Langer confident of home success

German veteran Bernhard Langer insisted age would not prevent him from maintaining his challenge for the BMW International Open in Munich today.

Langer celebrated his 45th birthday on Tuesday but showed no signs of losing his competitive edge by firing a first-round 64 to take the lead at Nord-Eichenried.

“I think I proved last year I can get into this position several times,” said Langer who won his 40th European Tour title in Holland last season to seal his 10th appearance in the Ryder Cup at The Belfry next month.

“The golf ball doesn’t know how old you are. I don’t hit it as far as some of the younger guys but if I hit it solid and straight and make some putts then I can score as good as anybody.

“My fitness is all right, a few aches and pains but you have to live with it.”

The BMW International is the only tour event on German soil that Langer has not won at least once in his career, but he set about putting the record straight with a vengeance yesterday.

Seven birdies in a row from the 18th – he started on the ninth – left him just one short of equalling the European Tour record and gave him a one-shot lead over English trio Ian Poulter, Robert Coles and Richard Bland.

“I didn’t know about the record but it’s nice to be in this position,” added Langer who also won the German Masters, the tournament he promotes with brother Erwin, last year. “It would be nice to finally win this tournament but let’s not jump too far ahead.

“There are a lot of people within a couple of shots and there is a long way to go.”

Ironically it is Langer’s long-term caddie Pete Coleman who is suffering injury problems after falling off a ladder at his home earlier this month and breaking his shoulder.

It means he is likely to miss the Ryder Cup at the end of September and Langer is considering a replacement.

“I have to think about who I am going to take for the next three tournaments,” added Langer, who has American Russell Holden working for him this week. “Pete might just be back for the Ryder Cup but if not I would like to have someone I know. It has to be Pete or someone I have worked with before and Russell could stay on the bag.”

Langer’s performance was good news for Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance, who only completed nine holes of his first round before withdrawing with a back injury.

Torrance will also have been pleased to see Poulter, who is on standby for the Ryder Cup if any of the 10 automatic qualifiers pull out, hit form at the right time.

“Obviously I’m aware of the situation but I’m not wishing ill-health on anyone,” said Poulter, who dismissed suggestions that his good friend Justin Rose should be picked as the in-form player in case of a withdrawal.

“But if unfortunately someone does happen to be injured I am keeping my game in shape and it would be ready for The Belfry. If I am called to play I am going to stand in and do a good job.”