Langer makes history at Royal Porthcawl
Glamorgan Gazette sports writer Tony Poole takes a look back on events during the second staging in three years at Royal Porthcawl of the Rolex Senior Open Golf Championship
BERNHARD Langer became the most successful senior player in golfing history last Sunday after winning the Rolex Senior Open at Royal Porthcawl for a second time in three years.
The statistics just kept on coming after the 59-yearold player was victorious by three shots over Corey Pavin, who captained the American team during the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Newport.
A third Senior Open title for Langer – he also took the 2010 event at Carnoustie – gave him a 10th Senior Major victory to go past South African magician Gary Player.
It was also Langer’s 33rd Senior victory on all tours, a 107th success as a professional player and a fourth win of the year, including the PGA Championship back in May.
During the final round, Langer tip-toed around the Lock’s Common golf course, and one by one he saw challengers fall by the wayside.
He didn’t have to take on flags and his only birdie of the day came on the home hole.
During the presentation ceremony Langer, who is an honorary Royal Porthcawl member, said: “I had to play the golf course differently to 2014, as weather conditions this time were treacherous. It was a huge challenge to once more finish top, as a sore throat troubled me and I didn’t play my best golf.
“But Royal Porthcawl suits my game, and driving the ball well during all four rounds was key to my success. My short game also held up well, and the third-round score of 65 also played an important part in the win.’’
HOW LANGER TRIUMPHED AGAIN
The first inclination that the “Old Lady” that is the Lock’s Common golf course was not for turning came on day one last Thursday.
In what was considered a tough day for scoring, relentless and tiring windy conditions were experienced by the 144 players who teed it up.
And when the strengthening wind blowing off the Bristol Channel was accompanied by short downpours of rain, the potent Royal Porthcawl cocktail of unwelcoming weather conditions was gathering momentum.
This was in stark contrast to three years ago when the sun had its hat on for all four days, resulting in parched fairways resembling concrete, and Langer winning by 13 shots.
But once again Langer played exceptional golf from the outset, and at the end of play last Thursday he was two under the card.
A round of 69 was considered by many as a master-class and it left him a shot clear of unknown Argentinean Mauricio Molina and Englishman Carl Mason, who is the alltime European Senior Tour leader on victories with 25 against his name.
Having posted the day one 69, Langer said: “Conditions out on the golf course were tough, but I’m feeling physically strong to cope with the weather.
“I do like Royal Porthcawl as it’s challenging – sometimes you can be aggressive but for most of the time you have to ere on the side of caution.
“I think my game plan is good, that said you still have to execute shots.’’
But if conditions during round one were considered tough, then the following day (Friday) they were brutal.
Lock’s Common really showed its teeth, leaving the players with plenty to chew on. The wind got up to 40mph at times and the rain during the afternoon was equally relentless, resulting in some incredible scores being posted.