Weekly review: A sun-drenched 79th edition with an eye on the future

The 79th edition of the Omega European Masters comes to a close in Crans-Montana on a very positive note. Bathed in sunshine throughout the week, the tournament enjoyed ideal conditions and a course that was particularly appreciated by the players. Spectators, partners and professionals once again turned out for one of the highlights of the European golf calendar.

After a 2025 edition marked by sometimes challenging weather conditions, the contrast could hardly have been greater this year. The sun accompanied the players throughout the week, while the Severiano Ballesteros course was presented in outstanding condition.

“With the weather we’ve had, it’s quite easy to sum up the week: a fantastic week and a fantastic course,” said tournament director Yves Mittaz.

Feedback from the players was also extremely positive. The improvements carried out in recent months, particularly on hole No. 7, were very well received and added new sporting challenges while preserving the character of the course.

Over the years, the Omega European Masters has built a strong identity among players on Tour. The 79th edition once again confirmed this appeal with a particularly strong field, featuring several of the leading players in the Race to Dubai as well as numerous former champions.

Among them, the return of Sergio García, winner in 2005 and back in Crans-Montana 21 years after his triumph, was one of the highlights of this year’s edition. Rasmus Højgaard, Matt Wallace, Thriston Lawrence, Danny Willett and the ever-popular Miguel Ángel Jiménez were also among the former champions returning to the fairways of Crans-sur-Sierre.

The presence of John Daly Jr., who recently turned professional after establishing himself among the world’s leading amateurs, also added a special dimension to this edition. Following in the footsteps of his father John Daly, who himself competed in the Omega European Masters, John Daly Jr. came to discover one of the historic tournaments on the European calendar for himself.

Beyond the quality of the field, the loyalty of the spectators reflects the special place the tournament holds. The Omega European Masters has a history, an identity and an atmosphere that go beyond the presence of golf’s biggest stars. A large proportion of tickets are in fact sold before the players competing in Crans-Montana have even been announced.

“The star is the tournament,” Yves Mittaz emphasised.

This year’s edition had a particular significance for Crans-Montana. Throughout the week, the sale of pins in support of the BeLoved Foundation received a very positive response from spectators, players and partners. The tournament organisation will match the amount raised in order to support the people and families affected by the tragedy of 1 January.

“We must not forget what happened, but we have to move forward,” explained Yves Mittaz. This commitment was also reflected in Paul Casey’s decision to donate his prize money to the BeLoved Foundation.

Moving forward also means preparing the future of Swiss golf and giving young players the chance to dream. Once again this year, several young Swiss golfers had the opportunity to take part in a clinic alongside DP World Tour players. It was an exceptional experience for them, allowing them to meet some of the best players competing in Crans-Montana at close quarters and, above all, benefit from their availability and advice.

The opportunity to play or interact with professional golfers during a tournament of this calibre creates memories that can play a role in shaping a career. Giving young players the chance to leave with stars in their eyes is also part of the tournament’s mission.

“Our mission is to inspire people,” Yves Mittaz added. “If we can create memories like these for young players, that is also part of our responsibility.”

From a Swiss perspective, Joël Girrbach once again carried the hopes of the home crowd with a strong performance on home soil. The aim nevertheless remains to see more Swiss players make the cut and establish themselves consistently at the highest level.

The Omega European Masters intends to continue its development and keep investing in the future. As every year, various ideas and projects are being considered to further improve both the infrastructure and the experience offered to everyone involved in the tournament.

This commitment to continuous improvement is not limited to the course. It also extends to the organisation, the spectator experience and the experience offered to players, families and partners, with one simple objective: to make each edition even better than the last.

“We are not going to stop investing. Since we started investing, the tournament has progressed, and we will continue to do so,” said Yves Mittaz.

This momentum takes on particular significance as the tournament already looks ahead to its next milestone.

Attention now turns to 2027. From 2 to 5 September, the Omega European Masters will celebrate its 80th edition in Crans-Montana, an anniversary highlighting the tournament’s exceptional longevity.

But rather than looking only to the past, Yves Mittaz is already focused on the future.

“Eighty editions is incredible. But what interests us are the next 80.”

The ambition therefore remains unchanged: to continue developing the Omega European Masters, attract the best players possible and, year after year, offer an ever-better experience in the heart of the Swiss Alps. An ambition that goes beyond sporting results alone: to move the tournament forward as a whole while preserving the identity and unique place it holds within the landscape of European golf.