The winningest golfer in PGA Tour Champions history is about to miss significant time due to injury.
Bernhard Langer, 66, announced Thursday that he tore his Achilles tendon during a practice session in Boca Raton, Florida. Two weeks ago, he finished T-22 at the PGA Tour Champions 2024 season opener in Hawaii.
„I will have surgery today to repair the injury, which will mean I will miss time playing competitive golf while I recover,” Langer said in a statement. “Throughout my life, faith and family have been my foundation, giving me strength and guiding me through difficult times. I lean towards both as I work towards my return to competition.
„I appreciate everyone's support during this time and look forward to seeing the fans and my fellow competitors back on the course soon.”
Langer announced last month that this year's Masters would be his last. He is a two-time champion. 2024 Masters April 11-14.
He has 46 wins at PGA Tour Champions, the most all-time, and 12 at senior major championships.
The Achilles is a tendon that runs up the back of the ankle and connects the foot to the foot. It runs from the heel bone to the base of the calf muscle. It guides movement from foot to foot, including pointing and flexion.
It could take up to 12 months for him to fully recover from his Achilles tendon injury, which means we're unlikely to see him play at the Masters.
The odds of Achilles tendon injury increase with age, According to the Mayo Clinic. Most Achilles injuries occur between the ages of 30 and 40. Men are five times more likely to experience injury than women.
Langer became the defending champion at the Chub Classic Feb. 16-18 at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, as well as a record-setting Champions win last summer at the US Senior Open.