Countdown is on: the OMEGA European Masters 2026 pre-tournament press conference took place

Only a few days to go until the start! The traditional pre-tournament press conference was held this Tuesday, 25 August 2026, at Domaine Jean-René Germanier in Vétroz, officially kicking off the countdown to the 79th edition of the OMEGA European Masters. The event provided an opportunity to look back on a quarter-century of partnership with OMEGA, take stock of the 2026 field and present the new features of this year’s edition, with Christian Barras, Antoine Schott, Yves Mittaz and Pascal Schmalen in attendance.

The 2026 edition marks a special milestone: 25 years of collaboration between the OMEGA European Masters and OMEGA, the tournament’s title sponsor since 2001. A quarter of a century celebrated as a true silver jubilee, for what remains Europe’s oldest tournament played on the same course since its creation in 1939.

• Christian Barras, President of the Organising Committee, looked back with emotion on some of the highlights of this shared history. He notably recalled Sergio García’s victory in 2005, when the Spaniard was living on the Crans-Montana plateau — a first for a “local” player — as well as Cindy Crawford’s appearance in 1997, which generated exceptional excitement throughout the resort. He also traced the origins of the tournament, founded in 1939 as the Swiss Open, and the legacy of his father Gaston Barras, tournament president from 1965.
• Antoine Schott, Brand Manager Switzerland at OMEGA, highlighted the rarity of such a long-standing partnership in today’s sporting world, where commitments are often more short-term. He emphasised the parallels between the history of OMEGA, founded in 1848, and that of the tournament, as well as the special relationship between the brand and Crans-Montana, a true “second home” where OMEGA symbolically relocates its headquarters from Bienne for one week each year. He also paid tribute to the many former winners who have become OMEGA ambassadors over the years, including Danny Willett, Rasmus Højgaard and Matt Wallace.
• Yves Mittaz, Tournament Director, stressed the exceptional nature of this loyalty, which is rare among major sporting events in Switzerland and Europe. He highlighted the tournament’s significant economic impact on the region and the canton, as well as the relationship of trust that has characterised the partnership with OMEGA since the contract was signed in 2001.

The 2026 field is particularly strong, with 5 of the current top 10 players in the Race to Dubai set to compete, including current leader Patrick Reed and young Spanish prospect Eugenio Chacarra, who is third in the standings. Several former champions will also tee it up, including Rasmus Højgaard, Sergio García — returning 21 years after his 2005 victory — Matt Wallace, Thriston Lawrence, Danny Willett and the ever-popular Miguel Ángel Jiménez. Marco Penge and David Puig, both renowned for their driving power, will further add to a particularly spectacular line-up.

A surprise addition was also announced: John Daly Jr., who has recently turned professional after being ranked among the world’s leading amateurs.

Seven Swiss players will also be in the field, including two amateurs, Mischa Candinas and Ben Steinmann, both student golfers in the United States. Joël Girrbach, who finished seventh last year, will lead the Swiss challenge alongside Ronan Kleu, Benjamin Rusch and other young players making strong progress on the satellite tours.

Pascal Schmalen, Director of Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre, confirmed that the Severiano Ballesteros course is in excellent condition despite the recent heatwaves, thanks in particular to investment in a new precision irrigation system. This commitment to more sustainable resource management earned the Golf Club the title of Best Venue on the DP World Tour for its sustainability efforts.

Among this year’s new features, the green on the 7th hole has undergone a complete renovation while retaining its iconic visual identity. Around 15 metres have also been added to the teeing area, providing a new playing option while preserving the essence of the hole.

Pascal Schmalen also provided an update on the fourth edition of the virtual tournament, which offers a qualifying route to a wild card for the main event. Three Swedish players will compete in the final on Tuesday, 1 September at 8:40 a.m. on the Severiano Ballesteros course, with a maximum score of +5 required to earn qualification.

Yves Mittaz also spoke about the BeLoved Foundation, created in the wake of the tragedy that occurred in Crans-Montana on 1 January 2026. Together with the Gaston Barras Foundation, the OMEGA European Masters Organising Committee will sell heart-shaped pins throughout tournament week for CHF 10 each, with the aim of selling 10,000 pins.

The total amount raised will be doubled by the organisation. Information panels and a floral installation will also be present around the course in support of the families affected by the tragedy.