Langer out 2 months after thumb surgery (AP)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—Two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer had surgery
on his left thumb and will miss the next two months, ending his streak of 27
consecutive appearances at Augusta National.

Langer, who already has won on the Champions Tour this year, injured his
thumb in a biking accident. He had surgery Wednesday in New York to repair
ligaments. The surgery is commonly known as “skier’s thumb repair.”

“I’m obviously disappointed that the injury occurred, but especially
disappointed with such an important part of my schedule coming up, including the
Masters,” Langer said in a statement. “I do, however, appreciate the fine care
of Dr. (Andrew) Weiland and his team, and will work hard to recover to allow me
to resume play on the Champions Tour this summer.”

Langer, who has missed the cut the last five times at the Masters, won his
first green jacket in 1985, and returned to Augusta National the following year
as No. 1 in the world when the world ranking was first published.

He also won the Masters in 1993.

Weiland said Langer will be in a splint for five weeks before beginning
rehab, and a full recovery is expected.

Langer, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, has won 15 times on the
Champions Tour over the last three years, including the Senior U.S. Open and
Senior British Open last year. He was the Champions Tour player of the year.

The first senior major of the year for Langer is the Senior PGA Championship
at Valhalla on May 26-29.