as it leaves me in good shape for the rest of the year, he said. It is my best result in a Major and has been a great experience, hopefully Ill contend some more in the future.

With Els and Green out of contention for the main prize, the spotlight fell on the unexpected personage of Romero who, for a spell on the back nine, looked like he might produce the second Argentine winner of a Major Championship in a row following Angel Cabreras victory in the US Open at Oakmont last month.

Having blazed to the turn in three under par 33, Romero produced a rollercoaster back nine which had to be seen to be believed.

The 26 year olds putter was red-hot with six birdies putts in total dropping into the hole from a myriad of distances and, indeed, when he notched back to back birdies at the 15th and 16th, he found himself two shots clear in the Championship itself and with the Claret Jug in sight.

But unfortunately for Romero, some of his approach play was not so accurate as his work with the flat stick and a trip into the gorse cost him a double bogey six at the 12th while an unlucky ricochet off the burn wall and out of bounds at the 17th cost him another.

Although he was not to know it at the time, had he parred the 18th he would have featured in the play-off alongside Harrington and Garcia but when he failed to get over the Barry Burn in two shots, a pitch to ten feet and two putts brought him a bogey five.

I feel very pleased with my overall performance but the pressure certainly caught up with me, the pressure of the last two holes on such a big occasion, he said.

I hit a bad shot on the 17th but I also had a bit of bad luck there to fly out of bounds and I hit a poor second shot on the 18th. But in spite of it all, Im delighted. Ive thoroughly enjoyed the experience playing this year and I look forward to playing next year.

All of which left the stage clear for Harrington and Garcia to battle out who would become the first European born player to win a Major Championship since Paul Lawrie on these very same Carnoustie links eight years ago in 1999.

With Garcia wobbling, it looked like it would be Harrington, especially after he rolled in a telling eagle putt at the 14th which took him top of the leader board at nine under par as Romero was having his travails at the 17th.

But Garcia dug in and back to back birdies at the 13th and 14th showed the Spaniards grit and determination and he tied Harrington at nine under par. With Romero having bogeyed the last to drop back to six under par, suddenly, it was clear it would be one of Europes Ryder Cup heroes who would become the Open Champion.

When Garcia bunkered his approach to the 15th to make bogey he dropped back to eight under par but nothing could prepare him for the drama which was about to unfold up ahead to Harrington on the 18th tee.

With visions of Jean Van de Veldes collapse on the final hole eight years ago flooding back, the Irishman firstly pushed his drive right into the Barry Burn before dropping out and firing his second shot into the Burn in front of the green on his way to a double bogey six.

It moved Harrington back to seven under par leaving Garcia, back on the tee at eight under par, knowing a par four would bring him his first Major Championship.

But, still the drama was not over.

Despite finding the centre of the fairway from the tee, the Spaniards approach found the bunker to the left of the green and although he played a fine escape to eight feet, he could not find the bottom of the cup with the putt that would have brought him his first Major Championship.

Harrington had closed with a 67 for a seven under par total of 277 while Garcia ended with a 73 for the same total. It meant only one thing, a four-hole play-off, similar to Paul Lawries triumph at Carnoustie in 1999 and the first since American Todd Hamilton beat Ernie Els at Royal Troon in 2004.

But the South African could not capitalise further and in the end had to settle for a share of fourth place with Richard Green who stormed through the field with a final day 64 and who indeed found himself a mere inch away from history.

Only seven players Mark Hayes, Isao Aoki, Greg Norman, Paul Broadhurst, Jodie Mudd, Nick Faldo and the late Payne Stewart have carded rounds of 63 in Open Championship history and the left handed Australian ever so nearly made it eight.

A wonderful first 17 holes saw the 36 year old notch birdies at the second, third, sixth, ninth, 13th and 17th and an eagle three at the 14th to stand at eight under par for his round.

He needed a par four at the treacherously difficult 499 yard par four 18th for a 63 but after a pushed drive, he could only play up short of the Barry Burn with his second shot. A delicate pitch left the winner of last months BA-CA Golf Open, presented by Telekom Austria with a ten footer for par but the ball slipped an inch past the cup.

Nevertheless, Green had the considerable consolation of equalling the lowest round ever carded in an Open Championship at Carnoustie the 64 of American Steve Stricker in the third round on Saturday and the course record for the Championship Course itself, jointly held by Scottish professionals Colin Montgomerie and Alan Tait.

I was very happy with my round as it leaves me in good shape for the rest of the year, he said. It is my best result in a Major and has been a great experience, hopefully Ill contend some more in the future.

With Els and Green out of contention for the main prize, the spotlight fell on the unexpected personage of Romero who, for a spell on the back nine, looked like he might produce the second Argentine winner of a Major Championship in a row following Angel Cabreras victory in the US Open at Oakmont last month.

Having blazed to the turn in three under par 33, Romero produced a rollercoaster back nine which had to be seen to be believed.

The 26 year olds putter was red-hot with six birdies putts in total dropping into the hole from a myriad of distances and, indeed, when he notched back to back birdies at the 15th and 16th, he found himself two shots clear in the Championship itself and with the Claret Jug in sight.

But unfortunately for Romero, some of his approach play was not so accurate as his work with the flat stick and a trip into the gorse cost him a double bogey six at the 12th while an unlucky ricochet off the burn wall and out of bounds at the 17th cost him another.

Although he was not to know it at the time, had he parred the 18th he would have featured in the play-off alongside Harrington and Garcia but when he failed to get over the Barry Burn in two shots, a pitch to ten feet and two putts brought him a bogey five.

I feel very pleased with my overall performance but the pressure certainly caught up with me, the pressure of the last two holes on such a big occasion, he said.

I hit a bad shot on the 17th but I also had a bit of bad luck there to fly out of bounds and I hit a poor second shot on the 18th. But in spite of it all, Im delighted. Ive thoroughly enjoyed the experience playing this year and I look forward to playing next year.

All of which left the stage clear for Harrington and Garcia to battle out who would become the first European born player to win a Major Championship since Paul Lawrie on these very same Carnoustie links eight years ago in 1999.

With Garcia wobbling, it looked like it would be Harrington, especially after he rolled in a telling eagle putt at the 14th which took him top of the leader board at nine under par as Romero was having his travails at the 17th.

But Garcia dug in and back to back birdies at the 13th and 14th showed the Spaniards grit and determination and he tied Harrington at nine under par. With Romero having bogeyed the last to drop back to six under par, suddenly, it was clear it would be one of Europes Ryder Cup heroes who would become the Open Champion.

When Garcia bunkered his approach to the 15th to make bogey he dropped back to eight under par but nothing could prepare him for the drama which was about to unfold up ahead to Harrington on the 18th tee.

With visions of Jean Van de Veldes collapse on the final hole eight years ago flooding back, the Irishman firstly pushed his drive right into the Barry Burn before dropping out and firing his second shot into the Burn in front of the green on his way to a double bogey six.

It moved Harrington back to seven under par leaving Garcia, back on the tee at eight under par, knowing a par four would bring him his first Major Championship.

But, still the drama was not over.

Despite finding the centre of the fairway from the tee, the Spaniards approach found the bunker to the left of the green and although he played a fine escape to eight feet, he could not find the bottom of the cup with the putt that would have brought him his first Major Championship.

Harrington had closed with a 67 for a seven under par total of 277 while Garcia ended with a 73 for the same total. It meant only one thing, a four-hole play-off, similar to Paul Lawries triumph at Carnoustie in 1999 and the first since American Todd Hamilton beat Ernie Els at Royal Troon in 2004.

It was also one of the best in terms of overall result for The European Tour. For apart from the two main protagonists, the other three places in the top five were also filled by European Tour Members.

Argentinas Andres Romero produced some of the most remarkable golf witnessed on the Angus links to card a final round 67 and finish in third place on six under par 278, while Australias Richard Green and Ernie Els of South Africa shared fourth on five under par 279 after respective final rounds of 64 and 69.

Indeed, in the early stages of the final round it looked like Els might be the man to come through and win his fourth Major Championship as Garcia, with a three shot lead at the start of the day, showed signs of pressure.

Despite birdieing the third hole, uncertainty with his belly putter led to the Spaniard bogeying the fifth, seventh and eighth while Els picked up birdies at the second, third and sixth holes to propel himself up the leader board.

But the South African could not capitalise further and in the end had to settle for a share of fourth place with Richard Green who stormed through the field with a final day 64 and who indeed found himself a mere inch away from history.

Only seven players Mark Hayes, Isao Aoki, Greg Norman, Paul Broadhurst, Jodie Mudd, Nick Faldo and the late Payne Stewart have carded rounds of 63 in Open Championship history and the left handed Australian ever so nearly made it eight.

A wonderful first 17 holes saw the 36 year old notch birdies at the second, third, sixth, ninth, 13th and 17th and an eagle three at the 14th to stand at eight under par for his round.

He needed a par four at the treacherously difficult 499 yard par four 18th for a 63 but after a pushed drive, he could only play up short of the Barry Burn with his second shot. A delicate pitch left the winner of last months BA-CA Golf Open, presented by Telekom Austria with a ten footer for par but the ball slipped an inch past the cup.

Nevertheless, Green had the considerable consolation of equalling the lowest round ever carded in an Open Championship at Carnoustie the 64 of American Steve Stricker in the third round on Saturday and the course record for the Championship Course itself, jointly held by Scottish professionals Colin Montgomerie and Alan Tait.

I was very happy with my round as it leaves me in good shape for the rest of the year, he said. It is my best result in a Major and has been a great experience, hopefully Ill contend some more in the future.

With Els and Green out of contention for the main prize, the spotlight fell on the unexpected personage of Romero who, for a spell on the back nine, looked like he might produce the second Argentine winner of a Major Championship in a row following Angel Cabreras victory in the US Open at Oakmont last month.

Having blazed to the turn in three under par 33, Romero produced a rollercoaster back nine which had to be seen to be believed.

The 26 year olds putter was red-hot with six birdies putts in total dropping into the hole from a myriad of distances and, indeed, when he notched back to back birdies at the 15th and 16th, he found himself two shots clear in the Championship itself and with the Claret Jug in sight.

But unfortunately for Romero, some of his approach play was not so accurate as his work with the flat stick and a trip into the gorse cost him a double bogey six at the 12th while an unlucky ricochet off the burn wall and out of bounds at the 17th cost him another.

Although he was not to know it at the time, had he parred the 18th he would have featured in the play-off alongside Harrington and Garcia but when he failed to get over the Barry Burn in two shots, a pitch to ten feet and two putts brought him a bogey five.

I feel very pleased with my overall performance but the pressure certainly caught up with me, the pressure of the last two holes on such a big occasion, he said.

I hit a bad shot on the 17th but I also had a bit of bad luck there to fly out of bounds and I hit a poor second shot on the 18th. But in spite of it all, Im delighted. Ive thoroughly enjoyed the experience playing this year and I look forward to playing next year.

All of which left the stage clear for Harrington and Garcia to battle out who would become the first European born player to win a Major Championship since Paul Lawrie on these very same Carnoustie links eight years ago in 1999.

With Garcia wobbling, it looked like it would be Harrington, especially after he rolled in a telling eagle putt at the 14th which took him top of the leader board at nine under par as Romero was having his travails at the 17th.

But Garcia dug in and back to back birdies at the 13th and 14th showed the Spaniards grit and determination and he tied Harrington at nine under par. With Romero having bogeyed the last to drop back to six under par, suddenly, it was clear it would be one of Europes Ryder Cup heroes who would become the Open Champion.

When Garcia bunkered his approach to the 15th to make bogey he dropped back to eight under par but nothing could prepare him for the drama which was about to unfold up ahead to Harrington on the 18th tee.

With visions of Jean Van de Veldes collapse on the final hole eight years ago flooding back, the Irishman firstly pushed his drive right into the Barry Burn before dropping out and firing his second shot into the Burn in front of the green on his way to a double bogey six.

It moved Harrington back to seven under par leaving Garcia, back on the tee at eight under par, knowing a par four would bring him his first Major Championship.

But, still the drama was not over.

Despite finding the centre of the fairway from the tee, the Spaniards approach found the bunker to the left of the green and although he played a fine escape to eight feet, he could not find the bottom of the cup with the putt that would have brought him his first Major Championship.

Harrington had closed with a 67 for a seven under par total of 277 while Garcia ended with a 73 for the same total. It meant only one thing, a four-hole play-off, similar to Paul Lawries triumph at Carnoustie in 1999 and the first since American Todd Hamilton beat Ernie Els at Royal Troon in 2004.

Padraig Harrington - With This Win

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:36:00 +0200

*His 12th European Tour International Schedule victory in his 260th European Tour event as a professional.

*His first Major Championship victory in his 37th Major Championship appearance.

*Becomes just the second Irishman to win a Major Championship, joining Fred Daly, who won The Open Championship in 1947.

*Becomes the first European-born player to win a Major Championship since Paul Lawrie at The 1999 Open Championship also at Carnoustie a gap of 31 Major Championships.

*This victory beats his best previous Major Championship performances of fifth in the US Open Championship in 2006 and tied fifth in the 1997 Open Championship, 2000 US Open Championship, 2002 Masters Tournament, and 2002 Open Championship.

*Wins The Open Championship in his 11th appearance.

*His third top ten finish in The Open Championship from his 11 appearances and ninth overall top ten from his Major Championship career.

*Third consecutive first-time Major Champion, following Zach Johnson (Masters Tournament) and Angel Cabrera (US Open Championship). First time this has occurred since Phil Mickelson (2004 Masters Tournament), Shaun Micheel (2003 US PGA Championship) and Ben Curtis (2003 The Open Championship).

*His victory becomes the 32nd Major Championship victory since 1979 by a European Tour Member.

*Becomes the 14th different European Tour Member to win a Major Championship since 1979.

*Second victory on The 2007 European Tour International Schedule, following the Irish Open.

*Third victory of 2007, following the Irish Open and Irish PGA Championship last week.

*Fourth time in his European Tour career he has recorded multiple victories in the same season.

*Joins Henrik Stenson (Dubai Desert Classic and WGC Accenture Match Play), as the only two multiple winners on The 2007 European Tour.

*His six shot final round deficit by a winner equals the largest on The 2007 European Tour, matching that of Nathan Green at the Blue Chip New Zealand Open.

*Gains an exemption into The Open Championship until the age of 65.

*Gains a five year exemption into The Masters Tournament, the US Open Championship and USPGA Championship.

*Gains a place in the 2007 PGA Grand Slam of Golf, joining Johnson and Cabrera.

*Gains a place in the 2007 WGC Bridgestone Invitational and HSBC World Match Play Championship.

*Gains a place in the 2008 HSBC Champions.

*Extends his European Tour exemption until the end of 2017.

*Gains his largest European Tour prize of 1,106,617 (£750,000)

*Moves over 16 million in European Tour Official Career Earnings.

*Moves to2,059,507in The European Tour Order of Merit the fourth time he has amassed more than 2 million in a single season.

*The second Irish victory on the 2007 European Tour.

*The 41st Irish victory on The European Tour.

*Fifth top ten finish of the 2007 season and 89th of his European Tour career

*His 20th win as a professional.

Garcia leads The Open Championship at Carnoustie

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:02:00 +0200

Eight years might be a long time in golf for most players but for Sergio Garcia, in terms of Open Championships at Carnoustie, the difference can be measured in light years.

In the 1999 Open at the Championship Course, the then young Spaniard was in tatters after an opening 89 but it was all so different this year as he opened with a superb six under par 65 a whopping 24 shots better to lead the way.

It was the highlight of a superb opening day for The European Tour contingent on the fabled Scottish links with Paul McGinley second after his opening 67 while Markus Brier, Angel Cabrera and Michael Campbell were amongst those in a share of third on 68.

But the day belonged to Garcia who immediately banished memories of that traumatic afternoon eight years ago with a birdie at the first hole, a three iron tee shot and nine iron second to eight feet doing the damage.

I really didnt think about it (1999) and in fact I only mentioned it once to my caddie Glenn on the first hole when I rolled the birdie putt in, I looked at him and said, Well thats four shots better than last time already! From then on, I didnt really think of it at all.

But like I said at the beginning of the week, it is not about revenge for me here. I just want to play solid and want to play like I did today to give myself good looks at birdies and not to suffer too much out there on the course.

I want to put myself into a position where I can do something on Sunday and this is a good start it is definitely what the doctor ordered. I hope that I can add two more solid rounds so that I can give myself a chance on Sunday. If that happens, we will see where I can take it.

Exhibiting new found confidence on the greens with the belly putter, Garcia followed his birdie at the first with another at the sixth to be out in 34 before going to town on the Angus courses notoriously hard back nine, where he produced five more birdies which more than offset his only dropped shot of the day which came when he bunkered his tee shot at the 248 yard, par three 16th.

Second placed McGinley was another man delighted with his start and he admitted a key swing change on the range and a friendly word of encouragement from fellow countryman Padraig Harrington had helped his challenge immeasurably, his 67 harking back to the form he showed when he won the Volvo Masters at the end of the 2005 season.

I found a swing key on the practice ground this morning there is no doubt about that, he said. It was something to do with the rotation of the club around my body which I have worked on before but which suddenly clicked into place.

I was able to go out with it and got off to a great start which gave me great momentum. When you birdie the first two holes of an Open Championship, it gives you a great buzz.

McGinley, a member of Europes three last successful Ryder Cup Teams, followed up his gains at the first two holes with a 15 footer for birdie at the fourth and an eight foot putt for birdie at the seventh to be out in 32.

When he birdied the 13th and 14th too, he moved to six under par and put daylight between himself and the chasing pack before Carnousties notoriously difficult closing stretch played its part, the Irishman three putting to bogey the 15th and finding a bunker to bogey the 16th.

But despite those lapses, McGinley professed himself delighted with his start, perhaps a direct result of the word in his ear from Harrington. My achilles heel has always been trying too hard, pushing too hard, he said.

When Im playing well its fine but when Im not playing well it can be a problem and Padraig is great at advising about that, he is one of the best in the world and I think everybody knows that.

The glory day for The European Tour contingent continued as Austrias Markus Brier, reigning US Open Champion Angel Cabrera and the 2005 US Open Champion Michael Campbell finished alongside 18 year old Irish amateur Rory McIlroy and American Boo Weekley on three under par 68.

Brier, winner of the Volvo China Open in Shanghai in April, stood three under par for his round after 15 holes and protected his score with a sensational display of scrambling over the testing final three holes, getting up and down from off the green for par at each of the three.

After my win in China and of course also my win in Austria last year, the biggest difference is my confidence and Im not so nervous any more, he said. I remember when I played in my first Open, coming down the 18th my legs were shaking. This year I feel a lot more comfortable which I suppose is partly because I know the area and the course too.

Cabrera carded four birdies and only one dropped shot in his steady opening 68 while Campbell recovered from a wobble in the middle of his opening effort to birdie the 13th, 14th and 17th holes to produce his best performance in some time.

You are probably all surprised arent you? the New Zealander asked the assembled media. But Im not. Its been quite a torrid last couple of years but the most important thing Ive done is to stay patient.

I was talking to my coach and to my wife over the past couple of days and I said it wouldnt surprise me if Im up with the leaders after the first round of this thing as Im playing so well. So I stayed calm and patient and shot 68 strokes.

Amongst the players on two under par 69 after the first round were Spains Miguel Angel Jiménez and McGinleys mentor Harrington, alongside the menacing spectre of World Number One Tiger Woods who briefly held a share of the lead after eagling the par five sixth hole, but who fell back to finish on 69.

While Woods slipped back a little, it was nothing compared to the dramatic slide suffered by the 1995 Champion John Daly. The American eagled the 11th hole to move into the lead at five under par before shedding eight shots in his final seven holes to finish on three over par 74.

R&A dismiss Woods ruling claims

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:49:00 +0200

(Reuters) - Open Championship organisers, the Royal and Ancient (R&A), dismissed claims that holder Tiger Woods had been given preferential treatment over a first-round ruling.

World Number One Woods' ball landed in rough near cables on the par-four tenth and he was notified he could drop without penalty before even reaching it.

From the drop, according to onlookers, his ball found a much more favourable lie. Woods made par comfortably on his way to a round of 69 that left him four shots off the lead held by Sergio Garcia.

The incident left Woods baffled and he later told a news conference: "It was a weird drop. I was as surprised as anybody. Usually TV cables are movable, but they deemed it immovable. I've never seen that ruling before.

"I didn't ask for it. The guy told me I could.

"I thought they should have been able to move those (cables). Every time I've played around the world, they've picked those up, no problem."

When asked about his drop, Woods said it had not helped him: "I dropped a little bit worse, actually."

Soon after Woods had played, the cables were lifted and that led to questions being asked of the R&A about the decision, made by rules official Alan Holmes.

The R&A's director of rules, David Rickman, refuted the suggestion that officials were "scared" of Woods, leading to a beneficial ruling.

"I've not met any rules official who is scared of any player," Rickman said.

"We are there to help. If you've got a ball close to cables it's only going to be a matter of time before he would ask about it. "My understanding of it was that the cables were not movable hence he (the rules official) was correct in his ruling."

The incident rather overshadowed a solid start by Woods on a course drenched by early heavy rain, as he tried to make it three Open titles in a row.

Woods, who denied himself a share of the lead with bogeys on the 12th and 13th holes, was happy with his day. "I feel good about what I did. I made those mistakes on 12 and 13 but shooting under par, you always feel good about that."

His opening effort was five strokes better than his start at Carnoustie in 1999, where he went on to finish tied seventh.

Howell's 72 full of thrills and spills

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:09:00 +0200

(Reuters) - David Howell produced an extraordinary one over par 72 in The Open first round that contained only six par figures.

The 32 year old Englishman made a dreadful start when he followed two opening bogey fives with a double-bogey six at the third.

Howell then suddenly burst into life with a string of four birdies in five holes to the eighth.

"It certainly wasn't the best of starts," Howell said. "I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I reached the fourth hole.

"But after making the birdie on four there was some light at the end of the tunnel and I was able to laugh about the start."

Howell has missed a large chunk of the season because of a recurrence of his old back injury and it flared up again on the eve of The Open.

"It wasn't great yesterday," he said. "It has been a bit up and down for a few weeks.

"I had a little pain in the lower back yesterday and it was as bad as it's been in that period. I was fretting about how I would feel this morning but I warmed up well and my body felt good today."

Howell sprinkled his back nine with two birdies and two bogeys and declared himself satisfied at the end of the round.

"If you had asked me on the fourth tee if I'd be happy with one over, I'd have snapped your hand off," he said.

