20 August 2024
Crans-Montana is a prime destination for golf enthusiasts, boasting top-tier courses, the prestigious Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre and renowned tournaments like the Omega European Masters. Many athletes, including Tiffany Arafi, our golf ambassador, have enjoyed playing on these greens. She shares her journey, professional insights, tips, and personal interests in an exclusive interview.
Could you introduce yourself to our readers in a few words and tell us about your connection with the world of golf?
My name is Tiffany Arafi, I'm 24 and I live in Crans-Montana. I've been a professional player on the Ladies European Tour since January 2023.
How did you get started in golf and how did your path lead you to becoming golf ambassador for Crans-Montana?
I started playing golf when I was 6, when I used to go to the course with my parents. I quickly fell in love with the sport and took part in my first competitions. When I was 17, I convinced my parents to let me go to the USA to finish school and join a university golf team. During school vacations, I’d come back to Valais to play at the Crans golf course and spend winter vacations here with my parents. In fact, the Crans Golf Course office offered me my first student job, I was involved in junior golf lessons. For years, I've been fascinated by the Omega European Masters tournament and have watched the world's best players, and it was this event in particular that persuaded me to do everything possible to represent the resort and women's golf worldwide.
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What results or achievements are you most proud of in your golfing career?
Do you have any specific plans or ambitions for the future, either in your career or in the development of golf?
My personal goals are to be up amongst the best players in the world, and to represent Switzerland at the Olympic Games. Since I started out in golf, it's been important to me that golf in Switzerland should be accessible to as many people as possible, especially for young people.
What makes Crans-Montana special to you as a golfer, and what role does it play in your professional life?
Crans-Montana has a special place in my heart, because no other resort offers so many activities close to a golf course. When I finish my round, I love being able to spend time on a café or restaurant terrace with my friends. In my professional life, Crans-Montana is an international calling card: every golf course, everywhere in the world knows the name of Crans-Montana.
What excites you most about golf and, in particular, golf in Crans-Montana?
Golf is an exciting sport because every course is different, and there's a wide variety of shots to master, such as putting, chipping and long game. The Crans golf course is unique and has extraordinary views, and each hole is unique
How do you think golf has influenced the development of tourism and the economy in Crans-Montana?
Golf enables the resort to welcome a wide variety of tourists from all over the world. They often return in winter, as the resort is a place where people live all year round.
What advice would you give to young people who want to take up golf in Crans-Montana?
My advice for young players is to join the junior coaching team at the Golf de Crans, as the club luckily has excellent facilities for juniors and adults (indoor and outdoor sports facilities, experienced coaches and group golf lessons, an 18-hole course and a 9-hole course).
Do you have any memories of playing on the Crans-Montana courses that really stand out for you?
The first time I won the Olivier Barras Memorial in front of family and friends.
Speaking of courses, which is your favourite course in the destination, and why?
My favourite golf course is the Jack Niklaus, thanks to its breathtaking views and the intriguing design of the holes. I enjoy practising there because it demands a high level of precision, making it excellent preparation for my upcoming tournaments.
Apart from golf, what are your main interests and how do they influence your approach to the game?
I love to travel, and golf gives me the chance to visit new countries, meet new people and experience different cultures. In my spare time, I like doing a variety of sports - horse riding, tennis, padel and swimming - these keep me physically fit year round too.
Being a professional sportswoman requires a great deal of composure, what do you do to relax in Crans-Montana?
To unwind in Crans-Montana outside of golf, I enjoy having lunch with my friends at Olli's Break or playing a game of padel at the Sport Center. In the summer, I also make the most of the Beach Club.
After all that sport and expanding so much energy, you must get hungry…what's your favourite restaurant?
My favourite restaurant in Crans-Montana is Le Thai.
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