Two sensational laps in Naples
65-year-old Bernhard Langer writes golf history
02/20/2023, 08:18 am
In April 1985 Bernhard Langer was the first German ever to win the Masters in Augusta. He is 27 years old then. Almost 38 years later, he’s still around and not only conquering his age, but continues to diligently write his name in the history books of golf.
Germany’s golf idol Bernhard Langer has made history again: With his 45th victory on the PGA Tour Champions, the 65-year-old from Anhausen equaled the record of the American Hale Irwin, who also played 45 tournaments on the US Seniors in his career Tour could win. Langer defended the title at the Chubb Classic in his adopted home of Florida on Sunday.
The 1985 and 1993 Masters winner saw off former Ryder Cup captains Steve Stricker of the USA and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington (both 202) thanks to a superb final round of 65 for a total of 199 shots at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples ) through. He managed an amazing five birdies in the last seven holes.
Soon to be the sole record holder?
“There has been a lot of talk about Hale’s record in recent years. And there was a lot of pressure, especially today when you’re so close,” said Langer after his win: “Then a thought goes through your head and you think : Wow, you’re so close, you don’t want to lose it now. But that’s the wrong thought. You just have to focus on one shot at a time.”
Langer was already in his element on the first lap on Friday. For the seventh time he needed fewer strokes than his age on the senior tour with a 64 round, on Sunday he reached his age with a 65 round. “It’s all very gratifying,” said Langer. “There are only a few places where I can win. I find it difficult at others because of the distance. I don’t hit as far as these 50 or 52-year-olds.”
With the success, Langer also improved his own record as the oldest winner on the PGA Tour Champions. He secured the title in Naples at the age of 65 years, 5 months and 23 days. The veteran has been the superstar on the US senior tour for 15 years. In the over-50s category, he earned more than $34 million in prize money. He has won at least two tournaments on the US senior tour every year for the past decade. So he could soon become the sole record holder.