Your body doesn’t break because you’re “getting older.” It breaks because of the swing you’re copying. Let’s break down the cause and effect behind Bernhard Langer’s longevity, and why most modern swings don’t last.
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29 Comments
Who is next? Also what do you think of Bernhard Langer?
Bernhard is the man, cant believe he is still going strong at this age
Thanks for this, been waiting for you to show us langer
Nice video for us older gents out there
Thanks for the video. Maybe in the future could you go into more detail on his swing?
Great breakdown. Langer is a good example of how listening to your body and moving the way nature designed it for you is going to improve longevity and performance in the game. Too many young golfers are studying the pros of today and destroying their bodies before they even hit college. I was coming back on a weekend round and saw an AJGA tournament teeing off. Half a dozen of the kids in the 30 to 35 person tournament had left knee braces on… and they weren't even 15 years old.
Total legend but damn I wish he'd have holed that putt on the final green of the final match in the Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island in the 90s that gave the cup to the US. Still he's a legend so I'll let him off. How about Jose Maria Olazabal next? Him and Seve were unstoppable!!!
Turn turn turn turn
I'm 2 days older than him and he turned pro just as I was getting started in 9th grade much alone!!!! Again, I say STRONG only lasts until that 1st Injury!!!!! Straight back and thru is all you do!!!
Been waiting for this one to drop. He’s definitely the iron man of golf and does what works for him, plus has equipment ego as he’s played hybrids and some game improvement irons. Class Act!
In the early 2000's I spent for years playing on the mini tours, wasn't a technical player, had grown up playing other sports and gold was just a game of hit ball in the direction I wanted. Then I turned pro and everything got technical, coaching and technique improvement hampered my game until I lost my card after 4 yeas. A few years later I dropped out of golf completely as my game had vanished. Ten years ago i restarted playing and it was like when I was a teenager, just hit the ball and play. Then again instruction and "tips" got involved, most people being well meaning and while I'm still a 2 handicap it's rope a dope golf and not so enjoyable.
At xmas my wife and I were at my parents watching old videos of my playing days and my wife said "why don't you just swing like that now" (she plays golf and is a 12 handicapper) I watched the video and don't think I could physically make that move now I was young, strong and fit and and flexible, now I'm early 40's and while still strong and fit I have no were neat the flexibility of those days plus a few serious injuries in my youth prevent movement now. This winter I have built a plan with my Pro of many years to work on my swing based on a TPI evaluation I had done, and to work around the restrictions in movement I have. I'm forgetting aesthetics, forgetting what "should happen" and working on what I can do to make the ball react how I want it to.
I love you videos as they are logical, clean of any BS and speak the truth, there is no magic pill, no magic move or secret, just simple principles about cause and effect and club to ball relationships.
Keep preaching Brother!
That's awesome Tony! Yes he was an unbelievably great golfer and the longevity! He also managed to overcome the putting yips on a couple of occasions, if i remember correctly!
Always loved Langer. I noticed he hardly missed a step (ahem) after coming back so soon from his torn left achilles. He adapted well, as you said, all through his career. Seeing his swing through the years it seems he never stressed his left foot, or any other body parts. Pickleball did that!
First, i like B.Langer a lot. He turnt pro in 1972, but with the intention to lern, and than help others as a teaching pro. In Germany any Business started with good foundations. Playing Pro than started later, after he did his service as soldier in the German Bundeswehr. The Rest is History. I,m 68 too, and know his story.
Good work…I wish I’d suggested Langer. In Germany you have to get a golf license which means everyone gets instruction from the start. It’s very time tested with stance and posture and building the swing in small bits. I knew an instructor there and they usually work from putting to chipping to pitching etc. The simplicity and practicality of his golf swing is its beauty.
I played with Langer in a pro am in Tucson in 2016. He shot 9 under, his average birdie putt was probably 10 feet that day. Very nice guy, even gave us all some tips.
This one is for the algos… I'll catch it later!!
It’s interesting to see who makes the transition to the senior tour and has success. BL has done it better than anyone. One of the adjustments I notice is a shorter backswing, and a bit slower but very smooth timing. He has a very natural looking swing as a senior, staying within what he can do and just making a nice move through the ball.
Just took a video of myself, just swinging no ball. Not terrible same swing I've always had, but definitely more of a senior swing, My body is 63 and it shows, no width whatsoever, balance not that great either . It is what it is. I'm lucky , no back , or any other kind of issues, except I'm not as flexible as I once was. Sad really, but part of the deal . My swing plane is pretty much the same as Langer , hip action the same, I don't clear left side much. I'm a touch under on way back then over back on plane, when the over is still on inside, hit right where looking 2 to 3 yard draw. When the over goes to far over it's a ten yards left with irons, all the way to 3 wood, it's a thirty yard miss with a driver. After couple of those, over compensate and hit the ole push fade which don't work when you aim down the right side to allow for your tendency. I think I'm going play just 3 wood for 5 or , 6 rounds see how that turns out. Still carry it 235- 240 get 15 to 20 yards roll in dry conditions. See what happens. I never learned how to hit these aircraft carrier head size drivers. Never found I liked ever.
Rocco mediate next please. Upright posture, closed stance, lateral motion — less rotational. Can we all do that or is it just meant for his body?
Tony, if I don’t have the flexibility to have high hands, can I still develop a steep, reliable swing that also improves my odds of preserving my back? Would you recommend it?
Langer is really the gold standard for amateurs to aspire to. Its incredible how good he is at his age.
This is why golfers need to swing within themselves. Going to see their local pga professional certainly doesn't hurt as long as he/she considers body type and limitations
I am 38. Currently a PGA Associate working towards membership.
I’m a plus 4 and curious if I can send you a few videos of my swing. To critique how ever you feel honestly. The good and the bad 😂 for educational purposes of course. Curious what a knowledgeable person sees I won’t go to anyone because I don’t trust anyone especially the decent players at our club that try to say what went wrong in your swing after one bad shot. When I already know half the time it wasn’t the swing in that moment it was the brain/not committed
Thank you for your content either way. I truly enjoy it, learn from it and also validates a lot of my own philosophies.
Langer has worked with Eric Kaplan for at least the last 5 years. Eric is big on body friendly golf where you carefully setup and use joints based on anatomy (Axys Golf is his brand on YT & website). Hip width stance with pressure on inside of ankles and do a natural toss back with 2" scapula slide are things I remember from videos he did with anatomy expert lady.
Would never say "no compensations" around Tony, but at least in later years, it's been very intentional to be body friendly and minimalist comps.
Excellent video. Thank you. Your sequence of swings nicely illustrate how his backswing has shortened over the decades. Obviously this is inevitable and something us older golfers need to accept gracefully!
Another excellent video. Bernhard, like a machine, I've watched him on numerous occasions at European tour events. Comfortable hitting a fade or draw. No mention of his very strong grip. One of the greatest players ever, no glitz and glamour which is why he doesn't maybe get the adulations others do. I've got one for you Tony, consider Brian Barnes.
A real ambassador of the game
He changed his swing because he was killing his back! The reverse "c" swing shortened many careers and made the medical profession rich!!