Crans-montana
EXCELLENCE IN THE HEART OF THE ALPS
Stretching from the Rhône Valley at 500m in altitude to the Plaine Morte Glacier at 3,000m, Crans-montana is a sunny region with exceptional air purity and breathtaking views over a chain of mountain peaks extending from the Matterhorn to the Mont-blanc.
It is in this majestic setting, at 1,500m in altitude that the first 18-hole golf course, now named after its renowned hero Severiano Ballesteros, was built in 1906.
This legendary course, which demands high precision, is the venue of one of the most prestigious golf competitions on the European Tour: The Omega European Masters. This renowned tournament has been held every year in Crans-montana since 1939, and will be played for the 74th time in 2021.
The European Omega Masters has seen players such as Spain’s Ballesteros, José Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia, Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie, South Africa’s Ernie Els, England’s Lee Westwood, and Sweden’s Sebastian Söderberg take the coveted trophy.
Although Crans-sur-sierre golf club’s global reputation has been built on over a century of tradition, it is above all its exceptional setting that remains etched in the memories of those who play on the famous Severiano Ballesteros course.
It is difficult to concentrate on the little white ball when one of the most beautiful mountains in the Alps appears on every tee! But in these surroundings, the mountains soothe and inspire golfers, and encourage unwavering precision and endless pleasure. The 7th hole is famous for its natural beauty and has now become synonymous with the course. It offers a 180-degree view of the Rhône Valley and of the surrounding summits, including the majestic Weisshorn.
Crans-montana truly is a choice destination for golf and not only because of the Omega European Masters.
Besides the Severiano Ballesteros course, the region has three other 18hole courses in less than 30 minutes from Crans-montana: the golf courses of Sierre, Sion, and Leuk. These three courses are located near to the Rhône Valley and give the visitor the chance to play golf with a different backdrop, enjoying the wonderful view over the Valais vineyards.
The altitude and the panorama are great strengths of Crans-montana’s course, but its location on a 'Hautplateau' – on flat land – and in the centre of the resort are important assets as they are unusual for a mountain course. Therefore, the terraces and restaurants, the shops, the Beach Club, and the ski lifts that are open 365 days a year are easily accessible by foot.
While the golfers perfect their game on the prestigious Crans-montana’s course, their companions can enjoy the numerous and varied activities the destination offers.