Masters champions to miss Augusta including icon ‘struggling to walk’ | Golf | Sport
The list of absent Masters legends from the Augusta field continues to grow following the high-profile withdrawals of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Bernhard Langer, who claimed the title in 1985 and 1993, made his farewell appearance at Augusta last year, despite acknowledging before the tournament that “walking is still difficult” after an Achilles tendon tear.
He said: “I’m not 100 per cent and maybe I never will be, but walking is still difficult. So I’ve been riding a cart for the most part – well, walking 18 holes. I can walk, I’m okay walking nine holes, but then I get a little fatigued and stiff and all that kind of stuff. It’s still a process trying to get better in that department. I’m hoping to play great, and I have to play great to make the cut because the course is so long for me that nothing but great will do it.”
Langer went on to put in a commendable display during his Augusta swansong, narrowly missing the cut. While the German will not feature in this year’s competition, he is anticipated to attend the prestigious Champions Dinner, which will be hosted by defending champion Rory McIlroy.
He was charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test following the incident on Jupiter Island, Florida. Prior to the incident, speculation had been rife over whether Woods might compete at the Masters, a tournament he has won five times. That prospect has been ruled out after he confirmed he would step back from golf for a period to concentrate on his health and well-being.
Mickelson, meanwhile, has revealed he will not take part due to an ongoing health issue within his family. The six-time major winner, who triumphed at the Masters in 2004, 2006 and 2010, missed the first four LIV Golf events of the year and stated he will remain “out for an extended period of time.”
Mickelson posted on his social media channels: “Unfortunately, I will not play in the Masters Tournament next week and will be out for an extended period of time as my family continues to navigate a personal health matter.
“I have great respect for Augusta National Golf Club and it is definitely the most special week of the year. I wish everyone the best of luck and will be watching.”
Elsewhere, two-time major champion Collin Morikawa is a fitness doubt for the Masters due to a back complaint that forced him to withdraw from last month’s Players Championship after just one hole.
