Can Bernhard Langer Play at 2024 Masters? All About Surgery for His Torn Achilles Tendon Explored

It has been a day since Bernhard Langer went through his Achilles tendon repair surgery. The veteran released a statement via the PGA Tour that he would be undergoing surgery on February 2 and would be missing the PGA Tour Champions events scheduled for February.

The 66-year-old would recover off the course and attempt to make his soaring comeback soon. But with only thirty-three days left for the 2024 Masters, will Langer recover enough to compete? The illustrious golfer declared that he would retire after competing in this year’s green jacket competition! Will he be able to have his last say at the 2024 Augusta National Showdown?

The recovery period for Bernhard Langer’s Achilles tendon surgery

The PGA Tour Champions posted on X, notifying the golf world that Bernhard Langer has injured his Achilles tendon. The 42-time DP World Tour winner said that it happened during a “training exercise at Boca Raton.” And without letting it aggravate, the Tour veteran opted for a quick repair surgery.

Achilles tendon surgery can be surgical or nonsurgical; the former heals faster than the latter. The average cost of the surgery in his residential state, Florida, can be between $14,000 and around $16,000 (comparatively, the nonsurgical method is cost-effective).

In the nonsurgical method, the foot has a cast around it, and it can take up to 6–8 weeks of no mobilization or weight bearing to recover, as per Cal Sports Ortho. Even after that, the walking boot will be removed in only 3–4 months. Whereas, the surgical procedure is comparatively quicker.

The doctor will make a small (3–4″) incision on the back of the foot, and a small suture will be given. After the surgery, the patient is not allowed to have any weight-bearing movements that will put pressure on the tendon. The foot will be recovered within 5-7 weeks. The patient will then be fitted with a removable cast for the next few weeks.

What is the after-care of Bernhard Langer’s Achilles tendon surgery?

Both surgeries are to be followed with physiotherapy and weight-bearing training. However, playing high-impact activities like walking on uneven terrain, jogging, and playing any sports is not recommended after the procedures. The patients are instructed to do small exercises at home for better healing without putting on high pressure.

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The normal daily work should be continued only after 4-6 months have passed since the Achilles tendon surgery. If the Achilles tendon is not allowed to repair as directed, it may rupture again. After undertaking all the scenarios and procedures, the question remains: will Langer play in the 2024 Masters?

As said, there are nearly thirty more days until the 2024 Masters. So, regardless of the procedure done, the 2-time Masters winner may not be able to fully recover until the first major of the 2024 season. To answer the question, will Langer bid a great adieu to his Masters journey? Unfortunately, Langer will not be able to play his last Masters.

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