Langer scotches retirement rumours

Golf

Bernhard Langer is alive and well and has no intention of retiring from international golf. The 38-year-old German made this clear yesterday in Munich where today he will begin his challenge for the BMW International Open, the only European Tour event in Germany he has not won.

Langer admitted that at the US Open, where he was disqualified after signing for the wrong score in the second round, he had made comments in the heat of the moment.

"But I was surprised at the reports that I was thinking of retirement," he said. "I was just frustrated at the US Open. I was disqualified because I did not check my card and had a four instead of a five at one hole. It's the first time I've been disqualified but I shall make sure it does not happen again.

"It's true I have problems, but I am no quitter. I did not enjoy the US Open. I did not like the course at Oakland Hills It is not a course for modern golf with its lightning fast greens. If the US Open continues to be held on this type of course, I do not think I shall play."