Casey to defend Johnnie Walker title at Gleneagles

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:31:41 +0200

European Tour Player of the Year and world number 15 Paul Casey has announced his intention to defend his Johnnie Walker Championship title in August. After an exceptional season in 2006, during which he became World Match Play Champion and only the fifth golfer in history to have a hole in one during a Ryder Cup match, Casey will return to Gleneagles where he has won twice before. His first triumph came in 2001 when he claimed The Gleneagles Scottish PGA Championship, while his Johnny Walker Championship victory last year followed his success in the Volvo China Open. Casey joins a field, which includes chairman of the championship Colin Montgomerie, to compete for the £1.4million prize fund from August 30 to September 2. The tournament will be played over The PGA Centenary Course, which will also host the 2014 Ryder Cup matches. Championship chairman Montgomerie, who narrowly missed out on the French Open title at the weekend, said: I am delighted that Paul plans to return to Scotland for this years tournament. The support of a world class player like Paul makes The Johnnie Walker Championship one of the best events on The European Tour and we are thrilled to welcome him again for 2007. Casey said: I am looking forward to playing the Johnnie Walker Championship this year. Having won here twice now Im really looking forward to playing again. Casey is one of a number of exceptional winners the championship has produced since its inception in 1999. Adam Scott, Pierre Fulke and Emanuelle Canonica are among those who have claimed victory.

Tune in to European Tour Radio from The K Club

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:32:55 +0200

Keep up to speed with all the action from The K Club by tuning in to European Tour Radio where our on-course reporter brings you all the latest news and interviews from the Smurfit Kappa European Open. Hear what the new US Open Champion, Angel Cabrera, said on his return to action for the first time since his victory at Oakmont, what Irelands Padraig Harrington had to say on the eve of his quest to claim an Irish double, and what Englands David Howell was saying on his comeback after almost three months out through injury. Every day the leading challengers at The K Club will have their say after their rounds, exclusively on European Tour Radio and listen to latest news from with the regular half hourly news updates from our on-course reporter Richard Kaufman. Complementing europeantour.coms live scoring, Kaufman keeps you in touch with the ever-changing leaderboard and any breaking stories. A close-of-play four minute feature includes the comments of the day's leading players as Kaufman brings the figures to life with a world-class audio service. European Tour Radio is available from every European Tour event. Just click here or on the "Radio News" button that can be found on the left of the homepage and live scoring page to listen.

Genworth Financials Charity Initiative off to flying start

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:23:11 +0200

Genworth Financials Putts for Charity initiative an innovative way to raise money for charity got off to a flying start today with Graeme McDowell making the first one-putt worth 5,000 at the Smurfit Kappa European Open. The initiative aims to raise a substantial sum for The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and GOLFAID, the charity of The European Tour players. For every one putt made by professionals participating at the tournament, Genworth will donate 2 to the charities. In addition, visitors to the tournament will have the opportunity to make a contribution by attempting their own one putt on a specially constructed three hole putting green at the Genworth stand in the tented village. Every hole completed in one stroke will contribute a further 2 to the charities. Genworth also ran Putts for Charity at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club in May, raising over £13,000. It aims to build on that success at The K Club and at other events on The European Tour International Schedule as part of a season long charitable donation. Putts for Charity is a fun way to link our sponsorship of The European Tour Statistics to our corporate value, Heart this describes how we reach out and give back," said Bob Brannock, President and CEO of Genworth Financials international operations in Europe and Canada. It proved to be extremely popular at the BMW PGA Championship with both professionals and the public working together to raise a tremendous amount. Im sure that visitors to the Smurfit Kappa European Open will do even better." Genworth Financial is the new Official Sponsor of The European Tour Statistics programme and is also sponsoring four events on The European Tour International Schedule. The Genworth Financial Statistics programme collects and distributes players performance data in the eight main statistical categories: Stroke Average, Driving Accuracy, Driving Distance, Greens in Regulation, Putts per Greens in Regulation, Putts per Round, Sand Saves and Scrambles.

Open Championship Prize Money increase

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:41:17 +0200

Total prize money for The Open Championship at Carnoustie will be £4.2 million, an increase of £200,000 on the 2006 figure. The 2007 Champion will receive a cheque for £750,000, an increase of £30,000 from last year. The additional £200,000 will be distributed amongst the field of 156 players with an average rise of 5%. We are pleased to announce this years Open Championship prize fund said Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A. Equating to US$8.4 million, this increased prize money reflects our goal of maintaining the position of The Open Championship at the forefront of world golf. The player who finishes in 70th place will receive £9,500 while the competitor in 156th place will receive £2,100. When Paul Lawrie won The Open in 1999, he received £350,000 from a prize fund of £2 million.

Cabrera wins Golfer of the Month Award for June

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:21:00 +0200

Angel Cabrera has been named as The European Tour Golfer of the Month for June following his sensational victory at Oakmont Country Club, where he became the first Argentine winner of the US Open Championship. Cabrera shot a final round of 69, one of only two rounds under par on the final day, for a five over par total of 285, one better than both World Number One Tiger Woods and another former winner, Jim Furyk. His victory was only the second Major success for Argentine golfers, following Roberto de Vicenzos Open Championship triumph at Royal Liverpool in 1967, and sparked huge celebrations in his home town of Cordoba. I am very happy with all this recognition which gives me strength to keep playing at the highest level, said Cabrera. This win was very important, especially as it had been 40 years since another Argentine won a Major so hopefully my US Open win will be a big boost for golf in Argentina. The Golfer of the Month award is very important to me. The European Tour is my home. I have been here since 1996 and feel very comfortable here. Also considered for the award were Australian Richard Green, who ended a ten year wait for his second European Tour title when he won the BA-CA Golf Open, presented by Telekom Austria, Spains Carl Suneson, winner of the OPEN DE SAINT-OMER, presented by NEUFLIZE OBC, Swede Niclas Fasth, who followed his excellent fourth place finish in the US Open with victory in the BMW International Open, Germanys Bernhard Langer, who came within a whisker of becoming the oldest winner in European Tour history at the age of 49 at Golfclub München Eichenried, and Englands Graeme Storm, who held off a star-studded chasing pack to claim his maiden victory in the Open de France ALSTOM. The Golfer of the Month Award is presented to a European Tour Member each month for his performance on The European Tour International Schedule and in worldwide competition. Winners so far in 2007 have been Retief Goosen of South Africa (January), Swedens Henrik Stenson (February), South Africas Anton Haig (March), Austrias Markus Brier (April) and Irelands Padraig Harrington (May). At the end of the year, a panel will select The European Tour Golfer of the Year.

Harrington confirms bid for third Alfred Dunhill Links win

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:14:59 +0200

Defending champion Padraig Harrington is to return to St Andrews in October with the goal of winning an unprecedented third Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Harrington delighted the Old Course galleries last year when he won his second Dunhill Links title his first success came in 2002 on the way to his first European Order of Merit crown. It has already been an emotional 2007 for World Number Ten Harrington, as he became the first Irishman in 25 years to win the Irish Open, when he beat Welshman Bradley Dredge, in a dramatic play-off at Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort in May. Harrington will face a formidable field at St Andrews, including another former winner, Scotlands Colin Montgomerie, and England's Paul Casey and Nick Dougherty, who were both involved in the tense finale of the US Open Championship last month at Oakmont Country Club. Dougherty led after the first round, ultimately finishing tied seventh, while on day two Casey shot an unforgettable 66, the best round of the Championship, before going on to finish joint tenth. The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship traditionally boasts one of the most international fields on The European Tour International Schedule, and South Africas popular World Number Five, Ernie Els will return again. Another early entrant is Europe's 2008 Ryder Cup Captain and six time Major winner Nick Faldo, who claimed his second Open Championship at St Andrews in 1990. The championship, which takes place from October 4-7, was conceived as a celebration of links golf and first played in 2001. It will be played over three of the worlds best known and respected links courses the Old Course at St Andrews, the Championship Course at Carnoustie which hosts The Open Championship later this month and the highly regarded Kingsbarns Golf Links. The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship has a unique format. With a prize fund of US $5 million, it incorporates two separate competitions - an individual professional tournament for the world's leading golfers, and a team event in which they are paired with some of the most celebrated amateur golfers. Among the amateurs who played last year were Marcus Allen, Ian Botham, Zinzan Brooke, Sir Bobby Charlton, Johan Cruyff, Kenny Dalglish, Michael Douglas, Morné du Plessis, Jonathan Edwards, Hugh Grant, Ruud Gullit, Dennis Hopper, Ronan Keating, Kyle MacLachlan, Bill Murray, Sir Matthew Pinsent, Richard Ramsay, Sir Steve Redgrave, Tico Torres and Michael Vaughan. Entrance to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship will be free at all three courses on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A ticket price of £15 (concessionary £10) will be charged for the final days play over the Old Course on Sunday, October 7. Entry for under 16s and students is free. Tickets are available through the ticket hotline on 0870 010 9021 or at the entrance gates. There is free parking for spectators and a free shuttle bus service will be in operation between the courses on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Ballantine's brings first European Tour event to Korea

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:40:34 +0200

The European Tour and the Korea PGA are delighted to announce that Ballantines, the worlds number three Scotch whisky, will title sponsor The Ballantines Championship at the Pinx Golf Club on the picturesque island of Jeju, South Korea, from March 13-16, 2008, with a prize fund of 2,000,000. This is the first European Tour event to be held in Korea. In this historic move, Ballantines has agreed an initial three year arrangement for the Championship which will be promoted by the Parallel Media Group. Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, which owns Ballantines, said: The European Tour brings a global stage for this tournament, for Ballantines and for Korean golf. It is our privilege to help bring for the first time such a prestigious event to Korea which is already world famous for its golfers and its love of golf. We hope all will recognise our desire to help further increase the sports popularity in Korea. George OGrady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: We are delighted to welcome Ballantines into our family of global sponsors and congratulate them in addition to the Korea PGA and the Parallel Media Group for their foresight, support and vision. This is an exciting new territory for The European Tour which meets with our policy to grow the game worldwide and Pinx Golf Club will provide a spectacular venue for the players and fans alike. The Ballantines Championship marks the first time that The European Tour International Schedule has visited Korea and brings to 38 the number of destinations to have hosted Tour competition. Koreas influence on The European Tour is already well established with KJ Choi becoming the first Korean to win on The European Tour International Schedule when he captured the 2003 German Masters while compatriot YE Yang held off a world class field including World Number One Tiger Woods to capture the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai last November. Seoung Ghee Wook, the Korea PGA Vice-Chairman, said: I am very pleased that this official European Tour event, the Ballantines Championship, is being held for the first time in Korea. The Ballantines Championship will make a huge contribution to the continuing development of Korean professional golf and will help build a close relationship between Korea and The European Tour. The Korea PGA is looking forward to working with The European Tour and Ballantines to ensure that the tournament is an outstanding success. Pinx Golf Club, located on Jeju Island, just south of the Korean mainland, is a state-of-the-art resort with a stunning Scottish Moorland-style course set amongst spectacular lava outcrops with views of Halla Mountain and the Yellow Sea. Jeju Island, also known as Island of the Gods is a popular vacation destination for Koreans, dominated by Halla-san, South Koreas highest peak. The facility, which has 27 holes all providing views of the Halla Mountains and the sea was designed by the renowned US golf course designer, Theodore G Robinson, and entered the US Golf Digest 100 best courses list at number 72 in 2005-2006. David Ciclitira, CEO of the Parallel Media Group, said: We are delighted to extend our promotion of golf tournaments to this new Ballantines Championship and we look forward to developing the event with Ballantines, The European Tour and the Korea PGA at the outstanding Pinx Golf Club. Ballantines Scotch whisky enjoys an iconic status across Asia and is Koreas favourite super-premium imported Scotch. Ballantines has won over 60 trophies and medals at international competitions in the last ten years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. Its range from Ballantines Finest to the iconic 30 year old is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that date back to 1827.

McDowell Leads a Chorus of Sweet 16 at Sunningdale

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:38:00 +0200

Northern Irelands Graeme McDowell led 16 qualifiers into The 2007 Open Championship after winning the International Final Qualifying event at Sunningdale Golf Club. The 36-hole qualifier, played over Sunningdales Old and New Courses, saw 120 players do battle for one of the coveted 16 available places at Carnoustie for The 135th Open Championship, from July 19-22. At the end of a day blighted by bad weather and uncomfortable conditions, McDowell compiled rounds of 67-64 for a nine under 131 total, two strokes clear of Englands Nick Dougherty, Swedens Peter Hanson and Miguel Angel Jiménez of Spain, who shared second place on seven under 133. "I thought we got very lucky with the weather," said McDowell. "We had only two heavy downpours this afternoon, one when we were standing on the 18th tee. But it's amazing how difficult the golf course does play when there is rain. The fairways are saturated. The golf course is right on the edge of being saturated anyway. But the way they presented it today was pretty amazing considering how much rain there has been. It was in immensely good shape. "Last year I holed about a 30-footer on the last green to get into the play-off. Nice to do it with a bit more style this year. "Carnoustie is a course I do enjoy. I have played there a lot. I certainly did not want to be sitting at home while The Open is going on. "I think I have the right mind set for these qualifiers. Some of the guys go out and try to play very aggressively. I play very conservatively. Try and take my birdie chances when I get them. You obviously need a lot of mental stamina to get through these 36-holers. I feel like I'm in the top 25 per cent in mental stamina. Got to hang in there all day, try and keep the mistakes off the card." One of the most unusual aspects of Mondays International Final Qualifying event was the lack of a sudden-death play-off. It has become almost a tradition that the Sunningdale qualifier ends with a few players going head to head in a sudden-death shoot-out for that last remaining spot, but that was not to be as exactly 16 players finished on four under par or better. Seven of the 16 qualifiers finished on four under, namely Fredrik Andersson-Hed, Peter Baker, Mattias Eliasson, Mark Foster, David Frost, Jose-Filipe Lima and Francesco Molinari Ross Fisher will make his first appearance in a Major Championship thanks to his brilliant second round 64 that allowed him to finish in fifth place on six under par, while completing the 16 qualifiers were Benn Barham, Gregory Bourdy, Alistair Forsyth and Oliver Wilson.

Fernandez-Castano and Forsyth lead at Sunningdale

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:36:45 +0200

Five under par rounds of 65 over the Old Course at Sunningdale by Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaňo of Spain, and Alastair Forsyth of Scotland, have set the early lead in the 36-hole European leg of International Final Qualifying for The Open. Fernandez-Castaňo's eight birdies were offset by three bogeys. He dropped shots at three of the four par three holes and commented: "It's very difficult to control the backspin today. The greens are soft and wet and the ball spins back quite a lot. Some pin positions were tricky." Forsyth dropped only one shot, at the 475 yard par four 10th, in a round that included six birdies. "It was kind of a slow day to start with but I birdied three of the last four," he said. "It was a solid round. I didn't do much wrong, which is the key. The form has been knocking on the door so hopefully I'll have a good solid round this afternoon and I'll make it." Ian Woosnam, former US Masters champion, birdied the opening hole, but double bogeyed the short fourth on his way to a 69. He birdied the last three holes. He said: "I played great golf today. It was the best I've played in a number of years. The putter and tee to green I played great. I got anxious with the putter a little bit but got a few near the end. But I hit a lot of them really close so one had to go in before long. I made a six-footer at 16, seven or eight-footer at 17 and about 12 feet at the last."

Calm Storm on the Straight and Narrow

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:34:00 +0200

GRAEME Storms maiden European Tour breakthrough at the Open de France ALSTOM owed much to the way he plotted his way around the Le Golf National in Paris with quality driving and iron play. The former Amateur Champions final round of 66 (-5) saw him surge from five strokes behind to win by a shot ahead of 54-hole leader, Denmarks Soren Hansen. And a look at the Genworth Financial Statistics proves that Storms golf from tee to green was crucial in that charge through the field. Storms Driving Accuracy of 71.4% paved the way for a Greens In Regulation return of 79.2%, which placed the Hartlepool man second on that list.

Sports stars to kick-off Smurfit Kappa European Open

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:34:00 +0200

Hurling legend DJ Carey, former Ireland rugby captain Keith Wood, and former Chelsea and Italy footballer Gianfranco Zola are three of the many personalities from the world of sport lined up to compete in the star-studded Pro-Am preceding this weeks Smurfit Kappa European Open at The K Club. The Pro-Am tournament will take place on Wednesday July 4 and with free attendance offered to all spectators that day, huge crowds are expected to flock to the Straffan venue which staged Europes record-equalling Ryder Cup victory over the United States last September. Denis Joseph Carey, known throughout Ireland as simply DJ, is widely recognised as one of the greatest exponents of hurling the game has ever known. He played for Kilkenny from 1990 to 2005 before retiring and will be making a welcome return to the Smurfit Kappa European Open Pro-Am. Keith Wood has competed in several Pro-Ams over the years and utilises the same competitive spirit in them which saw him win 58 caps for Ireland and appear twice for the Lions. Nicknamed The Raging Potato because of his bald head and combative style, Wood was inducted into the Rugby Hall of Fame in 2005 and his 15 full international tries are still a record for a hooker. One personality making his debut at The K Club is Gianfranco Zola and the diminutive Italian, whose sublime skills saw him voted the Football Writers Player of Year in 1997 during his time with Chelsea, is set to enjoy the week more than most as it is his 41st birthday the following day, Thursday July 5. Since retiring from football I have become mad about golf and so I am really looking forward to playing at The K Club for the first time, he said. I watched The Ryder Cup last year and it looks a great course and I cant wait to see how I play there in front of the fantastic Irish golf fans. It will be a big day for me and it would be wonderful if I could win the Pro-Am that would be the perfect birthday present to give myself for Thursday! Another Italian football personality appearing at The K Club for the first time is head coach of the Italian football team, Roberto Donadoni, who succeeded Marcello Lippi, the manager who guided Italy to World Cup success in Germany in 2006. A pillar of the powerhouse AC Milan teams of the late 1980s and the early 1990s, Donadoni was a vital cog in a side which won five Serie A titles, three European Cups, three European Super Cups and two Intercontinental Cups. He also played 63 times for Italy, scoring five goals. Also competing in the Pro-Am are Niall Quinn, former Ireland football international and now chairman of Sunderland Football Club, and Eddie Jordan, the founder and former owner of Jordan Grand Prix, a Formula One constructor which operated from 1991 to 2005. Spectators can not only enjoy free entry to Wednesdays Pro-Am as, thanks to the continued generosity of Ulster Bank and their Free Ticket Thursday offer, there is no admission charge to Thursdays first days play either. Last year was the first time any Irish based professional golf tournament offered such a day to the public and the Free Ticket Thursday initiative turned out to be a huge success with over 29,000 availing of the offer. This year it is poised to be even better with 36,000 free tickets already having been snapped up. Jamie Birkmyre, Managing Director of the European Open Golf Championship, said: The excitement and anticipation surrounding this years Smurfit Kappa European Open is growing every day. Last year was fantastic but this year is shaping up to surpass even that. We cannot thank Ulster Bank enough for their involvement with Free Ticket Thursday and, added to the free admission on Wednesday to see many of Ireland and Europes favourite sporting sons playing alongside the cream of the European Tour golfing talent, the Irish public are in for a real treat at The K Club this week. Defending champion at The K Club will be Welshman Stephen Dodd but leading the impressive field aiming to follow in his footsteps is recently crowned US Open Champion Angel Cabrera who will be looking to become after Michael Campbell and Retief Goosen the third US Open Champion to lift the Smurfit Kappa European Open title. Admission tickets to The K Club for second round play on Friday, third round play on Saturday and fourth round play on Sunday will be available at the gate.

Glorieuse incertitude du sport

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

A 18 trous du trophée sauf play-off très vraisemblable ils sont sans doute huit à pouvoir prétendre aux sourires de Stephen Urquhart, le patron dOmega, et de Gaston F. Barras, le président du tournoi, au moment de la remise du trophée qui ressemble comme une soeur à lautre coupe aux grandes oreilles de la Ligue des champions. Ils sappellent Bradley Dredge, le leader à -13, Marcel Siem à -11, Oliver Wilson (- 9), Sergio Garcia (-8), suivis de quatre autres joueurs à -7, tous bien décidés à mettre les pieds dans le plat. La chasse au titre est brûlante et Sergio Garcia na sûrement pas encore dit son dernier mot. il le confiait encore hier soir à son amie Michelle Wie, de retour avec lui sur le parcours Seve Ballesteros en compagnie de jeunes pousses suisses pour disputer lOMEGA DOUBLE EAGLE JUNIOR CHALLENGE sur le n°18. Ce fût un bon moment, sûrement inoubliable pour Rebecca Huber et Cédric Joos, les leaders de lordre du mérite ASG (- 14 ans) cette année, qui ont déjà ainsi appris à accepter la pression dune nuée de photographes. Donc, ils sont huit prétendants en six coups, cest-à-dire en six fois rien sur les 6239 mètres dun par 71 qui ne semble pas vraiment faire trop de cadeaux cette année. Encore que Brett Rumford ait prouvé le contraire au 3e tour en rendant un superbe 64 fait de sept birdies. Mais aujourdhui, avec quelques drapeaux dans les coins, il faudra encore rehausser la qualité du jeu pour agacer les leaders, le gallois Bradley Dredge en premier. ce vainqueur de la coupe du monde 2005 (avec Stephen Dodd) est redoutable et a aussi gagné sur le tour européen. Cétait en 1993 à Madère. Marcel Siem a joué les trouble-fêtes à Munich dimanche dernier et, ne serait-ce deux bogeys malencontreux aux n°13 et 16, il serait à la hauteur du leader. Vous donner notre pronostic? Si Rumford peut jouer 64, si Jarmo Sandelin entre une approche de 120 mètres au n°18 pour eagle, alors cest la bouteille à lencre. ils sont huit en six coups et aucun nest donc un outsider. Alors, faites vos jeux!

