German legend Bernhard Langer has confirmed he will play in the Porsche European Open on home soil when the tournament takes place at the Beckenbauer Golf Course in Bad Griesbach from September 27-27.
The 57 year old, a two-time Masters Champion, is delighted to see a significant event return to The European Tour International Schedule after a six year absence, and even happier that it will be hosted by a German venue for the first time in its history.
“It is a major win for German golf and its international reputation that a second tournament on the European Tour (after the International Open) is taking place here,“ said Langer. “The Porsche European Open is one of the most traditional and renowned tournaments that I was able to win twice.”
Langer might even have an advantage over the rest of the field as he designed the Beckenbauer course, adding: “I'm very proud that the officials of The European Tour agreed to the suggestion of the organizer, 4SPORTS, and opted for this particular venue.
“The professionals will play it as a par 70 instead of a par 72 as the amateurs do. Two holes were newly designed for the tournament and a total length of 7,000 yards makes the challenge significantly harder. I’m looking forward to seeing how the players fare on it.”
Tournament Director Dominik Senn said: “Bernhard still plays tournament golf to an incredibly high level and is an absolute crowd-puller.”
It will be the first time the Porsche European Open has been contested on the continent, having previously been hosted by seven different venues in the UK and Ireland.
Former winners include eight-time Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie, Major Champions Darren Clarke, Retief Goosen and Michael Campbell and Ryder Cup star Lee Westwood.
