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Augusta (dpa) - back problems, knee pain, almost five weeks not played - in the end that was just too much for Bernhard Langer at his beloved Masters.
Handicapped by the adverse circumstances, the German golf veteran failed at the cut in Augusta and was eliminated early.
The 63-year-old from Anhausen played a failed round of 77 and missed the two final rounds at the weekend in the traditional major tournament with a total of 151 strokes as 71st.
The day before, Langer was still in 30th place, the best 54 golfers made it through.
This meant that Langer was unable to match its strong performance from last year.
147 days ago, when the Masters was held exceptionally in November due to the Corona crisis, he had set a record: As the oldest player in history, the veteran had made the cut on Magnolia Lane.
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This year the Masters winner from 1985 and 1993 had hardly been able to train for the past five weeks due to back problems and knee pain and had traveled to the first major tournament of the year with virtually no preparation.
This was noticeable on the second day on the par 72 course.
The senior golf player, who lives in Florida, only got one birdie.
In contrast, Langer suffered punch losses at six holes.
However, Langer was in good company: Several favorites also failed on the cut on the picturesque course in the US state of Georgia.
For example, last year's winner Dustin Johnson, his American compatriot Brooks Koepka (both 149 strokes) and Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland (150) were eliminated.
“That wasn't so good, especially with the putter.
You simply cannot afford to need three putts six times in two rounds, ”said the disappointed world number one Johnson.
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Olympic champion Justin Rose was able to maintain his lead with a solid 72 round and a total of 137 strokes.
«This place inspires me.
I love being here on the premises.
It's a golf course that I know how to play better than anyone, ”said the 40-year-old Englishman.
The closest pursuers of Rose, who won a major at the US Open in 2013, are the two Americans Will Zalatoris and Brian Harman (both 138) after the second day.
Thanks to his two Masters successes, Langer enjoys a lifelong entry right to the major tournament, which is endowed with $ 11.5 million.
He hit the Augusta National Golf Club for the 38th time this year.
The two-time major winner Martin Kaymer from Mettmann, however, had not been able to qualify for the Masters.
The five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods was also missing from the starting field in Augusta after his violent car accident at the end of February.
In contrast to last year, this time spectators are again allowed on the Masters facility in the US state of Georgia - but significantly less than usual and with mask requirements and distance rules.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210409-99-147341 / 4