Philippe P. Hermann golfers&co

Rencontre du jour - Francesco Molinari: Histoire de famille

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:58:06 +0200

Il y a de grands noms dans lhistoire du golf italien. Et bien entendu, tous sont passés par Crans-Montana, pour des raisons géographiques, mais aussi sentimentales, tant nos voisins transalpins se sentent bien sur le haut-Plateau. Si lon prend le palmarès de lOpen de Suisse, on trouve Ugo Grappasonni, le regretté Aldo Casera, Alfonso Angelini, Roberto Bernardini et enfin, Costantino Rocca. Tous se sont imposés, mais dautres ont brillé et particulièrement Baldovino Dassu, qui a établi le record de lancien parcours de Plan Bramois en 60 coups! dans cette liste prestigieuse, le nom de Francesco Molinari ne dépareillerait pas. Cette année, lan prochain, dans dix ans? Peu importe, le jeune (bientôt 24 ans) joueur de Turin nest pas pressé, dautant quil a déjà remporté un tournoi plus prestigieux à ses yeux, le Telecom italia Open 2006! Gagner devant son public, sur le sol national, est certainement le plus grand bonheur quun professionnel puisse connaître. Et le 7 mai dernier, sur le parcours du Castello di Tolcinasco g&cc, il a mis fin à 26 ans dattente nationale la dernière victoire italienne remontait à 1980 et appartenait à Massimo Mannelli grâce à un score total de 23 en dessous du par, avec quatre coups davance sur Anders Hansen et Jarmo Sandelin. grâce au 233000 euros du premier prix, Francesco a non seulement garni son compte en banque, mais aussi garanti sa carte sur le circuit européen pour deux ans, ce qui est appréciable pour un joueur qui dispute seulement sa seconde saison sur le Pga european Tour. avant lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS, il occupait du reste une confortable 45ème position à lOrdre du mérite (450000 euros), gage dune participation au Volvo masters de Valderrama, en fin dannée. Issu dune famille de golfeurs, Francesco Molinari a découvert le golf à 8 ans, sur le circolo golf Torino. Il est dailleurs fidèle à ce club puisque le pro, Sergio Bertaina, est devenu son coach! Brillant amateur, il est passé directement sur le Tour en terminant 4ème de la Qualifing School 2004. il a bouclé honnêtement son année de «rookie» en 2005 avec une 86ème position et, comme on vient de le voir, sa saison 2006 se déroule parfaitement. Francesco a aussi le plaisir de voir son frère le rejoindre dans les rangs professionnels: Eduardo, qui avait gagné lUS amateur 2005, vient en effet de changer de statut. On na pas fini de parler de golf dans la famille Molinari!

Jacques Houriet

Carte didentité
Né le: 8 novembre 1982, Turin, italie
Résidence: Turin
Mensurations: 172 centimètres pour 72 kilos
Etat civil: célibataire
Professionnel depuis: 2004
Hobbies: football, snowboard
Ses meilleurs résultats sur le PGA EUROPEAN TOUR:
Victoire au Telecom Italia Open 2006

Molinari: Carattere e passione

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Non era mai successo che in un torneo delleuropean Tour si verificasse linvasione del green della 18 alla fine della gara. eppure, Francesco «chicco» Molinari è riuscito a scatenare un tifo mai visto in italia. Era il 7 maggio, unassolata domenica a Tolcinasco, alle porte di milano, e il pubblico golfista e anche non golfista era accorso (20mila persone) per assistere alle ultime battute del Telecom italia Open, il torneo che negli ultimi 26 anni non aveva visto un successo italiano. Un tifo incredibile ha sostenuto questo torinese di 23 anni a due esami dalla laurea in economia e commercio, con alle spalle una splendida carriera da dilettante e passato al professionismo da soli 18 mesi. Anche qui a cransmontana (dove francesco da dilettante trascorreva brevi periodi di vacanza) il sostegno non è mancato. Serio, estremamente preparato tecnicamente, chicco ha entusiasmato il pubblico con la fantastica sequenza eaglebirdie- birdie con la quale ha concluso il giro di venerdi. Ha dimostrato e dimostra carattere, questo giovane pro dallo swing solido in tutte le condizioni: dal sole della Spagna dove nel 2004 ha vinto la Sherry cup, al vento di St. Andrews Dove è arrivato in semifinale nell amateur championship, alla sofferta conquista della «carta». Non è indenne alle emozioni, pero: i sentimenti si sono fatti sentire ad aprile quando è salito sul tee della 1 di augusta dove ha fatto da caddie al fratello edoardo che ha disputato il masters giocando le prime 36 buche con tiger Woods.

Maria Pia Gennaro Golf & Tourismo

OMEGA DOUBLE EAGLE JUNIOR CHALLENGE

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Putter la balle de Michelle Wie ou chipper le drive de Sergio Garcia devant des milliers de spectateurs, voilà une partie de golf qui nest pas banale. Cest pourtant celle quon vécue Rebecca Huber et Cédric Joos hier vers 17h00, lors de lOMEGA DOUBLE EAGLE JUNIOR CHALLENGE. Les deux jeunes devaient ce privilège à leur talent, qui leur permet dêtre leaders de lOrdre du mérite aSg des moins de 14 ans. Invités par Omega pour être les partenaires des deux stars de lédition 2006 du MASTERS, ces juniors de Bubikon (Rebecca) et La Largue (Cédric) ont donc disputé un double greensome, qui se trouve en fait être un double foursome. Mais passons les détails de cette formule qui voit les joueurs frapper alternativement deux balles, pour relever simplement que Michelle Wie et Cédric Joos ont battu dun coup Rebecca Huber et Sergio Garcia. Le public a chaleureusement applaudi les acteurs, notamment les jeunes, qui nont pas tremblé au moment de frapper leur drive. car cest bien le coup le plus périlleux quils ont joué dans leur courte carrière : en cas de «soquette», il y aurait forcément eu «de la casse» mais ils ont assuré, enregistrant au fond de leur mémoire le «good shot» prononcé simultanément par Michelle et Sergio. a la fin de la partie, Steve Urquhart, président dOmega, a récompensé les participants. On peut imaginer que les putters dédicacés par Sergio et Michelle seront bien à labri dans les chambres de Rebecca et Cédric!

Jacques Houriet

Not just any other Tournament

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Over the course of a season, the european Tours aptly named international schedule visits 25 different countries on five different continents. Such a multi-lingual treadmill represents a lot of miles, a lot of hotels and, inevitably, a wide range of golf courses. But none is more striking than the one here at crans-montana. Gazing down the Val danniviers from the 7th tee, one can take in the snow-capped beauty of the Weisshorn, the Zinalrothorn, the dent Blanche and the dent dhérens, to name but four of the alpine peaks that peer down on a course that is itself 5,000 feet above sea level. «This is certainly the most beautiful venue on our tour», says Mark roe, a 21-year european Tour veteran. «It is breathtaking. its a tribute to crans-montana that so many players return year after year. We all come back for the ambience of the village and the magnificent views.» Roe speaks the truth. Even on a circuit blessed with such a diversity of language and culture, the annual trip to Switzerland is special indeed. Where a two-hour train journey from the airport would normally produce yawns of boredom from many professionals, here there is contentment as all concerned gaze out at the peerless vistas and the majesty of Lake geneva. «It is stunning here», agrees former Ryder cup player Andrew Coltart. «On almost every hole I pause to take in the surroundings. I cant think of many places where I would do that.» neither can I. Roll on next year.

John Huggan Scotland on Sunday

Le Président dOmega impressionné

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

«crans-montana est vraiment un site unique. ajoutez-y le beau temps, une affluence record et vous comprendrez pourquoi jai le sourire. Je suis très satisfait du déroulement de cette édition 2006.» Stephen Urquhart, président dOmega, a vécu un moment inoubliable durant sa semaine passée à crans-montana: mercredi, il a partagé le flight de Michelle Wie à loccasion du CREDIT SUISSE GOLD PRO-am. «Jai souvent joué avec de grands noms du golf mondial comme Sergio Garcia ou Ernie Els. mais je nai jamais vécu pareille situation. une foule incroyable nous a suivi tout au long des 18 trous. Jai été impressionné!» en sassociant à michelle Wie, la marque Omega imaginait-elle que la jeune américaine allait déchaîner une telle passion? Réponse de son président: «La direction du Pga european Tour nous avait averti. elle souhaitait que nous prenions des mesures de sécurité spéciales pour la venue de notre ambassadrice. Grâce à leffet michelle Wie, nous attendions 25 à 30% de spectateurs en plus, nous en avons eu 40% lors des deux premières journées. Nous sommes comblés.» LOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS est lune des manifestations les plus prestigieuses de leuropean Tour. Dannée en année, elle ne cesse de peaufiner les détails et de gagner en qualité. Peut-elle aller encore plus haut? «Bien sûr. Nous devons mettre un accent tout particulier sur lengagement des joueurs. Je sais que les tournois se multiplient et que les bonnes dates du calendrier sarrachent. Mais nous devons faire venir les meilleurs sur le haut-Plateau. Et cela ne doit pas être uniquement une question dargent. Je souhaite que la Pga nous donne un coup de main dans ce sens.» Stephen Urquhart a dores et déjà reçu lassurance dErnie Els quil reviendra un jour à crans-montana disputer lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS. Quant à Michelle Wie: «elle devrait à nouveau tenter sa chance», conclut Stephen Urquhart.

Stephen Urquhart, OMEGAS MASTER TACTICIAN

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

There is more to running a major international company than making sure the profit figures are satisfactory for the shareholders at the end of the year. stephen Urquhart, the president of Omega, is obviously very good at that. But mr Urquhart also proved this week that he is a master technician in the art of supervising the golf tournament that his company sponsors and promotes, the EUROPEAN MASTERS. Enticing Michelle Wie to play was undoubtedly a masterstroke, which became more and more evident as the tournament approached with such eminent europeans as luke donald and paul casey, who make crans-montana a regular stop on their schedules, deciding that with the Ryder cup approaching, a week off was required. Casey hated missing the event. «I would love to be there but with the World match Play, the Ryder cup, the amex championship and the dunhill links over the next four weeks, I just had to have a week off», he said recently. «I will miss the beauty of the place», casey added. But Wie filled the gap admirably and pulled in the fans to the extent that crowd figures for Thursday and friday reached record levels of 9500 and 11500, some 6000 up on the first two days last year. So congratulations for that stroke of genius, mr urquhart!

Brian Creighton Associated Press

Golfvergnügen mit einem Major-Sieger

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:12:00 +0200

In der prächtigen Woche des OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS hat sich vieles um Michelle Wie und Sergio Garcia gedreht. Was einigen vielleicht nicht bewusst ist: der einzige Majorturnier - Gewinner im ganzen Teilnehmerfeld ist Sandy Lyle. Der Schotte, 48, hat 1985 das British Open und 1998 das US Masters gewonnen, die beiden bedeutendsten Turniere überhaupt.
In dieser Woche scheiterte Lyle am Cut. Sein Pech war das Glück dreier Amateure, die in den Genuss einer 9-Loch-Golfrunde mit dem Schotten kamen: Am freien Samstag liess sich Lyle für die CREDIT SUISSE TROPHY auf dem Jack-Nicklaus-Kurs verpflichten, das Pro-Am-Turnier, zu dem Hauptsponsor CREDIT SUISSE Kunden einlädt. Unter den Profis für die insgesamt 12 Viererteams waren auch die Schweizer Jann Schmid, Steve Rey und der im Hauptturnier knapp am Cut gescheiterte Robert Wiederkehr.

Le Tournoi jusquaux Rives du Léman

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Depuis le début de l'OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS, une bonne partie de la Romandie retrouve les échos du tournoi sur les ondes de Radio Lac en fin daprès-midi (17h50). Animée par philippe p. Hermann, cette émission a vu le jour sur lidée de DEVILLARD fidèle sponsor de lévènement. Tant claude devillard que Bertrand pasche sont ravis de leffet induit par ce programme aussi informatif que convivial où christian cevaer, Frank sauzée ou Marc Farry sont déjà venus partager leurs points de vue sur le tournoi ou dautres affaires du golf. déjà vecteur dune belle partie de la communication du grand rendez-vous valaisan, grâce à un matériel de reproduction qui livre 150000 copies pendant la semaine, DEVILLARD ajoute ainsi une nouvelle dimension à lécho donné à lun des plus brillants tournois deurope.

Sergio Garcia's Flash Quotes

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:56:00 +0200

«It would be nice to win here in Crans-montana, but if it doesnt happen, it doesnt matter. The most important thing for me is to see that I am playing well, to see my putting is getting better. Even though I had a couple of three putts, I felt I hit a lot of good putts. The greens were a little bit bumpy in the afternoon and it was hard to hole putts. I have to go out and keep giving myself good chances, taking advantage of the par fives. On this course you have to be spot on, with every round under par you are happy. It is important to keep playing well and if i do that the wins will come.»

Trou 18, 17h00, Omega présente: du Spectacle avec Michelle et Sergio

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:16:00 +0200

Jouer en compagnie de Michelle Wie et sergio Garcia, ne seraitce quun trou, est certainement une expérience formidable et un souvenir particulier. Cest le bonheur qui attend Rebecca Huber, du golf-Club Bubikon/ZH et Cédric Joos, du Golf-Club de La Largue. Ces deux jeunes suisses seront les partenaires des vedettes du MASTERS, dans une exhibition qui sintitule OMEGA DOUBLE EAGLE JUMIOR CHALLENGE et qui se déroulera aujourdhui au trou 18, à partir de 17h00. Pour les deux leaders (au 28 août) de lOrdre du mérite asg de la catégorie des 14 ans et moins, il sagira surtout de vaincre le stress et lexcitation; on peut compter sur michelle et sergio pour les mettre à laise, puisquils sont tous les deux passés par là, il ny a pas si longtemps! La formule de jeu est particulière et spécialement définie pour cet événement: un double greensome. Pour les spécialistes, il sagit plutôt dun double foursome, puisque chaque golfeur joue une balle, frappe au coup suivant celle de son partenaire et ainsi de suite jusquau trou. Michelle jouera avec Cédric et Sergio avec Rebecca, pour cette exhibition qui souligne lengagement dOMEGA auprès des jeunes. Un moment démotion, de sport et de plaisir, à partager avec ces champions.

Jacques Houriet

Le Credit Suisse prolonge...

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Quand on est une banque, on aime les chiffres et surtout les chiffres ronds. C'est donc avec une fierté légitime que le sponsor principal de lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS a invité hier la presse pour célébrer très simplement les 20 ans de son partenariat avec le MASTERS. Au cours de ce petit-déjeuner convivial, le porte-parole de la grande banque a surtout annoncé le prolongement pour quatre ans jusquen 2010 - de lengagement du CREDIT SUISSE sur le Haut Plateau. Une prolongation qui assure également le sponsoring titre du plus célèbre Pro-Am de suisse, le CREDIT SUISSE GOLD PRO-AM.

Le CREDIT SUISSE est un partenaire incontournable du golf suisse, par son soutien à l'Association Suisse de Golf (ASG), à la Swiss PGA, à la Swiss Golf Foundation, mais également en tant que sponsor de plusieurs compétitions, dont le CREDIT SUISSE CHALLENGE de Wylihof, le PGA Seniors Open de Bad Ragaz, le Zurich Open et dautres compétitions en Pro-Am. La banque accorde aussi une importance particulière à la promotion de la relève, par son appui au golf délite et aux jeunes golfeurs.

Pour le 150ème anniversaire du CREDIT SUISSE, le 100ème anniversaire du golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre, la 60ème édition de l'Open de Suisse, ici à Crans-Montana, et pour le 75ème anniversaire de Gaston F. Barras, président du comité dorganisation, cette annonce fut un vrai cadeau. Vive les chiffres ronds!

Jacques Houriet

Une diffusion Planétaire

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Au travers des images TV (456 heures de direct, 14 heures de résumé et 42 heures de magazine), lOmega EUROPEAN MASTERS touche 624 millions de foyers répartis sur les cinq continents. La compétition jouit dune aura mondiale, et dans son sillage, cest tout le Valais qui en profite. La production des images est assurée par la société PGA European Tour Productions, qui dispose sur place dune équipe composée de 120 personnes, de 17 tours TV et de 17 caméras. Afin de ne manquer aucun moment crucial de cet OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS, tous les endroits stratégiques du parcours sont reliés entre eux par 20 km de câble en fibre optique. Au final, les images sont envoyées aussi bien aux USA, quen Afrique du Sud, en Chine ou en Australie, pour ne citer que les destinations les plus lointaines. Les passionnés de golf de la région, qui nont pas la chance de se rendre sur le magnifique parcours Severiano Ballesteros, pourront suivre lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS sur les chaînes suisses.

Hugo Steinegger
Chef médias

Le retour de SWISS

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Cette année 2006 marque le retour de SWISS dans le giron des sponsors de lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS. «Nous navons jamais vraiment quitté le monde du golf. Nous avons simplement pris un peu de recul en raison de lactualité», explique Michaela Grossmann, manager events chez SWISS. Au travers de son Club Swiss Golf Traveller, la compagnie daviation helvétique continue à fournir des prestations très avantageuses aux golfeurs. Ils peuvent non seulement faire transporter gratuitement leur sac de golf sur tous les vols SWISS, mais ils bénéficient aussi davantages en ce qui concerne les hôtels et les parcours. «Les passagers qui volent avec nous aiment le golf. Hier, nous avons profité de notre présence à Crans-Montana pour inviter 40 de nos meilleurs clients», conclut Michaela Grossmann.

Der Schweizer Exploit blieb aus

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:18:00 +0200

Zum ersten Mal seit 2002 finden die beiden Schlussrunden des OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS wieder ohne einheimische Beteiligung statt. Als bestklassierte Schweizer verpassten Robert Wiederkehr (Rang 67) und André Bossert (77) den Cut um einen bzw. zwei Schläge.
Die Hoffnungsträger nach dem ersten Tag konnten gestern nicht zusetzen: Nicolas Sulzer haderte je länger die Partie dauerte, desto mehr mit seinem Putter und blieb mit einer 79er - Runde auf der Strecke. Damian Ulrich vergab seine Chancen bereits mit einem rabenschwarzen Start (+5 nach neun Löchern). André Bossert fiel mit einem Triple-Bogey am 4. Loch (seinem 13. der Runde) ausser Rang und Traktanden; daran änderte auch seine generöse Aufholjagd mit drei Birdies auf der sechsten, siebten und achten Bahn nichts mehr. Ken Benz, nach der ersten Runde mit Par bester Schweizer, musste sich eine 77 notieren lassen. Blieb Robert Wiederkehr. Der Zürcher brachte sich nach einem mässigen Auftakt (+1 nach 10 Löchern) mit Birdie, Eagle, Birdie auf den Löchern 13 bis 16 plötzlich wieder ins Gespräch, ehe das Bogey an der 16 den Express ins Stocken brachte. Am 18. Loch blieb sein Putt zum Birdie, das die Qualifikation für die Finalrunden bedeutet hätte, vier Zentimeter neben dem Loch liegen.
Dieser Putt war symptomatisch für die Leistungen der Schweizer in Crans-Montana: Sie gefielen mit einer guten Technik und mit viel Kampfgeist. Sie gaben ihr Bestes, doch das genügte nicht. Bei den einen knapp, bei den anderen recht deutlich. Als Spieler der Alps Tour und der Challenge Tour mehrheitlich auf dem dritten bzw. zweiten europäischen Level spielend, können die Professionals mit der europäischen Elite momentan einfach nicht mithalten. Dank den eingeleiteten Massnahmen (regelmässiges Coaching durch Nationaltrainer Graham Kaye, gemeinsame Trainings, mentale Betreuung) soll der Anschluss aber so rasch als möglich wieder geschafft werden.

André Glauser

Moon-Raker Gene's Crans-Montana Mission

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:23:00 +0200

While it was one small step for woman this week, a man who created lunar history was in Crans-montana.

He wasnt penalised for it, but Eugene (Gene) Cernan was the last man to leave his footprint in the sands - of the moon. Gene, like Michelle Wie, is an ambassador for OMEGA. The link between the man who explored space in 1966 and 1969 and returned as commander of the apollo 17 Mission in 1972 to walk 21 miles on the moon's surface, is a watch. «OMEGA made the only watch that qualified to be used on the moon, the Speedmaster», Gene says.

While Gene loves golf, he spurned the chance of showing off his prowess on the moon. Alan Shepard beat him to it, hitting the ball «miles and miles» in 1971. But was it that far? Gene thinks not. Alan claims he hit it into orbit but when they took off there was a little white dot about 30ft in front of the module. What was it like standing on the moon? «It is a magnificent desolation. The thing you remember most, though, is looking back at the earth, realising you are on another planet a quarter of a million miles away. Its an awe-inspiring sight, blues of the ocean and the whites of the sky and the clouds, youre seeing winters and summers. The last footprint left on the moon is mine, at the foot of the ladder of our lunar module.»

Norman Dabell
Reuters

Michelle Wie a manqué le coche, mais elle a fait sauter laudimat

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:26:28 +0200

Vous faites peut-être partie de ceux qui arrivent sur le Haut- Plateau. Aux portes de lOMEGA european masters, le journal du tournoi annonce «Michelle Wie, 157» quelque part entre les lignes. Vous ny croyez pas. Vite, vous tournez ces pages pour consulter les heures de départ, pensant à une faute de frappe. 157 à la place dun bon 137. Mais pas de trace de la jolie hawaïenne. En fait, son 157 fait dun 78 et dun 79 est tout à fait réel, lui conférant le plus mauvais rôle.
Whow! Oui, whow Vous êtes autant déçus que nous sommes surpris, tout comme le joli surnombre de spectateurs (près de 40% de plus en deux jours) quelle a suscité. Non pas que nous nous attendions à ce quelle gagne lOmega euROPean masTeRs 2006, ni quelle passe le cut dans un fauteuil, mais tous ces bogeys alors, un, sachez quelle ne la pas fait exprès. Deux, quelle en est choquée, quelle ne demande quà revenir pour ne pas vous laisser, ni la laisser sur un tel souvenir. et je parle pour vous elle sera la bienvenue.
Ceux qui lont suivie sur les deux premiers tours le savent bien. Cette championne sait vraiment jouer au golf et, avec le temps, elle le conjuguera encore bien mieux. Elle le passera ce maudit cut. Elle les gagnera ces tournois. Doù cet esprit revanchard qui va se nourrir des enseignements laissés par les quinze coups consentis au par du Ballesteros. Ainsi, elle apprendra vite à donner une jolie courbe arrondie à sa balle quand elle joue à 1500 mètres daltitude vers des greens plus petits que la norme, entre autres détails à corriger, bloquant la balle bien plus vite à larrivée. Et les scores tomberont alors comme des fruits mûrs.
Vous qui, comme michelle, jouez au golf, vous savez quun score nest jamais écrit à lavance. Ne faites pas alors partie de ceux les béotiens qui lui jetteraient la première pierre. Par sa présence, elle a donné du jus à lun des plus beaux tournois deurope, et on ne peut que len remercier.

