Bernhard Langer's emotional farewell to the US Masters

A circle closes for Bernhard Langer at the Masters Tournament 2025. Exactly 40 years after his first triumphant victory in Augusta, the German golf icon will compete for the last time as an active player at this prestigious major. He describes his emotional state as "bitter sweet" - a mixture of anticipation and the knowledge that the time has come to say goodbye. "The course has become very, very long, I'm getting a bit shorter at this age and I simply no longer have a chance of winning," Langer explains his decision openly.

Despite the melancholy, Langer wants to enjoy the week to the full, not only on the course, but also with his family, who have traveled to Augusta in large numbers. His sporting goal is modest but ambitious: "My big goal is to make the cut, but the chances are very, very slim." If he succeeds in doing so, he would take back the record from his friend Fred Couples as the oldest player ever to make the cut at the Masters - an incentive for which he would have to "play almost perfectly".

Huge joy at invitation to the US Masters

Looking back, Langer remembers the hurdles of his early career, when it was extremely difficult for Europeans to qualify. The joy of receiving his first invitation in 1982 after winning the Order of Merit in 1981 was huge: "It was something I looked forward to for weeks and months." His first victory in 1985 catapulted him into a new realm - "You're a major winner now", but the second triumph in 1993 was perhaps even more meaningful for him personally, as he proved he was not a one-day winner and won as a devout Christian on Easter Sunday. These successes contributed significantly to making golf more popular in Germany.

One constant in his career is his partnership with Mercedes-Benz, which has lasted almost as long as his Masters appearances. "Mercedes-Benz builds the best cars in the world. I was one of the best players in the world, 'both made in Germany'," says Langer, describing the synergy. As a special honor for his farewell, the brand surprised him with a custom-made S-Class in Masters green. "It was a great surprise... Very detailed, typical Mercedes-Benz, simply perfect," enthuses Langer. He will proudly drive this unique car during the tournament week. "It means an incredible amount to me... The fact that Mercedes-Benz is accompanying me here and honoring me with this special vehicle makes this moment even more unforgettable," he adds, as quoted in the official press release.

Bernhard Langer predicts the US Masters winner 2025

Looking at the competition, Langer sees many potential winners, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm. He particularly singles out his young brand ambassador colleague Ludvig Åberg: "Ludvig is an exceptional player" and believes he can win the Green Jacket one day.

Even if this is his last appearance as a player, it will not be a final farewell to Augusta. "Yes, of course I will miss the competition and playing the course," admits Langer, but promises: "I certainly plan to come back to the US Masters for many years to come." The golfing world will miss Bernhard Langer on the Fairways of Augusta, but his legacy and his connection to the Masters will remain.