"Bernhard Langer's Final Masters Performance Ends in Heartbreaking Cut"

Bernhard Langer's final appearance at Augusta National came to a close when his par putt on the 18th hole narrowly missed the cup during his second round on Friday.

In contention to make the cut in his 41st and last Masters tournament, Langer was even par for the event until his approach shot on the par-5 15th hole spun back off the green and into the water.

After his bogey putt fell short, Langer fell to the projected cut line at 2 over for the tournament. Despite a par on the 17th hole, his approach on the 18th missed the green and he was unable to save par, dropping to 3 over.

Reflecting on his round, Langer told ESPN, "It was a different experience for me because I am usually very focused when I am playing. It was even more difficult because I didn't know if this would be my last Masters or if I would make the cut and play the weekend."

The two-time Masters champion had previously announced that this would be his final appearance as a competitor at Augusta National. He made a strong effort to make the cut, posting three birdies and only one bogey through 14 holes in his second round after shooting a 2-over 74 on Thursday.

However, his hopes for a storybook ending were dashed when his ball rolled back into the water on the 15th hole.

"I was playing well today, but I had a terrible finish which knocked me out of the cut. Otherwise, I would have been here for the weekend," Langer said. "Walking up to the 18th hole, I wasn't sure if it was my last time or if I would be playing tomorrow."

Langer made his debut at the Masters in 1982 as the first German competitor in the tournament. He won his first green jacket in 1985, becoming one of the first international champions alongside Gary Player and Seve Ballesteros.

His second Masters victory in 1993 would be his final major title, but Langer has had a successful career with 42 wins on the European Tour and a record 47 wins on the Champions Tour, as well as 10 appearances in the Ryder Cup.

Langer has played in every Masters since 1984, except for 2011 when he was recovering from thumb surgery and 2024 when he had an Achilles tendon tear.

At 63 years and 78 days old, Langer came close to becoming the oldest player to make the cut at the Masters, a record currently held by Fred Couples who achieved the feat at 63 years and 78 days old in 2023. Couples was also in contention to make the cut this year before a 77 in the second round dropped him to 4 over.

Langer finishes his Masters playing career with 136 rounds and nine top-10 finishes.

"It has been an incredible experience," Langer said. "I am very grateful to have played in this tournament 41 times and to have had the opportunity to play on this amazing course. This place feels like my living room, I have always felt at home here. Even on my first visit, I was in awe of this place."