OMEGA and the oldest golf tournament on the European continent
In 2011, OMEGA proudly continued its title sponsorship of the European Masters. The tournament, the oldest on the European continent, was won in dramatic fashion by Denmark's Thomas Bjorn who hit a 9-under par 62 in the final round to claim a second straight title on the European Tour. Bjorn, whose final round included an eagle, nine birdies and two bogeys, finished on 20-under.
Germany Martin Kaymer was four shots back, with Jaco van Zyl of South Africa, Northern Ireland's Rory Milroy and James Donaldson of Wales on 15-under. Bjorn also won the Johnnie Walker Championship a week earlier.
This year's field included many of the finest golfers in the world and their performance did not disappoint the more than 50,000 spectators who packed the galleys.
Played on one of the world's most beautifully situated golf course, the OMEGA European Masters is contested in an awe-inspiring Alpine setting. Its past champions have included Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and the late Seve Ballesteros, to name but a few.
Co-sanctioned by two great tours
In 2009, the OMEGA European Masters became the first golf tournament ever to be co-sanctioned both by the European and Asian Tours, forging a strong bond between two of the world’s most dynamic golfing regions. The 2011 edition again welcomed the great players from these two major tours, ensuring another stellar international roster.
Remembering Seve in 2011
Before being presented with the trophy on the 18th green, Bjorn and a packed grandstand of spectators watched a tribute to Seve Ballesteros, for whom the course in Crans-Montana is named. Seve was one of the game's great players and his success in the European Masters was the stuff of legends. He won the tournament three times and was runner-up on four occasions. Bjorn reflected on the Spanish golfer who had been his Ryder Cup captain in 1997 saying, "For my generation, he was everything to the game of golf. He was a true inspiration to everybody and a wonderful friend. I take a lot of pride in having known the man."
OMEGA welcomed the world to Switzerland
As a driving force on the international golf circuit, all of us at OMEGA were proud to share its passion for the game with everyone joining us in Crans-Montana for the 2011 OMEGA European Masters. It will long be remembered as one of the best editions in the tournament's long and glorious history.
