Bernhard Langer won the Chubb Classic on the Champions Tour at the weekend, using the banned broomstick putter.
But Germany’s greatest golfer overcame the ban of anchoring the putter to the chest by moving the top of the putter five to seven centimetres away from his chest.
“My first win unattached,” was the triumphant Langer’s summation.
There have been no public complaints from his peers, nor the USPGA, so it can only be assumed Langer’s decision is legal.
Over the years, Langer has been one of the worst sufferers of the dreaded putting ‘yips’ – the broomstick virtually saved his career.
It will be interesting to see how Langer’s shrewd move is treated by the powers that be, especially as he’s now 58, and having to bend down so much lower to use the regulation short-shafted putter would affect him physically.
Langer fired in a ten-under 62 in the first round of the Chubb Classic in Florida, and followed it up with a 66 and a 73 in very windy conditions for a 15-under total, and a three-shot win over Freddie Couples.
It was his 26th win on the Champions Tour, third only to Hale Irwin’s 42 and Lee Trevino’s 29.
If it hadn’t been for long periods of the yips, Langer’s record in Europe would be even better. But it’s pretty impressive as it is, with 42 wins, second only to Seve Ballesteros’ 50, followed by Tiger Woods’ 40, Colin Montgomerie’s 31 and Nick Faldo’s 30.
Langer was the first official world number one when the rankings started, in April 1986. Langer was ten times a European Ryder Cup rep in 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997 and 2002, and Cup captain in 2004.
He was the European Player of the Year in 1985 and 1993 and the European Tour’s leading money-winner in 1981 and 1984. Winner of the US Masters in 1985 and 1993, Langer was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2002.
But Langer’s record on the Champions Tour has been even more impressive with the advent of the broomstick.
He’s won five senior majors – the British Open in 2010 and 2014, the US Open in 2010, and the Constellation Championship in 2014 and 2015.
He was the Champions Tour Player of the Year in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, and 2015, and the leading money-winner in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Langer has also won the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup, the Champions Tour equivalent of the FedExCup, in 2010, 2014, and 2015.
That’s a lot of success since he first picked up a golf club at eight, turned pro at 15, and won his first tournament – the German Open – at 17.
Simply, Bernhard Langer was born to win.
John Montgomery
Guest
I understand that many times a headline isnot written by the author. Having said that, this headlong is both erroneous and misleading. The USGA & R&A never banned any putter. They banned anchoring a putter of any size/length against your torso. Langher has figured out a loophole in the rule and unless these governing bodies ban the putter altogether, he is not using banned equipment or, more importantly, breaking the rules.
Al
Guest
Bernhard did not anchor the putter and he used it in accordance with the new rules. People go on about Langer and the broomhandled putter as if this is the reason he is so good. Do people even follow the sport in the first place? I have followed Langer over the years, since he first played in The Open Championship as a young 20 something and its his skill, determination and incredible focus that result in his success over the years, not merely a long putter. In fact, take a look at the Champions Tour stats so far this year. Bernhard is not #1 in putting, he is in fact #15, even after the recent victory. More importantly he is #1 in Greens In Regulation and high up in driving accuracy. Basically, he keeps the ball in play and hits it close to the pin probably more than anybody out there. If one is this good, they could find a way to putt with a baseball bat and still win tournaments. Go Bernhard!
Singapore Sling
Guest
Correct. Rule 14-1b Anchoring is banned, not the club
Toji
Guest
I didn't think the putter was banned - I thought it was the act of anchoring that was?
Jake
Guest
Bernhard Langer continues to anchor his putter and lock his left arm to his chest. Personally I don't like the anchored putting ban, it was the USGA and R&A butting in where it wasn't needed. Now the governing bodies are speechless as Bernhard continues to deploy the same old anchored putting strokes.
Simoc
Guest
That is interesting. Also we shall see if others follow Langers lead. The objection must have been the anchor point.