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Bernhard Langer blew away the rest of the Senior Open field at Royal Porthcawl by a record breaking 13 shots, winning the senior major wire-to-wire in a masterful display.

The German closed out the final day with a 67 for a total of 18-under, with Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie his nearest challenger 13 shots back on five-under-par.

Bernhard Langer sends records tumbling

Langer’s 13 stroke winning margin is a new Senior Open Championship record, beating Bob Charles 1989 benchmark by six strokes.

The 56-year-old also equalled the second biggest winning margin in major championship history, just two shy of Tiger Woods’ record 15 shots at the 2000 US Open Championship.

In addition, Langer’s winning total of 18-under-par was the lowest in the 28 year history of the Senior Open Championship.

“I am just very blessed to be able to play such good golf.” – Bernhard Langer

“This is very unusual,” said the two-time-Masters champ, who earns a place in next year’s Open Championship at St Andrews.

“This just doesn’t happen, not with the competition you’re facing. Certainly not in a major usually where the best from around the globe are playing in the championship. It’s been an amazing week for me.”

Langer had all but wrapped up the victory before he teed off for his final round, and the four-time Senior major champion was thankful he could enjoy his stroll to victory.

“I am just very blessed to be able to play such good golf, and I really enjoyed the 18 holes today because there wasn’t too much pressure,” he said.

“I still had to obviously hit some decent shots and make some putts, but I got off to a great start, and you know, increased my lead and it was a real pleasure to be playing the last ten, 12 holes.”

Monty leads Bernhard Langer tributes

Colin Montgomerie extended his lead at the top of the Senior Tour’s Order of Merit after his runner up finish, and was quick to acknowledge the incredible achievement of his former Ryder Cup teammate.

“I would like to say, Bernhard Langer‘s performance here is one of the golfing performances of all time,” said Montgomerie. “To finish 18 under round here is remarkable, remarkable play.”