Bernhard Langer Plays Final Masters as Emotions Run High

Augusta, Georgia — Two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer is set to compete in his final Masters tournament this week, marking the end of an illustrious career that began in the 1960s in a small German village.

At 67 years old, Langer reflected on his remarkable journey, which started far from the iconic Augusta National course. He recalled, “I don’t recall the exact day when I heard about the Masters tournament. We didn’t have television until I was about 12 years old, and my dad couldn’t afford one.”

His first encounter with the tournament came from a magazine he discovered while caddying. After years of teaching himself the game, Langer is now preparing for his 41st and final competitive appearance. “It’s very emotional,” he admitted, his voice breaking as he spoke on the eve of his last tournament.

In a distinguished career, Langer not only claimed the Masters title in 1985, but he also amassed 12 senior major titles, solidifying his status as one of golf’s most successful players. His resilience in overcoming personal and professional challenges has inspired many in the golfing community.

Throughout his career, Langer faced periods plagued by the “yips,” which severely affected his game. “Those were the hardest times in my golfing life,” he said, recalling a particularly devastating tournament in Detroit where he played well but missed the cut due to putting problems. “I vividly remember playing and hitting 17 greens in regulation one day and 16 the next day, and I was 11 over par,” he lamented.

Langer credits his faith and a close friend for encouraging him to persevere during those trying times. “He said, ‘I don’t think he’s done with you yet. He wants you to persevere.’ But I said, ‘Persevere? I’ve been persevering for years and it’s getting worse!’”

The golfer is also known for injecting unique flair into the tournament, as evidenced by the Champios’ Dinner he hosted in 1986. He broke with tradition by serving German cuisine, which inspired subsequent champions to infuse their cultural dishes into the event, beginning a trend of culinary creativity.

As he approaches this week’s Masters, Langer acknowledges that the emotional weight of his final appearance may overshadow the competition itself. He recalls watching fellow champions struggle emotionally during their farewell outings and feels ready to embrace whatever emotions arise during his final round.

Langer plans to share this significant moment with his family, including his brother, children, and grandchildren. “I know that I’ve always been emotional, just kept it inside me for most of the time,” he said. As he prepares for the tournament, he understands the depth of meaning this final event holds.

“Hopefully, I can control myself until the 18th,” Langer concluded. “But there are no guarantees.”