Omega European Masters 2024

Its history is quite amusing. And like all good golf stories, it begins with a British lord. In this case, it began with Arnold Lunn: an avid mountain climber, born in India, who launched the high plateau’s first ever (British-designed) golf course, and, just few years later, its first local ski race. Lunn was a true gentleman who successfully drew large crowds of high-class lords and ladies to Switzerland. 

The course was set up in the countryside and, the vicissitudes of history aside, welcomed the Swiss Open in 1939. It would never change locations. Sixty years later, the legendary Spanish golfer Severiano Ballesteros redesigned its fairways, greens and bunkers. His goal was to make the 18-hole course more attractive to professionals while also making it more entertaining for amateurs. He succeeded so well in his mission that it quickly adopted his name! Known today as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, with famous Alpine summits acting as the backdrop, the Severiano Ballesteros course is still home to the Swiss Open — known today as the Omega European Masters.

This same location welcomes young skiers still learning to balance with two carpet lifts and surface lifts when the winter months set in. But that’s not as surprising as the Barnes Winter Cup, which took place nearby these past few years on the Jack Nicklaus course. Yes, golf in Crans-Montana is a true love story, as described below in our interview with the iconic British golfer Matt Wallace (34 years old), the winner of the 2024 Omega European Masters.

Matt, after having been the runner up in the 2022 Omega European Masters, this year you won the tournament. What are some of your overall impressions?
The Omega European Masters have always been a crowning achievement I longed for. I lost here two years ago, so I wanted another chance. I felt immense joy when my putt went in the last hole during the play-offs. It took me a moment to realise I had won, and I actually lost my voice after that! Raynald Aeschlimann, the CEO of Omega — who’s a good friend of mine — placed the red vest on my shoulders, and, as I was handed the trophy, I was already imagining myself adding my plaque to the Rue du Prado. These last few years I’ve mostly played the PGA Tour in North America and met with success there, but the emotions were so intense when I finally took my 5th win in Europe. And in Crans to boot!

You took the lead very early on and then Johnston and García-Heredia slowly began to creep up on you. What was going through your head at that time?
It’s not easy to win! I was playing well and was happy with my performance the first two days, which allowed me to take the lead (Editor’s note: a consequential lead!). But Saturday morning, while having breakfast, I saw the trees swaying in the breeze… I had never played at Severiano Ballesteros under conditions like that. It was difficult, but in the end, I was even happier with my score that day (73) than I had been the day before (62). I rose to the occasion. When it rained like that, I changed my shirt, hat and whatever else I could halfway through… that helped a little. On Sunday, I wanted to build on my lead, but that’s just not what happened. The others played really well and crept up on me, up until the moment when Alfredo was tied with me on the last putt, resulting in a play-off.

Tell us about your last birdie. 
For the first time that day, I was able to attack. I was happy I could put the pressure on with a good starting swing followed by a strong approach. Alfredo only scored par, and I thought to myself, “this is my moment!” And it was.

What can you tell us about Swiss golfer Cédric Gugler, who came in fourth?
Cédric’s performance was exceptional. He played in front of me on Sunday, and I could hear the crowd encouraging him. At one point, I was stuck on the 12th hole due to fog, and suddenly cheers rose out of nowhere — it sounded like someone scored a goal in a football game! It was Cédric nailing the 13th hole thanks to a long putt, despite the thick fog. It was a big week for him, I’m sure he was under a lot of pressure, but I think everything is working in his favour for him to have a beautiful, successful career. I’ll follow it closely!

Have you played often in Crans-Montana? What do you think of the Severiano Ballesteros course?
I believe this was my sixth time playing here. The first time was in 2017, and I had just made the cut. 2018 was a great year for me with three tournament victories, and I only found out here, when I went to practice, that I hadn’t been selected for the Ryder Cup. I think about that every time I pass that same spot! This is one of the world’s most beautiful courses, but what really pushes you here is that sometimes you have to make difficult choices.  Not to mention that I used to ski here in Crans-Montana when I was a kid.

Any thoughts on the Crans-Montana après-golf scene?
Ah, that famous 19th hole… honestly, that’s a big part of what makes the tournament here so special. I tell everyone I meet all over the globe that they simply have to come play in Crans — and the après-golf is part of the reason why. A few quick steps and you’re lost in the crowd and all the wonderful restaurants in the heart of the station. It’s incredibly unique. I’ve had some amazing nights here with Omega at Arnouva. I’ve been an Omega Ambassador for the past two years — an honour I hope will continue for many years to come. I was also invited to the Pas de l’Ours hotel and I always stop by Parrilla. This year they actually let one of the caddie’s oversee the barbeque one night! And on Sunday, Christian Barras — who has done so much for golf in Switzerland — brought all the trophies to Le Postillon so everyone could take pictures.

Any key takeaways from your summer victory?
My goal had been to qualify within the top 50 for the Race to Dubai so I could ensure I’m able to participate in the DP World Tour Championship. Now that I’ve achieved that, I’m concentrating on accumulating points with my eye on the Ryder Cup 2025. For that competition, every week, every day, every single stroke counts, and I like that challenge. Ideally, I’d like to be in the top 50 world rankings and finish in the top 30 for the Race to Dubai so I can play in the British the following year. 

Also, like all tournament winners, I was awarded an Omega watch in addition to the prize money. It’s a brand new Seamaster Aqua Terra; I’m wearing it as we speak. It’s a beautiful timepiece that represents memories I will cherish for a long time. Lastly, I just have one request: four days of sunshine for next year’s tournament, please!

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