This week marks the 100th anniversary of the original Swiss Open – now known as the Omega European Masters – with Seve Ballesteros’ imprint on golf felt keenly at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.
The tournament was first staged in Crans-Montana in 1939 and has been held there ever since, with the host venue renamed in honour of three-time winner Ballesteros in 2002 after it was redesigned by the legendary Spaniard.
Named the Severiano Ballesteros Course, the scenic venue sits high amongst the snow-capped Swiss Alps at almost 5,000ft above sea level and is one of the most popular stops for players on the DP World Tour schedule.
Having already won a trio of titles at the tournament and paved the way for a generation of European golfers to enjoy worldwide success, Ballesteros produced a shot that is never forgotten despite not being caught on camera.
In 1993, a back-nine charge left the incomparable Ballesteros, winner in 1977, 1978 and 1989, in need of a birdie at the 18th to retain hope of catching Englishman Barry Lane and claim victory.
However, a blocked drive to the right - five feet from an eight-foot-high wall - appeared to have ended his hopes.
And followed it up with a chip-in 🙌 #OEM2023 | #TourArchive pic.twitter.com/AWUKb7SRYr
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) August 29, 2023
With caddie Billy Foster imploring Ballesteros to chip out sideways, the four-time Major Champion insisted he could see a gap between the top of the wall and a group of trees.
Even with his backswing impeded by a tree, Ballesteros produced an extraordinary recovery shot over the wall which finished just short of the green.
He then incredibly chipped in for a birdie which would ultimately be in vain as he finished a shot behind Lane.
Described by Foster as "the best shot I've ever seen", Ballesteros was later asked why he went for such a risky shot, to which he replied, simply: "I just like to keep going forward."
