Bernhard Langer Birthdate: Aug. 27, 1957 Birthplace: Anhausen, W. Germany Age: 44  Ht: 5'9"  Wt: 155 Home: Anhausen, W. Germany Turned Professional: 1972 Ryder Cup appearances: 9 (1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997) Ryder Cup record: 18-15-5 Pro wins: 64 World ranking: 25 Majors: 2 (1985 Masters, 1993 Masters)

Player Profile One of the most remarkably consistent and resilient professionals in golf. Conquered adversity in the form of the putting ‘yips’ to reach the top, and has hovered in the upper echelons of the game for over 20 years. Since 1980, he has only been outside the top 30 in the Volvo Order of Merit on one occasion in 1996. Czech-born father settled in Bavaria after jumping a Russian prisoner-of-war train bound for Siberia. Took up golf aged seven through caddying, turned professional at 18. Won 42 times in Europe, the last six with broom handle putter which he adopted towards end of 1996. Devout Christian, helps organise the regular meetings of the Tour Bible Class. Won his 40th European Tour title, his first in four years, when he took The TNT Open at Noordwijkse in July 2001, beating Warren Bennett in a play-off and won a second title of the year when he won the Linde German Masters, the tournament he co-promotes with this brother Erwin, for a fourth time. It was his 11th victory on home soil. Proved his longevity in 2002, claiming 31/2 points out of four in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory and sharing the Volvo Masters Andalucia title with Colin Montgomerie – the only player in Tour history to share two events following a similar play-off experience with Seve Ballesteros in 1986 when the Trophée Lancôme was abandoned due to darkness.