Fitzpatrick Shines in Fog-Hit Omega European Masters Ahead of Ryder Cup Picks
The opening round of the Omega European Masters in Crans Montana, Switzerland, brought both drama and delays, with fog playing a major role in disrupting play. Still, one name stood out on day one: Matt Fitzpatrick. The Englishman, already a two-time champion at this very event, finished the day at three under par through 15 holes, putting himself firmly in contention and just two shots behind the early leaders.
Fitzpatrick’s performance comes at a crucial time. With the Ryder Cup looming, and Europe’s team captain Luke Donald set to finalize his picks in just a few days, every shot counts. Fitzpatrick has been in fine form recently, securing top-eight finishes in five of his last seven worldwide starts. That consistency, combined with his track record in Switzerland, makes him one of the strongest candidates for a captain’s pick. A fourth Ryder Cup appearance for Team Europe could very well be within his grasp.
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The round itself was anything but straightforward. Thick fog caused long stoppages, with many players unable to complete, or even start, their rounds. In fact, only eight groups managed to finish 18 holes on Thursday. Among those who did, Richard Mansell of England and Spain’s Ivan Cantero shared the lead at five under. Mansell carded six birdies against a single bogey for a 65, while Cantero matched the total with a round highlighted by an eagle and steady birdie play.
Just one shot behind sat a trio tied at four under: Swiss home favorite Ronan Kleu, South Africa’s Richard Sterne, and Italy’s Guido Migliozzi, who managed to post a clean 66. Their strong starts added to the intrigue of an already tense tournament.
Elsewhere, it wasn’t such a smooth day. Fitzpatrick’s fellow Englishman Aaron Rai struggled to four over after 15 holes, while Alex Noren, Nicolai Hojgaard, and Matt Wallace couldn’t even begin their rounds because of the weather delays. Noren, fresh from his British Masters win, entered the event as the highest-ranked European in the field. Hojgaard, chasing a Ryder Cup spot alongside his twin brother Rasmus, will have to wait to get going. Wallace and Rai, both hoping to make their Ryder Cup debuts, face a pressure-filled weekend ahead.
With the Omega European Masters being the final DP World Tour event before the Ryder Cup selections are announced, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The pressure is on for those chasing a place at Bethpage Black, and every hole could make the difference between being chosen or missing out.
For now, Fitzpatrick sits in a promising position, showing once again why Switzerland has so often been kind to him. As the fog lifts and the rounds continue, fans will be watching closely to see who rises, who stumbles, and ultimately who earns that all-important call from Luke Donald.
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