Crans-sur-Sierre is among the most iconic venues on the European Tour. Situated in the Crans Montana Resort, high in the Swiss Alps, this quirky old course finds himself surrounded by some of the most breathtaking views in the world of golf. This resort has been home to Hollywood stars, ranging from Sophia Loren and Sir Roger Moore; to the current Masters champion Adam Scott. However, on Thursday, at the Omega European Masters, it was India’s Anirban Lahiri who was the star on a typical low-scoring day in this most beautiful of settings.
The 26-year-old, who has three wins on the Asian Tour, shot an opening 8-under round of 63, which sees him two shots clear at the summit of the leaderboard. His round included two eagles, and was compiled despite the fact that he is still recovering from a severely twisted knee. The Omega European Masters is the only Tour event staged on continental Europe that is also co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, and this week could prove to be very valuable to the Bangalore born player.
“I’ve a history with my knee as I tore my ACL when I was 15 so it was tough,” said Lahiri.
”I didn’t hit balls for 15 days. Monday was probably my fourth round in a month. I came in with no expectations and just wanted to enjoy my golf and that’s probably what’s happening out there today.”
12 months ago, Lahiri found himself in fourth position after the opening round, only to then miss the cut on Friday by two shots. However, despite those painful memories, Lahiri is more than confident that lightning won’t strike twice.
“It was a tough pill to swallow last year but I’ve learnt a lot from that,” he added. “The weather was so much colder and it was a big adjustment for me.
”It was a harsh lesson, but a lesson for life nevertheless.”
A lesson for life for Lahiri, and life itself continues to be good for Tommy Fleetwood, who is in a tie second for after Thursday. The Englishman, who won his maiden title at the Johnnie Walker Championship two week ago at Gleneagles, shot an opening round of 65, and he is looking to get back on track after an understandable missed cut in Wales last week.
“I felt a lot better about my game from Monday onwards,” Fleetwood said. “It was a hard week; I wasn't prepared for how hectic it would be.”
”It was my first win and hard to take and it was a big comedown but hopefully I'll be more prepared for my next win.”
Also tied for second is Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Irish Open champion Paul Casey, who continues his resurgence. For Jimenez, the popular 49-year-old Spaniard, a visit to Crans is always a highlight of the year. He is making his 25th appearance in the event that he finally won three years ago.
On Wednesday, Jimenez explained why this event is so special to him, having played in each edition since 1989.
“It’s a great venue. You would never think there is a golf course up there in the mountains. They did a fantastic job when they created the course.
“I was hooked by Crans and as we were leaving the hotel we asked if we could book a room for the following year,” Jimenez added.
“I have been staying at the same place ever since! I am very good friends with the owners, Jan and Heidi, and since they converted the hotel into apartments they have kept the same one for me each year – my balcony overlooks the valley with a fantastic view.
“I have made many, very good friends over the years in Crans. My favourite restaurant is La Marquise where the owners Antonio – we call him the King of the Shrimps – and Giselle serve excellent Spanish food.”
For Jimenez, who became the oldest winner in European Tour history last year, his love for Crans is as permanent as his ability to regularly contend each year on Tour. It’s a habit that, although his 50th birthday approaches, the likeable Spaniard doesn’t want to end.
“That (leaving the Tour) is not on my mind. My mind is on continuing to play and, hopefully, I will stay fit and healthy and keep returning to Crans which has become part of my life.”
The vast experience of playing this course so many times is something that the 19-time winner on Tour believes could be invaluable.
“It is a very nice start,” said Jimenez. “I played very well today - I can play this course with my eyes closed!”
He could play this course with his eyes closed, but with the Swiss Alps serving as the most incredible of backdrops, why would you want to.