Golf in the Alps: Crans Montana Golf Course Overview

Picture this: you're standing with your head down, knees slightly bent, and weight evenly distributed between both feet as you prepare to tee off. The crisp mountain air sharpens your focus as you lean back to take your first putt against picturesque, beautiful snow-capped mountains.

Nestled in the stunning Valais region of Switzerland, Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre is 1,500 meters above sea level. The high-altitude play only adds to the exhilaration of the game we know and love. But don’t just take our word for it, let’s explore one of the best things to do in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Crans Montana Golf Course Overview

The History of Crans Montana Golf Club

Established in 1906, the Crans-Montana course, officially known as Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre, boasts a century of rich history. Englishman Sir Henry Lunn, proprietor of the Palace Hotel, proclaimed the surrounding area perfect for creating a stroke play course. Henry enlisted the British Freemantle and Gedge to draw the initial nine-hole route. Later, it expanded to a further nine, which opened in 1908.

Until 1914, the sport was exclusively for British Lords and Ladies. However, upon the onset of World War I, the British abandoned the game. It would take until 1921 for the sport to start again. Two hotel owners, Elysee Bonvin (Hotel du Golf) and Albert Bonvin (Beau-Sejour), started a nine-hole course starting and finishing at the Hotel du Golf.

However, the Crans-sur-Sierre Club, as we know it now, was founded in 1924 by René Payat. In 1928, work commenced to restore the ground into 18 holes. Shortly after, the British architect Harry Nicholson improved the area. He reshaped many greens and added several bunkers, which remained until 1997. In 1939, the Swiss Open (referred to as the European Masters since 1983) is held yearly on the "Haut-Plateau."

Jack Nicklaus built a second field in 1951 at the end of World War II. It was later renamed the "Jack Nicklaus" course in his honour. At the end of 1995, the fairway champion and architect Severiano Ballesteros updated the greens to cater to a more professional clientele.

During the 2002 Omega European Masters, Severiano Ballesteros had the golf course design renamed in his honour.

Course Details

Crans-sur-Sierre is renowned worldwide for its magnificent scenic views and prestigious tournament history. The route hosts the Omega European Masters and boasts several celebrated courses. The legendary Severiano Ballestero course, affectionately known as Sev, opened in 1995 and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. The demanding layout comprises 18 holes, par 72, measuring 6,824 meters of ground.

In contrast, the Jack Nicklaus fairway, also known as the "Nicklaus Course," is a shorter but equally complex 9-hole, par 35 route conceptualised to complement the famous Seve play area. It is considered a technical green, perfect for all skill levels. In addition, the play covers several signature holes that clearly define the brilliance and beauty of the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

A tour through the course

First up and commencing your scenic view is hole 1, a par 4, measuring 370 yards. The opening hole gives players the ideal taste of what's to come. Expect mesmerising mountain views with trees lined on each side, making the accuracy of the tee crucial while experiencing elevation changes like no other.

Next, we have hole 7, par 5, which totals 525m. It's distinguished for its narrow, sloping fairway with a mountain drop-off. It's also one of a few risk-reward putts on the entire course, offering a chance for an eagle with a bold second shot. And for the pros, why not try a well-placed tee shot, avoiding the bunkers to go for the green or lay up for an easier third shot?

Let's discuss the dramatic finish of pin 18, par 4, measuring 390 meters in total. Every golfing enthusiast loves a thrilling climax, and this 18th hole ticks all the boxes. Again, a narrow fairway leading to a tiered green surrounded by hazards makes for a strict approach. Tee up the key shot with a long, accurate drive, ensuring the appropriate approach, thus avoiding trouble on all sides.

Each of these holes demonstrates the strategic challenges Club Crans-sur-Sierre offers its players. It's a landscape where precision, course management and adaptation to the Alpine environment are fundamental for scoring highly.

The Alpine Experience - Golfing at altitude

The spectacular grandeur of the Alpine experience is second to none, and nothing showcases its beauty quite like the view of the Matterhorn and the Mont Blanc mountains on a crisp, clear day on the green. Matterhorn, with its iconic pyramid-shaped peak, stands magnificently against the sky. Majestic and awe-inspiring, it stretches 4478 meters tall. The mountain overlooks the Swiss town of Zermatt in the canton of Valais. Our guide to where Zermatt is compared to the Matterhorn provides a detailed overview of the area.

Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, is often called the birthplace of mountaineering. And while you won’t need any ropes or harnesses to enjoy a round of golf at Crans-sur-Sierre, the altitude will play a factor during your game.

Golfing at high altitudes can affect both gameplay and overall performance. The air is less dense at higher altitudes, and thinner air can make breathing more challenging, especially for players. The course also features significant elevation changes, which can hamper the distance and trajectory of shots. Professionals must be mindful of uphill and downhill lines as they affect their club and swing choices. Players have also reported how cooler temperatures can affect how the ball moves, leading to different distances than golfers are used to.

Let's not forget the diverse wildlife that impacts course navigation. The Alps are known for various exotic species, such as chamois, ibex, marmots, deer, and birds, including golden eagles, griffon vultures, and choughs. These birds often serve as distractions while larger animals graze on the grass and smaller creatures create burrows or dig in the ground, impacting the quality of the fairways.

Golfers should be prepared for various climates and adapt, adjust, and strategise their clothing, equipment, and technique before every game to ensure they perform at optimum levels.

Tournament Legacy

First established in 1923 but located at the Crans-sur-Sierre Club since 1939, the Swiss Open, now officially called the Omega European Masters, is the Swiss stop on the professional men's European Tour event. Since its inception, the tournament has celebrated some significant moments and outstanding wins, including the legendary Spaniard Seve Ballesteros's unforgettable back-to-back titles in 1977 and 1978 and Matt Fitzpatrick's dominance in 2017, 2018, and 2022.

Who could forget the dramatic final round between Sergio Garcia, who eventually lost to Argentine Andres Romero? Or perhaps the young Rory McIlroy's near miss in 2008 after being edged out by Jean-François Lucquin. And how about Shane Lowry’s thrilling hole-in-one on the 13th hole? His heartwarming celebration and reaction are moments to cherish.

Visitors Guide

Crans-Montana Golf Course offers visitors a spectacular gateway all year round, particularly from June to November. The club provides two sections: the 18-hole Seve and the 9-hole Jack routes. Rental equipment is also available on-site. Green fees vary depending on your exact visitation date. Click here for detailed booking information on the Crans-Montana Omega European Masters.

During your stay in the Swiss Alps, why not indulge in various clubhouse facilities and dining options in the wonderful village of Verbier? From relaxing spas to fine art galleries to sports centres, there's plenty to keep you entertained. Check out our  The Ultimate Guide: Top Things to Do in Verbier Town Centre. If planning a long vacation with family and friends, why not consider staying in one of the luxury chalets in Verbier?

Read up on Verbier Luxury Chalets: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide. These decadent hideaways have game consoles, pool tables, table tennis, and home cinemas to ensure you enjoy a wonderful mountain escape.

How do I get to Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club?

Many transportation options include trains, cars, planes, and even a bus directly from the local station. Le Crans Hotel & Spa also provides a rental service alongside shuttle transportation, endeavouring to make your vacation seamless.

Conclusion

It's plain to see why Crans-Montana features on many people's bucket lists. If you're looking to relocate to new pastures and are looking for a luxury home near the Alps, Steiger&Cie Sotheby’s International Realty has an array of luxury alpine real estate nestled amongst the extraordinary landscape of the Swiss Alps. Considering buying a luxurious second home? Browse our stunning offerings here from Steiger&Cie Sotheby’s International Realty.