Tiffany Arafi

Some people’s destinies are set in stone from a young age. Tiffany Arafi’s took shape between the narrow fairways and sweeping Alpine views in the heights of Crans-Montana. It was here, where the wind sets the rules, that she learned to play golf, rising through the ranks to become one of Switzerland’s top 10 golfers.

Raised by golfers, Tiffany grew up spending her weekends on the Severiano Ballesteros course, basking in the heights of the Valais mountains. What began as a natural family activity, for her, quickly became a calling, and the Omega European Masters became the catalyst. Seeing the world’s best players compete on her home turf made her realise that her dream of pro golfing had actually been in her backyard all along.

At sixteen, she set her sights on the United States, joining Coastal Carolina University and NCAA Division I — the highest USA level where she could improve without neglecting her studies. She racked up several victories and, in 2022, found herself nominated for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year. She then scored 13th place in the final Qualifying School event of the Ladies European Tour and officially made the transition from amateur to professional. “That event changed everything for me. From that moment onwards, my life took on an entirely new dimension,” she recalls with emotion.

Tiffany returned with two degrees (in sports management and business) and the realization that the demanding Crans-Montana course — renowned for its narrow fairways, technical greens and high altitude — was not a handicap, but rather a learning ground.

Her first landmark victory? The Olivier Barras Memorial, which took place at home in front of her family — an “unforgettable moment”. Two more wins there followed, along with three Swiss International Amateur Championship titles. And yet, all her victories are even more remarkable as she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018. “It’s a daily challenge as a professional athlete,” she admits, as the condition requires careful energy management during week-long tournaments, recovery and a slight disadvantage compared to other players. “But it also pushes me to fight harder and makes me more determined,” she adds.

As a proud Crans-Montana ambassador, Tiffany is driven by ambition. Her goals? “To deliver a strong season first, claim a victory and establish myself among the best on the European circuit in the coming years.” She aspires to be in the world top 100 and “to have the honour of representing Switzerland at the Olympic Games.”

tiffanyarafi.com