JOHN Harrison paid tribute to Bernhard Langer over the way the 1985 and 1993 US Masters champion captured his first senior major, The Open Senior Championship.

Langer collected a £202,400 winner’s cheque from a classic display of controlled and patient golf on a fiercely demanding course at Carnoustie.

Harrison, who practised alongside Langer after the first round, said: “I thought Bernhard was in better shape than he was when he was on the main tour. He has filled out a bit as he has got older and looks stronger to me.

“It was very impressive seeing him hit the ball close up on the practice ground. Every shot just kept going in the same direction.”

Harrison, Matfen Hall’s director of golf and a former European Tour pro, banked £7,300 after a five-way tie for 41st place.

He finished the tournament on 11 over for his championship debut with a total of 295, taking 16 shots more than winner Langer.