Bernhard Langer, a golf legend with an illustrious career, will make his final appearance on the European Tour at the BMW International Open in Munich starting Thursday (3 July). This marks the end of an era in European golf as Langer, a player who has left an indelible mark on the sport, bids farewell to the tour.
Langer’s career, spanning five decades, includes 42 titles on the DP World Tour, making him Germany’s most successful player and second only to Severiano Ballesteros in titles won. He was also the first golfer to be ranked world number one, a testament to his exceptional skill and determination.
At 66, Langer continues to compete on the PGA TOUR Champions, where he holds a record 46 career titles. His final appearance on the European Tour at Golfclub München Eichenried marks his 513th tournament. Reflecting on this milestone, Langer shared his mixed emotions with the DP World Tour. “I don’t know yet how I will react,” he admitted. “I’ve never said goodbye to anything so far in terms of golf. This is going to be a first experience and I have a feeling it’s going to be very emotional.”
Bernhard Langer and his time in Portugal and Spain
Despite never securing a victory in Portugal, Langer’s success in Spain is noteworthy. He claimed the Spanish Open in 1984 and 1989, the Volvo Masters in Andalusia in 1994 and 2002, and the Madrid Open in 1990. These victories solidified his status as a global golf icon and endeared him to Spanish golf fans.
Earlier plans for his farewell at the Masters Tournament in April were delayed due to an Achilles tendon injury sustained while playing pickleball. Remarkably, Langer returned to competitive play less than three months post-surgery, continuing to excel on the PGA TOUR Champions.
Langer’s return to the BMW International Open, where he last played in 2012 and finished second five times, brings both excitement and challenge. The course, now longer than in past years, poses a significant test for him. “I’m getting shorter, and the course is getting longer and that’s not a good combination,” he noted. His return to this prestigious event after a long hiatus is a moment of anticipation and excitement for all golf fans.
Playing in front of a home crowd holds special significance for Langer, as the venue is near where he began his golfing journey. “I grew up about 45 minutes from here,” he explained in dialogue with DP World Tour. “I have a lot of friends, some relatives, and people who have supported me for many years in the game of golf. It’s the only one I haven’t won yet in Germany. So it was always tricky, but I’m glad to be back.”
Joining Langer are fellow German golfers Marcel Siem and Martin Kaymer, adding to the sense of a fitting and emotional farewell for one of golf’s greatest players.
The team at Tee Times Golf Agency would like to salute Bernhard Langer for his exceptional career on the European Tour. His dedication, skill, and, above all, his unwavering sportsmanship have inspired golfers worldwide and helped shape the game’s spirit.
Photo by: Revista Fairway.
