German legend Bernhard Langer has set a new record for oldest player to make the cut at the Masters. At age 63 years, two months and 18 days on Friday, the two-time Masters champion (1985 and 1993) surpassed 1973 winner Tommy Aaron’s previous mark of 63 years, one month and 12 days set in the year 2000.
“When you think of all the legends who have played this tournament – guys like Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and on and on – and so for me to be the oldest golfer to have made the cut means a lot,” said Langer, who is a Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador.
Langer carded rounds of 68 and 73 for a 36-hole of three-under-par 141 to stay comfortably above the projected cut-line of even-par when play was suspended due to darkness on Friday, with 48 players yet to complete their second rounds.
“I saw Tommy Aaron at the Champions Dinner on Tuesday. I told him that his record of making the cut at 63 is an impressive achievement but I warned him that I was coming after it, and that I had a chance this week! He laughed and wished me luck, and here we are,” he quipped.
Winner of more than 110 titles worldwide in a glittering career, Langer noted that it not easy for the older players to score low at Augusta National. “It is not an easy golf course, especially in recent years as the golf course has become much longer, so it is hard for us 50 and 60-year-olds to make the cut. It is not surprising that Tommy’s record stood for so long.”
The super-fit Langer is still one of the dominant players on the PGA Tour Champions for players aged 50 and above, where he has won 42 times and topped the season-long points race on five occasions. However, he admitted that the weather delays at Augusta National did take a toll on his body.
“My first round was delayed so I did not tee off in on Thursday until around 3pm, so I have literally played 36 holes in a span of 24 hours – on a very wet and hilly golf course. I was pretty tired after my second round.”
Heading into the weekend, World No 1 Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Cameron Smith of Australia and Abraham Ancer of Mexico top the leaderboard on nine-under-par.
Mercedes-Benz is a global partner of The Masters. Learn more at www.mercedes-benz.com/en/sports/golf
