Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre
Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland
18 Holes · Par 70 · CHF 90–190 · Mountain
— About
About Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre
Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre is the highest-altitude course on the European Tour rota and the most dramatically positioned golf course in Europe — set at 1,500 metres above sea level in the Swiss Alps, with views across the Rhône Valley to the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and the Weisshorn. The course has hosted the European Masters on the DP World Tour every year since 1939, making it one of the longest-running Tour events at a single venue. At this altitude, the ball carries significantly further than at sea level — typically 10-15% additional distance — which transforms club selection calculations and makes the course play shorter than its yardage suggests for professionals. The combination of pine trees, alpine meadows, and mountain-fed water features creates a playing environment unlike any other on the European Tour calendar. Several holes offer direct sightlines across the valley to the major Alpine peaks, and in September, when the European Masters is played, the autumn colours of the larches and the snow already settling on the highest ridges make the visual experience transcendent. Semi-private access means visitor tee times are available, and the Crans-Montana resort area provides year-round infrastructure including ski lifts that operate in winter.
- Highest European Tour course at 1,500m — ball carries 10-15% further than sea level throughout the round
- Uninterrupted views of Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and Weisshorn from multiple holes — nowhere else like it
- Host of the European Masters/Omega European Masters since 1939 — one of the longest-running Tour events
- Alpine meadows, mountain pine forests, and Rhône Valley vistas — Switzerland's most scenic golf experience
- Semi-private access with visitor tee times available through the Crans-Montana resort
History
Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club was founded in 1906 — one of the earliest mountain golf clubs in Europe — initially as a modest layout serving the emerging Swiss Alpine resort community. The course has been modified multiple times over the decades, with both Jack Nicklaus and Severiano Ballesteros making contributions to the design. The Omega European Masters (previously called the European Masters and Swiss Open) has been held here since 1939, making it one of the longest-running professional events at a single venue on the European Tour calendar. The course sits at 1,500 metres above sea level in the canton of Valais.
Signature Holes
The par-4 14th descends dramatically from an elevated tee to a green set against the Alpine skyline, with the Matterhorn and Weisshorn visible in the far distance on clear days — one of the most memorable tee shots in European tournament golf. The par-3 9th plays across a mountain stream to a green framed by pine trees and alpine meadow, with the Swiss Alps visible behind the green on clear days. Throughout the round, the ball's additional carry at altitude means professionals reach greens in fewer shots than the yardage suggests — a fact that makes the course play 'shorter' than it looks on the card.
Best Time to Visit
June through September is the golf season at Crans-sur-Sierre, with the course closed the rest of the year due to snow. The Swiss Alps in summer provide spectacular conditions — clear skies, cool mountain air, and the dramatic backdrop of the Valais peaks. The European Masters is typically held in early September, when autumn colours begin to appear on the larches. Accommodation in Crans-Montana is abundant and covers all price ranges.
Playing Tips
Crans-sur-Sierre is semi-private — visitor tee times are available through the club, with green fees from CHF 90 to 190. Book tee times through the Crans Golf website. Remember the altitude effect on ball flight — add 10–15% to normal carry distances when calculating approach club selection. The village of Crans-Montana has excellent restaurants and accommodation; Sierre in the valley below is the nearest train station.
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Visit Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre
Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland
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Practical Information
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre
How much does it cost to play Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre?
Green fees range from CHF 90 to 190 depending on the season. The course is open June through September.
How does altitude affect golf at Crans-sur-Sierre?
At 1,500 metres, the ball typically carries 10–15% further than at sea level. Adjust your club selection accordingly — a 150-metre shot might only need a 7-iron rather than a 6.
When is the Omega European Masters held at Crans-sur-Sierre?
The Omega European Masters is typically held in early September, near the end of the golf season when autumn colour begins to appear on the alpine larches.
How do I get to Crans-sur-Sierre?
Fly to Geneva and take the train to Sierre (1.5 hours), then the cable car or road up to Crans-Montana. Geneva Airport is the most convenient gateway.
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