Bernhard Langer is proving that age isn’t just a number—it’s a statement. At 67, he is defying expectations, shooting his age in the opening round of the Galleri Classic. Facing swirling winds up to 25 mph on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at Mission Hills, Langer delivered a flawless, bogey-free round to grab a share of the lead alongside Cameron Percy. Considering he’s still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon that sidelined him last year, this sure is impressive. So, what keeps him going, and how does he motivate the next generation?

During the post-round press conference, Bernhard Langer was asked if he hears from fellow players or fans about how inspiring it is to see him still playing like this. Bernhard Langer shared a 6-word message for his Senior Tour goal, “Yeah, I hope to inspire other people.” He further added, “Some say, ‘Oh, I’m too old, I can’t get any better anymore,’” Langer shared, addressing the common belief that improvement stops with age. However, he disagrees with that mindset. “I still think in your 50s you can still improve, maybe even into your 60s, depending on what level you’re playing at because golf is very technical.”

While acknowledging that he doesn’t have the same distance off the tee as younger players, Langer emphasized that golf is about far more than power. “Obviously, I’m a lot shorter now and I can’t keep up with the young guys, but it’s very technical, it’s very mental, and a lot of it is a short game where you don’t need strength—you just need great touch.” Ahead of the tournament, Langer knew his strategy needed to revolve around accuracy. He stressed the importance of hitting fairways at Mission Hills to prevent being significantly shorter than his competitors and to avoid low-spin shots into the course’s challenging greens.

However, despite hitting just four of 14 fairways on Friday, his precision allowed him to navigate the course without a single bogey. His sharp play led to four birdies on the front nine and one more on the par-4 15th. When asked if he feels he’s inspiring other players on the Tour to keep competing, Langer didn’t hesitate. “Hopefully everywhere. Hopefully young people to pick up the game and hopefully all the people who keep playing or even start the game,” he said. He believes his longevity is changing perceptions of what’s possible for older golfers. “Yeah, certainly I think the mindset has changed on this tour. You know, it used to be once you’re 60, you’re not going to win out here anymore. I think people are thinking differently these days.”

Langer’s performance is a testament to his discipline, skill, and mental toughness. By continuing to compete at such a high level, he is proving that age is not a barrier but simply another challenge to overcome. His story is one of resilience and passion, serving as motivation for golfers of all ages to keep striving for their best. However, one of his most significant runs might come to an end this year.

Bernhard Langer will be playing the Masters one last time in 2025

A year ago, Bernhard Langer had planned for one last appearance at Augusta National, the site of his Masters victories in 1985 and 1993. But that farewell was put on hold when a torn Achilles tendon sidelined him in February 2024, forcing him to miss three months of competition. Getting back to the competitive scene wasn’t easy. “I always thought I would come back, it was just a matter of when and how. So it was a long and tough process,” he shared.

The recovery is still ongoing; “I’m not 100 percent and maybe I never will be, but walking is still difficult. So I’ve been riding a cart for the most part. Walking 18 holes is tough. I can walk nine holes okay, but then I get a little fatigued and stiff. It’s still a process trying to get better in that department.” That reality shapes his approach to Augusta National, as he has to play there in just two weeks.

“I’m hoping to play great, and I have to play great to make the cut because the course is so long for me that nothing but great will do it,” he explained. “I’m coming in with 2- and 3-irons where the other guys are hitting 9-irons on every hole, and that’s just hard to compete.”

Despite the hurdles, Langer’s return isn’t just about the leaderboard—it’s about resilience, determination, and his love for the game. Whether or not he makes the cut, his presence alone is a reminder that passion and perseverance have no expiration date.