Bernhard Langer achieves impressive 64 after torn achilles injury

11/09/2024 04:00 PM

Bernhard Langer believes that love and passion for golf can overcome any obstacles that come your way. The 67-year-old German, despite his age and long career, still has a deep love for the game, as reflected in his recent performance, particularly at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

The experienced golfer tore his Achilles tendon nine months ago, and there were doubts about whether and when he would return to the golf course. However, Langer proved his desire to play, and just six months later, he achieved an impressive score of seven-under 64, moving into second place at the season finale. 

In an interview with the media, Langer admitted that it felt great to post such strong results.

Although the injury created uncertainty, he never lost his hunger or desire to return to the game. After consulting with doctors, he received positive feedback and was confident that he would return to the course sooner than expected. His recovery took less time than he had anticipated.

Langer is grateful for the use of carts, as his injury and age make it difficult for him to walk 18 holes. Although he admits he's not at his peak, the most important thing for him is that he can still play golf and be part of the competition.

"It sounds good and feels good, especially on a course like this" -Langer said, as quoted by Golf Monthly.

"I'm a very positive person, so I always thought I would be able to come back (from injury). My surgeon and PT said if everything goes somewhat well, you should be okay, just you're probably going to lose half the season or something like that. Was fortunate to come back after three months actually. The nice thing, we can use carts out here. Because I wasn't able to walk 18 holes, it helped me. When people ask me how are you doing now, I'm nowhere near 100%, but I'm a functioning golfer."

Langer explained that every now and then, he reflects on his career and is amazed at how much he has accomplished over the years. He mentioned that days like today when he shoots a score of 64, which is three under his age, are special because not many people can do that. The experienced German feels lucky to have been able to achieve this feat 20 or 21 times throughout his career.

When asked how he stays motivated, Langer stressed that people have been asking him for the last 20 years how long he plans to keep playing. He always answers that as long as he’s healthy, having fun, and playing well, he’ll keep going. 67-year-old said that winning tournaments and being in the running for most of his career has kept him driven. 

However, despite what the German golfer said, it’s clear that his love for golf surpasses any challenges he has faced over the years. While his body may not be able to meet all the demands of playing a perfect tournament at his age, Langer still has a deep passion for the game, even if he can’t always give his best performance. It’s hard to even call it a "job," because, for Langer, golf is more of a love and a hobby than anything else.

Bernhard also mentioned that if he ever felt like he had no chance to win and was finishing in 50th place every week, he might think about quitting or playing less. But for now, he’s not at that point. He’s taking it one year at a time and seeing how he feels.

The German golfer was open and honest, pointing out that he could have easily said goodbye to golf and focused on his family and other things. Financially, it’s not an issue for him, so that wasn’t a reason to end his career. However, the 67-year-old stresses that he's just not the type of person to walk away. His desire to compete is stronger than ever, regardless of his age. The most important thing for him is staying healthy, and as long as his health allows, Bernhard has no intention of retiring anytime soon.

“I could have said ‘OK, well, this is it. I’m 66, let’s just pack it in. I have nothing to prove. I don’t need it financially. Let’s just enjoy the grandkids and stay at home,” Langer said. 

“But that’s not me. I’m a very competitive person and I still enjoy being out there. I knew I could perform if I’m somewhat healthy.”

Let's hope that this great golfer will continue to play golf in the future, and that his health will serve him well.