Philippe P. Hermann
golfers&co

Cats eyes

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

If there was an award for the most smiling eyes in the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS it might well go to genial argentinian eduardo romero.
Now 52, younger players still admire the distance the twotime winner here can strike the ball, and his resilience as a worldwide competitor.
Behind that smile is animal cunning. Not for nothing is he known as el gato (the cat), but you have to be careful how you spell that nickname. It once appeared as el gateau (the cake).
My first encounter was at Loch Lomond in 2002 when he won the scottish Open three days before his 48th birthday.
He joked that he would use his prize of 570,000 euros tonbuy argentina. In reality, he used some of his winnings to support charities in argentina.
In a remark that could equally apply to switzerland, Romero said: «Winning in scotland is like winning at home. The people are fantastic and the country is similar with mountains and lakes.»
He came close to winning again in scotland in July at Turnberry in the senior British Open, losing in a play-off to american Loren roberts. Those cats eyes still smiled through the disappointment.
gracious in both victory and defeat, the record-holder for the extended course at Crans-montana (62 in 2000) is as popular here as he is the world over. Douglas Lowe The Herald [Scotland]

Rencontre du jour - Eduardo Romero: On le voit partout

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:28:59 +0200

Gary Player fut lun des premiers golfeurs à arpenter tous les greens de la planète pour faire la promotion du golf et, accessoirement (!), gonfler un palmarès exceptionnel. Eduardo Romero a aussi ce côté nomade, puisquil nhésite pas à franchir les océans pour disputer des épreuves de quatre circuits différents: le PGA european Tour dont fait partie lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS, lUS PGA Tour, le Senior Tour sur le vieux continent et le Champions Tour sur le sol américain. Car le sympathique argentin a aujourdhui 52 ans et nhésite pas à se produire dans la catégorie réservée à ses contemporains, dun côté et de lautre de latlantique. Avec une certaine réussite dailleurs, puisquil a gagné cette année le WENTWORTH Senior Masters en angleterre, le Jeld-Wen Tradition aux Etats-Unis, avant de finir second dun tournoi majeur, le Senior British Open, qui se disputait Ecosse. Evidemment, cette «dispersion» lempêche de se concentrer sur un seul Tour, mais il est si efficace quil figure quand même à la seconde place de lOrdre du mérite du Senior Tour, avec seulement quatre tournois disputés et très peu de retard sur Sam Torrance.

La puissance de son swing et la qualité de son petit jeu lui permettent de rester compétitif face aux «gamins» du circuit européen et le joueur de Cordoba aime venir les taquiner, surtout lorsque le Tour sarrête en Valais ! Car il ne manque pas damis à Crans-Montana et il ny a pas assez de soirées dans la semaine de lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS pour organiser et participer à ses fameuses grillades argentines, si animées et savoureuses. Eduardo Romero a gagné deux fois sur le Haut Plateau en 1994 et en 2000 et le public, qui na pas la mémoire courte, aime suivre ce joueur plein de charisme, à la silhouette massive, au sourire chaleureux et au contact facile. Dailleurs, ce sont tous les Argentins que les spectateurs du MASTERS soutiennent, notamment Ricardo Gonzalez, également vainqueur du tournoi en 2001, ou Andres romero, qui na aucun lien de parenté avec Eduardo - mais qui porte lun des noms les plus communs en argentine ! et qui fait une saison tonitruante pour son arrivée sur le circuit européen.

La relève est en route, mais il y aura toujours une place dans le cur du public pour eduardo Romero.

Jacques Houriet

Ce nest quun au revoir...

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

On sy attendait, mais ce que la raison nous dictait, le cur le refusait. Michelle Wie nest pas parvenue à surmonter les difficultés du parcours severiano Ballesteros lors du second tour de lOmega EUROPEAN MASTERS. Avec un score de 79, elle a finalement terminé à 15 au-dessus du par. Un score qui lui a inspiré ce commentaire: «Je suis sous le choc, je nai pas pu contrôler mes coups. Je ne sais même pas à quel sport jai joué aujourdhui!» Pas démontée pour autant, le prodige de Hawaï se réjouissait de revoir son entraîneur, David Leadbetter, pour régler quelques détails techniques. Elle na pas dit si elle comptait revenir à Crans-montana lan prochain, mais tous les espoirs sont permis. Car sa modeste prestation en Valais na pas gâché la fête; au contraire, sa présence a donné une touche glamour et fraîche à lédition 2006 de lOmega EUROPEAN MASTERS, tout en permettant de battre le record dentrées pour les deux premiers tours de la manifestation. Ils nétaient pas moins de 11500 hier - soit 40% de plus que le meilleur résultat lors dun second tour (8200) à profiter du beau temps pour suivre limpressionnante adolescente. Ou pour admirer le swing de ceux qui vont animer le week-end ! Cest encore un trio qui occupe la tête de lOmega EUROPEAN MASTERS, mais pas le même que jeudi soir. En effet, dépassés les Coles, Carter et Wall, place à Bradley Dredge, Marcel Siem et Andrew McLardy. Solidement installés à -7, ces trois garçons devançaient Francesco Molinari (-6) et surtout sergio Garcia (-5). Lespagnol a pourtant frisé la correctionnelle, puisque après un départ en fanfare eagle au trou n°1 il a enchaîné avec trois bogeys. Son mental et son expérience du parcours lont alors sauvé dun dérapage plus pénalisant et cest en patron quil a bouclé ce second tour en 69. Comme lan dernier, le cut sest établi à +1, barrant la route à tous les joueurs suisses, dont le plus valeureux fut linattendu robert Wiederkehr (+2). Lan prochain, peut-être...

Jacques Houriet

FLASH QUOTES AFTER YESTERDAYS FIRST ROUND

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Anthony Wall - round One 66 (- 5):
«it was a good days work. i drove the ball well. i have a technique i feel i can keep working. it doesnt come and go, but i feel it will work all the time. i am enjoying myself which helps. i am more relaxed as i feel i am swinging it better. i want to win this year. it makes things easier for next year and i also want to be in the top 15 to get in three of the four majors. That is a big thing for me.»

Robert Coles - round One 66 (-5):
«Crans-Montana is a great place and there certainly is a relaxing atmosphere around it. Maybe that helps. it is tricky around the greens and there is no power game here and that suits me. i quite like that. You know you have to be playing at a certain standard to have a chance and some weeks i havent been playing at that standard. i need to produce something in the next four tournaments. i am finding it a lot harder than two years ago, today i have struggled, but to get off to a decent start and get into the tournament is great, so i feel delighted.»

David Carter - round One 66 (-5):
«i hit good shots and holed some good putts. it is lovely to be in a share of the lead as i was not sure i was going to play. My back was terrible. i woke up on Saturday, it was really bad, so i went to the physio and got some pain killers for the lower back. Sunday wasnt great, but somehow i played and since then i havent practised, played or done anything like that. i just hit a few balls yesterday, then my back said: «That is enough». i was walking around doubled up like an old man. Thanks to the physios who got me playing! not practising wasnt that much of a disadvantage, as i had played the course many times before.»

Comte Jacques Rogge

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Le président du Comité international Olympique, le comte Jacques Rogge a honnoré de sa présence l’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS. Hôte d’OMEGA, il a eu le plaisir de rencontrer Michelle Wie avant qu’elle n’entre en lice, puis de la suivre sur le parcours. dans le village d’Hospitalité, Jacques rogge s’est également entretenu avec Sergio Garcia, ambassadeur de la marque OMeGA et détenteur du titre, donc grand favori de l'EUROPEAN MASTER. Nick Hayek, CeO du Swatch Group et Stephen Urquhart, président d’OMEGA ont accompagné le président du CiO dans son périple golfique. Le trio n’aura pas manqué d’évoquer les Jeux Olympiques, dont OMEGA est l’un des Top Sponsors.

La maturité de lASGI

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:30:59 +0200

Conversations joyeuses, sourires détendus, anecdotes futiles, l’apéritif offert aux personnalités du golf par l’Association Suisse des Golfeurs indépendants (ASGi) et ses partenaires du village des exposants (zone publique) donnait hier vers 16h30 une touche légère aux importants enjeux du golf public. Car il ne faut pas perdre de vue que le panorama du golf suisse est en totale mutation, le «marché» se libéralisant, avec tous les excès et les dérives que cette vive concurrence peut provoquer. depuis son lancement en 1998, l’ ASGi a développé son effectif (13’000 membres), ses animations (une centaine d’events), mais surtout son soutien aux clubs de l’ASG par le biais d’investissements directs (achats de parts) et son support à différents tournois professionnels. Ce qui explique notamment la présence active de l’ ASGi à OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS. Principal réservoir de joueurs pour les clubs suisses – en huit ans, quelque 6000 membres ont quitté l’association et 5000 ont rejoint un club ASG – l’ ASGi défend les intérêts du golf public en parfaite harmonie avec les priorités du golf privé.

Der Kleinste war der Beste des ersten Tages

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:35:00 +0200

Es fehlte zwar der – erhoffte – Exploit, doch im Allgemeinen hielten sich die Schweizer am ersten Tag des OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS ansprechend.
Einzig Julien Clément erwischte einen schwarzen Donnerstag (+7). Am besten schlug sich auf dem Parcours Severiano Ballesteros der Kleinste der Schweizer Delegation: Ken Benz, der sich letzten Sonntag in der traditionellen Qualifikation mit 69 Schlägen ins Turnier gespielt hatte, beendete die erste Runde mit Par und liegt im 43. Zwischenrang. Der 1.68 m grosse Amateurinternationale, der in diesem Jahr schon zwei Turniere der Credit Suisse Juniors Tour für sich entschieden hat, überzeugte gestern mit einem grandiosen Kurzspiel. Die bisweilen fehlerhaften Abschläge und Annäherungsschläge bügelte er mit präzisen Chips und lediglich 26 Putts wieder aus. Der 18-jährige Zürcher ist allerdings kein Mann der grossen Worte. Still genoss er die tolle Leistung, ehe es nach einer stärkenden Mahlzeit schon wieder zum Training ging. Mit einem Schlag über Par (Platz 68) darf sich auch Nicolas Sulzer Hoffnungen auf die Qualifikation für die beiden Schlussrunden machen. Der 29-jährige Neo-Profi lag lange sogar einen Schlag unter Par, büsste aber auf den vier letzten Löchern noch zwei Schläge ein. Ähnlich erging es Damian Ulrich, auch er ein talentierter Amateur: der 23-jährige Zuger musste sich sogar drei Bogeys auf den letzten vier Löchern notieren lassen (total +2). Ulrich belegt den 95. Zwischenrang. Für Marc Dobias (ebenfalls Platz 95) und André Bossert (111) liegt ebenfalls noch etwas drin. Allerdings müssen sie heute Freitag einen Gang zulegen. Der Cut, der das Teilnehmerfeld auf 70 Spieler (plus Schlaggleiche) reduziert, dürfte bei plus 1 oder plus 2 liegen.

André Glauser

Enjoy this

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

This a very special week for the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS and the Golf- Club Crans-sur-Sierre as we celebrate its centenary and the 60th birthday of this historic event on the Haut- Plateau. So far we have been blessed with superb weather and, of course, record crowds. We are delighted that OMe- GA have extended their sponsorship for a further five years and we continue to work together to further enhance this tournament’s position among the most popular on The European Tour. We have the golf course in the best condition ever and it is particularly pleasing to see so many players with their families here. The great facilities of the crèche make it an excellent week for all.
Michelle Wie is, of course, a huge draw, and it is wonderful to see so many people watching her compete but we would ask all spectators to listen to the marshals and follow their directions in staying outside the ropes to ensure an enjoyable day for everyone.
A year ago the 2005 OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS marked the start of the race to qualify for the european ryder Cup Team and i was wondering in this column if the winner would be playing a part at The k Club. Sure enough Sergio Garcia claimed the title and went on to secure his place on Ian Woosnam’s Team. in exactly two weeks he and the rest of The european Team will be facing the United States in ireland and we wish Sergio and all the Team the very best of luck.
David Probyn
European Tour
Tournament Director

Allez Jean!

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Ses yeux malicieux le rendent sympathique au plus myope des spectateurs, même quand il sort du n° 18 sur un triple malchanceux. il est plutôt rare de rencontrer des golfeurs que Jean Van de Velde dérange. Peut-être ces grandes gueules qui se sont fichues de lui quand, en juillet 1999, il visite le burn de Carnoustie à la conquête d’une victoire alors devenue impossible. A cet instant, près du green, Gary Player disait «il ne peut pas me faire ça», les pontes du r & A, dans leurs blazers d’un autre âge, transpiraient de gêne, les photographes tournaient comme des frelons. Pas question de louper des clichés dignes des tabloïds classant alors Jeannot dans les comiques-troupiers. Le sens de l’humour du champion aura la peau de ces ironies, mais pas de l’état second dans lequel cette mésaventure allait le plonger. imaginez que vous ayez tiré le gros lot d’euro-Million et que vous ne trouviez plus le ticket gagnant… A enfermer! Jean, lui, a continué, cahin-caha, luttant contre la guigne, contre la perte de deux tournois américains en 2000, contre un genou bancal, contre le vide… et puis, voilà le soleil qui ne brille que pour lui à Madère. en mars, la victoire est là. Sans elle, le golf aurait fait son deuil du champion. Qu’est-ce que j’aime le Portugal!

Philippe P. Hermann golfers&co

Au Carrefour dun cut qui compte double sur le fil du rasoir

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

En anglais, on dit «on the bubble» en parlant de tous ces excellents joueurs qui, à quelques rendezvous de la fin de la saison, se retrouvent pile-poil autour de la 115e place qualificative pour le tour européen 2007. entre la 110e et la 130e place, il y a à peine 40’000 euros. C’est vous dire si les joueurs, pris dans cette turbulence, voient arriver le cut de ce soir avec une certaine appréhension. et il y a encore tous les poursuivants, comme Santiago Luna (169e) ou Francisco Valera (174e), qu’un classement de choix ferait rugir de joie.
Après l ’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS, ces prétendants-là n’auront plus que trois occasions d’améliorer leur sort, n’étant pas conviés aux richissimes rendezvous de Wentworth ou The Grove près de Londres.
De qui parle-t-on? de Peter G u s t a f s s o n , F r a n ç o i s Delamontagne, Alessandro Tadini, Nicolas Colsaerts ou Jamie Spence (auteur d’un 60 ici en 1992) parmi bien d’autres, tous à la recherche de ces points convertis en euros leur garantissant un 2007 bien posé dans leur métier, souvent le es fehlte zwar der – erhoffte – exploit, doch im Allgemeinen hielten sich die Schweizer am ersten Tag des OMeGA eUrOPeAn MASTerS ansprechend. einzig Julien Clément erwischte einen schwarzen donnerstag (+7). seul qu’ils connaissent. Le golf n’étant sûrement pas une science exacte, peut-être entreront-ils dans le classement des meilleurs tout à l’heure. Peut-être pas, rendant une carte impossible au franchissement de ce satané cut, maudit soit-il en de pareilles circonstances.
Oui, la vie d’un pro n’est pas toujours le long fleuve tranquille que le public imagine, ni d’ailleurs celle que le joueur, souvent introverti ou pudique, laisse paraître. Quand on endure des hébergements de fortune, des budgets à la limite de l’assistance sociale, il est hors de question d’en faire état ou même de le laisser imaginer. vu de loin, le compte bancaireest forcément bien alimenté. Mais, dans la tête, dieu que ça turbine. Quand on a connu les affres d’une Q-School, l’examen automnal sur six tours qui donne ou ne donne pas le précieux sésame pour la saison suivante, croyez bien qu’il est difficile de bien taper ses drives ou ses putts la tête trop pleine. Un malheur est si vite arrivé…

Philippe P. Hermann golfers&co

Rencontre du jour: Jean Van de Velde - Une classe à part

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:40:00 +0200

Promis à un avenir brillant, Jean Van de Velde ne nous en voudra pas de dire qu’il est passé à côté d’une carrière exceptionnelle. Son palmarès reflète très mal son talent immense, mélange de facilité, d’élégance et d’intelligence. Bien installé sur le circuit européen dans les années 90, le Français originaire du sudouest manquait déjà de cette part de réussite qui permet de lever haut et souvent le trophée. Certes, sa victoire en italie en 1993 l’installait déf ini t ivement dans les rangs des vainqueurs du PGA european Tour, mais on le sentait capable de plus grandes épopées. il allait le démontrer pendant 71 trous, lors du British Open qui se déroulait à Carnoustie en 1999. Mais son naufrage, n’ayons pas peur des mots, sur le trou 18, est l’une des pages les plus noires de l’histoire du golf européen et surtout du golf français. il avait quand même trois coups d’avance au moment de driver le dernier fairway et un double bogey lui aurait suffit pour égaler l’exploit d’Arnaud Massy à Hoylake, en 1907… en revanche, la classe avec laquelle il a porté cette étiquette de «serial loser» lui a valu le respect et la sympathie de toute la planète golf. Même en 2005, lorsqu’il a perdu en play-off l’Open de France, face à son compatriote Jean-François Remesy, Jean van de velde est resté digne. La douleur devait pourtant être terrible pour ce joueur qui cherchait devant son public à oublier des démons vieux de six ans. Secoué par un divorce, handicapé par un genou depuis 2001, en perte de confiance, l’ancien résident genevois était proche de la rupture et envisageait sérieusement de mettre un terme à sa carrière. Heureusement, la roue a tourné cette année, lors de l’Open de Madère. Certes, ce tournoi n’est pas le plus prestigieux du circuit, ni le mieux doté, mais il a permis au Français de relancer la machine. et de nous donner la chance d’admirer à Crans-Montana son swing délié et son putting redoutable. Tous les observateurs du Tour, y compris les Britanniques qui ont souvent la dent dure, sont unanimes pour affirmer que Jean van de velde aurait manqué au circuit européen. des joueurs présents sur le Haut-Plateau, il est assurément l’un de ceux qui a la plus belle personnalité. A ne pas manquer.

Jacques Houriet

Le lancement est réussi!

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

L’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS 2006 est en orbite! Le lancement s’est parfaitement déroulé, avec une météo très favorable, une chaleur étonnante et un public nombreux, stimulé par la présence de Michelle Wie. ils étaient d’ailleurs 9500 à avoir envahi jeudi la station valaisanne, pour battre le précédent record d’un premier tour de plus de 2500 unités. C’est donc vers la jeune proette qu’étaient tournés les regards de ces spectateurs et des médias présents à l’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS. et c’est avec résignation mais compassion qu’ils ont assisté à la déroute de la jeune championne, bien mal inspirée dans cette découverte du PGA european Tour. Les pars 3 longs et difficiles du parcours Severiano Ballesteros lui auront été fatals, puisque sur ces cinq trous, elle aura galvaudé autant de coups! Avec un score de +7, il faudrait vraiment un miracle pour que la jolie Hawaïenne parvienne à franchir le cut, dont on suppose qu’il s’établira ce soir au par ou à +1. Favori logique, Sergio Garcia a commencé par un malheureux bogey au trou n° 10, mais n’a ensuite plus commis la moindre erreur, bouclant le premier tour en -3 et rassurant du même coup ses fans et les organisateurs. il se plaçait idéalement en embuscade, laissant Anthony Wall, Robert Coles et David Carter jouer les cadors à -5 et profiter d’une publicité éphémère dont lui-même n’a plus besoin. Miguel Angel Jiménez (-1) et Paul Broadhurst (par) ont en revanche assumé leur rôle d’outsider sans beaucoup de conviction. Chez les Suisses, le syndrome de Crans- Montana n’a pas encore de vaccin et des dix joueurs présents sur le Haut Plateau, seuls deux d’entre eux ont véritablement tiré leur épingle du jeu. L’amateur du Golf-Club Bubikon/ZH, Ken Benz (par), a été le plus surprenant, lui qui avait déjà déjoué les pronostics en se qualifiant pour le MASTERS dimanche. Quant au pro genevois Nicolas Sulzer (+1), sa motivation et son expérience devraient lui permettre d’éviter la déconvenue de 2005, où l’avant- dernier trou lui avait enlevé le plaisir de jouer le week-end.

Jacques Houriet

Retour sur 1989...

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Des joueurs aussi connus que Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els, Colin Montgomerie, Severiano Ballesteros, José Maria Olazabal, Nick Faldo ou Nick Price ont eu le droit de soulever la coupe réservée aux vainqueurs de L’EUROPEAN MASTERS.
Un tel défilé de grands noms a eu pour effet de bien souvent barrer la route des golfeurs suisses. Inutile de chercher leurs noms sur le trophée, ils n’y figurent pas. L’Open de Suisse, comme on appelait aussi ce tournoi, n’a que rarement été l’Open des Suisses.

Mais il y eu tout de même des moments inoubliables, comme par exemple la performance de Paolo Quirici en 1989. Néo-professionnel à 22 ans, il était parvenu à décrocher un 4e rang et à ainsi effectuer le grand saut sur l’European Tour. Deux ans plus tard, il s’était à nouveau montré très inspiré en terminant à la 5 place. Le Tessinois, aujourd’hui âgé de 39 ans, s’est fait l’auteur de 5 des 10 meilleures performances suisses lors de l’EUROPEAN MASTERS.

En 1998, ce fut au tour de Christophe Bovet de réussir un exploit. il était encore classé en 2 position au soir du 2 tour, pour finalement terminer 18 . André Bossert, le seul Helvète à avoir gagné un tournoi sur l’European Tour (Cannes Open en 1995), n’a jamais réussi à se hisser dans les 20 premiers de cette compétition. Peut-être que l’année 2006 sera la bonne et qu’elle portera chance aux 10 Suisses engagés.

André Glauser

Inoxydable Gaston!

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

L’année 2006 du Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre est rythmée par les anniversaires. En plus de ses 100 ans, le club du Haut-Plateau a fêté les 75 ans de son président Gaston F. Barras et accueille pour la 60 fois l’Open de Suisse, devenu aujourd’hui l’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS.
Personnage incontournable du golf mondial, Gaston F. Barras est à la fois Président du Comité d’Organisation de l’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS (depuis 42 ans, un record!), Président du Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre depuis 1981, Président d’Honneur de l’Association Suisse de Golf dont il fut à la tête entre 1991 et 1997, ou encore Président de l’European Goling fellowship of Rotarians qu’il a fondé en 1974.

Mais surtout, ce Chermignonard d’origine n’est pas seulement un homme d’affaires à succès, il est également un grand visionnaire. Avant tout le monde, il a senti l’importance du tourisme pour le Haut-Plateau. Mieux encore, il a su intégrer le golf dans ce développement touristique.

Aujourd’hui, l’un ne va plus sans l’autre. Si vous le croisez durant cette semaine de l’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS, n’hésitez pas à lui poser des questions sur «son» tournoi. Observateur privilégié – il n’a manqué aucune des 60 éditions de la compétition organisées à Crans-Montana – Gaston F. Barras connaît des centaines d’anecdotes toutes plus savoureuses les unes que les autres. Les plus anciennes remontent à 1939, époque où petit garçon il était caddy de l’Open de Suisse.

