Bernhard Langer did the unthinkable in Scotland this week, posting a top-5 finish at The Senior Open, despite his ailments stemming from his torn Achilles.
Before the Senior Open, Langer sent a request to the R&A asking if he could utilize a cart to get around Carnoustie during competitive play. He had a good reason to ask for one, considering he ruptured his Achilles tendon less than six months ago playing pickleball.
But the R&A denied his plea, citing this rule: if a player had walked a golf course within the past 12 months, he is automatically deemed fit enough to travel without assistance, per Golf Digest.
Interestingly, Paul Broadhurst, John Daly, Vijay Singh, and Tim Herron all requested a cart. Still, the R&A only allowed Herron to ride around Carnoustie, citing this rule for the other four players, including Langer. Because of this, Daly wound up withdrawing, citing a recurring injury. Daly also withdrew from Royal Troon.
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Nevertheless, Langer, the most accomplished senior player in history, battled through the pain and remarkably finished on the first page of the leaderboard. He posted a 2-over 74 in round one, then shot a 2-under 70 to finish at even-par over 36 holes, making the cut by three shots—an impressive accomplishment in and of itself. Langer has not walked 72 holes since the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship in late January.
“I have had my doctor with me,” Langer said after Friday’s round.
“He’s helping me mobilize my foot and ankle, giving me massages and stretches and all that, and putting some tape on it.”
On Saturday, the two-time Masters champion made two birdies and two bogies, along with 14 pars, to card an even-par 72: out of contention but certainly in the mix for a strong finish.
Langer then saved his best for last, something only true champions do. During Sunday’s final round, he made three birdies to no bogies on the second nine, carding a 3-under 33 and ultimately shooting a 2-under 70 to finish in red figures for the week.
Remarkable.
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.
