Norman Highlights Field At Omega European Masters

First round gets underway Thursday, September 2nd

Norman is making his return to competitive golf after shoulder surgery sidelined the Shark for 12 months.

CRANS-MONTANA, SWITZERLAND - A unique atmosphere, incomparable views, a warm welcome, increased support from sponsors and partners, as well as professionalism in its organisation mean that the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS occupies an important place in the PGA European Tour. While many tournaments have had to review and reduce their prize funds, the oldest European tournament, played on the same course since 1939, shows impressive stability, with its 2 million euro prize money and with a budget that has risen to 10 million francs.

Once again, the list of participants at the 2010 edition features attractive names and contrasts, legendary players to confirmed professionals, via some great young talents. The Australian Greg Norman - The Great White Shark - returns to the Haut Plateau in Valais. Next to him: Darren Clarke (NIR; World Champion Matchplay 2000), Eduardo Romero (ARG; winner in Crans-Montana 1994/2000), Todd Hamilton (USA; British Open winner 2004), Michael Campbell (NZL; US Open winner 2005), Paul McGinley (IRL) and Thomas Björn (DEN). Plus the Spaniard Miguel Angel Jiménez (present for the 22nd consecutive year), the two South Africans Louis Oosthuizen (British Open winner 2010) and Charl Schwartzel (currently 5th in the European ranking), Peter Hanson (SWE), Edoardo Molinari (ITA), Simon Khan (ENG), Fredrik Andersson Hed (SWE) and Grégory Havret (FRA).

Previous Crans-Montana winners amongst the players enrolled: Alexander Noren (SWE; 2009), Jean-François Lucquin (FRA; 2008), Brett Rumford (AUS; 2007), Bradley Dredge (WAL; 2006), Ricardo Gonzalez (ARG; 2001) and Sven Strüver (GER; 1998).

THE OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS is the only tournament in Europe co-sanctioned by the European Tour and the Asian Tour. For the second time, it is therefore offering the opportunity for 30 players from the Asian Tour to take part. Amongst them: Thongchai Jaidee (THA; 5th in Crans-Montana in 2009), Jeev Milkha Sing (IND), Wen-chong Liang (CHN), Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) and Angelo Que (PHI).

At the head of this procession of young talents: Matteo Manassero (ITA) and the South Koreans Seung-yul Noh and Jun Jeong, best amateur in the world. Those qualified for Switzerland: Julien Clément, Jann Schmid, Fredrik Svanberg and André Bossert.

Some 50,000 spectators are expected in Crans-Montana for this magnificent festival of golf which will run from 2 until 5 September.

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