Thomas Björn will be hoping to enhance his “special relationship” with the Omega European Masters this week when he makes his 14th visit to the stunning Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.
The two-time winner and defending champion boasts an enviable record in the €2.3million tournament, which is celebrating its 80th edition this year.
But even if he matches Seve Ballesteros’ three wins in the event, Björn doubts he can create the magic that the legendary Spaniard did in Crans Montana.
Björn, third in The Race to Dubai, was victorious there in 2011 and 2013 and this week will be bidding to follow in the footsteps of the late Ballesteros, who triumphed in Switzerland in 1977, 1978 and 1989.
The course certainly has Ballesteros’ stamp given he remodelled it in 1999, 12 years before the five-time Major winner died at the age of 54.
Asked about emulating Ballesteros, Björn replied: “I don’t really think of it that way. Any time I tee up I try to win a tournament, and this week’s no different.
“What Seve did here was so special, even if I won this tournament ten times I don’t think I’d come close to creating the memories he has here.
“But I’ve got a good eye for this golf course. I love this place, and in return it’s been pretty kind to me down the years. That doesn’t count for anything when the tournament starts though.”
The Alpine course has undergone some modifications since Ballesteros’ remodelling, now featuring more greens with severe run-offs.
However, it has retained enough of Ballesteros’ input for Björn to retain an affinity with it.
“I’ve always had a special relationship with this tournament,” said the Dane, whose last European Tour appearance was at Made in Denmark in mid-August, when he tied for fourth.
“It comes at a time of the year when you need something different to give you a little boost, because it’s such a tough schedule over the summer months.
“It can be hard work, but it never feels like hard work coming here. The place never fails to amaze and excite you, no matter how many times you visit. It’s just such a great place and a great tournament.”
Björn will be hard pressed to match his winning scores of 20 under par but, according to the World Number 26, that is not necessarily due to the changes.
“The scoring probably won’t be as low this year, but that’s mainly because the course seems quite firm,” he explained.
“Before the tournament everyone thought the course would be soft because of the rain we’ve had, but that definitely wasn’t the case today.
“In terms of the changes, obviously the most significant will be changing the 14th to a par four.
“The other structural changes are very good, but I don’t think they’ll necessarily make the course play any harder. They’re very fair changes.”
Either way, Björn can take heart from his two triumphs and as many runners-up finishes.
In 2011 he had to hold off Rory McIlroy, although Martin Kaymer was eventually runner up on 16 under, and last year Björn beat Craig Lee on the first hole of a play-off.
“The win in 2011 was extremely special, because of the way I played on the last day,” he reflected.
“It was a high-class leaderboard; Rory was pushing me all the way so to pull away and win quite comfortably was a real highlight.
“Last year I didn’t play quite as well on the last day, and Craig had a decent putt on the last to win the tournament, so I rode my luck a little but I managed to get the win.
“To win any event twice is special, but to win this event twice makes it that little bit more special.”
