Langer's in town, but not to play

Two-time Masters Champion Bernhard Langer wanted to make history at this year's Masters Tournament, but he'll be sitting it out instead.

The German golfer had surgery 10 days ago for a torn ligament in his left thumb, leaving him unable to compete. Langer was the special guest at an event at Mercedes-Benz on Washington Road on Tuesday.

"This would have been the first time ever in the history of the Masters that three Germans participated. (Golf is) not a very popular sport in Germany," he said.

The other Germans in the field are Martin Kaymer and Alex Cejka.

"It's nice to be back to the Masters Tournament, even though I'm not playing. It's very disappointing. It's the first experience for me because I have never been hurt when it came to this tournament. I will know more on Sunday what it's like, but I'm sure it's going to be difficult to be on the outside of the ropes looking in instead of the other way around," Langer said.

He'll be cheering for Kaymer, who is ranked No. 1 in the world, he said.

In addition to watching the tournament, Langer planned to attend Tuesday's Champions Dinner and make several appearances on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, for whom he serves as an ambassador.

"It will be more of a socializing week than an active golfing week," he said.

Langer said he injured his thumb while riding his bicycle to the beach in Florida.

"I only pushed the traffic signal button, and that did it. I just hit it a little too hard. I must have hit it awkwardly, and it tore my ligament. It was no major accident as such, so that's a good thing," he said.

Langer hopes to have a speedy recovery and then get back on the golf course.

"It's going to be six weeks of total rest and immobilization of the thumb, and then after that I can start rehab. Hopefully, after about eight weeks or so I can play again," Langer said.

Langer grew up near Munich, and today he resides in Boca Raton, Fla.

Reach LaTina Emerson at (706) 823-3227 orlatina.emerson@augustachronicle.com.