Golf tournament near Munich - Langer's emotional farewell: "Dream come true"
Bernhard Langer, Germany's golf legend, fought back tears shortly after his last put at his final tournament participation in Munich. "It's hard to put into words. For me, it's become a reality", said the deeply moved Langer after an early exit at the BMW International Open on the DP World Tour.
"I've been able to live this dream for 50, now 51 years. I have so many wonderful memories", he continued, choking back tears. He had traveled the world and met queens and kings.
The permanently applauded 66-year-old missed the cut at the BMW International Open - there was still plenty of applause at hole 18. With that, Bernhard Langer's last tournament on the DP World Tour was prematurely over. But his career continues.
"Peaks and Valleys"
"I've had many peaks and valleys in my career. But I've had many wonderful moments", said Langer shortly after his last competition on this tour. Martin Kaymer (Mettmann) and Marcel Siem (Ratingen) finished better than him, two of the many German stars.
He hoped that "they step in my footsteps and take up the challenge and develop golf hopefully further", said Langer.
Goosebumps Atmosphere
After shooting a 71 in the first round, one under par, Langer started well in the second round. But then he had two bogeys in a row, leaving him two strokes over par. The two-time Major winner fought with great concentration, but ultimately without the hoped-for success. When the ball landed in the water just before the grand farewell party at Goosebumps Atmosphere, he greeted it with a smile.
Five Months After Surgery
Langer, Masters winner in 1985 and 1993, had to undergo surgery on his left Achilles tendon in February. The injury prevented his 41st start at the Major tournament in Augusta, Georgia. He reportedly made good progress, but still had problems with walking. His handicap was also noticeable at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried at least temporarily.
Langer the Star: "Epic Atmosphere"
For Langer, it was the first time since 2012 that he was back at the event, which ran until Sunday. He had once worked as a golf instructor in Munich for three and a half years. He was the star of the tournament and delighted in the "epic atmosphere".
- Despite his early exit at the BMW Open in Munich, which is part of the DP World Tour, Langer expressed gratitude for his 51-year career, showcasing his participation at the prestigious DP World Tour event in Germany.
- During his last tournament appearance at the BMW Open in Munich, Langer faced challenges but maintained a positive attitude, reminiscing about the "peaks and valleys" he experienced throughout his impressive career.
- Despite missing the cut at the BMW Open, Langer displayed remarkable sportsmanship, even managing a smile when his ball landed in the water near the Goosebumps Atmosphere, indicating his strong connection with the game of golf and its fans.
- As Langer continued his career beyond the DP World Tour, he expressed his hope that German golfers like Martin Kaymer and Marcel Siem would follow in his footsteps, united by their shared love for the sport in the rich golfing tradition of Bavaria, where he had once taught golf in Munich.
