Or Bernhard Langer, the legendary 67-year-old golfer, preparing for what is likely his last Masters Tournament. This will be his incredible 41st appearance in this special race. Langer slipped into the green jacket twice, first in 1985 and again in 1993. Along the way, he amassed a stunning career legacy in golf, with a record 47 lifetime victories on the Champions Tour. After deciding that 2022 would be his last year on the tour, he strategically planned last season accordingly. Yet an Achilles injury suffered recreating on the pickleball court in Feb. 2024 kept him out of the Masters.
Following extensive rehabilitation from his injury, Langer is ready to be back in action. Make no mistake — even McIlroy will tell you that the odds are stacked against him, given the notoriously difficult repeat DNA of Augusta National Golf Club. He has lamented that walking 18 holes during a PGA Tour practice round proved too much. The 7,510-yard course now offers a different sort of test from years past. In comparison, Langer said he is forced to hit a 3-wood into par-4 greens when younger challengers are using 7-iron or 8-iron approach shots.
“The course is just getting too long and I’m getting shorter and shorter,” Langer said, highlighting the physical changes that come with age. Through it all, mentally he hasn’t lost a step in his quest to be the best. “Usually I’m pretty good at compartmentalizing, so when I’m inside the ropes, my mind switches to being a competitor, play golf and take care of the task in front of me,” he explained.
Getting back to Augusta has Langer in his feels. He is counting on the support of family and friends during the competition. “I might get a bit emotional looking around and the spectators, seeing my family, my kids, my grandkids, my brother and other friends that are going to be supporting me this week,” he shared.
The golfer’s wit and good humor is on display as he recalls being a rookie on tour. He playfully remarked about his iconic all-red outfit worn during his first victory: “I was the one wearing a red shirt first. You came later,” referring to Tiger Woods’s well-known association with the color.
As Langer prepares for his final chapter at the Masters, he reflects on the journey that has shaped his illustrious career. His will to play and compete proves his passion for the game. It spotlights his defiant nature as he faces the challenges of aging in a physical sport that requires such an edge.
Leave a Reply