There has been much speculation about whether or not the Ryder Cup can be played in September as the coronavirus pandemic continues across the globe – but Bernhard Langer believes the competition is in the best possible hands.
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The PGA Tour plans to return to action in June, with the first four events played behind closed doors, while the European Tour is yet to confirm when its next tournament will take place – though they have told players to expect things to look very different when they do.
And Ryder Cup legend Langer, speaking to NCG from his home in Florida, said he is confident things will get back to normal sooner rather than later.
“It all depends on what is going on and no one really knows how long this thing will take,” he said. “We can only see and learn from what happened in China and Italy and South Korea, so it all depends if they can get this virus under control.
“We are hoping to be back playing in June or July, but I really don’t know more than anyone else. Hopefully by September most things will be somewhat back to normal.
“If not the PGA of America and the European Tour will have to get together to decide whether to move the date.
“The PGA have done a great job. They have talked to the players, the sponsors, the organisers, and the volunteers, and they have listened to the health authorities and to the government and the focus is to stay at home right now so they can get some kind of control over this virus. The better we do at social distancing, the sooner this will be under control.
“Like all pandemics it will come to an end sooner or later. We really don’t know how long it is going to take but I don’t see any need to change anything in the game of golf. We were in a pretty healthy state and hopefully we can get back to business as usual and provide good entertainment to millions of people around the world.”
Langer played in 10 editions from 1981 to 2002 – winning five and tying one – and was arguably Europe’s best captain when he took his men to Oakland Hills in 2004 and thrashed Hal Sutton’s USA team 18.5-9.5.
“I personally love the Ryder Cup,” he added “It is the most compelling team competition in team golf. There is so much emotion and people love it, even those in countries that are not involved. It is a unique competition.”
Bernhard Langer was talking to NCG as an ambassador for Mercedes-Benz.
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