Bernhard Langer walks away from final Masters with no regrets
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Bernhard Langer reacts as he leaves the 18th hole during the second round of the 2025 Masters Tournament on April 11.
PHOTO: AFP
AUGUSTA, Georgia - Two-time champion Bernhard Langer admitted that his stellar form this week did make him consider if he made the right decision to end his Masters career, but walked away on April 11 comfortable with his choice after missing the cut.
The 67-year-old German, making his 41st and final Masters start, reached the par-four 18th needing nothing worse than a par to play the weekend, but was unable to get up-and-down after his approach shot missed the green.
Langer's par attempt at the final hole just missed the edge of the cup, a costly bogey that ultimately left him one agonising shot outside the cut as he carded a one-over 73 for a three-over 147 total.
"There were times last couple days when I thought, you know, did you make the right decision here, or should you have waited another year or two with your last Masters? Because I was, you know, playing quite well and very smart," said Langer, whose youngest son was his caddie this week.
"But I think looking back, it is still the right decision... it's just the golf course is too long for me."
After tapping in for a closing bogey, a smiling Langer removed his visor before sharing an embrace with his many family members in attendance while soaking in the last of the many standing ovations he received this week.
Langer, who made his Masters debut in 1982 as Germany's first participant in the tournament, had wanted to play his final Masters in 2024, but that plan was dashed after he suffered a torn Achilles tendon.
He won his first Green Jacket in 1985 when he rallied from a four-stroke deficit in the final round and birdied four of the last seven holes to beat Curtis Strange, Seve Ballesteros and Raymond Floyd by two shots.
He triumphed at Augusta National eight years later when he made a decisive eagle on the 13th and cruised to a four-stroke victory over Chip Beck.
Meanwhile, 1992 champion Fred Couples, who was making his 40th Masters start, said he has at least one more campaign in him.
The American, who bogeyed three of his final five holes to finish on five-over 77 for a four-over total, was disappointed with his result, but is already eyeing a return in 2026, when he’ll be 66. REUTERS, AFP
