By achieving international fame and fortune on the professional circuits of the world, Bernhard Langer became Germany’s first true golf hero and lifted the game’s popularity there to new heights.
One of the most remarkably consistent and resilient professionals, Langer routinely conquered adversity in the form of the putting “yips” to reach the top. Growing up, Langer fell in love with the challenge that golf presented, and he has met them time and again throughout his career.
At just 8 years old, he followed his brother’s footsteps by caddying at the Augsburg Golf Club. Langer left school at age 14 to pursue golf as a profession. In 1976, he joined the European Tour. Just as Langer became successful, he developed the “yips.” All of a sudden his hands no longer followed the instructions the brain was sending and the putter head seemed to leap forward on its own accord. But Langer is one of the few players ever to discover a cure. On four separate occasions, Langer conquered his putting woes.
“As a youngster I never thought twice about holing short putts, but when I moved to the fast tournament greens, my confidence was shattered and I had to start all over again,” Langer said.
