Bernhard Langer – image USGA Jeff Haynes
He might have bogeyed his last three holes of the 2023 US Senior Open, but 65-year-old German, Bernhard Langer, can perhaps be forgiven, knowing, that in winning today, he has become the oldest (by eight years) player in history to win this event and in doing so has become the most successful player in the history of the PGA Tour Champions.
Langer had extended his overnight two shot lead in today’s final round when he played the opening ten holes of one of the more demanding layouts used for this event in 4 under par, but despite the late stumble he was able to win by two over Steve Stricker (ten years his junior) and the winner’s close friend, Jerry Kelly, by three and celebrate a record setting 46 victories on the PGA Tour Champions.
“It feels awesome,” said Langer, who finished at 7-under 277. “It’s been a long time coming, but very, very happy. Never thought it would happen at a U.S. Senior Open, but I’m very thrilled that the record of 46 wins happened this week.
“It’s certainly one of the greatest tournaments we ever compete in, and to beat this field, where everybody was here, especially Stricker and Kelly on their home [turf], is a very special feeling. Very grateful.
“It’s (SentryWorld) one of the best golf courses I’ve ever played. Condition of the golf course was fabulous all week long. Beautiful fairways, great greens. The ball rolled really nice. Bunkers were good. Rough was a bit juicy, but it’s the same for everybody, and it’s a U.S. Open. My hat’s off to the greenkeeping staff, to the owners of SentryWorld. They’ve got a jewel here.”
Langer has now moved one clear of the remarkable PGA Tour Champions record set by Hale Irwin in terms of victories at this level.
It was Langer’s second victory in senior golf’s greatest championship, the first coming 13 year ago when the German defeated Fred Couples in Seattle.
Steve Alker finished 6th – in action this week – photo USGA
New Zealand’s Steve Alker completed a stunning weekend during which he recorded rounds of 70 (Sat) and a best of the week 65 today to finish in a remarkable share of 6th after struggling over his opening two rounds.
Amongst the other Australasians, Rod Pampling and Richard Green tied for 27th and Mark Hensby 47th.
In a note of self indulgence, in 1974 this writer caddied for the winner of the 1974 German Open (Simon Owen) and in the opening two rounds Simon was paired with a then 16 year old Bernhard Langer. I guess we have both been around for a while !!
