| The European tour comes back to Seve Ballesteros Course in Crans |
| August 30, 2012 |
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From European Tour web page
Seve’s spirit lives on
Give that the name of Seve Ballesteros has become synonymous with the Omega European Masters down the years, with the late, great Spaniard having won the tournament three times and re-designed the course at Crans-sur-Sierre, it was particularly poignant that his uncle, Ramon Sota, should pass away at the start of the week. Sota’s funeral was held in Pedreña on the same day as the first round of this week’s €2.1million tournament, which Seve won in 1977, 1978 and 1989. Seve came within a whisker of recording his fourth victory in 1993, only to be denied by Barry Lane. There is still a plaque to commemorate the miracle shot he hit from behind the wall on the right hand side of the 18th fairway, which flew over the swimming pool and came up just short of the green. With his innate sense of theatre, Seve chipped in for the most unlikely birdie to set the clubhouse target on 271, only for Lane to go one shot lower. Read the full, magical story here
Björn belongs on the street of champions
As has become the tradition in recent years, before the tournament got underway the defending champion was asked to plant a winner’s plaque in the ‘street of champions’ which leads to the stunning Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre. Thomas Björn was only too happy to oblige, although he also felt compelled to to reveal he had never noticed the street plaques before, despite having visited Crans on numerous occasions. “I must’ve had my head in the clouds,” admitted Bjorn, who will surely be watching his step more closely from now on!
Lahiri owes it all to the army
The name of Anirban Lahiri may not be familiar to followers of The European Tour, but the Indian is making quite a name for himself on the Asian Tour, with whom this week’s tournament is co-sanctioned. The 25 year old has won twice on the Tour and made his Major debut at The Open Championship this year, finishing in a tie for 31st place. Lahiri, who puts his form down to regular meditation, was introduced to the game by his father, who was an army officer. In case the link between golf and the military is not quite clear, allow Lahiri to take up the tale: “About 65 to 70 per cent of the golf courses in India are owned and run by the army. So when you’re an army officer’s son or daughter, you have access to golf courses no matter where you go. Every time my dad got posted to a new place, there would be a golf course that is within walking distance. So I just went and played golf with my dad and his friends and that’s how it started.”
Ace prizes on offer
As you would expect at a tournament as prestigious as the Omega European Masters, some of the prizes on offer this week are lavish to say the least. There are no fewer than three holes in one prizes, at the eighth (a one kilo gold ingot courtesy of Credit Suisse), the 11th (a BMW 6 Series Coupé) and the 13th (an Omega Seamaster watch), whilst the tournament winner also receives a watch from the title sponsor, as does the player posting the lowest score of the week. Nice work if you can get it!
Confident Casey fancies a flutter
Paul Casey was on fine form on Wednesday afternoon, generously giving his time to the press corps assembled who were treated to some thoughtful, considered views from the Englishman. Amongst them was his take on his starting price of 200/1 offered by the bookmakers. “The way I hit it in the Pro-Am today, I wouldn’t mind having a cheeky each way flutter at that price”, was his bullish take, before swiftly reminding everyone that players were strictly forbidden from betting on themselves – or indeed anyone else in the field. Having opened with three bogeys in his first four holes, his price might have drifted to nearer the 2,000/1 mark, but the 11-time European Tour champion has battled his way back to one over par through 13 holes, despite persistent rain. This week may have come too soon as he looks to rebuild his game and his confidence, but don’t expect Casey to remain in the shadows for much longer.
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