History
Golf first came to Crans sue Sierre in 1905 , but was abandoned during the first world war.
Crans sur Sierre Golf Club was actaully founded in 1924 with a nine hole course, and then extended to 18 holes in 1928.
This work was done by Harry Nicholson.
In 1995 Seve Ballesteros was drafted to update the course.
Two years later the club asked him to return for a more comprehensive review including a review of the greens.
Championships
In 1939 the European Masters was first held at Crans sur Sierre.
Since then the club has hosted more than 40 European tour events- more than any other course on the European Tour
Course
We played the Ballesteros course just before the Omega European Masters in 2023.
The course was in good nick.
Whilst I was expecting a 'mountain course', Crans sur Sierre is largely a parkland course winding it's way through strands of mature trees.
There are some nice holes.
No doubt with the tournament coverage in mind a number of the shorter holes are defended by water hazards adjacent to the greens.
They don't look natural but do look good on any TV coverage and and do demand accuracy on approach.
These holes- including the dramatic 18th- combine the use of bunkering and water to sort the wheat from the chaff..
Water us such a penal way to determine champion golfers!
Notable holes include:
- hole 6, a short par 4 surrounded by forest. The green is located in a small glen requiring an accurate short approach to gain access and avoid the trees
- hole 7, another short par 4, but this one makes excellent use of the natural surrounds with spectacular mountain backdrops leaving players with no doubts about there wherabouts..The best path to the raised green may be to lay up short and left on the fairway, approaching up to the green with a short iron..
- hole 10, a mid length sharp dogleg par 4 with a blind approach to a lovely green complex protected by water
- hole 14, a pretty par 5 with water very much in play for the last 80 meters or so (see pic top of page)
- hole 17, a neat shortish par 4 with a creek in play for the approach.
It is always nice to play a course you see major events played on- and it is never quite as you think..
Crans sur Sierre is a good course in an amazing spot.
We enjoyed our day!
Golf Tours
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For suggested destinations see: Golf Destinations- Switzerland
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