HARRINGTON ON A HIGH FOR EUROPEAN MASTERS

FROM EUROPEAN TOUR COMMUNICATIONS

It might be 13 years since Padraig Harrington last played in the Omega European Masters, but the Irishman is relishing his return to one of The European Tour’s most picturesque venues.

The three-time Major Champion last visited Crans-sur-Sierre in 2000, and while the renowned festival feel in the Swiss mountains remains the same, he has found plenty of changes to the course in the intervening years.
“Clearly it is right up there as the most beautiful venue we play tournament golf at around the world,” said Harrington. “It is a beautiful place, let alone the golf course. Secondly, it always has a great atmosphere here.
“The course is in the centre of the town and everyone seems to be into their golf here. You walk around the town and there are three caddie carts outside the pub because they haven’t made it home. It reminds you of home because a lot of links courses at home are like that, where the clubhouse is nearly in the town and everyone, even if they don’t play, is involved.
“Here you can’t go ten yards without seeing a poster for the event. Every shop window has clubs and balls in it. It really is a nice atmosphere. I’m staying in a golf hotel and it is stunning, with stunning views. There is a putting course in front of us and I am going to have a game against my caddie - the big match of the week! It really looks difficult too; there is a volcano hole and I don’t know how you play it!”
While the 42 year old is enjoying matters off the course this week, Harrington knows there is plenty of work to be done on it after five years without a European Tour title.
And he feels he has a good idea of what is required if he is to end that run in Switzerland.
“Two six-unders and two two-unders would be pretty close,” he added. “It’s really hard. There are some short holes, but there is a lot of difficultly around the greens.
“The condition of the course is immaculate and there is a substantial difference in the quality and condition of the course from back when I played it.” 

Also in the field this week is 13 year old Chinese amateur Ye Wo-cheng, who will become the youngest player to tee it up on European soil.

Ye played earlier this season in the Volvo China Open as a 12 year old, setting a new record for the youngest player in a European Tour event, but he is determined just to enjoy the occasion this week.  

“I’m feeling a little nervous as I’m aware that I’m the youngest player in the field this week,” said Ye. “But I tell myself to always stay focus and be relaxed. I just want to do my best and not give myself any pressure.”

 

 

 

 

EUROPEAN TOUR COMMUNICATIONS