Bernhard Langer, barring a miracle, won’t win the Masters Tournament this year, which gets underway on Thursday.
Langer, 67, who was born in Germany and now lives in the United States, hasn’t made the cut at Augusta National Golf Club since 2020.
But he’ll receive his share of attention as he plays for the last time on the course that has meant so much to him. Langer, who made his first appearance in 1982, won the tournament in 1985 and 1993. He planned to say farewell last year but couldn’t participate after tearing his Achilles’ tendon playing pickleball.
Langer, who has won a record 47 tournaments on PGA Tour Champions, spoke recently about his affection for the Masters. The following conversation has been edited and condensed.
Are you playing any pickleball these days?
No. I haven’t played since my injury, and I was told not to but maybe when I’m retired I’ll try it again. I don’t know yet. I’ll see how my leg feels.
What would be a successful week for your last time at Augusta?
From a professional standpoint, if I could make the cut, that would be unbelievable, but it’s very unlikely. I’ve gotten shorter [with his drives off the tee], and the injury didn’t help. This golf course, it’s meant to be hit with short 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 extremely difficult to hit these small targets, and I can’t do that with long clubs.
What did you feel the first time you showed up in 1982?
I’d never seen anything like it. It was so pristine, like a cathedral. You couldn’t find a blade of grass that was out of order. The greens were very undulating and extremely fast. This place was really unique, and it caught my attention immediately. Even though I didn’t perform well the first time I played, I fell in love with the place and couldn’t wait to get back.
Are you disappointed that you won only two majors?
I’m disappointed that I never won the British Open, absolutely. I feel I should have won the Open Championship once, if not multiple times.
The putting was the issue, wasn’t it?
Mostly the putting, yeah. That’s what held me back on a number of occasions. You only have four majors a year, and if you don’t putt well that week, you’re done.
Which Masters victory means more to you, 1985 or 1993?
I was asked that question at the very minute when I was confirmed the winner in ’93. I said then and I still believe the same: The first one was important because I was now a major winner; you’re in a different category as a player and to the public. But the ’93 one was personally and emotionally even more important to me because I won it on Easter Sunday.
Did you ask the tournament chairman a few years ago about when to stop?
I heard rumors: Is there an expiration date? Nobody really knew. So I asked [the chairman], is there a time when players are supposed to retire or how is that handled? He looked me straight in the eye and he said, “Bernhard, you play as long as you want. It’s totally up to you.”
How much longer will you play competitive golf?
As long as I’m healthy and enjoy it and have success, and I’ve been saying those three things for a long time. If you’re not healthy, you can’t play the way you want to play. Let’s say I finish every week in 50th place or something. I don’t think that’s going to be enjoyable for me. I’m used to being in contention or winning.
What do you think you will treasure the most about playing Augusta National?
One is hanging out with my colleagues. To be in the same room and have conversations with some of the best in the world is really special. This tournament has evolved so much more than any other tournament. It’s incredible what they have done. They’re continuously striving to make this better and better.