England’s Todd Clements found himself just a single stroke shy of the leaderboard’s top spot after a strong opening round at the Omega European Masters on the storied Crans‑Montana course. Shooting a six‑under‑par 64, Clements posted a round that featured six birdies, an eagle and only two bogeys, a performance that vaulted him into a tie for second place alongside a diverse group of competitors. The current leader, China’s Ashun Wu, posted an even more impressive 63, carding seven birdies without a single bogey and positioning himself for what could be his sixth DP World Tour victory. Wu’s flawless play set a high bar for the field, but Clements’ showing demonstrated that the Englishman is very much in contention and capable of challenging for the top spot as the tournament progresses.
Clements’ 64 was built around a steady string of birdies spread across the front nine, capped by a dramatic eagle that helped offset the two bogeys he incurred during the round. His ability to rebound quickly after the setbacks and finish strongly kept him within striking distance of Wu.
The result placed him in a five‑way tie for second place with Germany’s Nicolai von Dellingshausen, India’s Shubhankar Sharma, Spain’s Angel Ahora, and South Africa’s Lawrence Thriston, each of whom also posted six‑under scores. England also has a number of other players lurking near the top of the leaderboard. Harry Hall and Jack Yule both recorded impressive seven‑under‑par 65s, leaving them just two strokes behind the leader.
Yule, in particular, showcased a remarkable back‑nine performance, racking up five birdies in the latter half of his round and demonstrating the kind of finishing fire that can be decisive in a tournament of this caliber. Further down the English contingent, Dan Bradbury, Paul Casey and Joshua Berry each posted three‑under‑par 67s, sharing a joint 25th place. Their solid rounds kept them comfortably inside the cut line and set them up for a potential surge over the weekend.
Matt Wallace and Marco Penge, both also from England, were just a stroke behind at two‑under‑par, indicating depth in the English squad and suggesting that the nation could feature prominently in the final standings. Among the other competitors, Danish brothers Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard have had a more modest start.
Rasmus, despite his reputation, found himself five strokes off the lead and sitting 42nd on a two‑under‑par 68, while his brother Nicolai posted an identical score, leaving both brothers with work to do if they hope to climb the leaderboard. The tournament’s schedule promises ample opportunity for movement.
The remaining three rounds will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf, with the opening day’s coverage having begun at 12:30 pm on Thursday. Fans can also stream the action via the NOW platform, which offers a contract‑free option for viewers who prefer digital access.
For those interested in a deeper dive into the tournament’s context, the DP World Tour’s 2026 season features a full slate of events, with the European Masters serving as a pivotal stop for players seeking to solidify their rankings and chase prize money. The tournament’s history of dramatic finishes and challenging Alpine terrain makes it a true test of skill, composure, and strategic course management. Beyond the on‑course action, golf enthusiasts can stay engaged through a variety of ancillary content. The Sky Sports Golf Podcast provides expert analysis, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes insights that enrich the viewing experience.
Additionally, for those looking to experience the sport firsthand, there are over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland where you can book a round at competitive rates, allowing you to practice the same types of shots you see on the European Masters broadcast. In summary, Todd Clements’ six‑under‑par opening round has placed him firmly in the hunt for the title, just a single stroke behind Wu’s flawless 63. With several English players also positioned within striking distance, the upcoming rounds promise an exciting contest.
Whether you are watching live on television, streaming online, or listening to the latest golf podcast, the Omega European Masters continues to deliver compelling storylines and high‑level competition as the field battles for the coveted DP World Tour victory.