In the stunning environs of Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, Matt Wallace etched his name back onto the winner’s list at the Omega European Masters, proving that true class never fades, just takes a short nap.
After six years without a win, Wallace’s triumph in Crans Montana wasn’t just a win; it was a saga of grit and a clinic in patience, ending in a play-off that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
From the get-go, Wallace showcased his mettle, remaining blemish-free through the first two rounds, a feat no other player achieved, to lead by four strokes into the weekend. It’s like he was dancing while everyone else was just figuring out the tune.
However, the tune turned tumultuous on Moving Day. With brutal winds turning the course into a beast, only three players managed to score under par.
Wallace, battling the elements, carded a three-over 73, managing to maintain his lead despite the conditions. His ability to hold firm when the course showed its fangs was nothing short of masterful.
Come the final round, the drama escalated. Wallace, steady and determined, shot level par, while his play-off contender, Alfredo Garcia-Heredia, was not going quietly. Garcia-Heredia’s brilliant approach to birdie the last forced the sixth play-off of the campaign after both players finished at 11 under.
The play-off was a display of nerves and skill. Both players found the fairway, then the green. Garcia-Heredia’s birdie attempt veered left of the cup, setting the stage for Wallace, who, from eight feet out, drained his putt with the poise of a seasoned champion.
This victory at Crans Montana not only marks Wallace’s fifth DP World Tour crown but also his first since the 2018 Made In Denmark—exactly six years and six days prior.
He now tops the European Ryder Cup Team Qualification List, reminding everyone that his golfing prowess is as sharp as ever.
Matt Wallace on his playoff win said afterwards: “Knackered, that was a hard day. It wasn’t easy, but I felt there was a score out there but couldn’t get anything going.
Good drives then mess it up, the ninth I messed that up to take an advantage into the back nine. I just kept pushing and pushing.
It was bringing back memories of two years ago when I lost, I wasn’t quite focused then but that’s focus for me right there. I’m buzzing.
I had the lead and I could have easily lost it a few times in the last couple of days, especially yesterday with how hard it was playing. But I stuck at it and that’s me, and that’s golf. For me, that’s Matt Wallace golf right there.
That cheer at the end meant a lot. It was hard because I have been in those situations but I have no been ahead a lot of the day and struggling to make birdies.
It was difficult to try and push to make birdies without giving it away sort of thing, and I wanted someone to catch me which Alfredo did and Beef (Andrew Johnston) was very close.
Fair play to Alfredo for doing it there on the last hole, but all I was saying to myself was it is a lot easier to make birdie when you have to do it, and that is what I just did at the end there so I am very happy with that.
I took everything from what I learnt last time in the play-off going back down there. Graham (Chase) was there, my manager just getting me in the right headspace because last time I went down there for the play-off against Thriston (Lawrence) I wasn’t in the right headspace, I was just ok being there, whereas this time I wanted to win.
It feels amazing. It is just so special, its an iconic golf course, I have had good results around here over the years, and a lot of emotional things happen to me. Obviously not getting into the Ryder Cup in 2018, that was the phone call I had down by the driving range. Lost in a play-off here, skied with my parents here when I was about five or six years old supposedly, and now a champion here. It is really cool.”
Not far behind, Andrew Johnston finished in sole third at ten under. Meanwhile, Cedric Gugler, a local favourite, rallied from a bogey at the second to capture a share of fourth, much to the delight of the home crowd.
This year’s Omega European Masters was a testament to resilience, skill, and the age-old adage that in golf, it’s never over till it’s over.
For Matt Wallace, it’s a glorious return to the spotlight, and for golf fans, it was a reminder of why we watch this game.
