Bernhard Langer Reveals Actual Cause Of Injury That Will See Him Miss Out On Masters Swan Song
The two-time Masters champion was ruled out of a final appearance at Augusta after tearing his Achilles earlier this year - but how he sustained the injury had been a secret until now...
![Bernhard Langer at the 18th green during the final round of the PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2FJmCU2HEWegkusJhpHpsi-415-80.jpg)
In January, two-time Masters winner Bernhard Langer put out a statement to say that he would be unable to play in his planned Augusta swan song this year after rupturing his Achilles tendon during "training exercises."
It was disappointing news for many people - not least the 66-year-old German - who would have loved to see the most successful member on the PGA Tour Champions tee it up at Augusta National one final time.
His announcement at the time also stated that he would have surgery and therefore miss time playing competitive golf. What it didn't exactly say, however, is what has only recently come to pass as the real reason for said medical intervention.
Speaking to the Musings on Golf podcast earlier this week and first picked up by the Associated Press, the 1985 and 1993 Masters champion shared how he actually sustained the injury.
He said: “I play all sorts of sports to stay fit, and this was part of my fitness regime. I was playing pickleball and somebody was trying to lob me. I did a few steps backward and hit an overhead, and as I landed on the ground with my feet I heard this huge ‘pop,’ very loud, like a gun shot. I knew right away it was a torn Achilles.”
Weeks after successful surgery, Langer shared that he would have the consolation of attending the Champions dinner, where he might be able to share his story alongside a couple of other red-faced stars.
Ben Crenshaw hands Bernhard Langer the Green Jacket after his 1985 Masters title
Dustin Johnson famously missed the 2017 Masters after slipping down the stairs of his rental home in Georgia.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
At the time, Johnson said: "It sucks. I want to play. I'm playing the best golf of my life and to have a freak accident happen yesterday afternoon, it sucks really bad."
Fortunately for the now LIV golfer, he would ease into the custom-fitted green jacket three years later anyway after an imperious display, helped by his free-flowing healthy back.
Other huge names to have suffered untimely injuries in the build up to one of the biggest events include Tony Finau (dislocated ankle during the Masters par-3 contest), Ben Hogan (car crash after Phoenix Open), and Tiger Woods (pair of stress fractures in his left tibia prior to winning 2008 US Open).
Shifting focus back to Langer, the 66-year-old plans to return to playing golf in May. He might leave pickleball for a while, though.
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
How To Watch The Olympic Golf Events At Paris 2024
Find out how to watch a star-studded men's and women's Olympic Golf event at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in both the USA and UK
By Paul Higham Published
-
Slow Down To Speed Up: 4 Ways To Quickly Improve Your Golf Game
Here are four handy tips if you are constantly asking yourself, 'When is it all going to come together?'
By Lauren Katims Published
-
This Much-Loved Masters Feature Just Made Its Full LIV Golf Debut
The 'Any Shot, Any Time' feature officially launched on the LIV Golf app in Andalucia as Sergio Garcia claimed victory at Valderrama
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Are Masters Champions Exempt For Life?
Winning the Masters comes with a lifetime exemption to future tournaments
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
The Amateur Playing In His Seventh Major And Third Masters This Week
Career amateur Stewart Hagestad has made it back to Augusta National after another US Mid-Am victory
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Scheffler The New Tiger? Time For Woods To Say Goodbye? 10 Takeaways From The 2024 Masters
We highlight ten of the key stories to come from the 88th edition of the Masters
By Michael Weston Published
-
Tommy Fleetwood Banks Huge Sum For Local Augusta Caddie After Englishman's Best Masters Result
Gray Moore is a former Augusta National caddie master who was helping Fleetwood out after his regular caddie Ian Finnis was forced to stay home
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Eight Masters Contenders In The Field For This Week's $20 Million RBC Heritage
There's no respite for the world's elite as, following the Masters, the PGA Tour circuit moves to Harbour Town and the RBC Heritage
By Matt Cradock Published
-
How Social Media Reacted To Scottie Scheffler's Second Masters Victory
Social media was awash with fans, legends, and brands congratulating Scheffler over his second Masters win in three years
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Masters Runner-Up Ludvig Aberg Has Major Ambitions (And World No.1 Goal)
The Swede sensation is targeting Major glory after pushing World No.1 Scottie Scheffler all the way at Augusta
By Michael Weston Published