Football legends Franz Beckenbauer and Johann Cruyff joined home favourite Bernhard Langer for a star-studded pro-am ahead of this week's WINSTONgolf Senior Open in Vorbeck, Germany.
Former Germany legend Beckenbauer and the Netherlands' Cruyff, who were reunited 40 years after meeting in the football World Cup Final in Munich in 1974 when the home nation triumphed 2-1, took to the fairways alongside two-time Masters Tournament winner and reigning Senior Open Champion Langer with hundreds of spectators in attendance at WINSTONgolf.
"In 1974 I was prepared much better than today," quipped Beckenbauer, referencing the three hours sleep he had ahead of the grand finale back in the summer of '74.
Cruyff, meanwhile, admitted he had attempted a practice round on Wednesday but amusingly was not allowed to use the championship course, but that did little to dampen the good spirits during the pre-tournament pro-am event.
Langer returns to the European Senior Tour this week for the first time since winning The Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex by a record margin of 13 shots at Royal Porthcawl in July, one of five victories so far in a stellar 2014.
"I've always said that I like to play in Germany and if it is at all possible, will come to Schwerin," said Langer, who finished in eighth place in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2012.
"So I am very much looking forward to this tournament in my home country in front of my home fans."
Langer is joined in Germany this week by 2013 Number One Paul Wesselingh, former Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam, last year's leading rookie Steen Tinning and defending champion Gordon Brand Jnr.
Twelve months ago, Scotland's Brand Jnr claimed his second Senior Tour title with a final round four under par 68 on a day when compatriot Andrew Oldcorn threatened to steal the show with a sizzling 61.
