Bernhard Langer, barring a miracle, gained’t win the Masters Event this yr, which will get underway on Thursday.
Langer, 67, who was born in Germany and now lives in the US, hasn’t made the minimize at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership since 2020.
However he’ll obtain his share of consideration as he performs for the final time on the course that has meant a lot to him. Langer, who made his first look in 1982, gained the event in 1985 and 1993. He deliberate to say farewell final yr however couldn’t take part after tearing his Achilles’ tendon taking part in pickleball.
Langer, who has gained a document 47 tournaments on PGA Tour Champions, spoke not too long ago about his affection for the Masters. The next dialog has been edited and condensed.
Are you taking part in any pickleball today?
No. I haven’t performed since my damage, and I used to be advised to not however possibly after I’m retired I’ll strive it once more. I don’t know but. I’ll see how my leg feels.
What can be a profitable week on your final time at Augusta?
From knowledgeable standpoint, if I might make the minimize, that might be unbelievable, nevertheless it’s impossible. I’ve gotten shorter [with his drives off the tee], and the damage didn’t assist. This golf course, it’s meant to be hit with quick to medium irons into the greens, and I’m coming in with 3-irons and 3-woods [clubs that hit the ball much farther]. It’s extraordinarily tough to hit these small targets, and I can’t do this with lengthy golf equipment.
What did you are feeling the primary time you confirmed up in 1982?
I’d by no means seen something prefer it. It was so pristine, like a cathedral. You couldn’t discover a blade of grass that was out of order. The greens had been very undulating and very quick. This place was actually distinctive, and it caught my consideration instantly. Despite the fact that I didn’t carry out effectively the primary time I performed, I fell in love with the place and couldn’t wait to get again.
Are you disillusioned that you simply gained solely two majors?
I’m disillusioned that I by no means gained the British Open, completely. I really feel I ought to have gained the Open Championship as soon as, if not a number of occasions.
The placing was the difficulty, wasn’t it?
Principally the placing, yeah. That’s what held me again on a lot of events. You solely have 4 majors a yr, and in the event you don’t putt effectively that week, you’re performed.
Which Masters victory means extra to you, 1985 or 1993?
I used to be requested that query on the very minute after I was confirmed the winner in ’93. I stated then and I nonetheless consider the identical: The primary one was necessary as a result of I used to be now a significant winner; you’re in a unique class as a participant and to the general public. However the ’93 one was personally and emotionally much more necessary to me as a result of I gained it on Easter Sunday.
Did you ask the event chairman a number of years in the past about when to cease?
I heard rumors: Is there an expiration date? No person actually knew. So I requested [the chairman], is there a time when gamers are presupposed to retire or how is that dealt with? He appeared me straight within the eye and he stated, “Bernhard, you play so long as you need. It’s completely as much as you.”
How for much longer will you play aggressive golf?
So long as I’m wholesome and revel in it and have success, and I’ve been saying these three issues for a very long time. If you happen to’re not wholesome, you possibly can’t play the best way you wish to play. Let’s say I end each week in fiftieth place or one thing. I don’t suppose that’s going to be pleasing for me. I’m used to being in rivalry or profitable.
What do you suppose you’ll treasure essentially the most about taking part in Augusta Nationwide?
One is hanging out with my colleagues. To be in the identical room and have conversations with a few of the greatest on the earth is absolutely particular. This event has developed a lot greater than some other event. It’s unimaginable what they’ve performed. They’re constantly striving to make this higher and higher.