When the Swiss golf scene's attention turns to Crans-Montana at the end of June, it's not just because of the spectacular setting on the legendary Severiano Ballesteros Course. From June 24 to 26, 2025, the Memorial Olivier Barras celebrates its 61st edition – a prestigious tournament that has become much more than a nostalgic tribute to a golf legend. It's an event with sporting significance and a clear perspective: the winner secures a spot in the Omega European Masters 2025 – on the same course, a few weeks later, competing against Europe's golf elite.

Stage with Radiance – WAGR Points and Prize Money Equality

The tournament, for the second time, is a key part of the Swiss PGA Tour, attracting a high-class, diverse field to Crans-Montana: professionals – women, men, and seniors – play from adjusted tees but for an equal prize purse. This parity underscores central values of modern golf: performance, fairness, and equal opportunity.

Amateurs, comprising 50% of the field, compete not for prize money but for valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points – crucial for the development of young talents. These points often serve as a springboard into the international amateur or future professional scenes. Entry criteria are stringent: for men, the cut-off is +1 handicap – a clear indicator of the consistently high sporting level of the event.

Mauro Gilardi – Rise of an Exceptional Golfer from Graubünden

Special attention this year goes to Mauro Gilardi from Graubünden. The 25-year-old is currently in outstanding form, both nationally and internationally. At the Swiss Challenge on the HotelPlanner Tour, a tournament in the second highest European tier, Gilardi achieved his best international result to date with 17th place and a total score of -5. Just seven days later, he followed up with a dominant performance at the Swiss Golf Open in Domat Ems: rounds of 64, 66, and 65, securing a twelve-stroke lead – on his home turf.

The Top 5 of the Glenmuir Order of Merit Challenge Him

Also competing in Crans-Montana are the current top 5 of the Glenmuir Order of Merit of the Swiss PGA Tour: Zeno Felder, Sasha Wortelboer, Thomas Lecomte, Alexander Beringer, and Sven Cremer. They are all vying not only for the title but also for crucial points in the overall Tour standings.

The Defending Champion: Taichi Kho – International Flair in Crans

As if the field weren't already prestigious enough, the defending champion, Taichi Kho, returns. Born on November 13, 2000, in Hong Kong, Kho brings an international flair. He became the first player from Hong Kong to win a tournament on the Asian Tour – the World City Championship 2023 – and was also a participant in the 2024 Omega European Masters. His elegant swing, composure under pressure, and experience on the Crans course make him a serious contender for the title defense.