Todd Clements of England found himself just a single stroke shy of the tournament’s leader, Ashun Wu, after delivering a six‑under‑par 64 in the opening round of the Omega European Masters at the scenic Crans‑Montana course. Clements’ round was highlighted by an aggressive attacking style that produced six birdies and an eagle, offset only by two modest bogeys. This solid performance vaulted him into the upper tier of the leaderboard, sharing second‑place honors with a diverse group of competitors: Germany’s Nicolai von Dellingshausen, India’s Shubhankar Sharma, Spain’s Ángel Ahora, and South Africa’s Lawrence Thriston. Wu, representing China, posted a flawless 63, chalking up seven birdies without a single bogey to his name.
The Chinese golfer’s flawless card not only secured him the top spot but also reinforced his pursuit of a sixth career DP World Tour victory. His composure and precision on the challenging Alpine terrain have set a high benchmark for the field as the tournament moves into its second day. England’s contingent remains well‑represented among the leaders.
Harry Hall and Jack Yule both posted impressive seven‑under‑par 65s, keeping them within two strokes of Wu’s lead. Yule, in particular, dazzled spectators with a five‑birdie finish on the back nine, showcasing his ability to generate momentum when it matters most.
Their performances suggest that the English squad will be a force to reckon with throughout the remainder of the event. Further down the leaderboard, fellow Englishmen Dan Bradbury, Paul Casey, and Joshua Berry each recorded three‑under‑par 67s, collectively occupying a shared 25th place. Their steady play adds depth to the English representation, while Matt Wallace and Marco Penge, both also from England, posted two‑under‑par 68s, sitting just a shot behind their compatriots.
The breadth of talent among the English players underscores the nation’s strong presence on the DP World Tour this season. Among the Scandinavian participants, Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard endured a more difficult start.
After a round of 68, he sat 42nd on the leaderboard, five strokes off the lead and two under par. His brother, Nicolai Hojgaard, mirrored his score, indicating a shared struggle to find the rhythm needed on the demanding Crans‑Montana layout.
The tournament’s schedule continues to draw significant media attention. Sky Sports Golf will broadcast all three remaining rounds, with the opening day coverage having begun at 12:30 pm on Thursday.
Fans can also stream the action live via the NOW platform, which offers flexible, contract‑free viewing options. In addition to live coverage, golf enthusiasts can tune into the Sky Sports Golf Podcast for expert analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insights. Beyond the immediate competition, the DP World Tour’s 2026 season features a packed calendar of events, with the European Masters serving as a pivotal early‑season test for many players. The tournament’s prize fund and ranking points make it a crucial opportunity for golfers aiming to secure their place in the season‑long race for the coveted Race to Dubai title.
For those looking to experience the sport firsthand, the UK and Ireland boast over 1,700 courses available for booking. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a curious newcomer, you can search for nearby courses by entering a city, postcode, or specific venue to find the best rates and availability. In summary, the first round of the Omega European Masters has set the stage for an exciting contest.
With Todd Clements perched just one shot behind leader Ashun Wu, and a host of other contenders within striking distance, the tournament promises tight competition over the next three days. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, coupled with the stunning Alpine backdrop, ensures that spectators will be treated to high‑quality golf and dramatic shifts in the leaderboard as the event unfolds.