MUNICH (AP) — Bernhard Langer has bid farewell to the European tour on home soil in Germany 50 years after the two-time Masters champion made his debut.
The 66-year-old Langer missed the cut at the BMW International Open in Munich on Friday but said he will cherish the “wonderful memories” he’s made.
“It’s hard to put into words. It’s kind of been a dream come true for me, growing up in a village of 800 people where nobody knew what golf was,” Langer said. “When I told my classmates I’m going to go play golf, they thought I was crazy. I was able to live that dream for 50 years.”
Langer made his European tour debut in 1974 and played more than 500 events, claiming 42 wins.
The German shot 1-over 73 in the second round to finish three below the cut line in his final appearance on the tour.
Early this year, Langer tore his Achilles tendon while exercising and then had surgery. He had planned to play the Masters one last time. It’s possible he could still return in 2025 for an Augusta farewell.
“I was able to travel the world, meet with kings and queens, and play golf with all sorts of people, whether they’re successful businessmen or just the average butcher or bricklayer or whatever,” Langer said Friday.
