22 June 2026
There are destinations where golf is experienced as a separate, isolated activity, almost cut off from everything else. And then there is Crans-Montana. Here, golf is an integral part of the destination. The Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club courses can be found in a central position in the heart of Crans-Montana, in the immediate vicinity of hotels, restaurants, terraces, shops and other attractions in the region.
This rare situation allows you to plan a stay where golf blends naturally with the Alpine way of life: a round in the morning, lunch on a terrace, a hike in the mountains or a relaxing afternoon.
In Crans-Montana, you don’t just come to play golf; you come to experience a destination where golf is the starting point for everything else.
It’s hard to mention Crans-Montana without talking about the legendary Severiano Ballesteros course. Host to the OMEGA European Masters, this championship course attracts golfers who come to test themselves on one of Europe’s most iconic courses, with its demanding lines, strategic fairways and spectacular views over the Valais Alps. The course is open to players with a maximum handicap of 36 for casual play and 30 for competitions, it is designed for those who wish to enjoy a playing experience that lives up to its prestige.
As the annual host of such a prestigious tournament, the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club is maintained to a standard designed to meet the requirements of professional golf. Fast, even greens, immaculate fairways, and impeccable roll: every detail counts. It is this high standard, as much as the setting, that leaves a lasting impression on players. Matthew Fitzpatrick sums it up:
«It’s simple, I love everything about this tournament: the village, the scenery, the course, the people, the mountains, the fresh air. You feel like you’re on holiday. I also believe that Crans-Montana has one of the most beautiful courses in the world.»
Playing the Ballesteros is like stepping into a piece of European golfing heritage. Every hole tells a story, every approach to the green requires careful thought. But to reduce Crans-Montana to this single course would be to miss the point.
The club’s other gem deserves just as much attention: the Jack Nicklaus course. Often overshadowed by the prestige of the Ballesteros, this 9-hole course nevertheless has a unique history: opened in 1987, it was the first course designed in Europe by Jack Nicklaus, “The Golden Bear”. In Crans-Montana, he created a layout true to his vision of the game: strategic, straightforward, challenging without being intimidating, where players are encouraged to choose their lines rather than simply chasing distance.
Shorter and more accessible, yet far from simplistic, it offers a different, almost complementary experience. There’s no 18-hole marathon here: instead, it’s all about a more spontaneous, more flexible game of golf. Open to players with an AP-ASG course permit or a maximum handicap of 54, the Jack Nicklaus course is the door to a more flexible way of playing, without compromising on the quality of the game.
People come here to work on their game, refine their shots and test their accuracy. Approaches to the green are direct, and mistakes are immediately punished.
This is also where its modernity lies. The Nicklaus course perfectly meets golfers’ new expectations: shorter rounds, a more flexible way of playing, an experience that is less physically demanding but still high quality. It thus becomes a true balance, it can making the game more accessible without compromising on its demands: it’s ideal for a training session, a round at the end of the day or a relaxed, pressure-free outing. A couple can find their pace here, an experienced player can work on their scoring, and an amateur can feel completely at home.
In a half-day, it’s possible to play a game then naturally shift to another experience in the destination.
And that is precisely what makes Crans-Montana so unique. No sooner has the final putt been sunk than you can leave the green to head for a terrace, a restaurant or a walk in the mountains. Golf becomes part of a wider holiday experience, never an end in itself.
In a matter of minutes, you move from the silence of a fairway to the bustle of the town centre, from a driving range to a spa, from a round of golf to a scenic hike or a bike ride. This immediate proximity of sport to lifestyle attractions is rare and precious.
Another significant advantage: value for money. For such a high standard of service – the quality of the courses, maintenance, setting and history – green fees remain among the most competitive in Switzerland, even Europe, for this calibre. This affordability further enhances the destination’s appeal.
The golfing experience in Crans-Montana isn’t limited to choosing between a championship course and an exceptional 9-hole course. It also extends to learning, improving and passing on the sport to the next generation. With its Golf Academy, courses for adults, introductory sessions, children’s camps and Performance Centre equipped for swing analysis, the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club supports both beginners and experienced players in their development.
This golfing culture is also brought to life through the OMEGA European Masters, a major event on the international calendar, which will once again bring together the best players on the DP World Tour in Crans-Montana between 3 and 6 September 2026. An event that, year after year, highlights the destination’s unique place in the history of European golf.
Crans-Montana’s combination of amateur play, training, exploring, high performance and spectacular sporting events therefore embodies a comprehensive vision of golf. It is a destination where people come not just to play, improve their game and find inspiration, but also to enjoy the Alpine lifestyle with fine dining, terraces, panoramic views and spending time together.
And perhaps ultimately that is the true luxury of golf in Crans-Montana.
