Omega European Masters golf + wine - where Phil Mickelson drank Valais Syrah

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1

   Watch Golf at the Oldest Venue in Europe

   history Price: moderate

   This tournament has been held on the SAME COURSE every year since 1939 — 86 years — making it the oldest European tournament on a single venue. The course was built in 1906 when prairies replaced flower-covered pastures (9 holes, expanded to 18 in 1908). At Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club during the Omega European Masters (held every September), you're watching golf on a course that predates World War I, at 1,500m altitude with the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and Valais vineyards as backdrop. Buy spectator tickets at omegaeuropeanmasters.com or at the gate, get a day pass (usually €30-50) and walk the course. Stand at the signature holes (ask locals which) and watch players tee off with 4,000m peaks behind them. This is Switzerland's answer to Augusta, but with better wine.

   BACKUP: If you can't attend in September, visit the Golf Club any other time (public welcome) and walk the grounds. The views are identical, just no tournament drama.

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2. 2

   Find Where Ballesteros Won Three Times

   history Free

   Severiano Ballesteros — one of golf's greatest — won this tournament THREE times (1977, 1978, 1989). Only 2 Americans have won since 1983: Craig Stadler (1985) and David Lipsky (2014). At the clubhouse or pro shop, look for photos or plaques of past winners and find Ballesteros' name three times. The European dominance at this altitude is no accident — ball flight at 1,500m is different, and Europeans grew up playing mountain golf. Ask the staff: 'Why do Europeans dominate here?' The answer involves altitude, wind, and the fact that most American pros have never played at 1,500m.

   BACKUP: Search 'Ballesteros Crans-Montana' on your phone while standing at the course. Read about his 1977 win — he was 20 years old and unknown. This course launched careers.

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3. 3

   Taste Valais Wine in the Hospitality Tents

   wine Price: moderate

   The Omega European Masters pours EXCEPTIONAL Valais wine — this is Switzerland's wine showcase event. You'll find Fendant, Petite Arvine, Humagne Rouge, and Cornalin from the vineyards visible from the course. Inside the tournament grounds, find the hospitality tents or wine bars (usually near the clubhouse or 18th green). The tents are where local winemakers meet international golf fans. Non-golfers come just for this. Buy a glass (usually CHF 10-15) and ask: 'Which vineyard is closest to this course?' The answer will be within 5km downhill. Sip your wine while watching approach shots to the green. The grapes in your glass grew in the same sun that's affecting ball flight on the course.

   BACKUP: If hospitality tents are VIP-only or too expensive, walk 10 minutes downhill to Sierre and visit Château de Villa (780 wines, cellar prices). You'll taste the same wines for less.

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