Golf - Langer legend can imagine "a few more years"
Germany's Golf Icon Bernhard Langer battles jet lag and sleep deficit before his home tournament in Munich. The 66-year-old could only travel to Germany late, as the final round of the US Senior Open in Rhode Island could only be completed on Monday (local time).
"I've only had four hours of sleep", Langer told Golfclub Munchen Eichenried. He wanted to "power through the whole day", then go to bed at 10:00 pm, but probably only be able to fall asleep around 3:00 or 4:00 am. "It's quite demanding", Langer said. He would "need a few days" to adapt.
Langer expects tears
Langer will play his last tournament on the DP World Tour in Munich. It is also the first time since 2012 that the Anhausen native has been at the event, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday. "It's something very special to be at home. I can imagine it will be emotional", Langer said, who will be playing in front of many friends and acquaintances. "I think a few tears will flow."
Langer grew up in Anhausen near Augsburg and worked as a golf instructor in Munich for three and a half years before becoming a tour professional. He is now on the US Seniors Tour. The DP World Tour, formerly the European Tour, is the European top league in professional golf.
Walking is causing problems - but not the swing
Langer does not think about retirement yet, who lives in Boca Raton, Florida. "I just want to be 100% healthy first", he assured. "I can imagine making a few more years."
Langer had to undergo surgery on February 2 for a tear in his left Achilles tendon. The injury prevented his 41st start at the Major Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. "The first months were very difficult", Langer said. He could only hobble at first due to overloading, and he had hip and back pain. Walking is still not easy for him. "But the swing is not a problem", he assured and demonstrated a slight hitch at the press conference. "I'm making good progress."
Langer's home tournament in Munich is part of the DP World Tour, the European top league in professional golf. Despite his late arrival due to completing the US Senior Open in Rhode Island, Langer is determined to power through and adapt to the jet lag. Langer expects the event to be emotional, as it will be his last tournament on the DP World Tour and he will be playing in front of many friends and acquaintances in his home state of Bavaria. Despite a recent injury to his left Achilles tendon, Langer is optimistic about his swing and making a few more years on the tour.
