Bernhard Langer - Masters Q&A

The Masters legend, a winner in 1985 and 1993, tells Garrett Johnston what it takes to win at Augusta National – and what he's looking forward to this time around

Bernhard Langer - a two-time Masters champion

Which of your two Masters wins was the most special?

The second. Winning it on Easter Sunday [in 1993] – that was so meaningful for me as a Christian.

What is the most fulfilling part of being a Masters champion?

Just being a major champion. Every professional wants to win majors, I would say. Having won two Masters is pretty cool, especially for someone who's had putting problems like myself.

What are you looking forward to this year at Augusta National?

The Champions Dinner is always great, it's always a highlight with all the past champs that are there. I spend time with guys like Doug Ford [1957 champion], people I don't tend to see during the rest of the year. And of course the three greats – Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. Playing the course is always a lot of fun, too, even though they've changed it a lot. I preferred it the way it was but it's still a great golf course.

What are some of the nuances of the golf course that viewers at home might not be able to pick up on from television?

The course is much more sloped than it appears, because the TV cameras look down on the play and don't look from the ground up. That's why people are always surprised when they come out and see it and say, 'I didn't know it was that hilly!'

What are the keys to shooting a good score?

You've got to do everything well, especially now. The way the course is these days [being so long] you've got to drive it well, you've got to hit great irons, putt well, chip well – you just have to do everything well! You use every club in your bag. Everything gets exposed at the majors, and especially at Augusta.

What would be your advice to anyone holding the lead entering the final round?

Augusta is definitely a place where so many things can happen, especially on the back nine. My advice would be to not watch the leader board until the last six holes. Just play the golf course and stay in the moment. Don't let your mind race ahead and think of the Green Jacket. It's a cliché but you really have to take it one shot at a time. In 1993 I had a four-shot lead going into Sunday, which was unlike 1985 when I entered the final round two shots behind. Even when you have a big lead you can't rest on your laurels. The roars [from the galleries] are so huge that you can hear them all, no matter where you are on the course, so you always have a pretty good idea of what's going on.

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