German legend Bernhard Langer set for DP World Tour farewell in Munich

Bernhard Langer - TheGolfingHub
Bernhard Langer is the second most successful golfer in DP World Tour history, winning 42 times on what was then the European Tour, only trailing Seve Ballesteros who tops the list with 50. The German has also won three times on the PGA TOUR and is one of only five players to have won professional events on all six continents where golf is played. Photo: Getty Images

Bernhard Langer will this week bring down the curtain on a glittering DP World Tour career when he tees it up at the BMW International Open in Munich.

Related: Comeback man Marcel Siem has his sixth DP World Tour in Italy

The 66-year-old will make his 513th and final DP World Tour start in Europe at Golfclub München Eichenried, just 60 miles from his hometown of Anhausen, as he closes the chapter on a 50-year career.

Langer was the sport’s first World Number One when the Official World Golf Ranking was introduced in 1986, the year after he won his first of two Green Jackets at the Masters Tournament.

 

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He is the second most successful golfer in DP World Tour history, winning 42 times on what was then the European Tour, only trailing Seve Ballesteros who tops the list with 50. The German has also won three times on the PGA TOUR and is one of only five players to have won professional events on all six continents where golf is played.

 

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The two-time European Number One is also the most successful golfer in over-50s golf history, winning a record 12 Senior Major Championships and over 50 titles in total, including a record 46 victories on PGA TOUR Champions.

He will compete in his final DP World Tour event in front of his home fans and alongside two of his good friends and fellow German golfing greats Martin Kaymer and Marcel Siem, who last week won his sixth title at the Italian Open presented by Regione Emilia Romagna.

 

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The BMW International Open is the final event of the European Swing on the Race to Dubai, with South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence returning to defend the title he won in impressive fashion last year.

Italy’s Guido Migliozzi currently leads the European Swing Rankings following his KLM Open victory a fortnight ago and would be exempt into all Back 9 tournaments if he remains at the summit following this week’s event.

The Italian will be joined for the first two rounds by England’s Alex Fitzpatrick and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox, who makes his first DP World Tour start since the Hero Dubai Desert Classic following a stint in the United States on the PGA TOUR.

Player quotes

Bernhard Langer: “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.

“It means a great deal, just to play in front of the home crowd. And hopefully I can make the cut, but I hear the golf course is a lot longer than it used to be, and that’s a challenge for me.

“I’m getting shorter, and the course is getting longer and that’s not a good combination.

“I grew up about 45 minutes from here. I worked as an Assistant professional 30 minutes from here at Munich Country Club.

“I have a lot of friends, some relatives and just people that have been with me, supported me for many, many years in the game of golf, and obviously I’ve played this tournament many times.”

Ryan Fox: “I still say I’m a little bit jet lagged, but getting over it, but it’s certainly nice to be back in Europe.

“It’s, you know, been a little tricky, a little tough at times in America and it’s good to see a bunch of old friends and everyone involved with the Tour out here. It feels like it’s been a bit social the last couple of days, just chatting, everyone walking around the range which is cool.

“It’s just good to be back. You know, enjoy it over here. I’ve got a lot of really good friends out on Tour and it’s good to see them and hopefully get to have a few dinners with them and catch up. And generally when I’m happy off the golf course, it translates to playing well on the golf course. And I certainly hope that’s the case this weekend and for the next few weeks.

“I think overall the guys coming from the DP World Tour have done pretty well. Obviously Bobby and Matt winning have been the highlights and I mean, Matt’s had an absolutely fantastic year so far and you know a few of us are starting to do alright.”

Marcel Siem: “Life changes all the time. I’ve never been so boosted up before going into my home tournament, so I need to find the right balance to recover and get the full power back.

“It’s great to come here after a win. I kind of thought I had lost it already, but I never gave up.

“What Bernhard achieved is special. It’s going to be very tough to achieve what he did.

“You should never say never. I think he’s a superb human being, a role model for all of us.His behaviour is just outstanding. His technique is very unique as well. That’s what I love about him. His work ethic too.”

Thriston Lawrence: “Just standing where I am right now, seeing the 18th green. Obviously, I would have loved to finish on the 18th green, but unfortunately I had to wait in the club house. But, it’s awesome to be back, it’s nice to know you’re at a golf course where you have done well and obviously won.

“I wouldn’t say I am in the best of form. I took three weeks off after the European Open in Germany. Awesome to be back and I am going to really do my best to defend this week.”