Along with the beauty of Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club’s surroundings, there is a great tradition that forms part of the history of the Omega European Masters.
First held in 1905 and part of the DP World Tour schedule since its formation in 1972, it is the oldest European tournament to be held each year on the same course.
Like many other tournaments, their champions have a permanent place of recognition.
Introduced by tournament organisers in 2011 as a way to pay tribute following the death of Seve Ballesteros, a three-time winner of the event, earlier that year, bronze plaques are laid to honour past winners.
The first plaque was laid by the great Spaniard’s close friend and 1986 winner José Maria Olazábal on the Rue du Prado, which runs alongside the entrance to the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.
At the same time, the second of the 55 circular plaques – representing the number of champions who had won the title at the time - was embedded 20 metres away.
Subsequently, it has become tradition for the defending champion to install their winner's plaque themselves.
While he already had a permanent place in the streets of Crans-Montana having won the title in 2022, South Africa's reigning champion Thriston Lawrence laid his updated plaque bearing his name, signature and years he won the title on Thursday morning.
To view a history of the past champions at the Omega European Masters since it became a DP World Tour event in 1972, click here.
