Bernhard Langer is gearing up for his 513th and final DP World Tour event at the BMW International Open in Germany.
Born near Augsburg, just 60 miles from Golfclub Munich Eichenried, Langer has over 120 professional wins, making him one of Europe’s most successful golfers ever.
At 66 years old, he’s a two-time Masters champion and was the first-ever World No.1 when the Official World Golf Ranking started in 1986.
One of only five players to win on all six continents where golf is played, Langer boasts three PGA Tour titles and 42 European Tour victories. This puts him second on the DP World Tour’s all-time list behind Seve Ballesteros (50).
Achievements and Records:
After moving mainly to senior golf circuits, Langer became the most successful player there too. He won a record 12 senior Major championships and over 50 titles in total, including a record 46 victories on PGA Tour Champions.
“But, by God, does he know how to play golf!” @padraig_h @BernhardLanger6 pic.twitter.com/AadWJktraS
"But, by God, does he know how to play golf!"@padraig_h 🤝 @BernhardLanger6
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour)
Although not fully retiring this week after Achilles surgery from a pickleball accident earlier this year , he’s closing a significant chapter of playing on European and DP World Tours for nearly half a century.
Discussing his upcoming appearance with Marcel Siem and Martin Kaymer before starting play, Langer admitted it would be an emotional few days ahead.
Fans might think it’s bittersweet news seeing such an icon step back from regular competition.
He said: “It means so much to play in front of my home crowd. I hope I can make the cut despite hearing that the course is longer now – which isn’t great since I’m getting shorter.”
“I grew up about 45 minutes away and worked as an Assistant pro just half an hour from here at Munich Country Club. Many friends and relatives who have supported me through my career will be watching.”
“I’ve never really said goodbye to anything related to golf before; this will be my first time doing so emotionally.”
Marcel Siem holds the Italian Open trophy
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Langer’s partner for the first two days is fellow German Marcel Siem. Fresh off winning his sixth DP World Tour prize in Italy last week , Siem aims to join Langer as a Ryder Cup winner next year at Bethpage Black.
Siem shared that Langer has always been his role model due to his remarkable achievements: “What Bernhard achieved is special; it’s tough but not impossible to match it.”
“He’s an outstanding human being with unique techniques,” Siem added. “His work ethic inspires us all.”
So what do you think? Is it time for new legends or will we miss seeing Bernhard compete regularly?