Hugo Steinegger

Chef médias

Crédit Suisse Gold Pro-Am - Simplement parfait

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Est-ce qu’il y avait quelque chose de mieux à faire hier que de jouer le CREDIT SUISSE GOLD PRO-AM ? Je ne pense pas. Même si ce privilège a exigé que je me lève à 05h30 !
Le plaisir fut complet, puisqu’en plus de profiter d’un parcours en conditions exceptionnelles, d’un temps chaud et splendide, de la compagnie détendue du pro gallois Bradley Dredge et de mes partenaires, j’ai commencé la partie par un eagle au trou N°1.

La jeune Fanny qui faisait mon caddy ne connaissait rien au golf et son absence de réaction m’a rappelé la futilité de ce sport, que mon ego avait momentanément oubliée… elle était contente Fanny, mais surtout parce qu’elle manquait la classe! La partie a continué dans la bonne humeur, tout le monde ayant la certitude de vivre un moment unique.

Une collation bien gourmande, les confidences sympathiques du pro, les petits signes des amis spectateurs et un ultime birdie au 18 ont ajouté au bonheur de cette partie matinale, trop vite terminée. Ce plaisir, 156 amateurs vous le raconteront différemment, mais avec le même enthousiasme. Au fait, je n’ai rien de prévu l’année prochaine…

Zehn Schweizer und zwei Coaches suchen den Erfolg

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:46:00 +0200

Ein Schweizer schrieb das erste (Erfolgs-)Kapitel des OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS 2006: der 18-jährige Ostschweizer Ken Benz erhöhte letzten Sonntag als Gewinner der traditionellen Qualifikation (69 Schläge) die Anzahl Schweizer Spieler auf dem Walliser Hochplateau auf deren zehn.
Ob der positive Auftakt im gleichen Rahmen fortgesetzt wird? Spätestens morgen Abend, wenn sich die Spreu vom Weizen trennt und der Cut das Feld auf 70 Spieler (plus Schlaggleiche) reduziert, weiss man mehr. Die je fünf Schweizer Amateure und Professionals haben in Crans-Montana gemeinsam trainiert und wurden dabei unterstützt von Nationalcoach Graham Kaye und vom englischen Mental-«Guru» John Pates.

Der promovierte Doktor der Psychologie gilt als Kapazität, betreut mehrere Erfolgsspieler auf der European Tour und arbeitet auf Einladung der Swiss PGA und des Swiss Golf Pro Supporter Club sowohl in Crans-Montana als auch nächste Woche am Open des Volcans (Challenge Tour) mit den Schweizern. Pates hat aus dem ehemaligen Ryder-Cup-Spieler Paul Broadhurst (1991 ohne Niederlage), der seine Schläger nach vielen Misserfolgen in den Keller gestellt und Autos verkauft hatte, wieder einen Siegspieler gemacht, der aktuell auf Rang 14 der European Tour liegt. Kaye und Pates, die am Dienstag bis 2 Uhr morgens philosophierten, arbeiten in Crans-Montana Hand in Hand. Beide suchen sie den Erfolg mit vollem Engagement – wie die zehn Schweizer Spieler auch.

André Glauser

Rencontre du jour - Sergio Garcia: la maturité en plus

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Est-ce qu’il y a sur le circuit professionnel un joueur plus joyeux et spontané que Sergio Garcia? Le fait de poser la question équivaut à une réponse et c’est avec un plaisir évident que le public de l’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS se réjouit de le voir défendre son titre à l’Open de Suisse. Plutôt actif sur le circuit américain, Sergio ne se produit que rarement sur le vieux continent et c’est donc un privilège que de pouvoir admirer son mouvement en Europe.

Bien entendu, tous les éléments sont réunis pour qu’il soit présent sur le Haut-Plateau: il est le tenant du titre, il est l’ambassadeur d’OMEGA et il est résident à Crans-Montana! Mais il y a une quatrième raison que l’on connaît moins: il apprécie le parcours. il suffit de voir avec quel enthousiasme il attaque avec son driver ou un bois 3 les greens de trois pars 4 consécutifs: les trous N 5, 6 et 7. Sergio est l’un des rares joueurs professionnels à considérer le golf pour ce qu’il est, à savoir, un jeu. Il s’amuse et cela se sent, lorsqu’il partage une partie d’entraînement avec et qu’il bavarde Michelle Wie sans arrêt, multipliant les blagues et les anecdotes.

Le talent de l’espagnol ne se dément pas après sept années chez les pros, même si la victoire en majeur se refuse toujours à lui. On a pourtant cru qu’il allait vaincre le signe indien cet été, lorsqu’il s’est trouvé momentanément à un coup de la tête lors du British Open. Mais Tiger Woods était intouchable. Comme ce fut le cas un mois plus tard à l’USPGA Championship, où notre pro de 26 ans a de nouveau placé son
nom sur le leaderboard.

Que lui manque-t-il donc pour gagner un tournoi du Grand Chelem? un peu de réussite, un soupçon de coniance au putting, une patience plus grande, bref, quelques éléments que son jeune âge lui garantit d’obtenir un jour. A la fois long et précis au drive, Sergio est un joueur idéal en Ryder Cup, qui sait mettre son partenaire à l’aise et ses adversaires dans le doute! Il apprécie particulièrement cette compétition et il ne cache pas que sa présence à Crans-Montana fait partie de la préparation à ce grand événement, qui se déroulera dans deux semaines en Irlande. Conserver son titre de l’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS serait évidemment idéal pour sa confiance!

Jacques Houriet

Always back to back to Crans-Montana

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

As one of the most travelled golf correspondents present this week nothing quite matches the picture postcard setting of Crans-Montana. The awe-inspiring backdrop to the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS has been like a magnet drawing me back year and year.

We’re fortunate on the European Tour International Schedule to visit some of the most exotic locations in the world. My highlights this season include checking-into the fabulous 7-star surrounds of the emirates Palace Hotel in Abu dhabi, teeing-up in the cathedral-like setting of Augusta National, sipping champers from the US Open Trophy, witnessing World Cup euphoria in versailles and walking with Tiger for four days during The Open.
But it seems all roads, well in my case, rails lead back to Crans-Montana. The majesty of the Swiss mountains never fails to impress.

The sun may now rise on the European Tour in far off China but seeing the sun setting each night on the crown of europe is something i want to witness for many more years to come.

Bernie McGuire

Une première en Europe

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Petite nation du golf, la Suisse possède l’un des «grands» tournois européens, peut-être le plus scénique, le plus convivial. joueurs et spectateurs n’en inissent pas de vanter ses mérites et la qualité de l’accueil valaisan. L’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS va décrocher aujourd’hui une autre distinction: celle du premier tournoi masculin sur le sol européen à avoir accueilli une joueuse professionnelle. La présence de Michelle Wie est une véritable aubaine pour les organisateurs, qui s’attendent à faire exploser les chiffres d’audience et de fréquentation. C’est d’ailleurs tout ce qu’on leur souhaite, tant la présence de la populaire joueuse de golf participe à la promotion de l’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS en particulier et à celle
du golf en général. La présence de la jolie Hawaïenne ne va cependant pas bouleverser les pronostics, même si tout le monde estime qu’elle a les capacités de franchir le cut. Pour la victoire, les regards sont tournés vers Sergio Garcia, tenant du titre, 9e joueur mondial et bien inspiré ces derniers mois dans les tournois du Grand Chelem. et comme son score de victoires est vierge en 2006, on peut estimer que sa motivation est au top. Difficile en revanche de lui opposer un nom spécifique. C’est plutôt un groupe de joueurs qu’il faut définir,
avec des valeurs aussi sûres que Paul Broadhurst, Nick Dougherty, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Johan Edfors, qui ont tous prouvé être en forme cette saison. On aimerait bien aussi que les pros français se distinguent. et parmi eux, plus spécifiquement Jean Van de Velde, Gregory Havret et Christian Cevaer. Les Suisses ne sont pas favoris, malheureusement, mais le passage du cut est un objectif raisonnable pour André Bossert, Julien Clément, Nicolas Sulzer, Robert Wiederkehr et Jann Schmid. Mission difficile en revanche pour les amateurs, qui manquent cruellement d’expérience, à l’exception de Damian Ulrich, qui avait échoué de peu en 2005. Mais Marc Dobias, récent vainqueur de l’international de Suisse Amateur, Ken Benz, Steven Rojas et Sandro Tan-Piaget vont tout faire pour nous contredire…

Jacques Houriet

Une leçon de professionnels

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

C’est désormais une tradition à Crans-Montana, la journée du mardi permet à quelques professionnels de transmettre leurs connaissances. Ainsi hier matin, Ignacio Garrido, Sven Strüver et Marc Farry ont participé à un «clinic» organisé par l’Association Suisse de Golf et DEVILLARD. L’après-midi, AUDI, PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS et ZURICH leur emboîtaient le pas.

Enchantés, leurs clients respectifs purent côtoyer de très près Sandy lyle, Per-Ulrik Johansson et Costantino Rocca, qui ont pris leur tâche de professeur très à coeur pendant près d’une heure et demi.

Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre: cent ans et pas une seule ride

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:51:00 +0200

Sans aucune ride, elle poursuit son développement sous la direction du dynamique Yvan Rion: «Le taux d’occupation de nos parcours est en hausse. Nous affichons complet durant les mois estivaux. Nous nous trouvons donc face à un problème nouveau: comment satisfaire nos membres et nos hôtes lorsque la place fait complètement défaut? Afin de leur apporter des solutions, nous avons intensifié notre collaboration avec les golfs de plaine.» Avec en plus, des parcours en parfait état, le Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre peut voir l’avenir en rose.

Golf-club crans-sur-Sierre c’est aussi…• 4 parcours de golf (le Severiano Ballesteros, le Jack Nicklaus, Super Crans et le golf public de Noas), soit 45 trous. Durant toute la saison, le fleuron du Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre est destiné aux amateurs. Pour l’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS, le tracé Severiano Ballesteros, en deux jours, se métamorphose en un parcours de championnat digne des professionnels.

• 51’205 parcours au cours de la saison 2005, qui se concentrent sur une période de mai à octobre. Les mois les plus fréquentés sont bien évidemment juillet et août avec respectivement 11’241 et 11’155 départs.

• 84 bunkers de 8’700 m2, dont 65 uniquement disséminés sur le parcours principal.

• Un staff de 35 personnes, dont 18 spécialistes de l’entretien et de l’aménagement des parcours. Durant l’EUROPEAN MASTERS, ce nombre s’élève à 25 unités.

• Un acteur économique de premier ordre dans le développement du tourisme estival, non seulement du Haut-Plateau, mais également de tout le valais central.

• La vocation de satisfaire et de donner du plaisir à tout golfeur prenant un départ: qu’il soit membre du club, amateur éclairé en visite ou professionnel prenant part à l’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS.

Le CREDIT SUISSE 20 ans de présence à Crans-Montana

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

ERDepuis 1987, le CREDIT SUISSE est l’un des sponsors principaux de l’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS. Par la qualité de ses compétiteurs, son ambiance unique, la beauté du parcours Severiano Ballesteros et les Alpes valaisannes en arrièreplan, ce tournoi est depuis des années l’un des événements phares du circuit européen.

En marge de cette compétition de renom, le CREDIT SUISSE propose à ses clients et à ses invités de vivre une expérience unique en participant au CREDIT SUISSE GOLD PROAM d’aujourd’hui et au CREDIT SUISSE TROPHY de samedi prochain. Ceux-ci pourront ainsi observer de près le jeu des pros et faire équipe avec eux sur les 18 trous du tracé Severiano Ballesteros ou les 9 trous du Jack Nicklaus dans le cadre d’une compétition.

Mais l’histoire commune du CREDIT SUISSE et du golf ne se résume pas à un partenariat de 20 ans avec l’EUROPEAN MASTERS, c’est une longue tradition. La banque est aussi sponsor principal de la Swiss Golf Foundation (SFG) depuis 1992, ainsi que sponsor principal et partenaire de l’Association Suisse de Golf (ASG) depuis 1999. En 2005, elle est également devenue sponsor principal de la Swiss PGA, l’Association faîtière des professionnels de golf en Suisse. Le PGA Seniors Open de Bad ragaz, le Zurich Open, le credit Suisse challenge (tournoi suisse du european challenge Tour) au Golf-club Wylihof, ainsi que d’autres tournois pro-am en Suisse et à l’étranger font partie du portefeuille de sponsoring du CREDIT SUISSE. Quant à l’élite helvétique, elle a aussi besoin d’un soutien constant pour percer au niveau international, tout comme la relève afin de progresser.

Nervös wie vor dem ersten Date

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:54:00 +0200

Wenn Michelle Wie um 12.25 Uhr am ersten Abschlag steht - mit Omega-Präsident Stephen Urquhart und zwei weiteren Amateuren - werden die Golffans bei prächtigem Wetter schon zu Hunderten die Fairways säumen.

Eine Golfrunde mit Michelle Wie. Der Gedanke daran kann einen Amateur mit durchschnittlichen oder sogar etwas überdurchschnittlichen Fertigkeiten nervös machen. Genau so ergeht es Sportredaktor Adrian Ruch (Handicap 16.0). Er wird die Erlebnisse der Runde mit dem jungen Weltstar am Freitag in einem Beitrag der «Berner Zeitung BZ» und des «Bund» festhalten. Zuerst aber will er gut spielen, sich nicht blamieren, wenn so viele Leute nicht der Hawaiianerin allein, sondern möglicherweise auch ihm zuschauen.

Im Kopf hat er den ersten Abschlag. Der ist am wichtigsten, der muss sitzen, der darf sich nicht als «Kerze» (50 Meter hoch, 50 Meter weit) in die Luft erheben. Der eigenen Form nicht hundertprozentig trauend, verbrachte Adrian Ruch gestern anderthalb Stunden auf der Driving Range in Sion. Er kehrte mit der erfreulichen Feststellung zurück, dass die Abschläge mit Driver und übrigen Hölzern sehr gut, tiptop waren. Ja, jetzt können ihm eigentlich nur noch die Nerven einen Streich spielen. Die Nerven, die vor einer Golfrunde mit Michelle Wie so angespannt sind wie vor dem ersten Date. Wir wünschen Glück. Und wir werden alle ganz genau hinschauen.

Peter Lerch

Michelle Wie's Flash quotes

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:01:04 +0200

Today you played with Sergio Garcia – how did you like the course?

It is awesome, in fantastic shape right now and with perfect greens. It’s so beautiful up here, sometimes you get distracted by the view. Sergio is such a great player, i learnt a lot playing with him today.

What do you think of Crans-Montana?

It is such a nice little town and i would like to come back. Everyone has been so nice and supportive to me.

Sergio said he felt you could make the cut, but that there were aspects of the course which could also make it difficult for you. You don’t hit such a high ball - could this be a handicap?

This is going to be a challenge, it’s a tricky golf course with tricky greens, but I feel if I try and play my hardest it is possible.

Is your life following the samepattern as Tiger Woods’ being a celebrity as a teenager?

Not at all. I go to a regular high school. When i’m on Tour i cannot see my friends a lot, but when I’m at home we go out to the movies and restaurants. Hawaii is such a small place, people are used to
me by now.

Are there any golfers past or present you look up to?

I look up to a lot of players with different talents and hope to learn from everyone of them, but Ernie Els has been my idol since I was young.

Rencontre du jour - Michelle se plaît en Valais

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Nous partîmes 50, mais par un prompt renfort, nous nous vîmes 300 en arrivant… au miedzor ! Ils n’étaient donc pas très nombreux les petits malins qui savaient que Michelle Wie allait partager son tour d’entraînement avec Sergio Garcia, à 08 h 00 hier.

Mais la nouvelle a rapidement fait le tour de la station et le public a grossi au fur et à mesure que la partie avançait. Il faut dire que le spectacle valait le déplacement: la jeune ambassadrice d’OMEGA n’a pas eu à rougir de la comparaison avec le tenant du titre. Certes, ses drives terminaient 20 mètres derrière ceux – très longs – de Sergio et elle prenait régulièrement deux clubs de plus pour attaquer les pars 3, mais sa précision était égale, tout comme son toucher au petit jeu.

C’est sous le regard approbateur et concentré de ses parents que michelle Wie a pris ses marques sur le parcours Severiano Ballesteros, profitant des conseils avisés d’un Sergio Garcia très volubile et enthousiaste. Au trou N°7, elle a même eu le temps de contempler le valais et de s’extasier sur le panorama, avant de placer son drive à quelques mètres du green du plus célèbre par 4 de Suisse. La suite se résume en de multiples exercices d’approche et de putting.

Dans la salle réservée aux conférences de presse, jamais l’affluence n’avait été aussi grande! Tous les journalistes voulait entendre la plus jeune ambassadrice de la maison OMEGA s’exprimer sur cette première participation à un tournoi du circuit européen – elle est du reste la première femme à jouer sur le sol européen au milieu des hommes.

Elle s’est déclarée enthousiaste à l’idée d’affronter un golf qui semble convenir à son jeu: «Le parcours n’est pas très long, mais c’est sur et autour des greens que tout va se décider! La préparation est magnifique et l’environnement est exceptionnel. En plus, les gens sont si gentils avec moi, si accueillants, que j’espère vraiment revenir l’an prochain.»

Consciente de devoir jouer à son meilleur niveau pour passer le cut, elle se réjouit de partager demain la partie de Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño et Nick Dougherty. La seule inconnue concernant la jeune star est la tenue qu’elle portera pour le tournoi. Car elle n’est pas obligée de mettre un pantalon. La jupe est tolérée et aucune longueur n’est spécifiée…

Jacques Houriet

Monday Pro-Am - Trophée Flory Van Donck

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Cette compétition, dédiée à l’ancien golfeur belge Flory Van donck (double vainqueur de l’Open de Suisse), s’est déroulée dans un cadre encore plus extraordinaire qu’à l’accoutumée. Un grand soleil et une température estivale régnaient sur toute la région de Crans-Montana.

Au final, c’est le flight du pro anglais Miles Tunnicliff qui s’est imposé. Tout au long de cette journée, des invités prestigieux ont été vus sur le parcours Severiano Ballesteros. Lolita Morena, Charly Bagnoud (responsable des finances du Golf-club Crans-sur-Sierre), Pascal Germanier (secrétaire général de l’ ASGi), Reto Taillens (pâtissier-confiseur à crans-montana), Christophe Cottini (directeur-adjoint du Golf-club Crans-sur-Sierre), Eduard Dietisheim (membre à vie du Golf-club Crans-sur-Sierre), Charles-andré Bagnoud (arbitre international de golf), Bertrand Pasche et claude devillard (de la maison devillard, fax, copieurs et informatique) ou encore l’ancien champion olympique de ski Max Julen ont rivalisé d’adresse sur les 18 trouspiégeux de Crans-Montana.

Le cadeau de l'été indien

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

La magie du Haut-Plateau est décuplée par le soleil et la chaleur de l’été indien. Une fois encore, le CREDIT SUISSE GOLD PRO-AM va se dérouler dans de parfaites conditions météorologiques, gages d’un panorama somptueux et d’un plaisir intense.

Figure importante du football suisse, Marcel Mathier connaît la pression et ne devrait pas être trop impressionné lorsqu’il s’élancera à 07 h 45 en compagnie du pro argentin Andres Romero. Un jeune joueur qui n’a d’ailleurs aucun lien de parenté avec l’ancien vainqueur de l’OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS,
Eduardo Romero, qui jouera lui à 09 h 05, en compagnie entre autre du banquier Eric Sturdza et du membre à vie du Golf-club crans-sur-Sierre Eduard Dietisheim.

L’ Association Suisse de Golf sera très avantageusement représentée par le secrétaire général, Johnny Storjohann, qui jouera en compagnie de Jean-Marc Mommer, nouveau membre du comité et président du Golf-club montreux.

Thomas Gottstein, meilleur amateur du tournoi (handicap + 1.3) et vice-président de l’ASG, précèdera son «voisin» zurichois, Franz Türler, célèbre bijoutier de la Bahnhofstrasse. Président d’OMEGA et instigateur de la venue à crans-montana de Michelle Wie, Stephen Urquhart aura l’honneur et l’avantage de partager la partie de la plus médiatique golfeuse de la planète, à 12 h 25 au tee N°1. Juste derrière eux, Thomas Borer-Fielding, ancien ambassadeur aujourd’hui devenu consultant, se montrera certainement aussi heureux de jouer sur le Haut-Plateau que l’ancien conseiller fédéral Adolf Ogi.

Jeune sexagénaire, l’ancien champion olympique de bob, Erich Schärer profitera des conseils du vainqueur de l’US masters 1988, Sandy Lyle, pendant qu’Eric Peugeot fera valoir les qualités d’un swing aussi fiable que les voitures produites par sa famille. Quant à Olivier Maus, du groupe manor, il aura tout le temps de méditer sur les vertus du golf, si bien représentées lors de ce magnifique pro-am.

Jacques Houriet

Avec Sergio Garcia et Michelle Wie !

Wed, 21 May 2008 14:40:00 +0200

Présence du détenteur du titre Sergio Garcia

Après sa victoire l’an dernier, le charismatique Espagnol Sergio Garcia, âgé de 26 ans et qui réside par ailleurs à Crans-Montana, s’est fixé comme objectif d’être le premier joueur après Severiano Ballesteros, il y a bientôt 30 ans (1977-1978), à conserver le trophée de l‘OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS. Malgré de bons résultats cette saison, le n° 9 mondial se fera un point d’honneur de briller devant « son » public.

Un exploit de Michelle Wie ?

A l’aube de ses 17 ans, à Crans-Montana, Michelle Wie participera pour la première fois à un tournoi masculin sur le circuit européen de la PGA. Née le 11 octobre 1989 à Honolulu/Hawaii, la jeune prodige américaine de golf d’origine coréenne, Michelle Wie, est considérée comme le plus grand talent féminin de golf et reconnue comme étant la version féminine de Tiger Woods.

Michelle Wie a d’ores et déjà marqué l’histoire du golf. En effet le printemps dernier, après 61 ans (Babe Zaharias en 1945, à Los Angeles), elle fut la première femme à passer le cut d’un tournoi masculin. Performance qu’elle a réalisé sur le Tour asiatique, à l’occasion du SK Telecom Open à Séoul.

Elle commente son challenge de la manière suivante : « J’ai tout simplement envie de faire ce qui me fait plaisir. Ceci a d’ailleurs toujours été ma devise .»

Le prize-money porté à € 2 millions !

Avec une augmentation de 18%, le prize-money dépassera cette année les 3 millions de francs suisses. Il représente de loin, la somme la plus importante attribuée pour une compétition sportive en Suisse ! Le budget de l’évènement est lui porté à 9 millions de francs suisses.

