Mark SchlabachApr 11, 2025, 08:21 PM ET
CloseSenior college football writer Author of seven books on college football Graduate of the University of GeorgiaOpen Extended Reactions
AUGUSTA, Ga. — It was 32 years ago that Fred Couples slipped a green jacket onto Germany’s Bernhard Langer for a second time.
On Friday at Augusta National Golf Club, the former champions gave patrons plenty to cheer for while both battled to make the cut.
Langer, 67, previously had announced that his 41st start in the Masters would be his final one. After making three birdies and one bogey in his first 12 holes of the second round, he seemed to be in good shape to stick around for two more days.
But then Langer’s third shot on the par-5 15th hole spun off the green and into the water. He made double bogey and was 2 over, which was the projected cut line. After making consecutive pars on Nos. 16 and 17, Langer’s approach was left of the final hole. His ball stopped among the patrons. He chipped to about 10 feet and had to sink a par putt to make the cut.
Langer’s ball slid past the hole on the high side. He