A large part of Bernhard Langer's career ends
Bernhard Langer started one last time in Germany for his farewell at the BMW-Open in Eichenried with many emotions. For the 66-year-old, it's his first start in Eichenried since 2012. He shaped the BMW-Open for years but could never win the tournament.
Bernhard Langer gazed wistfully over the 18th green. Before the gates of Munich, a significant part of one of Germany's greatest athletes' impressive career comes to an end - and with plenty of emotions. "I can imagine that a few tears will flow," said the 66-year-old, touched.
The 35th BMW-Open from Thursday to Sunday in Eichenried is all about Golf-Icon Bernhard Langer. "Servus Bernhard" is the motto for his last appearance on the DP World Tour and in front of his German fans. It's "something very special to give my farewell in my homeland," he emphasized - not to mention sharing a flight with Marcel Siem and Martin Kaymer. He's "looking forward to it."
For the most successful German golfer, it's a retirement on loan. "I'm not retiring, I'm just saying goodbye to the European Tour," Langer clarified. It's still "a lot of fun. I can imagine still making a few more years and winning a few tournaments on the Senior Tour."
A win for the farewell is unrealistic
He was also present at the weekend for the US Senior Open in Rhode Island. Due to bad weather, the tournament was extended until Monday, so Langer arrived in Munich tired but still determined on Tuesday morning. Regardless, he would adapt.
For Langer, it's his first start in Eichenried since 2012. He shaped the tournament for years but could never win. The only German success was Kaymer's in 2008. A win now for the farewell is unrealistic for Langer. He hopes, "I just hope I make the cut." On the "regular tour, I won't win anything anymore because my shots are getting shorter, the places longer," he joked.
In earlier years, his repertoire was often enough for the biggest triumphs, especially his two Masters wins in 1985 and 1993 stand out. However, "there's not a beautiful memory. There are many wonderful memories with 125 wins," Langer said, looking back on his extraordinary career.
"Football is above all in Germany"
The number one ranked player in 1986 won the Ryder Cup six times, captaining the team in 2004. That was "a sensation, you can't even dream about it," he recounted on Tuesday. In addition, he has 42 wins from 451 starts on the DP World Tour and 46 victories on the PGA Seniors Tour.
Currently, he's still recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture he suffered in February. He had to cancel his planned farewell at the Masters in Augusta due to the injury, but he plans to play one last time at the Magnolia Lane in 2025.
As for whether he felt adequately recognized in Germany for all his successes, Langer noted, "It's been years since people wondered why it wasn't reported anymore. You had to do something really special." Football is above all in Germany.
After a tiring journey from the US Senior Open, Langer is determined to perform well at the BMW-Open in Munich, where golf is just one of Germany's cherished sports, as Bernhard acknowledged, "Football is above all in Germany." Despite not expecting a victory at Eichenried, as he jokingly stated, "On the 'regular tour, I won't win anything anymore because my shots are getting shorter, the places longer," his love for the sport remains unwavering. Before the tournament, Bernhard Langer was excited to participate in the renowned Golf-Icon event in Munich, playing alongside fellow German golfers Marcel Siem and Martin Kaymer.