100 ans du Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre

Le Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre, hôte et co-organisateur, fêtera cet automne son 100^e jubilé. Son histoire commença en 1906 par l’ouverture d’un 9 trous issu de l’initiative de l’hôtelier Albert de Preux et de l’Anglais Henry Lunn. Suivirent ensuite de nombreuses modifications, en particulier en 1954 puis enfin en 1997 d’après les conseils de Severiano Ballesteros.

Le Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre, avec son plus beau domaine de golf alpin d’Europe et son Masters, a contribué de manière significative au développement et la prospérité de Crans-Montana. Ce club de renommée internationale, promoteur exemplaire du golf, fêtera son jubilé par toute une série de manifestations qui débuteront le 15 septembre et prendront fin le 24. Une question finale est permise : Que serait le Haut-Plateau valaisan sans son golf et son OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS ?

Michelle Wie will play the Omega European Masters 2006

Wed, 21 May 2008 14:48:19 +0200

Wie, who turned professional last year on October 5, six days before her 16th birthday, said: “I am honoured to play in my first European Tour event. I am very happy that Omega has extended this invitation and I am very excited to play against the best professional golfers in Europe in the magnificent setting of Crans-sur-Sierre.

George O’Grady, Executive Director of The European Tour, said: “Michelle Wie has demonstrated her outstanding golfing skills to a global audience as both an amateur and now as a professional, and we look forward to welcoming her to the Omega European Masters.

“The European Masters, formerly the Swiss Open, one of the most venerable events on The European Tour with a history going back to 1923, together with Omega, the highly respected title sponsors of the tournament since 2001 and now embarking on a new five year commitment, together made a formal request for Michelle to play.

Stephen Urquhart, President of Omega, said: “As a new member of the OMEGA family, Michelle is joining the ranks of some of the world’s top golfers including Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia, who are recent winners of the Omega European Masters. By taking part in our tournament, Michelle will be able to match her golfing skills with many great players in the unique setting of Crans Montana.

Gaston Barras, President of the Organising Committee of the Omega European Masters, said: “This year marks the centenary anniversary of the Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre, and it will also be the 60th tournament played on the course. These two milestones make it a special year for us and we are delighted to have Michelle Wie among the entries for 2006. We are working with Omega to improve the tournament every year, and we are sure Michelle Wie’s inclusion will further raise the profile of the Omega European Masters.

Wie was born in Honolulu on October 11, 1989.She began playing golf at the age of four. At the age of ten, she became the youngest player to qualify for a USGA amateur championship when she made the field for the USGA Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship. At the 2002 LPGA Takefuji Classic, Wie became the youngest golfer to Monday qualify for an LPGA Tour event. In 2002 she became the youngest ever winner of the US Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship.

In her last two professional events on the LPGA Tour, Wie has finished in third place at the Fields Open in Hawaii and in a tie for third place at the Kraft Nabisco Championship - the first LPGA Major Championship of the Year.

Last week on the Asian Tour, Wie became the first woman since 1945 to make the cut in a top-tier mens international Tour event when she qualified for final round play in the 2006 SK Telekom Open in Korea. Wie also recently announced she will attempt to become the first women to play in the U.S. Open. She has entered a local qualifier in Hawaii on May 15 for the 2006 US Open.

Campbell Celebrates Awards Hat-trick in New Zealand

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Michael Campbells stunning 2005 season, in which he held off Tiger Woods to win the US Open Championship, has been further recognised with three awards in his native New Zealand.

Campbell, who was recently crowned The European Tour Golfer of the Year, has been named Maori Sportsperson of the Year and New Zealand Sky TVs peoples choice as Sports Personality of the Year. The hat-trick of accolades was completed by the New Zealand PGA, which honoured the 36 year old with life membership.

Campbell was home in New Zealand last weekend to attend the Maori Sportsperson of the Year Awards and he delighted in accepting the honour ahead of Kiwis Rugby League Tri-Series winning captain Ruben Wiki and Wests Tigers Rugby League Grand Final-winning star Benji Marshall.

Its been a fantastic season and to win the Maori Sportsperson of the Year is a fabulous honour, commented Campbell, who has now been installed as one of the favourites to win the New Zealand Sportsman of the Year in February.

Vijay Singh to play in Abu Dhabi

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:01:36 +0200

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) announced today that Vijay Singh, ranked World Number Two, will play the inaugural Abu Dhabi Golf Championship to be held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club from January 19 22, 2006.

Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority commented, We are delighted that Vijay Singh, the World Number Two, has decided to play the inaugural Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. His presence will add stature to an already impressive field of professionals.

There has been no more improbable a success story in golf than that of Vijay Singh, whose career began in his native Fiji and has since spanned the globe. With three Major Championship victories, the 1998 and 2004 US PGA Championships and the prestigious Masters Tournament in 2000 under his belt, Singh had the year to end all years in 2004 winning nine tournaments on the US PGA Tour finishing the year as not only the leading money winner, but also World Number One for the first time in his career, ending Tiger Woods five year reign.

Singh won three times on the US PGA Tour in 2005 and with another 15 top ten finishes, is without doubt the most consistent golfer in the world today.

Surprisingly, for one of the most widely travelled golfers in the game, Vijay hasn't played in the Gulf since 1993. Commenting on his decision to add Abu Dhabi to his long list of countries visited, Vijay said: I have heard good things about Abu Dhabi and the golf course and am looking forward to seeing it for myself in January. With players like Sergio, Monty, John Daly and Thomas Björn already entered, it looks like itll be a tough tournament but thats how I like them!.

In all, there will be 120 players in the field for the Abu Dhabi Championship, which is offering US$2 million in prize money and will be televised world wide.

Omega to remain title sponsor of the Omega European Master

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

After five fruitful years as title sponsor of the Omega European Masters, Omega is pleased to announce a renewed commitment to the tournament as title for the next five years.

Golf sponsorship is a vital part of Omega's marketing strategy and at global level includes associations with the US PGA Tour, several events on the European Tour and partnerships with top golfers Sergio Garcia and Ernie Els. The Omega European Masters tournament, with its spectacular mountain setting, is the second biggest event in Switzerland's sporting calendar and, as the brand has seen from its experience over the past five years, also solicits considerable interest from both the media and golf fans worldwide. It is therefore an excellent vehicle for promoting the brand internationally.
Omega is pround to be able to continue its association with the tournament for further five years. The company's Greek letter symbol stands for accomplishment and perfection - two characteristics that can justifiably be attributed to the Omega European Masters tournament. Omega would like to take this opportunity to thank the tournament organisers, its co-sponsors, the thousands of people who work to ensure the smooth running of the tournament and, last but no least, the huge numbers of spectators, for making the tournament such a great success every year.

Zwei Versprechen für den 4. Tag

Wed, 21 May 2008 12:11:30 +0200

«Ich habe am Freitag mehr Energie verloren, als ich gedacht hatte», resümierte André Bossert seine 74 - er Runde.

«Ich fühlte mich leer und hatte Mühe, mich zu konzentrieren». Mit zwei Bogeys auf den drei letzten Löchern fiel der Zürcher auf Par für drei Runden und den 54. Platz zurück. Die Enttäuschung war ihm gut anzusehen. Aber Bossert gab sich am Abend wieder kämpferisch.

«Der Sonntag wird ein anderer Tag, versprochen!» Eine gleich schwierige Runde erlebte Marcus Knight.

«Es war während 18 Löchern ein ständiger Kampf um jeden Schlag», bilanzierte der Sempacher. Mit einer 77 fiel er auf den 75. Platz zurück.

«Mein Spiel war einfach nicht da. Aber am Sonntag gebe ich noch einmal mein Bestes!» Die eigentliche Schreckminute erlebte Knight nach beendeter Runde. Der erste Abschlag seines Flightpartners Roger Chapman hatte am linken Fairwayrand zuerst die Bäume getroffen und anschliessend das Jochbein seiner Frau Gisela. Zum Glück verlief der Zwischenfall, den die Spieler gar nicht bemerkt hatten, einigermassen glimpflich. Die Schramme musste indes mit Eis gekühlt werden, und der Kopf brummte den ganzen Abend. Heute wird Gisela Knight dennoch wieder am ersten Fairwayrand stehen, vielleicht halt auf der rechten Seite...

Des «points du vue» exceptionnels, où dénicher les meilleures places?

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Comme pour un dîner, trouver la bonne place est tout un art à lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS! Le parcours Severiano Ballesteros propose quelques «points de vue» exceptionnels, grâce au côté spectaculaire de plusieurs trous. Voilà notre suggestion pour le dernier tour de lédition 2005.

Trou N°9
Ce par 5 de 575 mètres en montée est considéré comme un monstre par les amateurs. Mais certains parviennent à le toucher en 2 coups. Installez-vous dans la tribune, ouverte à tous, et profitez de vous relaxer un moment en observant ces approches de plus de 250 mètres

Trou N°7
Là encore les grands frappeurs sen donnent à coeur joie et attaquent le green de ce par 4 de 303 mètres. Eagles en perspective, à observer à proximité du green!

Trou N°11
Un magnifique par 3 de 187 mètres, au green très modelé. Restez près du tee de départ, pour profiter dune position stratégique, à proximité de la nouvelle zone commerciale du bout du lac, où lanimation ne manque pas.
Mais noubliez tout de même pas que le silence est dor.

Quatre balles au N°18 : un avant-goût de la 36e Ryder Cup

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Le rideau tombé sur le 3e acte de lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS, le N° 18 est occupé par Luke Donald et Sergio Garcia face à Paul Casey et Miguel Angel Jiménez, en quatre balles, en foursome et individuellement, pour une bande-annonce de la ballade irlandaise de septembre 2006. La Cup est là. Le capitaine Ian Woosnam aussi. Va-t-on vers un match au premier sang? Au bout de son cigare, un facétieux Jiménez se charge vite de mettre les joueurs à lheure de la rigolade. Après avoir re-aligné Garcia (son adversaire) sur le premier coup à 120 mètres du drapeau, Jiménez flirte avec leau, puis entre son approche,égalisant le birdie de Donald à un mètre du trou.

En foursome, Jiménez et Garcia attaquent le green à 75 mètres. Lhomme au cigare se colle à la bâche du fond, son jeune compatriote est à trois mètres. Jiménez fait tout pour déconcentrer Donald sur son putt, mais cest lui qui, après une bonne approche de Casey, signe une virgule. Avantage Garcia/Donald.

A 30 mètres du drapeau, jouant individuellement, Donald et Casey caressent un lob wedge. Le premier se pose à 2,50 mètres, Casey repartant à la bâche. Son approche fi nit à quelques centimètres du trou pour un putt donné. Mais Donald enquille le sien. Lavantage de son team est défi nitif (2.5 pts sur 3 possibles) et les montres Seamaster Planet Ocean quittent les mains de Steve Urqhuart, Président dOMEGA, pour récompenser les animateurs de la sympathique démonstration.

Philippe P. Hermann
golfers&c

Les animations

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

19TH GREEN: Concours de précision sur le 19th Green (situé sur le lac Etang Long). Ce dimanche, une série de fers Callaway X18 graphite à gagner.

STAND CRANS-MONTANA TOURISME: Crans-Montana Putting Master. A gagner: un week-end à Crans-Montana offert par un hôtel quatre/cinq étoiles, des journées de ski offertes par CMA SA, et de nombreux autres prix.

STAND ESPAÑA: (près du putting green), séjours de golf à gagner!

STAND ASGI: De 16 h à 17 h: ASGI apéritif et séance de dédicaces.

STAND ASG: Concours de «lâché de ballons».

Omega now timely as players also eye Ryder

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

The European Ryder Cup qualification process started this week at the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS in Crans-Montana. But the players seem more concerned with having fun.

They know the campaign lasts a year and there is little point in getting excited just yet. There is plenty of time to display their credentials.

The players higher priority is to win this tournament and all four of those who played on the victorious 2004 European team are having a good week in that respect.

Sergio Garcia leads with Luke Donald sharing third place, Paul Casey is in a six-way tie for fi fth and Miguel Angel Jiménez deadlocked in 11th place after improving two strokes a day in each round. At that rate, a 65 today might see the veteran Spaniard lift the title.

While no one would wish to decry the qualifying process, the rest of the 12- man Oakland Hills winning team have seen no reason to get involved yet.

Perhaps when the players reconvene here next year, their wisdom - or lack of it - may be clearer.

Brian Creighton

Paul Casey: le retour des Amériques...

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Une simple phrase et tout bascule! Voilà résumé le destin de lAnglais Paul Casey aux Etats-Unis, pays où il avait lintention de poursuivre sa carrière professionnelle, après des débuts forts encourageants sur lEuropean Tour.

Une petite phrase lâchée sans réfléchir au sujet de la Ryder Cup et qui lui a valu lire de tous les golfeurs américains. Elle se résumait à peu près à: «Je déteste les Américains!» Une belle gaffe pour un sujet britannique habituellement bien élevé et modéré. Une gaffe qui a été reprise par lensemble des médias et quil a bien entendu regrettée immédiatement.

Mais ses excuses, bien que sincères, nont pas rattrapé la boulette et le gentil Paul a vécu une période extrêmement difficile en début de saison 2005. Son swing sest évanoui avec son moral et cest en Angleterre quil est allé rechercher un semblant de confiance en lui.

Un incident somme toute insignifiant, mais qui montre bien les précautions quil faut prendre lorsque lon parle à la presse. Surtout américaine! Il est du reste facile de se convaincre de la naïveté de Casey et de sa maladresse, puisquen fait il adore les Etats-Unis. Il y a poursuivit des études, jouant pendant plusieurs années pour lArizona State University lorsquil était amateur, avant dacheter une maison à Scotts- dale et dy planifier sa carrière.

Difficile dans ces conditions de prendre sa déclaration au sérieux.

Ce coup de tonnerre dans le monde du golf nenlève rien aux qualités sportives du jeune pro. Très puissant, Paul Casey a montré des dispositions techniques qui pouvaient faire de lui le digne successeur de Nick Faldo. Il est également un élément solide dans les rencontres par équipe, comme ses performances à la dernière Ryder Cup et à la World Cup 2004 lon démontré.

A Séville, en fin dannée dernière, son duo avec Luke Donald était tout bonnement inaccessible et laissait présager une saison 2005 enthousiasmante. Jusquà ce malheureux bavardage

Mais la page est tournée et lAnglais affiche de nouveau ce sourire carnassier qui le caractérise. Il a également retrouvé son jeu, comme ses performances à lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS le prouvent. Il ne lui reste plus quà patienter un peu avant denvisager une nouvelle traversée de lAtlantique!

Casey calm and content in Crans-Montana

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Paul Casey needs little encouragement to savour the sights and delights during the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS week.

The England golfer is on a fourth trip to Crans-Montana, and whilst hes yet to take the chair lift ride up to either Plaine-Morte or Bellalui, the alpine vista has captivated the four-times European Tour champion.

«It almost feels like you are on holiday even though I really dont go away on holidays,» he said.

«It is just a gorgeous place where the scenery is stunning and the air so clean and fresh, and its great because I never ever seem to have any trouble sleeping when I am up here.»

«I dont work out and just tend to sit around eating Italian food and nibble on ice cream and its perfect.»

But whilst Casey spoke of calm and contentment in Crans-Montana, spare a thought for his girlfriend, Jocelyn.

Shes limping about after breaking a toe earlier in the week at the airport in a freak luggage accident.

Bernie McGuire

Rendez-vous sur le petit écran

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

TSR: Aujourdhui: 14h Direct (TSR2); 18h35 19h25 Dimanche Sport (TSR 1); 22h35 23h25 Dimanche Sport, Rediffusion (TSR2).

SF2: Aujourdhui: 15h50 Direct; 23h40 Sportpanorama.

TSI2: Aujourdhui: 17h40.

Canal 9: Aujourdhui: 12h Rediffusion du résumé de la veille; 20h30 Résumé du jour (60 minutes); 23h15 Rediffusion. Lundi 5 septembre: 12h Rediffusion du résumé de la veille.

Jusqu'au bout du suspens

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

On ne gagne jamais un tournoi le samedi, mais en revanche on peut le perdre! Ce dicton du golf professionnel a été dactualité pour Jean Van de Velde, qui partageait la partie de Sergio Garcia et Garry Houston hier. Toujours digne dans la défaite, lancien résident genevois a souhaité présenter au public une version valaisanne de son fameux «bain» écossais de Carnoustie! En 1999, en tête de lOpen britannique, il avait trouvé le petit ruisseau du 18 avec son troisième coup. Il avait retroussé son pantalon et était descendu dans lobstacle pour voir si sa balle était jouable. Aujourdhui encore, il doit se demander sil naurait pas mieux fait de tenter ce coup impossible, qui aurait pu le faire entrer dans lhistoire des tournois majeurs. Hier, après que son approche, pourtant excellente, ait roulé depuis le green vers lobstacle deau, il a décidé de jouer son troisième coup alors que la balle affl eurait leau. Et mal lui en a pris puisque son chip sest noyé! Certes, le double bogey quil a fi nalement signé sur ce trou nexplique pas à lui seul le mauvais score du jour, mais dans la catégorie «poissard», Jean Van de Velde est certainement le plus «titré» des joueurs du circuit européen La différence avec Sergio Garcia est frappante, puisque les deux pros jouaient hier à peu près dans le même registre médiocre et irrégulier. Mais lEspagnol affi che la baraka des plus grands et cest pourquoi son approche, au lieu de fi nir dans lobstacle, a terminé dans le trou! Cet eagle au 18 a déclenché une ovation monumentale et restera vraisemblablement comme le coup du tournoi. Un 2 pour Sergio, un 6 pour Jean, sous loeil goguenard dun Garry Houston, quant à lui dune régularité bien helvétique. Et dire que ces deux approches étaient pratiquement identiques! Cest au 17 quun autre eagle a secoué le public: celui réalisé par Luke Donald, qui sest permis de boucler les 4 derniers trous en -5! Plutôt discret depuis deux jours, lAnglais a effectué ce quil est convenu dappeler une charge, pour remonter en troisième position, à seulement 2 coups du leader espagnol. Les hésitations de Sergio ont dailleurs rendu tout son suspense à lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS 2005, puisque pas moins de dix joueurs se trouvent dans une fourchette de 4 coups. Et tous peuvent prétendre à la victoire et au chèque de 283330 euro promis au vainqueur. Nos deux Suisses ne le peuvent plus en revanche. André Bossert (74) et Marcus Knight (77) sont passés un petit peu à côté du sujet; ce qui nenlève rien à leur performance générale et les stimulera certainement aujourdhui pour boucler la compétition avec le sourire. Avec des ambitions différentes, le dernier tour est très attendu par les 78 pros encore en lice.

Jacques Houriet

Une couverture planétaire

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Les images de lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS sont gérées par la société PGA EUROPEAN TOUR. Sur place, 120 personnes uvrent au quotidien pour livrer un produit fi ni de très grande qualité. Ces images sont diffusées en direct (450 heures) et en différé (57 heures) au travers de toute la planète. Les pays férus de golf depuis toujours relaient bien évidemment le tournoi valaisan. Au chapitre des nouveautés, des pays comme la Chine, la Pologne ou encore la Slovaquie ouvre de nouveaux marchés.

Au programme, ce week-end

TSR

Aujourdhui: 14h Direct; 21h55 (TSR2) 22h45 Résumé (TSR2). Dimanche 4 septembre: 14h Direct (TSR2); 18h35 19h25 Dimanche Sport (TSR 1); 22h35 23h25 Dimanche Sport, Rediffusion (TSR2).

SF2

Aujourdhui: 13h55 Direct. Dimanche 4 septembre: 15h50 Direct; 23h40 Sportpanorama.

TSI2

Aujourdhui: 13h55 Direct. Dimanche 4 septembre: 17h40 Direct.

Canal 9

Ce soir: 20h30 Résumé du jour (60 minutes); 23h15 Rediffusion. Dimanche 4 septembre: 12h Rediffusion du résumé de la veille; 20h30 Résumé du jour (60 minutes); 23h15 Rediffusion. Lundi 5 septembre: 12h Rediffusion du résumé de la veille.

Things ticking

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

The European tour visits some exotic and stunning locations these days. But nothing quite like Crans-Montana. This seasons schedule includes tournaments in China, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Qatar, South Africa and Indonesia - to name but a few. Yet there is still something special about the start of September because everybody on the circuit knows that means one thing. A trip to the Swiss Alps for a tournament with a rich history dating back to 1923 and with its own fl avour. The Cranssur- Sierre course has hosted the event since 1938 with a break only for the Second World War and title sponsor OMEGA have, as you would expect of such a company, kept things ticking over superbly since replacing Canon in 2001. As anyone who has ever visited St Andrews will also testify, there is an added dimension to sport whenever it involves the local community as the European Masters does. To step off the 18th green and be in the town in just a few yards is truly a pleasure. Nobody tires of coming to Crans-Montana, but for fi rst-timers it can take your breath away. Nigerian Christian Godfrey is one such this week. He is among the players invited to take part in the tournament and to receive a specially engraved watch by OMEGA after achieving a double eagle - or albatross - on the Southern Africa Sunshine Tour. The 23-year-old, who amazingly turned professional just a year after taking up the game, will never forget the stroke that earned him a chance to make his European tour debut. «My fouriron went left of the green, then hit a tree. Nobody in the group was sure where it fi nished, so one of the caddies looked in the hole and there was the ball. This has been an amazing week for me, one Ill always remember. Ive never been anywhere like this before.»

Mark Garrod

De nouvelles Omega Constellation Double Eagle

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

La collection Constellation Double Eagle est née de létroite association dOMEGA et du monde du golf, dans lequel le meilleur score est nommé un «double eagle» ou «albatros». Représentant un score de trois coups de moins que le par, le double eagle exige de fi nir en un coup un trou classé par quatre, ou, le plus souvent, en deux coups un trou classé par cinq. Ce tour de force exige de la part du golfeur une précision sans égale, et ce nom convient donc parfaitement aux chronomètres de précision de la collection Constellation.

Les premiers modèles homme Double Eagle furent lancés de façon spectaculaire lors de lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS 2003, où un aigle plongea sur le green N°18, les montres dans ses serres. Ces chronomètres, qui font appel à la technologie exclusive de léchappement coaxial OMEGA améliorant la précision à long terme, furent rapidement suivis des versions chronographe utilisant cette même technologie éprouvée. Pour sa dernière année en tant que sponsor en titre du tournoi OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS, la marque élargit sa collection avec délégants modèles pour dame, affichant le luxe de lor et des diamants, et une nouvelle version plus sportive du chronographe pour homme.

