Langer in the running for Ryder Cup

German could make the European team with wild card pick

Bernhard Langer could be about to become the oldest Ryder Cup player ever after captain Colin Montgomerie indicated the German was in his thoughts for a wild card.

Langer, who will turn 53 at the end of this month, has played in ten Ryder Cups and currently competes on the US Seniors Tour.

His recent victories at both the Senior Open at Carnoustie and the US Senior Open, however, have given Montgomerie food for thought and a spot might not be too far away for his old playing partner.

Asked about the chance of a surprise pick for the veteran, the Scot said: “It wouldn’t be much of a shock.

“To win the British Seniors at Carnoustie and then travel eight time-zones and beat Freddie Couples in Seattle is phenomenal.

“He said he used all the skills he had learned in the Ryder Cup to overcome the vocal home support for Freddie. It wouldn’t be such a dramatic pick to have someone of that age and experience.

“It wouldn’t be an ‘out of the blue’ pick. I know through personal experience he’s as good a partner as you could ever have.

“I wouldn’t rule out picking Bernhard Langer, someone who has performed to that degree and who says he is playing the best golf of his life.”

Montgomerie will make the final decision over his squad for the Celtic Manor event after this month’s Johnnie Walker Championship but Langer’s inclusion may depend on the performances of other European star names.

Should Paul Casey, Padraig Harrington and Justin Rose gain automatic spots before the end of August, the door may be open for a wild card call for the two-time major winner.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered