Todd Clements of England found himself just a single stroke shy of the tournament’s outright leader, Ashun Wu, after delivering a six‑under‑par 64 in the first round of the Omega European Masters at the scenic Crans‑Montana course. Clements’ round was highlighted by a flurry of six birdies and an eagle, offset only by two bogeys, a combination that vaulted him into the upper echelons of the leaderboard and placed him in a tight tie for second place. Joining him in that cluster were Germany’s Nicolai von Dellingshausen, India’s Shubhankar Sharma, Spain’s Angel Ahora and South Africa’s Lawrence Thriston, each sharing the same score and all within striking distance of the lead. Wu, the Chinese contender, posted a remarkable 63, a round that featured seven birdies and no bogeys at all.
His flawless performance not only secured him the top spot but also put him on a clear path toward what would be his sixth DP World Tour victory, should he maintain his composure over the remaining three days. The early lead gives Wu a psychological edge, but the field remains deep and competitive, with several other players already showing they can challenge his dominance.
Two other Englishmen, Harry Hall and Jack Yule, also made a strong impression on Thursday. Both carded a seven‑under‑par 65, leaving them just two strokes behind Wu. Yule’s back nine was particularly impressive, as he recorded five birdies in rapid succession, a surge that underscored his ability to finish strongly when the pressure mounts.
Hall’s steady play complemented Yule’s aggressive finish, and together they have positioned themselves as serious contenders for the title. Further down the English contingent, Dan Bradbury, Paul Casey and Joshua Berry each posted three‑under‑par 67s, collectively occupying a share of 25th place on the leaderboard. Their consistent rounds demonstrate the depth of talent among the English players, even if they are currently outside the immediate contention for the lead. Matt Wallace and Marco Penge, both also from England, recorded two‑under‑par 68s, sitting just a shot behind their compatriots and showing that the English squad as a whole is well‑represented throughout the field.
The tournament’s early stages have not been without challenges for some. Danish brothers Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard both struggled to find rhythm, each posting a two‑under‑par 68 that left them five shots off the lead and positioned them 42nd on the leaderboard. Their performances highlight the fine margins that separate the leaders from the rest of the pack in a tournament of this calibre.
Beyond the scores, the Omega European Masters offers a host of viewing options for fans. The event is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf, with coverage of the opening round beginning at 12:30 pm on Thursday. For those who prefer streaming, the NOW platform provides a contract‑free option to follow all four rounds.
Additionally, Sky Sports runs a dedicated golf podcast for listeners who want in‑depth analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insights throughout the tournament week. The DP World Tour’s 2026 calendar continues to expand, featuring a diverse slate of events across multiple continents. The European Masters, held in the alpine setting of Crans‑Montana, remains one of the tour’s marquee stops, attracting a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents eager to make their mark.
For golf enthusiasts looking to experience the sport firsthand, there are over 1,700 courses available for booking across the United Kingdom and Ireland. By entering a specific course name, city, or postal code into the provided search tool, players can discover the best rates and secure tee times at venues ranging from historic links to modern parkland layouts. In summary, Thursday’s opening round set the stage for a thrilling contest.
While Ashun Wu currently holds the advantage with a flawless 63, Todd Clements’ near‑perfect 64 ensures he remains a formidable challenger. The English contingent, led by Clements, Hall and Yule, has shown depth and resilience, while the broader field is poised to make moves as the tournament progresses. Golf fans can stay engaged through live television, streaming services, and podcasts, ensuring they won’t miss any of the drama that the Omega European Masters is sure to deliver over the coming days.