Langer looks for victory on home soil

Bernhard Langer today had his sights set on finally claiming the only European Tour event in Germany he has yet to win.

Langer has won 11 tour titles on home soil and 12 German Open titles, but victory in the BMW International Open has so far eluded him.

With his 48th birthday approaching on Saturday, time is running out for the former Ryder Cup captain to lift the trophy at Nord-Eichenried in Munich.

But the two-time Masters winner remains intensely competitive and would love to win his first title in almost three years in front of his home fans.

“This is my home tournament,” said Langer, whose last victory came when he shared the Volvo Masters with Colin Montgomerie in 2002 when their play-off was ended by darkness.

“I was born in Anhausen, about 70 kilometres away and my parents, sister and brother are living there or here in Munich so they can follow the tournament easily and support me.

“I took my first steps as a golfer in Munich and laid the foundation for my career.”

Langer has come close to victory here on several occasions, finishing second behind Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn in 2002 and 2000, and behind New Zealand’s Frank Nobilo a decade ago.

“I have played very well here some years but each time one player has been even better,” admitted Langer, who proved he could still be competitive by finishing fifth in the Open at St Andrews.

“But if I didn’t think I could win a tournament I would not even tee off. I feel good, my recent scores and results are giving me confidence for a good performance.

“I think I am capable of playing four good rounds and can win again even in a strong field with a lot of younger players.”

That strong field contains several of Langer’s record-breaking Ryder Cup team from Oakland Hills, and the German will partner one of them, Ian Poulter, in the first two rounds.

Also competing for the £225,000 (€330,000) first prize are Paul McGinley, Luke Donald, Padraig Harrington, defending champion Miguel Angel Jimenez, David Howell and Paul Casey, while John Daly will be looking to repeat his record 27-under-par winning total from 2001.