Bernhard Langer tore his Achilles tendon while exercising and had surgery on Friday, putting the 66-year-old German out of golf during a year in which he had planned to play in the Masters Tournament one last time.
Langer last year broke Hale Irwin’s record for PGA Tour Champions victories when he won twice to reach 46 titles on the 50-and-older circuit.
Langer is a two-time Masters champion, the first title coming in 1985, and he was preparing for an emotional farewell to Augusta National in April.
Masters champions have a lifetime exemption for the event, and it’s possible Langer could return next year for one last Masters.
“Yesterday, during training exercises in Boca Raton, I tore my Achilles tendon. I will have surgery today to repair the injury, which will cause me to miss time playing competitive golf as I recover,” Langer said Friday in a statement through the PGA Tour.
“Throughout my career, faith and family have been my bedrocks, providing me strength and guiding me through difficult times.
“I will lean on both as I work towards a return to competition.”
It wasn’t clear how long Langer would be out, although typically, surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon means a patient won’t be able to walk for at least four months afterward.
Langer had a conference call Wednesday ahead of the Chubb Classic in Florida, where last year he won for the fifth time and tied Irwin’s record.
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Langer spoke of his planned last time of going to Augusta.
“It’s going to be very emotional, especially Augusta, because it’s been a big part of my life,” Langer said. “I love the tournament. I love the golf course. I love what they do for the game of golf.
“It’s going to be a tough farewell for me walking up the 18th the last time in competitive circumstances.”
Among Langer’s two victories last year was the U.S. Senior Open, which gives winners an exemption into the U.S. Open.
Langer also had planned to play in the U.S. Open in June.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
