Golf star simply insatiable
Bernhard Langer doesn’t give a damn about a huge disadvantage
April 5, 2023, 7:08 p.m
Starting Thursday, Bernhard Langer will be taking part in the US Masters for the 40th time. Year after year, the 65-year-old plays world-class golf like clockwork. However, time works against him. The two-time tournament winner does not yet have an end to his career in sight.
Looking back is a journey through time for Bernhard Langer, a very long journey through time. When the now 65-year-old from Anhausen decided to become a professional in 1976, golf in Germany was asleep. US President was Gerald Ford, Chancellor Helmut Schmidt was in office, and the German footballers were “only” runners-up in Europe “thanks” to Uli Hoeneß, who missed the mark. It seems like a distant past.
A lot has changed drastically since then, but the constant Langer has remained. Like clockwork, the modest bricklayer’s son from Swabia plays world-class golf year after year. The beginning was tough for the young and ambitious Langer. With a borrowed black Golf I. from the former German association president, he toured the continent and the British Isles, spending many a night in it in an uncomfortable way.
“The others hit up to 45 meters further than me”
But the starvation only made Langer more determined. The successes came quickly, if necessary, Langer even climbed a tree to avoid a penalty stroke. The first highlight was his triumph at the US Masters on April 14, 1985, which put Germany on the world golf map. Eight years later he managed the coup again.
On Thursday, Bernhard Langer, as the oldest starter in the field, will serve for the 40th time at the famous Magnolia Lane thanks to his lifetime playing rights. However, the course is making it more and more difficult for him because of its increasing length. “The others hit up to 45 meters further than me, that’s a big disadvantage for me,” says Langer. But he wouldn’t be Bernhard Langer if he didn’t accept the fight.
Record hunt drives Langer
Thanks to his wiry body and iron self-discipline, Langer remains more than competitive. In February, he equaled Hale Irwin’s (USA) record with his 45th victory on the Champions Tour. In 2020 he also set a record at the Masters: As the oldest player in the history of the tournament, he made the cut.
He wants to improve this record again this weekend. And if it doesn’t succeed this time, then the next attempt will follow next year. Another US Masters record will probably be difficult to achieve even for Bernhard Langer: If he wants to take part in 52 games like South African Gary Player, he would have to compete in Augusta by 2035. Langer would then be 77. But Langer wouldn’t be Langer if…