Langer reflects on remarkable journey ahead of final Masters appearance

AUGUSTA, Georgia: As Bernhard Langer prepares to tee off for his 41st and final Masters appearance this week, the 67-year-old German took time to reflect on a remarkable journey that began far from the manicured fairways of Augusta National Golf Club.

Speaking emotionally at a press conference on Monday, Langer recalled his humble beginnings in post-war Germany, where dreams of competing in the Masters were unimaginable. “We didn’t even have a television until I was about 12 years old. My dad couldn’t afford one,” Langer said, his voice cracking. “And even then, there were only three channels — I’m sure the Masters wasn’t on any of them.”

Langer first competed in the Masters in 1982, becoming the first German to do so. He went on to etch his name into the tournament’s storied history with victories in 1985 and 1993 — triumphs he describes as the most important of his illustrious career.

Now a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, Langer’s farewell appearance marks the end of an era — a fitting tribute to a player whose journey from obscurity to Augusta greatness continues to inspire.