Bernhard Langer Plans Final Masters Appearance in 2025 After Injury

Golf icon Bernhard Langer has revealed that he now anticipates his final Masters appearance will be in 2025, after a torn Achilles injury in February thwarted his original plans to bid farewell to Augusta National this week.

The 66-year-old German golfing legend, a two-time Masters champion, sustained the injury while playing pickleball, forcing him to miss significant time and leading to a change in his retirement plans. Langer, who has graced the Masters stage 40 times, had previously announced that the 2024 edition would be his last, but the recent setback has prompted a revision of that decision.

“Most likely, but I haven’t announced it yet,” Langer told Reuters when asked if the 2025 Masters would be his final appearance at the prestigious event. “I hope so, but it all depends how the recovery is going.”

Despite the injury, Langer traveled to Augusta this week and participated in the Champions Dinner on Tuesday, hosted by defending champion Jon Rahm. The German golfing icon was seen signing autographs for the eager patrons near the first tee, and he expressed optimism about his recovery progress.

“Recovery is going great, I am two months after surgery and should be back in action in another two months or so,” Langer said.

Langer’s two Masters victories, in 1985 and 1993, are among the highlights of his illustrious career, which also includes 10 Ryder Cup team appearances and over 60 worldwide wins. His first green jacket triumph came in 1985 when he rallied from a four-stroke deficit in the final round, birdying four of the last seven holes to edge out Curtis Strange, Seve Ballesteros, and Raymond Floyd by two shots. He clinched his second Masters title eight years later, making a decisive eagle on the 13th hole and cruising to a four-stroke victory over Chip Beck.

As the 2023 Masters tee off this afternoon, a host of European stars will be looking to emulate Langer’s historic achievements at Augusta National.

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