Stephen Urquhart - un président qui se veut rassurant

Wed, 21 May 2008 11:04:18 +0200

Sous lère OMEGA, lEUROPEAN MASTERS a passé la vitesse supérieure. Tant au niveau de ses infrastructures que de son budget, la manifestation na cessé de se développer. «Nous avons simplement essayé de lui apporter notre petite touche, explique Stephen Urquhart, Président dOMEGA. Pour nous, ce fut un honneur et une chance dêtre durant cinq ans le sponsor principal de la plus grosse compétition de golf organisée en Suisse. Pays qui demeure toujours le berceau de notre marque.» Car OMEGA a pris la décision de passer la main pour lédition 2006. «Nous ne serons plus le sponsor en titre, mais nous ne lâchons pas la manifestation pour autant, poursuit Stephen Urquhart. Cest dans lintérêt de tout le monde que nous assurions une sorte de lien. Mais à lheure actuelle, je ne peux pas encore vous dire sous quelle forme il va se matérialiser. » Le président dOMEGA est cependant certain dune chose: «Pour connaître très bien sa structure, je sais que le tournoi va continuer à exister. Il ny a quà voir lintérêt que porte le public au golf pour en être convaincu.» Même son de cloche chez OMEGA: la fi rme va continuer à rester très impliquée dans le milieu du golf. «Cette discipline véhicule une philosophie et une image qui colle très bien à la nôtre. De plus, elle devient très universelle. Elle est pratiquée par des messieurs, par des dames, par des personnes dun certain âge, mais également par des jeunes. Pour preuve, il ny a quà jeté un oeil sur le public qui suit lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS.»

Quant à Stephen Urquhart, ses occupations lui permettent encore dêtre actif sur les parcours. Cette année à Crans-Montana, il a à nouveau goûté aux joies dun Pro-Am. Il a eu la chance de partager la partie de Luke Donald, vainqueur ici même lan dernier. «Je dirais même que cest un privilège de pouvoir bénéfi cier des conseils de tels champions. Cependant, je nabuse pas de leur patience. Lorsque je joue avec Ernie Els ou Sergio Garcia, par exemple, je ne les sollicite quune fois ou deux par partie», conclut le président dOMEGA.

Memory lane

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Barry Lane is celebrating an unbroken 20 years of playing at Crans-Montana.

The 45-year-old Englishman reached his peak in 1993 when a thrilling victory here came just before his Ryder Cup debut. «I had won the German Masters the year before and then played solidly to make the Ryder Cup team and it was great to go there straight after winning, » he says. «I love this place, the scenery makes you want to come back again and again.» «I remember playing with Seve Ballesteros in 1989 when he won, but my outstanding memory of him comes from 1993 after he had played that wonderful shot over the swimming pool and then chipped in. He had the cheek to say to me at the prize-giving: «You were very lucky on the 17th.» Id made a long putt! One memory Id rather forget is from 2000, when I lost a ball up a tree at the 16th in the fi nal round when I was only a stroke behind Robert Karlsson.»

Norman Dabell

La fausse querelle

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Comme une tradition, le rendezvous valaisan du golf européen voit se croiser plus quailleurs anciens et modernes. Les jeunots et ceux tannés sous le cuir du tour, adroite façon déviter de dire les vieux, un terme qui ne veut dailleurs rien dire, si ce nest dêtre cruellement péjoratif. Qualifi ez Eduardo Romero de vieux et baissez-vous vite avant que sa bonne droite ne vous casse la tête. A Crans-Montana, ces anciens se sentent bien. Ils y viennent presque en cure. Au fi l des ans, les Rocca, Romero, Woosna met autres Lyle ont pris leurs marques, sasseyant presque dans le même fauteuil près de la cheminée, année après année. On soigne ces quadras. On câline le quinqua dans le sens du poil qui peut se faire rare. Ils sont la marmite du tournoi. Leurs rides, faites de longues heures au soleil, de putts loupant le cut ou dapproches sauvant leur sacro-sainte carte, sont presque montagnardes. Au départ, ils saluent linamovible starter Narcisse Emery dun air complice. Sortis du parcours, sils sont du bon côté comptable, ils fêtent leurs birdies à coups de blanc. Sils nen sont pas, pas de souci, ils fi nissent la bouteille de leurs copains plus fortunés. A leurs côtés, la jeune garde monte au front, sans complexes, dans des tenues plus voyantes sans être forcément de bon goût. Seraient-ils des nanas, ils montreraient leur nombril. Mais leurs drives défrisent. Les aînés en sont muets. Cest le toucher de Rosewall face aux bombes de Roddick rapportés au golf. Garcia gesticule, saute, rigole et mène. Colsaerts tape son drive à 350 mètres. Cette longue perche de 188 cm pour 70 kg est loin de lallure massive dun Rocca que des saisons de pasta et de chianti ont bien arrondie. Les voir déambuler ensemble présente un côté «Abbott et Costello» jusquau moment où ils frappent la balle. Et là, par magie, une quelconque querelle des anciens et des modernes séteint bien vite, tant leur jeu pourtant dissemblable reste le même plaisir pour lamoureux des choses du golf.

André Bossert: un «jeune» de 42 ans

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Lune des principales qualités pour bien jouer au golf est la patience. La détermination aussi, sans oublier loptimisme. Eh bien voilà les trois traits de caractère les plus évidents chez le Zurichois André Bossert! Dautres professionnels auraient déjà baissé les bras après les coups du sort que ce garçon a vécus. On pense principalement aux galères physiques de la fi n des années 90, qui touchaient principalement son dos et qui lont longtemps empêché de disposer de lintégralité de ses capacités. Il fallait être dur à la douleur pour sentraîner comme il la fait et retrouver tout son potentiel. Dailleurs, il ny a que 18 mois que ce longiligne pro ne ressent plus de tension dans ce dos si fragile. Mais cest aussi dans cette épreuve quil sest forgé ce caractère trempé, déterminé. Comment expliquer autrement sa ténacité, son opiniâtreté. A bientôt 42 ans, on peut même dire quil est «frais» psychologiquement et plein denthousiasme pour les saisons à venir. Bien entendu, léchec cuisant vécu à la Qualifying School 2004 est encore dans tous les esprits: il lui avait manqué un seul et unique coup pour obtenir la carte de lEuropean Tour 2005! Mais alors que certains observateurs anticipaient sa retraite, André en a remis une couche. Entraînement physique, technique, assiduité et professionnalisme lui ont permis doublier cette mésaventure et de réaliser quelques belles performances. La plus méritoire est celle du début de saison en Afrique du Sud, où il a obtenu une seconde place dans le tournoi quali- fi catif pour le British Open. Un résultat qui lui a permis de disputer le plus grand tournoi du monde, sur le plus prestigieux parcours, puisque cest à St. Andrews que ce disputait The Open cette année. Malheureusement, la réussite ne fut pas au rendez-vous, au contraire de cette semaine à Crans-Montana! Très relax, concentré, «Bossy» a enthousiasmé le public suisse par la précision de ses drives et de ses approches, ce qui lui a permis de prendre beaucoup de greens en régulation. Et si le putting avait connu plus de réussite, on le retrouverait encore plus haut dans le classement. André Bossert se réjouissait hier soir daffronter une nouvelle fois un parcours quil apprécie vraiment aujourdhui: «Jaime chipper et les greens sont parfaits. Alors je me régale!» Avec la motivation qui est la sienne, il na pas fi ni de nous étonner le quadragénaire

Le bonheur à mi-chemin

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Organiser une épreuve du PGA European Tour est une tâche dont on imagine mal limportance. Et même si tous les éléments sont réunis, y compris la météo, il se peut encore que les favoris passent à côté du sujet, manquent le cut et créent le désespoir au sein des promoteurs de lépreuve, qui se sentent orphelins le week-end!

LOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS 2005 ne connaîtra pas ce cauchemar, puisque le vainqueur espéré est installé en haut du leaderboard. Dès vendredi matin, le public se passait le mot: Sergio Garcia joue le plomb. Et la foule qui suivait son équipe, partie au trou N°10 à 8h40, ne cessait de grandir. Les courageux qui se bousculaient et sagglutinaient autour des cordes avaient vu juste, car cest un grand spectacle que le jeune Espagnol leur offrit jusquau terme dun parcours bouclé en 65, pour un score total de -11. Le coup le plus fameux est sans conteste le drive quil joua au départ du trou N°5 et qui passa sans problème au-dessus des sapins pour atterrir sur le green. Un putt plus tard, cest un eagle que Sergio marquait sur sa carte. A leffi cacité, le résident de Crans-Montana ajoutait le brio et OMEGA peut se féliciter de posséder un ambassadeur dun tel charisme.

Derrière lui, ce nest pas encore le trou, mais distance est prise. On trouve ce matin le surprenant Gallois Garry Houston, qui confi rmait son excellente carte de jeudi et sinstallait seul à la seconde place à -8. Mais le résultat qui faisait plaisir à tout le monde fut celui de Jean Van de Velde, linvité de dernière minute, qui bouclait le second tour dans le même score que Garcia pour un total de -7. Avec un genou convalescent, le joueur français le plus élégant et le plus sympathique du circuit ne doit son excellente saison quà la bonne volonté des différents organisateurs et de leurs invitations. Perdant malheureux du play-off à lOpen de France, il y a quelques semaines, face à son compatriote et ami Jeff Remesy, Jean joue désormais le cur léger, car il sait quil récupèrera sa carte du Tour européen lan prochain. LOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS est comme un bonus pour lui et il en profi te plutôt bien! Chez les Suisses, André Bossert et Marcus Knight ont été à la fois brillants et réguliers, passant le cut fi xé à +1, comme lan dernier. Ils faillirent être rejoints par lamateur Nicolas Sulzer, qui réalisa des merveilles avant de caler à lavant-dernier trou et de manquer le cut pour un petit coup. Le Genevois na pas renouvelé son exploit de lan dernier et sest donc trouvé dans la même charrette que Ronnie Zimmermann, Robert Wiederkehr, Alexandre Chopard, Martin Rominger et Damian Ulrich. Dommage.

Jacques Houriet

Wrong again...things can get better!

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Exactly one year ago I voiced the opinion that things couldnt get much better than the 2004 OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS. It seems to have been a premature observation! If anything, the 2005 tournament shows every sign of superseding last years event in terms of the course, the organisation, the level of competition and, of course, the weather. So far, I have received more unprompted praise from our Members regarding all aspects of the course. A key element was the decision to undertake an intensive agronomy programme immediately after the 2004 tournament and before the onset of winter here in Crans-Montana. Additionally, the event organisation has been incredibly slick and professional with the new village to the right of the 17th growing in size every year and proving to be an exceptionally popular attraction for the large numbers of spectators fi ling into the course. It will be sad to see Omega bow out as title sponsor but what a way to go! We have all shared in some magical moments over the past few years and I am sure that the future of the event is in safe hands thanks to the continued support of Gaston F. Barras and IMG. Of course, this week sees the start of The Ryder Cup qualifi cation process. Four of the 2004 European Team are involved this week along with the Captain Ian Woosnam. I wonder if the winner on Sunday night will play a part in Woosies line-up at The K Club. Lets wait and see!

David Probyn
Tournament Director
The European Tour

Six hommes au coudes à coudes

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

David Carter Round One 65 (-6): «I played very sensibly and when I missed the green I missed it on the right side. I chipped and putted well, never was in much trouble and basically did most things well. Till now my season has been disappointing, it has been like that for four or fi ve years now. But you have to look at yourself and see what you have to do to get better. I lost my Tour card two years ago and I tried to look on the bright side. It wasnt the end of the world, but its getting more and more competitive out here and youve got to get better and I suppose I didnt improve. Its not that I havent worked hard over the past years, maybe I just havent worked on the right things. But last week I shot a 65 and that was a sign of something happening and it feels good. More of the same, please!»

Jarmo Sandelin Round One 65 (-6): «Today I missed a lot of fairways but managed to hit a lot of greens. The putting feels good, its all very satisfying. I have been struggling for three or four years and I think it helped to have Vale do Lobo, great training facilities here and my coach, Robert Baker, to help with the training part. Im on a physical and technical training programme and fi nally I got some results. I look forward to tomorrow.»

Garry Houston Round One 65 (-6): «I started badly with a clumsy bogey, then settled down and got out in one under. The eagle at the fi rst kick then started everything. I played steadily and putted nicely. The second eagle at the seventh was lovely. This is a gorgeous place to play golf, but yo cant afford to stare at the scenery. There are too many things that can come up and bite you. You have to concentrate all the time.»

Sergio Garcia: touchant et exubérant

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

En 1999, Sergio Garcia a déboulé dans le golf professionnel comme un taureau dans une arène. Pas étonnant dailleurs que son couvre bois représente une tête de ce fier animal! Sergio est espagnol et il ne renie pas ses origines, possédant un tempérament de feu, toujours prêt à sauter pour exprimer de la joie ou de la frustration. En revanche, il naffiche pas le faciès ombrageux de certains de ses compatriotes et ne se réfugie pas dans un mutisme vexé lorsque les choses tournent mal pour lui. A linsouciance de la jeunesse, le numéro 6 mondial ajoute une spontanéité, une franchise et un naturel qui le rendent éminemment sympathique. La première année chez les pros sest soldée par deux victoires sur le Tour européen, mais surtout par une remarquable seconde place à lUS PGA Championship, derrière un certain Tiger Woods.

On pensait alors que ce démarrage en fanfare allait conduire le bouillant Sergio au sommet de la hiérarchie du golf. Mais lapprentissage a été plus délicat que prévu et le jeune Garcia attend encore de récolter les fruits dun gros travail technique réalisé avec son père, Victor, enseignant de golf en Espagne. Confronté à de gros problèmes de putting, Sergio a retrouvé son toucher et ses sensations en 2004, bouclant la saison avec une victoire en Europe et deux aux Etats-Unis. Cette année encore, il a inscrit son nom sur un trophée de lUS PGA Tour,EUROPEAN MASTERS peut donc être considérée comme un signe de reconnaissance envers le sponsor principal dont il est lambassadeur, mais également envers la station valaisanne dont il est un prestigieux résident. Homme de coeur et de passion, Sergio Garcia la démontré une fois de plus lors de la dernière Ryder Cup en 2004. Non seulement il a ramené 4,5 points sur 5 possibles, mais il a été un soutien moral pour tous ses partenaires, tirant toute léquipe européenne vers une victoire historique en terre américaine.

Sur le parcours Severiano Ballesteros, Sergio apprécie les nouvelles difficultés dues notamment aux fairways rétrécis et à des greens durs et rapides. «Cest un véritable test de golf, même si le parcours est assez court. Le rough est costaud et nous allons voir quel joueur présente la meilleure stratégie. En tous les cas, je me sens bien et mon jeu est en place» La furia peut commencer!

Sergio's recipe for success

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

If you are near a certain chalet this week and you swear you can smell paella, then youll know Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald have got tired of eating out.

Sergio is hosting his friend Luke this week at the home the 25-year-old Spaniard visits for about eight weeks of the year. It is the second time the pair have hooked up in Crans-Montana. Last year they had plenty to celebrate before the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS started. Donald had been given the news that he was one of Bernhard Langers Ryder Cup wild-cards as they fl ew over the Alps on their way from Munich. Garcia might fret over his culinary skills, but before this years event started the world number six had no doubts about his on-course skills. As one of the bigger hitters, this week he has decided to go for broke on two of Crans-sur-Sierres most notable holes and possibly three. He is attempting to hit the greens in-one at the fi fth, and at one of the most spectacular holes in golf, the seventh. If hes feeling in the mood, hes going for it on the sixth as well.

Because Garcia can smite the ball over 300 yards consistently on non-altitude courses and will expect to be crashing near-400 yard drives this week, a gameplan for the shorter par-fours is simple. For his housemate Donald it isnt quite so easy. His average drive is around 285 yards, so he might have to put some beef into it this week. Come to think of it, that might be better for him than paella Sergio. And dont forget the Yorkshire Pudding.

Norman Dabell

Dans le vif du sujet

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

En boxe - et maintenant dans dautres sports - on parle souvent dun round dobservation. Une expression qui ne convient en tous les cas pas pour lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS 2005, au vu de la vitesse à laquelle les favoris sont entrés dans la compétition. Après 9 trous seulement, le tenant du titre, Luke Donald, pointait à -3. Un résultat presque aussi convaincant que son hôte de la semaine - il réside dans son appartement Sergio Garcia, qui passait au turn à -5 ! Et comme disait lautre: «ce qui est pris nest plus à prendre ». LAnglais confirmait sur le retour en terminant la journée à 5 en dessous du par, pendant que lEspagnol connaissait une baisse de régime, mais parvenait néanmoins à signer une carte identique à celle de son colocataire.

Cela dit, en tête de la compétition, on trouvait une brochette de golfeurs très éclectiques, avec le discret Anglais David Carter, lexcentrique Suédois Jarmo Sandelin et limposant Gallois Garry Houston. Tous ont déjoué les pièges du parcours Severiano Ballesteros, dompté les greens rapides et durs pour réaliser un magnifi que score de -6. Chez les Suisses, on affi chait une satisfaction légitime. Lexcellent parcours (-2) du Zurichois André Bossert le voyait pointer à une encourageante 26e place, un coup seulement devant le surprenant Marcus Knight. Et quand on sait que celui-ci se consacre désormais à lenseignement, on mesure mieux la valeur de ce score de 70, qui le mettait à égalité avec des pointures du calibre de Jean Van de Velde, Peter Baker, Gary Emerson ou le puissant Henrik Stenson. Membres de lAlps Tour, la troisième division européenne, Robert Wiederkehr et Ronnie Zimmermann oubliaient leurs complexes pour terminer magnifiquement la journée dans le par, au niveau où devrait se situer le cut ce soir.

Légère déception en revanche pour le reste de la délégation suisse. Nicolas Sulzer était pourtant fort bien parti et bouclait laller en dessous du par. Mais il manquait de réussite au retour et devait se contenter dun 74. Damian Ulrich (76) et Martin Rominger (74) nétaient pas plus heureux, alors que le Neuchâtelois Alexandre Chopard ne semblait pas remis dun méchant refroidissement (78). Avec un soleil qui devrait tenir- on est quand même en Valais, sapristi ! les greens pourraient bien être encore plus fermes et rapides aujourdhui, rendant le parcours plus sélectif. Un challenge supplémentaire, mais une occasion en or pour nos Suisses de sétalonner par rapport à lélite du golf européen. Il va y avoir du sport
Jacques Houriet

I fratelli del Golf

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Gli occhi di tutti gli italiani sono puntati su Edoardo e Francesco Molinari che nel 2005 stanno vivendo una splendida stagione. Due giocatori innamorati del gioco, che ne conoscono ogni risvolto, che si divertono a giocarlo, e si vede. Determinazione, talento, forza di volontà e un profondo legame sono alla base dei loro successi, oltre a due splendidi genitori che, hanno avuto una grande parte nella loro formazione. Tutti abbiamo seguito lemozionante escalation di Dodo che lha portato a vincere lUS Amateur, la gara per dilettanti più importante al mondo. Con una progressione impressionante ha triturato gli avversari fi no alla fi nale dove ha lasciato impietrito Dillon Dougherty, 3 up dopo le prime 18 buche, con 7 birdie. Grazie a questo successo, Dodo giocherà lanno prossimo il Masters, lUS Open e ancora lOpen Championship. Dopo Crans-Montana, per lui limpegno più importante sara con la laurea in ingegneria, a metà settembre.
Il più felice del successo fra tutti è forse Chicco, minore di un anno e mezzo, quasi laureato in Economia e Commercio e passato al professionismo lo scorso novembre quando, con Dodo come caddie, ottenne la «carta» per lEuropean Tour dove, con la serietà che lo contraddistingue, Chicco si sta comportando più che bene e ha già la sicurezza della carta per il 2006. Già aveva assaggiato più volte «laria da Open» in Italia e aveva dimostrato di respirarla più che bene quando, lanno scorso, giunse 13mo allOpen dItalia grazie allo splendido 63 realizzato nella terza giornata.
Maria Pia Gennaro

Die Schweizer schwärmen vom Platz

Wed, 21 May 2008 11:07:00 +0200

Acht Schweizer, drei Amateure und fünf Professionals, starten am OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS 2005. Alle sind sich einig: «So gut wie in diesem Jahr hat sich der Platz noch gar nie präsentiert», schwärmt André Bossert. «Kompakte Fairways, konstant schnelle Greens, schwierige Roughs», ergänzt Martin Rominger. Die Professionals haben sich über die Titleist Order of Merit der Swiss PGA qualifiziert. André Bossert ist der einzige, der regelmässig auf der European Tour startet. Mit 1 Eagle und 5 Birdies hat er im CREDIT SUISSE GOLD PRO-AM seine Ambitionen angemeldet.
Robert Wiederkehr, Alexandre Chopard und Ronnie Zimmermann, die normalerweise auf der Alps Tour (dritthöchste europäische Turnierkategorie) spielen, bereiten sich auf die Qualifying School vor. Marcus Knight, während Jahren auf der Challenge Tour aktiv und heute als Teaching Pro in Schönenberg tätig, will sich in diesem exklusiven Schaufenster «möglichst gut verkaufen». Die Amateure Martin Rominger, Nicolas Sulzer und Damian Ulrich haben diesen Sommer an den Team-EM in Hillside (Eng) sensationell Bronze gewonnen. Rominger und Sulzer werden Mitte September die erste Station der Qualifying School bestreiten und Ende Jahr zu den Professionals wechseln. Ulrich dagegen bleibt mindestens ein weiteres Jahr Amateur. Ihn lockt die WM 2006 in Südafrika.
André Glauser

Credit Suisse Gold Pro-Am: Sous le soleil évidemment!

Wed, 21 May 2008 11:08:00 +0200

Le soleil de Crans-Montana nest pas une légende. Les participants au CREDIT SUISSE GOLD PRO-AM en ont eu la démonstration hier et les plus convaincus sont ceux qui avaient oublié de senduire de crème solaire Le chef du CREDIT SUISSE PRIVATE BANKING Switzerland, Arthur Vayloyan, pouvait en effet se réjouir davoir offert à ses hôtes les conditions optimales pour cette journée de sport et de plaisir. Lui-même a vécu laventure de lintérieur, en compagnie du pro australien Peter Fowler et il ne sest pas privé dapprécier cette journée radieuse dont la station valaisanne est coutumière. Pour la majorité des participants, peu importait la qualité du jeu et le nombre de birdies. Cest lintensité du plaisir et la conviction de vivre un moment exceptionnel qui prévalaient. Hier sur le Haut Plateau, on ne pouvait trouver plus beau dicton que celui de Pierre de Coubertin: limportant est de participer! Arthur Vayloyan, Head CREDIT SUISSE PRIVATE BANKING Switzerland et Rolf Adolf Ogi, apprécie son coup. Lancien Conseiller Fédéral a réussi un joli parcours lors de ce Pro-Am.

