OWGR: Ranking Every World No. 1 in History

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Apr 13, 2014; Augusta, GA, USA; Bernhard Langer chips onto the 7th green during the final round of the 2014 The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Bernhard Langer

Time at the top: 3 weeks

Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus and several others made names for themselves by playing some of their best golf in their 40s. Bernhard Langer might be the only one to hit his peak in his 50s. Don’t get me wrong — before Langer hit the senior circuit, he won 42 European Tour events and three PGA Tour events, including the Masters in 1985 and 1993. He was an elite player in his prime, being named the OWGR’s inaugural No. 1 in April 1986 and spending three weeks at the top.

With that said, 28 Champions Tour victories in eight years is pretty impressive stuff. Perhaps even more impressive is the ability of Langer, 58, to contend at Augusta well into his 50s. He’s finished in the top 25 in three of the past four years, tying for eighth in 2014.

His PGA Tour résumé might merit a lesser ranking, but give the German credit for his impressive longevity.

Next: Jason Day

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