The European Masters golf tournament is one of the most prestigious events in the golfing calendar, attracting the world’s top players to the picturesque Crans-sur-Sierre in Switzerland. This year’s tournament has gotten off to a thrilling start, with England’s Alex Fitzpatrick leading the pack after the first round.
Alex Fitzpatrick, the younger brother of former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, carded an impressive 63 in windy conditions to share the lead with Spain’s Alfredo Garcia-Heredia on seven under par. The 24-year-old Englishman’s impressive performance included seven birdies, and he was delighted with his start to the tournament.
“I played really nicely,” said Alex Fitzpatrick. “The first five or six holes were fairly brutal, I think it was gusting at 25-30mph or whatever it was. I got the nice side of the draw to be honest. This morning was brutal and luckily the last eight or nine holes there was not much wind, so it was nice to capitalize on the opportunities I had and hopefully the same tomorrow.”
Alex Fitzpatrick’s performance has set the bar high for the rest of the tournament, and he will be looking to build on his strong start in the coming days. But he will face stiff competition from the likes of Matt Wallace, who is tied in third place on six under par.
European Masters: A Family Affair
The European Masters is not just a tournament for the Fitzpatrick brothers; it’s a family affair. Matt Fitzpatrick, the older brother, is a two-time winner of the event and is looking to emulate the late Seve Ballesteros as a three-time champion. The former US Open champion carded a respectable 66 in the first round and was happy with his start.
“Happy with a good start, I would have taken it this morning when I woke up and it was pouring,” said Matt Fitzpatrick. “It’s one of my favorite places to be but it wasn’t really this morning. It was horrible; warming up in the rain and you get out there and it’s pouring, you don’t feel like the ball is going very far.
“Fortunately with that, the greens are a little bit softer, so you can be a bit more aggressive, but it was quite tricky.”
Matt Fitzpatrick’s experience and knowledge of the course will undoubtedly serve him well as the tournament progresses. He has a strong record at the European Masters, and his determination to win a third title will make him a force to be reckoned with.
The Competition Heats Up
The European Masters is one of the most competitive tournaments in the golfing calendar, and this year’s event is no exception. With a field of over 150 players, the competition is fierce, and only the best will make the cut.
In addition to the Fitzpatrick brothers, there are several other players who are vying for the top spot. Matt Wallace, who is tied in third place on six under par, is one of the favorites to win the tournament. The Englishman has had a strong season and will be looking to capitalize on his good form.
Other players to watch out for include Alfredo Garcia-Heredia, who is tied with Alex Fitzpatrick on seven under par, and Sean Crocker, who is tied in fifth place on five under par.
European Masters Leaderboard
Here is the current leaderboard after the first round of the European Masters:
| Player | Score |
|---|---|
| Alex Fitzpatrick (Eng) | -7 |
| Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (Spa) | -7 |
| Matt Wallace (Eng) | -6 |
| Matt Fitzpatrick (Eng) | -4 |
| Sean Crocker (USA) | -5 |
European Masters Course Review
The European Masters is played at the picturesque Crans-sur-Sierre in Switzerland. The course is known for its challenging layout and stunning scenery. With its rolling hills and breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, the course is a true test of golfing skill.
The course is a par 70, with a total length of 6,848 yards. It features a mix of short and long holes, with several tricky bunkers and water hazards to navigate.
Players who are familiar with the course will have an advantage, but newcomers will still be able to navigate the layout with ease.
The European Masters has a rich history, dating back to 1923. The tournament has been played at various locations throughout Europe, but it has been held at the Crans-sur-Sierre course since 1939.
Over the years, the tournament has attracted some of the world’s top golfers, including Seve Ballesteros, who won the event a record three times. Other notable winners include Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, and Rory McIlroy.
The European Masters is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the golfing calendar, and it continues to attract the world’s top golfers every year.
With its rich history, challenging course, and stunning scenery, the European Masters is a true test of golfing skill. The tournament is a must-watch for golfing fans, and this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years.