Rencontre du jour: Luke Donald le flegme Britannique

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:04:00 +0200

Son élégance pourrait laisser croire quil est italien ou français, mais cest bien le drapeau anglais que revendique Luke Donald. Et fi nalement ce nest pas étonnant vu le fl egme quil affi che sur le parcours et qui le distingue de joueurs parfois «trop» enthousiastes ou démonstratifs. A cette distinction britannique, le jeune Luke a donné une touche américaine. Car cest dans le nouveau monde quil a réalisé lessentiel de son apprentissage de golfeur, après avoir fréquenté les bancs de lUniversité de Chicago où il a notamment étudié lart. Très brillant joueur amateur, cest tout naturellement aux Etats- Unis quil a souhaité développer sa carrière professionnelle. Les choses ne se sont pas faites attendre puisquil est passé pro en 2001 et quune année plus tard déjà, il remportait le Southern Farm Bureau Classic sur lUS PGA Tour.
Bien installé dans le confort américain et dans la ville de Chicago quil connaît parfaitement, Luke Donald ne renie pas lEurope pour autant. Sa participation à la Ryder Cup 2004 ny est certainement pas étrangère, puisquil a littéralement explosé sur un plan médiatique et sportif lan dernier.Deux victoires sur le Tour européen ont également contribué à en faire un chouchou du public et notamment de ces demoiselles, qui le trouvent «so cute», comme on dit en anglais!
Luke peut compter sur un appui inconditionnel de son frère, qui est devenu son caddy attitré. Une jolie histoire de famille qui complète le tableau de ce gendre rêvé, dont lavenir sentimental désolé mesdemoiselles semble désormais lié à une charmante brune quon croise régulièrement dans le «players lounge» et qui répond au délicat prénom de Diane. A lopposé du joueur rustique et costaud qui «descend» sa bière au pub du coin, Luke pousse le raffinement à choisir la peinture comme loisir favori. Artiste de la balle, il manie le pinceau avec la même délicatesse et cette distinction a quelque chose de rassurant dans un sport où lon ne parle que de practice, de fi tness, de puissance et dadrénaline. Mais nallez pas croire quil est trop tendre: clubs en mains, cest un tueur. Un tueur délicat!

Un duel de générations

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Le golf, il faut le rappeler, est un sport excellent pour la santé! Un sport que lon peut pratiquer jusquà un âge canonique et ce nest pas feu Otto Bucher qui nous contredira, ce Suisse qui avait effectué un hole-in-one à 99 ans sur le golf de La Manga, en Espagne! Un record dûment répertorié par le Guiness Book. Même dans le golf délite, lâge nest pas un frein à la performance. On voit par exemple des pros qui jouent désormais chez les seniors réussirent dexcellents résultats sur le circuit régulier. On pense notamment à Eduardo Romero, qui alterne désormais entre lEuropean Tour et le Senior Tour. A Crans-Montana, il ne viendra pas pour faire de la fi guration. Pas plus que Ian Woosnam dailleurs, qui se présente en Valais en tant que capitaine du team Europe de la prochaine Ryder Cup, mais aussi comme joueur du circuit européen, ancien vainqueur (1982) de lOpen de Suisse.
SA présence sur le Haut-Plateau est assez symbolique, puisque lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS 2005 correspond à la première épreuve qualifi cative pour la Ryder Cup 2006. Les apparitions de «Woosie» sur le Tour se font de plus en plus rares et ce sera une aubaine pour le public que de suivre le petit Gallois, dont la puissance na pas changé! Ian Woosnam prend son rôle de capitaine au sérieux et lon peut être sûr quil observera avec intérêt les joueurs susceptibles dêtre sélectionnés lan prochain. Et parmi eux on pense évidemment à Sergio Garcia et Luke Donald. Ces deux garçons furent dailleurs des éléments déterminants de la victoire européenne en 2004. Ambassadeur de la maison OMEGA, résident de Crans-Montana, lEspagnol est la vedette du tournoi. Ses excellentes performances aux Etats-Unis ne lont pas stimulé à traverser lAtlantique, puisquil na pas joué sur le circuit européen cette année, à lexception du British Open!
Cest donc une occasion unique de suivre le jeune pro et dadmirer la puissance de ses drives et la précision de ses approches. Luke Donald sera aux premières loges pour observer le jeu de Sergio, puisquil loge dans son appartement! LAnglais est devenu depuis 2 ans lun des favoris systématiques de toutes les compétitions auxquelles il participe. Toujours très régulier, il lui manque encore un peu de réussite dans les épreuves majeures pour confi rmer défi - nitivement son talent. Mais il se présente à Crans-Montana en tant que tenant du titre et ce nest pas sur le parcours Severiano Ballesteros quil doit faire ses preuves! La concurrence ne manquera pas et lon peut compter sur Miguel Angel Jiménez, Jean-François Remesy, Henrik Stenson, Ricardo Gonzalez, Paul Lawrie, Bradley Dredge ou Robert Karlsson mener la vie dure aux trois stars de la compétition.

Jacques Houriet

Omega Preview

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

The 2005 OMEGA European Masters 2005

Some of the 156 registered players a chance to check out the condition of the Severiano Ballesteros course Todays Pro-Am tournament. Among them were Omega ambassador Sergio Garcia and his friend, flatmate for the week and last years winner Luke Donald. For the first time, the 2005 Omega European Masters kicks off the qualifying for the 2006 European Ryder Cup team and both players have Cup experience, having helped the European team to its convincing victory in 2004. Although they admitted that the qualification will only gain importance later on in the year, Luke Donald expressed his obvious desire to qualify outright, rather than rely on the wildcard that he was offered by Bernhard Langer shortly before arriving in Crans-Montana last year. Garcia will, however, find it difficult to put the Cup out of his mind, since he is paired with Europes 2006 captain Ian Woosnam for his first two rounds.

Unfortunate injuries have prevented two top players from participating in the tournament. Omegas other golfing ambassador, South African Ernie Els, has been out of action for several weeks and Englands David Howell picked up an injury after winning last weeks BMW Invitational in Munich.

The erratic meteorological conditions of the past few weeks in Switzerland may force players to rethink their game plans: several weeks of rain that provoked severe flooding in other parts of Switzerland have left the rough very thick and the bright sunshine and unseasonally hot temperatures of the past few days (which is set to continue for the rest of the week) is sure to speed up the greens. Fairways considerably narrower than last year on some holes will also add an additional challenge and may lead to much more aggressive play from the longer hitters.

In celebration of the fact that the 2005 Omega European Masters will count towards the Ryder Cup qualification for the first time, the organisers have created a special Ryder Cup theme around the event. In addition to a strong presence by the organisers of the next Ryder Cup in Ireland, the actual Ryder Cup trophy will also be present in Crans-Montana and a special Ryder Cup exhibition match will be held after the close of play on Saturday. The Saturday evening activity has a tradition since Omegas title sponsorship and has seen the likes of Cindy Crawford and Asian superstar Coco Lee trying their hand at golf in the past. This year, members of the victorious European Ryder Cup team will show off their skills to the crowd.

Le Credit Suisse, partenaire indéflectible du Golf Suisse

Wed, 21 May 2008 11:16:02 +0200

Aussi curieux que cela puisse paraître, les «birdies», «eagles» et autres «albatros» nont rien à voir avec lornithologie. Ils font en revanche battre plus vite le coeur des golfeurs, dont le nombre a plus que doublé ces dix dernières années. Car le golf est un sport en vogue, un sport dans lequel le CREDIT SUISSE sinvestit avec passion depuis plus de vingt ans. Cest en effet en 1984 que la banque a débuté son partenariat avec lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS de Crans-Montana. Depuis 1987, le CREDIT SUISSE soutient également le très prisé tournoi Pro-Am à titre de sponsor principal. Cet engagement fait du CREDIT SUISSE le partenaire le plus ancien et le plus fi dèle de cette manifestation de haute volée. Cet événement constitue une plate-forme idéale pour la grande banque suisse, qui peut convier ses clients à assister à un spectacle inoubliable. Chaque année, un millier dentre eux viennent ainsi respirer lambiance unique régnant sur le Haut-Plateau. Ils ont locca-sion dapplaudir aux «birdies», «eagles» et «albatros» de joueurs de classe mondiale, comme lEspagnol Sergio Garcia ou lAnglais Luke Donald, et de vibrer aux puissants drives et aux putts millimétriques des meilleurs pros du pays emmenés par André Bossert et Ronnie Zimmermann.Les invités du sponsor principal ont même la possibilité de croiser eux-mêmes le fer - et le bois - avec les meilleurs pros du moment lors du CREDIT SUISSE GOLD PRO-AM du mercredi ou du Credit Suisse Trophy du samedi, disputés sur les parcours Severiano Ballesteros et Jack Nicklaus.

Une Leçon captivante

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Les professionnels Barry Lane, Costantino Rocca, Patrick Sjöland et Sven Strüver ont joué les pro- fesseurs à loccasion dun «clinic» organisé hier matin par DEVILLARD, LE MATIN, BILAN et lAssociation Suisse de Golf. Dans la séance de laprès-midi, mise sur pied par VOLVO, LA GENEVOISE et PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS, ce sont Marcello Santi, Peter Hedblom et Pierre Fulke qui ont prodigué leurs conseils.

Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

A 51 ans, Yvan Rion occupe le poste de Directeur du Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre depuis 2003. Ce transfuge du monde de la banque dirige une véritable entreprise qui génère une masse salariale saisonnière de 1,330 millions de francs. Lhomme connaît très bien le milieu du golf pour y avoir toujours baigné. Dans sa jeunesse, il a dailleurs été caddy sur le Haut-Plateau.
Le Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre cest aussi...
- 4 parcours de golf (le Severiano Ballesteros, le Jack Nicklaus, Super Crans et Noas), soit 45 trous. Durant toute lannée, le tracé Severiano Ballesteros est destiné aux amateurs. Il est transformé en terrain de jeu pour les professionnels en lespace de 48 heures. Le site na été fermé au public que le 26 août.
- 35 collaborateurs et collaboratrices, dont 18 pour lentretien et laménagement des parcours. Durant lopen, ce nombre passe à 25 personnes.

- 350000 à 400000 francs de participation en prestations à lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS: personnel, mise à disposition du terrain et des machines dentretien, aménagements, etc...
- 84 bunkers de 8700 m2 dont 65 uniquement sur le Severiano Ballesteros.
- Des aménagements de qualité sur le parcours (fairways, greens, cheminements, driving, sécurité, etc...) pour un million de francs en 2003-2004. Mais également dimportants investissements dans le renouvellement du parc de machines pour environ 1 million de francs en trois ans.

LGT Société Fiduciaire Suisse - encore plus beau sous le soleil

Wed, 21 May 2008 11:16:00 +0200

La toute jeune équipe du professionnel anglais Robert Coles a remporté le LTG - SOCIÉTÉ FIDUCIAIRE SUISSE PRO-AM TROPHY FLORY VAN DONCK, qui sest disputé lundi à Crans-Montana. A loccasion de cette compétition dédiée à lancien golfeur belge Flory Van Donck, du beau monde a pu sessayer sur les 18 trous du Severiano Ballesteros. Parmi les invités: lancien Conseiller Fédéral Adolf Ogi, lentrepreneur Bruno Marazzi, lancien skieur Philippe Roux, le président de Crans-Montana Tourisme Charles-Adré Bagnoud ou encore Claude Devillard, lun des fi dèles sponsors de lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS. Le flight du pro Micheal Jonzon a lui aussi attiré lattention. Le Suédois a pu prodiguer ses conseils durant plus de cinq heures à deux grands noms du sport suisse: lentraîneur du HC Genève-Servette Chris Mc Sorley et lancien tennisman Jakob Hlasek, en possession dun handicap de 2,7: «En général, jeffectue un parcours en trois heures, le matin lorsque les golfs ne sont pas trop fréquentés. Là, jai vraiment dû faire un effort de concentration pour tenir sur la longueur.» Il est vrai quune fois à Crans-Montana,dans un site aussi féerique, les joueurs prennent leur temps. «Jai discuté avec des caddies présents sur le Haut-Plateau, ils sont unanimes pour dire que le parcours du Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre est lun des plus beaux spots du monde», conclut Charles-André Bagnoud.

Ian Woosman: retour aux sources

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Qui, de mémoire, peut donner le nom du vainqueur de lOpen Suisse de 1982? A part Gaston F. Barras, mémoire vivante de lOpen, il ny a peut-être que le vainqueur lui-même: Ian Woosnam. Le petit Gallois navait que 24 ans quand il a décroché sa première victoire sur le circuit européen. Un titre qui la fait passé du statut doutsider à celui de favori, mais qui lui a surtout permis dabandonner la tente quil plantait dans les forêts de Crans-Montana pour découvrir le confort des hôtels de luxe! Car ce fi ls de paysan ne roulait pas sur lor dans ces années où le talent nétait pas aussi grassement récompensé par les sponsors et les dotations des tournois quil ne lest aujourdhui. Et cest certainement ce dur apprentissage qui a forgé son caractère bien trempé, à moins que ce ne soit la boxe quil pratiquait à un excellent niveau. Pour une raison comme pour lautre, personne na jamais cherché des noises à cette boule de muscles, trapu et puissant. Il suffi sait dailleurs de le voir frapper des drives pour se convaincre
La carrière de Ian Woosnam a donc pris son envol en 1982 et a connu le sommet, puisquil a été numéro 1 mondial au début des années 90, notamment après avoir remporté lUS Masters en 1991. Fait de hauts et de bas, le parcours du Gallois a failli prendre un virage spectaculaire il y a 4 ans, lorsquil se trouvait en tête du British Open.Mais cétait sans compter sur linattention de son caddy, qui avait oublié un driver dans le sac et porté le total de ses clubs à 15, justifi ant la pénalité de 2 coups infl igée sur le trou N°1 du dernier tour, que Woosie bouclait fi nalement à la 3e place! Cet incident, digéré avec une belle maîtrise mais une colère noire, a fait le tour de la planète golf et a contribué à limage dure, mais néanmoins sympathique de ce professionnel.
Joueur de Ryder Cup passionné et dévoué, Ian Woosnam méritait amplement de mener léquipe européenne dans cette formidable compétition qui oppose les Etats-Unis à lEurope tous les deux ans. Lan prochain, sur le prestigieux parcours irlandais du K Club, il défendra le trophée que son prédécesseur, Bernhard Langer, avait remporté aux Etats-Unis en 2004. Cest donc davantage en capitaine de la Ryder Cup quen joueur du circuit européen que le Gallois disputera lOMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS. Mais comme il la prouvé dans le passé, Woosie aime le parcours de Crans-Montana et sa frappe de balle reste pure. Alors?

Le Pro-Am de l'année

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:43:32 +0200

Le golf a cela de merveilleux et dunique quil permet à un amateur de réaliser parfois des coups de professionnels. Une approche bien dosée, une sortie de bunker au drapeau, un long putt qui plonge dans le trou, bref, le joueur sapproche de la perfection lespace dun instant. Le plaisir de côtoyer pendant plus de 4 heures un pro permet de prolonger cette sensation délicieuse, de partager les émotions qui naissent du talent et du génie. Cest lune des raisons qui font le succès du CREDIT SUISSE GOLD PRO-AM, rendez-vous incontournable par excellence, dont linvitation flatte les amateurs privilégiés, les personnalités du sport, de la politique et des affaires.

Ce matin, à 7h15, personne ne se plaindra de lheure matinale, de la fraîcheur et de lhumidité au moment de frapper les premiers drives de cette prestigieuse compétition. Thomas Borer-Fielding, qui na jamais caché son amour pour Crans-Montana, fera partie des premiers fl ights à affronter le parcours Severiano Ballesteros.
Juste derrière lui, Stephen Urquhart, président dOMEGA et golfeur émérite, accompagnera Sergio Garcia, le nouvel ambassadeur de la société horlogère. Dans lhorlogerie, le nom de Franz Türler est connu pour être le propriétaire dune grande enseigne zurichoise. Avec Heinz Pütz, journaliste spécialiste du golf pour la télévision alémanique, il aura le plaisir de profi ter des conseils dErnie Els.
Pirmin Zurbriggen est moins présent dans lactualité sportive suisse, mais il ne se fait pas prier pour jouer à Crans- Montana. Notamment quand il peut accompagner Arthur Vayloyan, le chef de Credit Suisse Private Banking, dans la partie menée par le jeune pro anglais Luke Donald. Architecte des nouveaux stades de football de Bâle et de Berne, Bruno Marazzi accompagnera Adolf Ogi. Lancien Conseiller fédéral aura ainsi eu le privilège de disputer les deux Pro-Am de la semaine.

Jacques Houriet

Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia at the Omega European Masters 2005

Wed, 21 May 2008 12:14:16 +0200

The winner of the 2004 tournament, the Englishman Luke Donald (3rd of the Masters 2005 and at the moment 14th player in the world) and Spain's Sergio Garcia (3rd of the US Open 2005 and 6th player worldwide) will be the main characters of the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS 2005 that will take place in Crans-Montana taking place from September 1st to 4th.
This tournament is the first one to count for the Ryder Cup 2006 selection. Several European players engaged in the successful team against the Americans will be present on the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf course.

News

NOTE THE DATES AND BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THE MASTERS 2012 NOW!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER A GREAT AND ORIGINAL PRESENT TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY?

2011 OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS : A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!

THOMAS BJÖRN NEW KING OF THE MOUNTAIN

THIRTEENTH VICTORY

EIGHTH WORLD NUMBER ONE TO WIN IN CRANS-MONTANA?

SEVEN PLAY-OFFS IN CRANS-MONTANA

SEVEN FIRST TIME WINNERS

35 YEAR OLD HOPES FOR BREAKTHROUGH WIN

Starting modification

NO FIVES AND NO BOGEYS

A 61 OR 62 IS POSSIBLE

THE PLEASURE TRANSMITS

FOUR TIMES FOUR LEADERS AFTER 36 HOLES

EXTRAORDINARY LEADERBOARD

FOUR ON TOP, FIVE JUST ONE BEHIND

IT WAS TOUGH TO ACCEPT THAT ROUND

GIVE THE CROWD SOME EXCITEMENT

BOYD AND DYSON OVERTAKE THURSDAY LEADER

THIS IS A BONUS WEEK

SPLENDID WAY OUT

EXAMPLE ROBERT KARLSSON

EVEN BETTER THAN DOUGHERTY

NICK DOUGHERTY FINDS HIS SMILE AGAIN

SHE IS A ROCK FOR ME

GOOD START FOR KAYMER AND MCILROY

Fun at Crans-Montana

RATHER SATISFIED

MY WRIST IS TOTALLY FINE

NICE TO COMPETE WITH THE BEST

WINNERS OF THE CREDIT-SUISSE GOLD PRO-AM: MONTGOMERIE (PRO), VAN BREDA, EGLOFF, BURGENER

LEARN SOMETHING FROM TOP CLASS PLAYERS

THE GREENS ARE BUMPIER

YOU NEED PROPER TIME TO REST

NEW FACES COME IN, THATS LIFE

WE HAVE WHAT THE OTHER WANTS

WATER SKIING HAS IMPROVED

STARS FROM MORNING TO NIGHT

CRANS-MONTANA CHANGED THE LIFE OF MATTEO MANASSERO

WINNERS OF THE CREDIT-SUISSE SILVER PRO-AM (TROPHEE FLORY VAN DONCK) : SIDDIKUR MOHD (PRO), ROTONDI GIUSEPPE, CALIENDO ENRICO, FIORI GIROLAMO

OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS 2011  AN OUTSTANDING PARTICIPATION

A COMPLETELY REFURBISHED DRIVING RANGE AND A REDESIGNED GOLF COURSE

DARREN CLARKE, FROM NORTHERN IRELAND, COMPLETES THE REGAL LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

NOH SEUNG YUL AND THONGCHAI JAIDEE READY TO PEAK AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

NOW ITS THE TURN OF THE SPANIARDS, MIGUEL-ANGEL JIMENEZ AND JOSE-MARIA OLAZABAL, TO CONFIRM THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

THE GOLFING "AZZURI" AT CRANS-MONTANA

GERMAN WORLD NUMBER 3, MARTIN KAYMER, CONFIRMS HIS PARTICIPATION AT CRANS-MONTANA

LEE WESTWOOD  THE WORLD'S NO. 1 COMES TO CRANS-MONTANA

MASTERS STAR, RORY MCILROY RETURNS TO CRANS-MONTANA IN 2011 !

Some additional facts...

Manaserro: Up and down

Molinari: extremely tired

Jiménez: no guarantee

Jiménez... Some extra facts

Svanberg disappointed

Thousands on the way

Julien Clément best Swiss again

Peter Lawrie ends with -9

Follow the tournament on your iPhone

Greg Norman out to capture Olympic Games gold medal bid

NORMAN SEES BRIGHT FUTURE FOR NOH

LIANG FIGHTS BACK WITH 64 AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

Golfing Legend Greg Norman joins OMEGA

SINGH LAMENTS POOR PUTTING IN OPENING 70 AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

NEW PUTTER ROLLS CHAPCHAI TO A 66 AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

Paul Waring: Eagle hole n°18

Mikael Lundberg hole-in-one

SIDDIKUR AIMS FOR NEW PEAKS AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

SINGH AIMS TO BE ON SONG AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

Palmarès CS Gold Pro-Am

Swiss Most Prestigious Golf Event

NOREN soars to victory at the Omega European Masters

High five for thongchai in Omega European Masters

Singh years for captain's call after Omega European Masters campaign

Numbers of Spectators

THONGHAI stays in the hunt at Omega European Masters

Making A Point

QUE stays in title chase at Omega European Masters

Noren takes control of Omega European Masters

NEW FACES COME IN, THATS LIFE

OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS 2011 AN OUTSTANDING PARTICIPATION

NOW ITS THE TURN OF THE SPANIARDS, MIGUEL-ANGEL JIMENEZ AND JOSE-MARIA OLAZABAL, TO CONFIRM THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

LEE WESTWOOD THE WORLD'S NO. 1 COMES TO CRANS-MONTANA

Oliver Wilson, linvité-surprise

Pour lhonneur!

Frost does not dampen players spirits

Genworth Financials Charity Initiative off to flying start

Le Président dOmega impressionné

Stephen Urquhart, OMEGAS MASTER TACTICIAN

Le Tournoi jusquaux Rives du Léman