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Legendary Golfer Announces 2025 Masters Will Be His Last

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 1:32 PM ET

Bernhard Langer announced that this year will be the final time he competes in the Masters.

Langer, who won green jackets in 1985 and 1993, said Monday that this week's 41st Masters appearance will mark his last.

"It's very emotional," Langer told reporters Monday, via ESPN's Dave Wilson. "You can tell already my voice is breaking a bit just realizing it's going to be my last competitive Masters. After four decades, it's going to be bittersweet. I knew it was time to call it quits as a player."

Langer wanted to retire last year, but he missed the 2024 Masters after injuring his Achilles. The 67-year-old realized during Sunday's practice round that he can no longer handle Augusta National Golf Club's 7,510-yard distance.

"The course is just getting too long, and I'm getting shorter and shorter," he said. "... I knew I wasn't going to be in contention anymore."

Langer recalled asking years ago if past champions lose their Masters exemption at a certain age. He was told, "You'll know when it's time to quit."

KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - JANUARY 18: Bernhard Langer of Germany tees off the second hole during the first round of the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai Golf Club on January 18, 2024 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The German native has racked up 125 wins since turning professional in 1972. Langer has a Champions Tour record 47 career wins and 42 European Tour victories, one above Tiger Woods for the second-most behind Seve Ballesteros.

Although Langer won both of his majors at Augusta, he placed second twice at the British Open with seven top-five finishes. He hasn't finished higher than 24th in a major since tying for eighth at the 2014 Masters.

On the Fore Please podcast, Langer told Marty Smith that his children, grandchildren, and friends from around the world are going to Augusta to attend his final Masters. He anticipated an emotional 18th hole to conclude his career.

"I imagine when I come up 18, and it's really going to sink in that this is going to be my last competitive round, my last competitive few strokes that I'll ever make in my life around here again," Langer said. "And that's going to be hard, but I'm going to try and enjoy it with my family ... It's going to be a celebration. Hopefully I won't make a fool of myself."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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