Bernhard Langer Interview

Nick Yates - Isle of Man newspapers

Bernhard Langer visited the Isle of Man recently to talk about his life and faith. While in the Island he ran a golf clinic and played in a golf tournament. The three man Am/Am stableford competition took place at Castletown Golf Links. Each team had the opportunity to play three holes a piece with Bernhard.

Did you enjoy your round at Castletown Golf Links?

Yes it’s a lovely bit of property. I have always enjoyed playing on links courses and I always will. I scored a 71 (one under par), it’s ok for the first time around. You don’t know quite where to hit it or what distance it is. That makes a big difference, being 10 or 20 yards short or long.

It was a great achievement winning the Ryder Cup as captain - was it better than winning it as a player?

It’s hard to compare. As a player you focus on your own matches, as a captain you worry about everybody and everything and try to prepare the way so the players can play their best. It’s trying to get the right pairings and right combinations. The bottom line, though is that the guys still have to hit the shots. It was very different and I really enjoyed myself.

You have been involved in many Ryder Cups and had a lot of success - what is it you like about the competition?

It’s a bit of everything - representing my country and Europe and playing against the best in the world, which is usually the Americans. It means a lot to beat them, we were the underdogs, so it’s a big deal with the whole of the world watching.

How do you prepare for a Ryder Cup - what goes into it?

A lot of work, endless hours go in. You make a lot of decisions on all sorts of things. People don’t understand - its hats, golf bags, shirts, hotel rooms, locker rooms. The toughest decisions are who to pick as a wildcard and who you play and don’t play as only eight out of twelve play. Then there are the press conferences - everybody wants a piece of you.

Montgomerie sunk a putt to win the Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills and you both seemed quite emotional - are you friends?

We are friends - I was very happy for him getting the opportunity to make the winning putt. There were many developments that could have happened, meaning somebody else could have made that putt, so I was very happy for him to play so well. We don’t have a close friendship, but we respect each other and have played together in many Ryder Cups and against each other in competitions.

You have been at the top of the game for a long time - What is the secret to your longevity?

I guess you have to be healthy to start off with, I work hard to stay flexible. I am healthy, I enjoy the game of golf and the competitive side of it. As long as I have success I am going to continue.

Is there one moment/achievement in your career that stands out?

Not just one moment, but several. I won two US masters titles, which were big. I was involved in eleven Ryder Cups, which were all big and even some other events, like my first German Open or German Masters. All the milestones in my career were important.

Is there one golfing achievement that has eluded you so far?

I would say the British Open - I have been close many times and I believe I have the game for it. I still have time.

You play most of your golf in the US - Any plans to return to Europe?

I decided to settle down there. I play more in the US and less anywhere else now, it gets that way when you have travelled the world for 30 years. I am going to stay there and maybe play the Champions Tour when I turn 50.

What do you think of Woosnam’s reported comments that golfer’s who want to be in with a chance for selection to the next European Ryder Cup team should play in Europe?

He may say they should play in Europe, but they are going to play where they want to play, not where the captain says they should. Sure it’s a big event, but it doesn’t mean you are going to put your whole career on the line. There is no guarantee you are going to get into the Ryder Cup. They should be in with a chance, where ever they play.

For further information please contact:

DebbieBarron – Golf Director, Castletown Golf Links,Derbyhaven,Isle of Man, IM2 2LP.
Tel +44 (0) 1624822220. Email – 1sttee@manx.net