Good field for Omega European Masters

BY Bruce Young | European PGA Tour | 2002 Omega European Masters | Preview | 01 Sep 2002

Played in what must rank as the most spectacular locations in world golf the European Masters has become somewhat of an Argentinian benefit over the last two years.

First in 2000 it was Eduardo Romero (also the winner in 1994) who blitzed the field to win by ten shots over Thomas Bjorn and in 2001 it was Ricardo Gonzalez, another rising star of Argentinian golf, who won for the first time on the European Tour with his win over Soren Hansen.

Nestled high above the Rhone Valley and some two hours drive from Geneva, the course is used as learners slopes for the Crans Montana / Crans Sur Sierre ski resort in the winter and then in summer as the resort golf course. It is not a great course by any stretch of the imagination but the views down the valley to Lausanne and across to the Matterhorn almost overcome any inadequacies the course carries.

Being as high above seas level as it is (6000 feet) the ball goes around 10% further in this light atmosphere compared to that at sea level so it requires quite an adjustment in terms of judging yardages. A bit like Colorado in that respect.

This year the event has secured a very good field with Els, Goosen, previous winner Westwood, Campbell and in form Bjorn all entered. Also in the field is one of the newest recruits to pro ranks Kevin Stadler, who last week won the Colorado State Open. Stadler, as the name would suggest, is the son of Craig and it was dad who caddied for him last week in his first professional start and win.

The Australians Parsons, Leaney, Moseley, Gardiner, O’Hern, Rumford, Senior and Fowler are in the field as are New Zealanders Scahill (6th here last year), Turner and Boult. Not sure at this stage whether Boult will get a start but he is entered.