Record-breaking German Bernhard Langer is relishing the exciting prospect of defending his Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex title when the prestigious Senior Major returns to Sunningdale Golf Club from July 23-26, 2015.
The 57 year old, a true legend of the game, triumphed by an unprecedented 13 shots at Royal Porthcawl last summer, and he will hope to recreate that stunning form when he graces the historic fairways of the Surrey venue this year.
Langer, a two-time Masters Champion and holder of four Senior Major titles, was fourth when the Senior Open Championship was last played at Sunningdale in 2009, largely thanks to two brilliant rounds of 65 over the weekend.
“It’s great for us to come back to Sunningdale to play this prestigious event and see who the Senior Open Champion will be,” said Langer, who also claimed the Senior Open crown at Carnoustie in 2010.
“It’s one of the all-time great courses. It’s a wonderful heathland pacourse and it’s always in great condition. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t like Sunningdale” added the man who captured the European Open title there in 1985.
Langer possesses one of the most illustrious CVs in the professional game on both sides of the Atlantic, enjoying a stellar career on the European Tour before becoming a prolific winner on the US Champions Tour. At the age of 57, and in his fifth decade as a professional, he remains as competitive – and fit - as ever.
A winner of 42 titles on the European Tour, Langer has triumphed three times on the European Senior Tour and 23 times on the Champions Tour, including a record-breaking season in 2014 which saw him accumulate five titles and over £3 million in prize money. He has also been the leading money winner in the US a record six times.
His 2014 victory in the Senior Open Championship eased the disappointment of 12 months earlier, when he let a two-stroke lead slip on the final hole at Royal Birkdale and then lost a play-off to American Mark Wiebe which over-ran into Monday morning.
Determined to erase those memories, Langer produced a magnificent performance in Wales, blowing away the rest of the field and smashing the event’s record for the largest winning margin, set by Bob Charles in 1989.
“It was hard to believe,” he recalled. “It just seemed like everything went my way. I played very well, putted well and didn’t make many mistakes. I managed to keep the ball out of the pot bunkers.
“It was a very enjoyable last ten holes where I could really enjoy my lead, enjoy the surroundings and the people and take it all in.
“I was very blessed to have been able to play such good golf, and I really enjoyed it because there wasn't too much pressure. I still had to obviously hit some decent shots and make some putts, but I got off to a great start, increased my lead and it was a real pleasure.”
Tickets to see Langer and a host of other legendary players in action are already on sale at www.senioropengolf.com.
Season tickets cost just £70, while one day tickets are £25 and Wednesday practice day tickets are only £12. Under 16s are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult and parking is also free.
To purchase tickets for this event please click on www.senioropengolf.com or telephone +44 (0)800 0232557 for more details and to register an interest in Hospitality packages.
