Bernhard Langer, a timeless legend who still wins PGA Tour Champions golf tournaments at 65, may appear like a timeless wonder. Even a seemingly immortal golfer knows that time is catching up to him.
Langer stated that “it’s not much fun but it’s a reality” at the Galleri Classic in Rancho Mirage last week. It catches up to everyone sooner or later. This is a well-known fact.
Langer is more aware than most players of the effects technology has on his game. Langer won his second Masters in 1993. However, he was also the first winner of a major for men to use a persimmon driver. Langer, despite not being a great long hitter throughout his remarkable career, knows that technology has helped keep his game competitive and the games of the other PGA Tour Champions.
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Langer smiled, “I don’t know, because I’m not playing persimmon club anymore or balata ball, so I don’t know where would I be with that equipment. But I know it helped me in many different ways,” Langer said. “Alone, only the hybrids are amazing and everything, especially the driver. The golf ball is completely different. We used to have all-steel shafts. Now we have graphite shafts. Many of us use them in our drivers and 3-woods. It has made a great leap.
Bernhard Langer takes a look at a fairway shot during the 1993 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images).
Langer averaged 265 yards per drive through the Galleri Classic in 2023. This is 64th on the tour. It’s eight yards less than the Champions tour average, and 10 yards shorter that the German star’s five-year average. Langer is amazed at Padraig Harrington’s long hitters (313 yards on measured holes at Galleri Classic last Wednesday), but Langer has been a strong force on the senior tour due to technology.
Langer stated that “for me personally, it helped me hit the ball the exact same distance with my irons through my entire career, except for the last four to five years when I lost some distance.” My irons and driver were the same up until that point, Langer said. This is a clear indication that equipment has been improved, not fitness or any other factor. It has been a benefit to me and everyone who plays golf.
Langer says that he is fit for his age, particularly as a 65-year old man. However, he believes he may have missed some opportunities that could help players keep their distance.
He said, “I believe what we have learned about speed training over the past 10 years will be beneficial to many.” “I think I’ve kinda missed that boat, I have never done heavy weights or any of that stuff. Some injuries have prevented me from doing some of the things I’m supposed to.
The lessons athletes are taking about fitness and how to extend careers could soon render today’s workouts obsolete like Langer’s 1993 persimmon driver.
Langer stated, “I’m going to keep doing what I’ve done.” You have an advantage if you are a certain type of body. Science will reveal more ways to slow down aging and to keep strength and speed at the clubhead.
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