Former Masters champ hints this year’s tournament could be his last

One of the perks of winning The Masters is a lifetime exemption to compete in the opening men’s major of the year.

The only tricky part? Knowing when to call it quits.

Bernhard Langer has already confirmed that this year’s visit to Augusta National will be his last, in a competitive sense. The two-time champion would have bowed out last year but for a ruptured Achilles putting paid to those hopes.

However, the German will make his final Masters appearance this April – and it appears he might not be the only Green Jacket holder taking his leave.

Speaking ahead of this week’s Chubb Classic on the PGA Tour Champions, Fred Couples revealed that he is contemplating making this year’s Masters his last one.

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Asked for his thoughts on Langer’s intended farewell, the 1992 champ said: “I might be there too. I have to sit down with [Augusta National Golf Club chairman] Fred Ridley. I’m 65. I’ve missed a couple, so I’m going to throw in there, ‘Hey, Fred my back went out a few years ago.'”

Couples currently holds the record for the oldest man to make a cut at Augusta. Langer, however, could take that from him this year if he makes it to the weekend and Couples doesn’t.

“It’ll being great with Bernhard where he’s a guy that can break the record I have as the oldest guy to make the cut,” added the American. “He’s such a competitor and he plays well there.

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“But he’ll tell that you everything has got to go really, really well. I rarely hit a 7- or 8-iron to any holes, so we got to really manoeuvre the ball around and putt well. If anyone can do it, he can.”

Regardless of whether or not this does turn out to be his final Masters, Couples admits he’s excited to get back to Augusta.

“I’m looking forward to it. I really think if I get there and I’m feeling okay, I can compete with this cut everyone talks about. I can’t compete with the Jon Rahms and the Koepkas and Schefflers and Schauffeles and Cantlays, but I can compete with that cut number. That for me is a goal.”

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Head of Content