Two-time champion Matt Fitzpatrick is part of a six-way tie for the lead after a low-scoring opening day at the Omega European Masters.
The Englishman put on a brilliant display as he carded a bogey-free 63 that left him at seven under par alongside countryman Eddie Pepperell, Dane John Axelsen, Spaniard Nacho Elvira, Malaysia’s Gavin Green and Japanese Masahiro Kawamura.
Related: Matthew Fitzpatrick eyes one more win at Crans Montana
Axelsen, Elvira, Green and Kawamura all joined Fitzpatrick with blemish-free cards, while Pepperell made a single bogey on a course softened by rain with preferred lies in place.
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Fitzpatrick is targeting a historic victory at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club – after claiming the title back-to-back in 2017 and 2018 to match the feat of Seve Ballesteros, a win in the mountains this week would see him once again join the legendary Spaniard, this time as the only players to have won the title three times.
Swede Ludvig Aberg, Scotland’s Scott Jamieson and German Yannik Paul are a shot off the lead in Crans Montana, with more on the line than just the trophy this week in the final qualifying event for the European Ryder Cup team.
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Fitzpatrick needs to finish tied seventh or better to overtake Tommy Fleetwood to qualify via the World Points List, while Paul will replace Robert MacIntyre in the final qualifying spot on the European Points List with a win, although he could be heading to Rome if he finishes in a tie for third with two others or better.
Player quotes
Matt Fitzpatrick: I played brilliant. Only hit two bad shots, one I got away with and one I got up and down, so that’s as good as I’ve played for a while.
I made a good par save on 13 but missed a couple of putts for that score as well. I feel comfortable out there, it’s so nice to be back.
On six, that might be the first time I’ve driven the green there even though I hit driver all the time. It was a nice one to hit. Two great tee shots on six and seven left me good opportunities for birdies. Great couple of holes. Good last three holes, solid, just happy to keep playing the way I was.
Eddie Pepperell: Got off to a good start, got the irons dialled in early – particularly my wedges – before I knew it I was five under par. I’ve not had much success when I’ve played here in the past. Came here with little very expectations in terms of my form on the course. Having said that I’ve been hitting the ball quite well the last couple of weeks.
I took the driver out, played with three wood and lots of irons. It’s one of those courses where you can shoot a good score by doing that.
After Scotland I decided to go it alone a bit with my swing, so spent four weeks in my simulator at home banging my head against a brick wall trying to figure things out. I think I did a pretty good job, certainly found my iron play again, which is always key for me.
Masahiro Kawamura: My shots were very good today, so I had lots of chances for birdie putts. The last three holes I had one two-putt birdie and one almost hole-in-one. It was three easy birdies in a row – no stress birdies – so I was happy with the finish.
Crans Montana is my favourite golf course, so I am happy to play well here. The views, it’s a special place. This is my eighth time in Crans Montana, but it’s always fantastic and always very happy to be here.
Gavin Green: I played pretty well and I drove it well. I hit a lot of greens and made some putts. Coming from last week, last week I was hitting lots of greens and missing putts, but today some of them dropped.
If you take it on, there’s some holes where you can take it on, and if you pull it off, you’re coming in with a lot shorter club and you know you’re going to be able to hold the greens. The greens are soft enough anyway.
Yeah, I’m pretty aware (of altitude) because where I went to university, it’s a very similar altitude in Albuquerque. So, I’ve had a few good memories playing there and it just brings it back for me.
Nacho Elvira: I’m ecstatic, super happy. To be fair I couldn’t have gotten any more out of this round, I played great. I didn’t hit the ball as great as I wanted, but I scrambled well and putted fantastic.
It was chilly at 5.30 am warming up. But we had the best day so far this week and it’s getting warmer, with no winds. Scoring conditions are favourable.
I just love being here. You don’t think too much about golf when you are playing in the moment. I brought the family with me, the little one is here, so I couldn’t be happier just to be here.
