Langer sets sights on fifth Senior Open title
BERNHARD LANGER is targeting a fifth win at The Senior Open when Europe’s Senior Major gets under way at Gleneagles tomorrow.
The German is already the most successful player in the history of the Senior Open, having lifted the title twice at Royal Porthcawl and once at both Carnoustie Golf Links and Royal Lytham & St Annes, and he comes into this week with further success on his mind.
“I’m hoping not to be just a number out there,” he said. “I’m hoping to be in contention, to have a chance to win that is just my nature. When the time comes when I am playing for 50th or 80th spot every week, then it is time to hang it up.
“I don’t think there is a trick to staying motivated. You just have to ask yourself why you are doing this. I love what I am doing. And God has given me a great gift to be very good, naturally and you put hard work with it and that usually produces some good fruit.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing in Scotland. Scotland and Ireland the people just know the game, everyone seems to play it, the butcher, the baker, anybody has a golf bag, in the house or the back yard somewhere. They are very knowledgeable, and it is just fun playing in front of them, it is a great atmosphere and a wonderful experience.”
The double Masters Tournament winner is one of 16 Major champions on show at Gleneagles, with two-time winner of The Open and 2008 US PGA Champion
Padraig Harrington making his Senior Open debut, while South African Ernie Els, who also has two Claret Jugs to his name, makes his second appearance in the event.
“The course is in wonderful shape,” Els said. “You know, I can’t say it’s in front of you; it’s in front of you, but you can’t see much because there are a lot of blind shots.
“There’s so much different golf but the game was born here and started here and everywhere you go, it’s just a wonderful experience. St Andrews last week, the
Old Course, very different experience to here.
“But this is special because everything is old here, all the courses are old here. It’s really played with the lay of the land in mind and same with this one. You’ve got greens up on the hill, and you go down and there’s a lot of elevation change and it’s wonderful golf.”
Els is confident he can still compete even though there are lot of good players coming through.
“Saying that, I’ve only won twice but I feel I can do good things and I feel comfortable around here,” he added.
“I’ve always felt comfortable playing in Scotland and winning The Open here and The Scottish Open. I’ve always enjoyed it so hopefully I can enjoy this week and play good golf.”
Stephen Dodd won his maiden Senior Major title in this event at Sunningdale last year, and is seeking to defend his title on the King’s Course.