Bernhard Langer equalled Hale Irwin’s PGA Tour Champions victories but the 65-year-old German has come under fire once again over his putting stroke.
Over the weekend, the German reached an incredible milestone on the PGA Tour Champions.
In case you haven’t heard, Langer birdied five of his last seven holes to shoot his age and earn a three-stroke victory at the Chubb Classic at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida.
It meant that he recorded his 45th senior victory, tying the record with Hall of Famer Hale Irwin.
Langer was understandably emotional after the win. He told the media that he didn’t think tying Irwin’s record was attainable when he started playing the senior circuit.
He told the media:
“It’s extremely special because we’ve been talking about it for so long it seems now. When I first came out here, I thought, this is never going to happen. When I heard Hale Irwin had won 45 times, I’m going, this is awesome and amazing, and it still is and always will be.”
The winning moment🏆@BernhardLanger6 birdies No. 18 to win the @ChubbClassic and ties Hale Irwin with 45 career victories. pic.twitter.com/o8REH9iFcA
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) February 19, 2023
There is absolutely no denying that Langer is regarded as one of the greatest German players of all time.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001/2002 and boasts two major championship victories, both coming at the Masters in 1985 and 1993.
Oh, and he’s also now won 121 times across the world.
Yet for all of his brilliance he has faced several cheating accusations throughout his career.
Particularly with his putting stroke.
Speaking to GolfDigest in 2017, Langer sounded absolutely fed up with the accusations.
In fairness, the USGA came to his defence. Langer has said he continually consults with Champions Tour officials about this.
He said back then:
“I personally don’t understand it because I’m a man of integrity and the last thing I want to do is break rules and be known as cheating or something.”
Langer said if he was further down the money list then he doubted the stroke would be such a talking point.
He also said there was a hint of jealousy from his critics.
In the immediate aftermath of his latest victory, an account called @Trot_Golfer called out Langer, describing his putting stroke as ‘laughable’.
He tagged several golf journalists and the post has received quite a response.
See below:
The cheating by @BernhardLanger6 is laughable at this point..rules officials on the @ChampionsTour need to do their job… 14-1b anchor point created by the forearm …this is from today… @NoLayingUp @TronCarterNLU @chambleebrandel @AlanShipnuck @MintzGolf @Daniel_Rapaport pic.twitter.com/hl9K42Zn3J
— TrotGolfer (@Trot_Golfer) February 19, 2023
Comments included:
“Looks like anchoring to me.”
“If the forearm wasn’t anchored there would be no creases on the shirt. There is pressure from the left forearm on the left pec. The shirt doesn’t lie.”
“From what I understand in 2016 none of his playing partners would ever sign his scorecard. This is the biggest scandal in sports history.”
“His playing partners need to call him on it too.”
“It can touch you and not be anchored. You’re wrong.”
“Of course he’s anchoring. Been saying this for years. It’s a freaking joke.”
“Bernhard Langer is an absolute legend of the game. Love seeing his success. Not sure why people get so worked up by the long putters. Makes golf more fun in my opinion.”
“Can’t help but notice your pictures are post impact, in which case it’s irrelevant. If it’s that way at set up and through the stroke, it’s a whole different story.”
“Either get rid of the rule or get rid of the club if they aren’t going to enforce it.”
“I love Bernhard but they do need to straighten this out. His left forearm is definitely up against his chest even if the club isn’t.”
“Langer has been cheating like this for years. It’s literally stealing money from the other players.”
“Bernhard will have to be anchored into a head lock if he’s not careful.”
“Blatant disregard for the rule since the changes in 2016. Anchoring is cheating, and the Tour shamefully just look the other way.”
What do the rules of golf say?
According to rule 14-1b, the player must not anchor the club ‘directly’ or by use of an ‘anchor point’.
What do you think about this? Have you noticed this putting stroke at your club? Don’t hesitate to comment below with your thoughts.
Article originally appeared on: Golfmagic.com
I have said for the past several years that if it was ANYONE other than B Langer doing this, he would be prohibited or disqualified owing to what I thought was Langer’s lofty, trusted position in the game. Scotty McCarron and others who “anchor” should give part of their winnings to Langer for that reason. With that said, I agree with those who say that golf’s ruling bodies either need to fully approve of anchoring or outlaw this altogether. I never realized Langer has been vilified about this in recent years. First I have heard about it – yet judging by the pictures, not surprised.
He is anchored.. 🏌️
Shorten the max putter length to 38 inches. Problem solved.
Well, if those wrinkles in his shirt are there at address, as well, then he is anchoring with his left wrist. Looks like he just moved his “anchor point”. Can’t do that.
He’s been cheating for so long that the tour officials don’t dare call him on it now. Because if they ever did (THEY WON’T), what on earth would be their excuse for taking this long to address it
Obviously post impact pictures. If you watch set up and pre impact, NO ANCHORING! Don’t be a schmuck when your observations are inconsistent!
Its absolutely cheating, ban the anchor putting!! or Enforce the rules!!
Jealous critics will always be around. Longer is legal, but on same grounds as those saying LeBron James cheats as he always takes 3 steps before his dunks and should be called on it. Jealousy for both LeBron and Langer…just laughable!!!
How Langer putts is NOT golf nor how it was intended to be played! I have zero respect for his game and even less for any Tour or institution that allows it!!! If you cannot putt, go learn!!!
I don’t see any players using this putting stroke on the public courses I play – — I’ve always thought Langer and McCarron were abusing the rule.
He still has to make the putt.