Weekly review – A successful edition marked by the weather

The 78th edition of the tournament concludes on a positive note despite unpredictable weather that posed significant challenges. Between rain, fog, and sunshine, the organizers had to cope with tricky conditions in Crans-Montana. “Off the top of my head, I’d say fog, fog, fog,” smiles Yves Mittaz, tournament director, at the press conference. “But what will really be remembered is an incredible Sunday.”

Although Thursday was particularly challenging, nearly jeopardizing the rest of the competition, the goal was always to maintain all four rounds. “We didn’t want to repeat the scenario of 1965—the only time in 80 years the tournament was played over three rounds. Our teams worked up to 15 hours straight to ensure everything was ready, and we waited until the last moment to make the wisest decisions,” explains Mittaz.

Delays and rescheduled tee times were managed with great care for players, the public, and sponsors alike.

On Saturday, despite some lingering weather issues, 16,200 spectators attended the rounds, demonstrating the tournament’s appeal and the success of the meticulous organization. “Many spectators come for just one day; it was important to give them a real show. The European Tour thinks of the players, but also the public and sponsors. This shared vision allows for a great event,” emphasizes the tournament director.

Spectators witnessed the presence of big names, including several past winners at Crans-Montana seeking to add another victory to their record. “All players love coming back here, often with their families. For many, it’s one of the best weeks of the year,” notes Mittaz.

The presence of successful Swiss players remains a key issue for the tournament. Last year, Cédric Gugler fought alongside the best to eventually achieve an impressive 4th place. This year, Joël Girrbach’s strong results again highlight the importance of visible Swiss representatives on the leaderboard. “As in all sports, when a Swiss athlete shines, the media and public impact is immediate. We absolutely need good Swiss players to further develop the tournament. It’s an absolute priority,” reminds Yves Mittaz.

Beyond the sporting edition, the organization continues to invest in the infrastructure of the Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre. This fall, work will begin on hole 7, followed by an ambitious driving range renovation project. For hole 18, a major redesign is also planned, including the idea of creating a green on a peninsula by Étang Long. “It’s a magnificent project, but it still needs time before it may—hopefully—come to fruition one day,” highlights Yves Mittaz.

The 2025 edition confirms the strength of relationships with sponsors and partners, as well as the drive to innovate. “The goal is always to do better, because anyone who doesn’t move forward falls behind,” explains Yves Mittaz. Already looking towards 2026, the board is preparing new ideas to further enhance the tournament’s appeal.

The dates for the next edition are already set: September 3–6, 2026.