The renaissance of Thomas Björn continues apace after an outstanding final round of 62 saw him clinch the Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre by four strokes from former world number one Martin Kaymer. This outstanding victory came just a week after Björn recorded his second victory of the season at Gleneagles in the Johnny Walker Championship.

His two victories in the past two weeks have not only seen him race up the money chart, but victory at the European Masters saw Björn earn vital Ryder Cup points. This is key for the Dane as he hopes to qualify for the European team once again as a player, rather than as an assistant to the captain, a role Björn has fulfilled capably twice in the past.





In addition, his victory at Gleneagles saw Björn become the first player aged over 40 to win on the European tour in over 14 years.

It has been a remarkable turnaround in form for the Dane who has struggled for form and consistency since winning the Irish Open in May 2006. Victory in the Estoril Open de Portugal in June 2010 ended a four-year winless streak but 2011 has signified a return to the form that made him a top 10 ranked player in 2001.

His win in Scotland propelled him to 27^th in the world after that tournament, while his victory this week will propel him still higher.

A Callaway contracted professional, Thomas’ run of success has come on the back of having the following clubs in his bag:

The Driver: Callaway RAZR Hawk Driver (9.5 degree)

It is perhaps interesting to note that Björn’s first win of 2011 came just days after he put the new Callaway Razr Hawk Driver in his bag. Björn reckons the driver, also the choice of the longest driver on tour Alvaro Quiros, gave him an extra 10 yards off the tee and it seems that since Qatar, that extra yardage has helped Björn unlock the secret to success in other aspects of his game. In his victory at Crans-sur-Sierre this past weekend, Björn topped the fairways in regulation stats, hitting 82.7% of fairways and averaging over 300 yards per Drive. Clearly the RAZR is a club that suits Björn’s driving game.

Fairway Woods/Hybrids: Callaway Diablo Octane Tour 3-wood (15 degree)

 Hybrid 1 – Callaway Heavenwood Hybrid (20 degree)

 Hybrid 2 –  Callaway Diablo Edge Tour Hybrid (21 degree)

Unlike other golfers, like Rory McIlroy who tend to switch clubs depending on the course and conditions, Björn prefers a settled set up. Björn has also switched his fairway wood and 3-iron for hybrid clubs. How well Björn has adapted to the hybrids was emphasised at Crans-sur-Sierre where on the par-5 15^th he launched the ball with his Diablo Edge Tour hybrid to 10 feet on the par-5 setting up eagle to take him into the lead.

Irons 4 to 9: Callaway Tour Authentic X-Prototype irons                 

Björn’s iron play has always been one of the stronger aspects of his game and over the past fortnight, this has been clearly evident. In Switzerland at the weekend, Björn led the field in greens in regulation, hitting over 80% during his four rounds.

Wedges: Callaway X-Forged Wedges x 3 (48, 56 and 60 degrees)

“I started hitting my wedges so well last week and kept it going. At the end you think nothing can go wrong,” said Björn of his wedge play during the past two weeks. Indeed, Björn’s iron and wedge play was the key to him shooting his incredible 62, with incredible accuracy around the greens leaving him manageable putts, not just for par, but most of the time for birdie and eagle.

Putter: Odyssey Black Series iX #1

Another convert to the Odyssey brand, if you do not putt well then you cannot win tournaments and Björn’s putter has been as hot as the rest of his game in recent weeks. He finished the European Masters in 7^th on putts per green in regulation and with nine birdies and an eagle on the final day, and his last eight rounds seeing him achieve an under par total of 31-under, it is safe to assume his putter is red hot.

Golf ball: Callaway Tour I(z) ball

The unusual hex-design of the I(z) tour ball promises greater aerodynamic flight leading to longer distances off the tee and given that alongside Björn, Alvaro Quiros uses the ball, it seems not to be a spurious claim.

Björn wins Omega Master 2011

Images by Gorilla Golf Blog©

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