Who to follow this week
28.08.2025
The OMEGA European Masters once again attracts a stellar field, mixing established champions with promising young talents. Here are the players to follow this week in Crans-Montana.
Two players know better than anyone the sweet taste of victory in Crans-Montana: Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Noren, both already two-time winners.
For the Englishman, crowned in 2017 and 2018, the challenge is clear: to chase a third title, a feat that would place him alongside Seve Ballesteros.
“This tournament is always special for me, with my history here and the relationship I have with the people,” says Fitzpatrick, who is fond of a course that suits his game perfectly. “It’s not a wide, open course, I’d rather call it technical, a bit demanding. It’s very similar to the courses I grew up on, so I feel really comfortable here.”
For his part, Sweden’s Alex Noren has a special bond with this tournament, which remains his favorite week of the year. “Everything is fabulous: the town, the course, the people, and being in the mountains,” he explains. A strategist at heart, he enjoys the complexity of Crans-sur-Sierre: “I love strategic courses… sometimes you can attack, sometimes not. If you play safely on a hole and the other takes a risk but ends up badly placed, you can save par by playing smart.”
Recently back in the winner’s circle after a long wait, he arrives with confidence, boosted by significant progress on the greens.
Defending champion Matt Wallace returns to Crans-Montana with pride and motivation. For the first time in his career, the Englishman is about to defend a title on the DP World Tour. “It’s the first time I’ve come back to defend a tournament I won the previous year… it’s really exciting.”
The emotions were strong as soon as he arrived, replaying some shots from his 2024 triumph. “I feel proud. It’s great to be back,” he says, while praising the unique scenery of Crans-sur-Sierre: “Visually, it’s probably the most beautiful golf course we play all year.” True to his enthusiastic nature, he has already promised a memorable celebration if he wins again: “If I win, I’ll put on my red jacket and go wakesurfing at La Plage de l’Etang Long on Sunday!”
Among the new headliners of the 2025 edition, Wyndham Clark is drawing plenty of attention. The 2023 U.S. Open champion is discovering Crans-Montana this week, with an immediate feeling of familiarity. “I come from Vail, and it’s very similar here. I feel like I’m at home. Switzerland is beautiful… and arriving in Crans-Montana, I’ve discovered one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been.”
Captivated by the scenery, he doesn’t forget the unique challenges of playing golf at altitude: “It’s a beautiful course, but you have to be precise. We’ve been working every day on the Trackman to analyze ball flight… it’s a real adjustment.” For him, the key is simple: “You absolutely have to hit the fairways. The course is tight, with a lot of out of bounds, and if you can reach plenty of greens, you’ll give yourself a real chance.”
An OMEGA ambassador, Clark dreams of capturing his first European victory in a setting that particularly inspires him: “I love coming to play in Europe. I haven’t won here yet, and it would be something very special.”
Finally, a young French talent is experiencing Crans-Montana for the first time: Martin Couvra. Moved by his debut, he shares his impressions: “It’s incredible. The place is beautiful… it feels great to be in a tournament like this, with a great atmosphere, lots of family, lots of friends.” Used to watching the event on TV, he now savors the opportunity to experience it from the inside. Aware of the specifics of playing at altitude, he prepared carefully for his arrival, while keeping a relaxed mindset: “No matter if I play well or badly, I just want to enjoy the view and the whole day.”
