Langer has always been strong-willed, a relentless adversary who maintains focus during tournaments until the last moment. His current game has lost none of this consistency. His great sense of humour and ability to laugh freely is not easy to see on the course. This other Bernhard is the person who mainly his family recognise. Once, when his brother Erwin’s wife, Sigi, was celebrating her birthday in Anhausen, he happened to be home. Bernhard arrived at the party wearing flip-flops; he was home, after all. He joined the group of people in his parents’ home singing the birthday girl a song. The two-time Masters winner was one guest among many and enjoyed every moment.
Thinking he was someone special and expecting preferential treatment was never an issue for Langer. Back in the 90s when he used to go skiing regularly in Zürs am Arlberg, he would get in line to take the ski-lift just like everyone else. Once he got to the top, however, there was no holding him back. Hans Rauchensteiner, a photographer based in Munich and a seasoned skier himself, flew after the golfer, his anorak fluttering behind and a camera around his neck. In the end, he managed to get his photos because Langer stopped to wait for him.