Swiss golfers ready for the Omega European Masters 2025

As every year, the Omega European Masters in Crans-Montana provides an outstanding stage for Swiss golf. Between established players on the main tour and young talents seeking experience, no fewer than seven Swiss golfers will tee off this week.

Leading the way is Joel Girrbach, the only Swiss player with a DP World Tour card. On the tour for two seasons, he finds himself in a challenging position this year to maintain his status. Playing at home, in front of his fans, offers a valuable opportunity to earn points that could keep him in the elite. His first goal is to make the cut, then climb the season rankings.

Alongside him, four professionals received invitations thanks to their performances on the HotelPlanner Tour, the stepping stone to the DP World Tour:

Ronan Kleu enters the tournament with confidence, buoyed by his impressive second place two weeks ago. Currently 52nd in the rankings, he aims for a place in the HotelPlanner Tour final, reserved for the top 46 players. This final opens the doors to the DP World Tour for the best performers. His objective is clear: deliver a strong result on the DP World Tour this week, earn valuable points for the HotelPlanner Tour, and ultimately qualify for the final.

Next is Benjamin Rusch from Thurgau, currently 65th in the HotelPlanner Tour ranking, not far from the top 46. He played on the DP World Tour last year and hopes to return. Rusch knows Crans-Montana well: in 2022, he finished an impressive 23rd at the Omega European Masters.

Then Jérémy Freiburghaus from Graubünden, who also played on the DP World Tour a few seasons ago before losing his card. His goal is now clear: return to that level.

Finally, Cédric Gugler, also invited, enters the tournament after a challenging season. He hopes to regain the “good vibes” of last year, when he fought for the podium in Crans-Montana in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Swiss youth will also be well represented with two promising amateurs. Max Schliesing, the top Swiss amateur, will compete in Crans-Montana for his last tournament in this category before turning professional next Monday. Invited by Swiss Golf, the player from Leuk aims to use this week to test himself against the pros.

Alongside him, Tom Mao, considered one of the greatest talents of the new generation, will take another step in learning and high-level competition.

“I’m very happy to play, it’s a first for me. Of course, I’m a bit nervous facing the top players on the DP World Tour. This is an important step in my career, one more step towards becoming a professional.”

His family and friends will be there to support him, and Tom looks forward to playing in front of them, aiming to make the cut and show his best golf.

Having caddied for Mike Sturdza last year, Tom already knows the course and tournament conditions well: “I remember the pin positions from last year and could observe which mistakes to avoid.”

Experience meets youth, pressure meets opportunity: the Swiss all have a strong hand to play this week on the Plateau. It will be exciting to see who can stand out on the legendary Severiano Ballesteros course.