Meet Marcial Messmer from Switzerland

Golf photographer Marcial Messmer is a researcher who develops algorithms for financial markets. Based in Switzerland, he has magnificent golfing scenery on his doorstep, but he loves to grab his golf bag, camera and drone and escape for a couple of weeks to explore new destinations. During the pandemic he finally found the time to post some of his photographs.

How did you first get into golf?

My first exposure dates back to the early 90s when I was a little boy. I travelled to the Algarve coast in Portugal with my family and was instantly fascinated by golf courses. Unfortunately, golf was not very accessible in the area where I grew up, so I dedicated all my ambition to handball. Only after I quit handball, I re-discovered golf towards the end of 2014 thanks to the university golf club in St. Gallen and since then I am fully committed.

The first course you’ve ever played?

Golfpark Waldkirch in Switzerland.

What are your 3 favourite courses in Europe? the UK? the US? Asia?

Europe: Le Golf National, Valderrama and Niitvälja (Estonia)
UK: Old Course St. Andrews, Royal Portrush, Carnoustie
US: Bethpage Black, Pebble Beach, Augusta National
Asia: Emirates Majlis, Hirono, The Club at Nine Bridges

Your favourite golf destination and why?

Scotland. It combines all what you can ask for: golf culture and history combined with plenty of magnificent golf courses.

The most scenic course you played?

Tough question, I would say it is a three way tie between Hamilton Island (Australia), Kapalua (Hawaii) and Meggen (Switzerland).

The #1 course on your bucket list?

Augusta National (but I am still waiting for the invite😊)

Your favorite pro on tour and why?

As a post-Tiger-era golfer, Jordan Spieth and Martin Kaymer. Spieth for his short game and his early dominance, which coincided to the period when I started to follow the tours. Kaymer because of my first golf TV experience. I had just moved to Boston, and my roommates “forced” me, as a German,  to watch the final holes of the 2010 PGA Championship. It was like a mini Ryder cup atmosphere in the room, naturally, I was the only one rooting for Kaymer and he didn’t let me down.  Moreover and importantly, both players are great “down-to-earth” characters. I am positive both will find their way back to the winners circle.

The next golf trip you are looking forward to?

Scotland St. Andrews. I went to St. Andrews in 2017 for a week to work on my game – an unforgettable experience. However, at the time I was finishing grad school in New York City (a tough spot to practice) and I resented the temptation to play the Old Course as I wanted my game to be in a better shape. Once the world returns back to normal, I definitely want to go back and finally play the Old Course!

Cover Photo: Mats Soomre, Estonia www.soomre.com #MomentsBySoomre”