This week marks the end of an era as the legendary Bernhard Langer takes his final bow on the DP World Tour.
At 66 years young, Langer will tee off for the 513th and last time in Europe at the BMW International Open, held at Golfclub München Eichenried—just a short 60-mile drive from his hometown of Anhausen.
Reflecting on a remarkable 50-year career, Langer’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary.
He became the sport’s first World Number One when the Official World Golf Ranking was launched in 1986, a year after he donned his first Green Jacket at the Masters Tournament.
His second Green Jacket came in 1993, further solidifying his place in golf history.
With 42 victories on the DP World Tour, Langer is the second most successful golfer in its history, only trailing the legendary Seve Ballesteros, who boasts 50 wins.
Beyond European borders, Langer has claimed three titles on the PGA TOUR and remains one of the elite five golfers to have won professional events on all six continents where golf is played.
In the realm of senior golf, Langer’s dominance is unparalleled. He holds a record 12 Senior Major Championships and has amassed over 50 titles in total, including a record-setting 46 victories on the PGA TOUR Champions.
His consistent excellence over the years has set a benchmark for the sport.
As Langer bids farewell to the DP World Tour, he’ll be cheered on by his home crowd and flanked by fellow German golfing greats Martin Kaymer and Marcel Siem. Siem, fresh off his sixth career title at the Italian Open, will add to the patriotic fervour of the event.
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.”
The BMW International Open also marks the climax of the European Swing on the Race to Dubai.
Thriston Lawrence from South Africa is back to defend his title, having won impressively last year.
Meanwhile, Italy’s Guido Migliozzi leads the European Swing Rankings, courtesy of his recent KLM Open victory.
A strong performance this week could secure his exemption into all Back 9 tournaments.
The tournament will also see the return of the Eagles for Education campaign, a long-term charity initiative by BMW.
For every eagle made during the tournament, the BMW Group will donate 1,000 euros to support education and future opportunities for all, underscoring their enduring commitment to social responsibility.
In the first two rounds, keep an eye on England’s Alex Fitzpatrick and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox, the latter making his first DP World Tour start since the Hero Dubai Desert Classic following a stint in the United States.
As Bernhard Langer steps onto the course for his final DP World Tour event, the golfing world watches in awe and gratitude.
His career, rich with accolades and milestones, is a testament to his skill, dedication, and the indelible mark he has left on the game of golf.
