Langer defends ’10 title

Associated Press

WALTON ON THE HILL, England

After struggling in the rainswept British Open, Bernhard Langer hopes he’s back in his element in the senior version on a course that holds fond memories.

Trying to regain his form following thumb surgery, Langer missed the cut last week at Royal St. George’s, shooting 75-73. Conditions should be more benign this week when he tries to defend his Senior British Open title on the tree-lined Walton Heath course, just south of London.

Langer made his Ryder Cup debut at the course in 1981.

“I was fortunate enough to play in a couple of European Opens at Walton Heath before making my first Ryder Cup appearance there in 1981, and I loved it straightaway,” Langer said. “It’s parkland, but with a links look and feel to it. I enjoy the heathland, the trees and the bunkering. All in all, it’s a great inland course.”

The 53-year-old Langer beat American Corey Pavin by a shot to win at Carnoustie last year and won the U.S. Senior Open the following week in Washington state.

“To fly straight to the west coast of America for the U.S. Senior Open, with an eight-hour time change, and manage to win was quite a ride,” Langer said. “It was a special two weeks in my career.”

Tom Watson is bidding for a record fourth Senior British Open title, after wins in 2003, ’05 and ’07. He tied for 22nd last week in the British Open.

Nick Price is making his first appearance in the event.

“It’s the one senior major you really want to win,” Price said. “It’s not the Open Championship, but it is the next best thing for us guys.”