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Bernhard Langer Opens Up Ahead of His Final Masters at Augusta
Augusta, Georgia – Two-time Masters winner Bernhard Langer is preparing to walk Augusta National’s fairways for the final time this week, and he’s not holding back when it comes to the emotions he's feeling.
For many young golfers, playing at the Masters is the ultimate dream. But when Langer picked up a club in his small village of Anhausen, Germany, back in the 1960s, he had no idea such a tournament even existed.
“We didn’t have a TV until I was 12, and even then, there were only three channels,” Langer told reporters this week. “The Masters definitely wasn’t on one of them.”
He believes he first learned about Augusta from a golf magazine at the club where he worked as a caddie. Teaching himself how to play, Langer never imagined that one day he’d become a Masters champion — let alone twice.
Now 67, Langer is preparing for what he says will be his last appearance at the iconic event. The weight of the moment isn’t lost on him.
“It’s very emotional,” he admitted. “Even now, my voice is cracking a little just thinking about it.”
A Remarkable Journey Through Golf’s Ups and Downs
Langer made history by winning his first Masters in 1985, only his third time competing. He added a second green jacket in 1993, and has gone on to win 12 senior majors — making him one of golf’s most decorated senior players.
But his journey wasn’t without struggles.
He endured the “yips” — uncontrollable muscle spasms — multiple times in his career. At one point in 1989, after hitting nearly every green in regulation but missing putts, he felt completely lost.
“I remember going back to my hotel and praying, asking God if I should quit,” he said. A friend told him to hang in there — that he wasn’t done yet. Langer did just that and returned to win again.
Golf, he says, has a way of humbling even the best.
“I once hit a perfect shot, but it hit a twig and bounced way off course. I ended up making a seven,” he said, laughing. “That’s golf — you control what you can.”
More Than Just a Serious Face
Though known for his calm and serious demeanor, Langer’s legacy includes lighter moments, too.
He helped change the tone of the Champions Dinner at Augusta. When he hosted after his 1985 win, he brought a touch of Germany to the table — serving wiener schnitzel and Black Forest cake. It opened the door for other champions to showcase their cultures, like Sandy Lyle, who wore a kilt and served haggis in 1988.
Langer even jokes that he wore a red shirt before Tiger Woods made it iconic.
“I always tease Tiger — I wore red first!”
Saying Goodbye to Augusta
In recent years, the course at Augusta has grown longer — over 7,500 yards — and Langer admits that keeping up is now too tough.
After missing last year’s tournament due to a torn Achilles suffered while playing pickleball, this return feels even more special. But he knows the biggest challenge this week won’t be the course — it’ll be holding back tears.
“I’ve watched others say goodbye here, like Larry Mize,” he said. “He couldn’t get through his speech. But I told him, that just shows how much this place means.”
With his family and grandchildren walking the course with him, Langer knows emotions will hit hardest at Amen Corner, especially on the 13th hole — where he made eagles in both his Masters wins.
“Hopefully I can keep it together until the 18th,” he said with a smile, “but there’s no promise I won’t cry.”
And if he does? He’s at peace with that.
“I’ve always been emotional — just quiet about it. I’m not ashamed. My dad was the same way. There are many moments in life worth crying over, and this is one of them.”
