Bernhard Langer - Model Competitor

January 16, 2008

Bernhard Langer is a master of focus and concentration.

Bernhard Langer should be a model for every golfer. In golf, like any other sport, physical ability is an important factor in success. Golfers that are stronger, more flexible, and have better eye hand coordination are at a considerable advantage - but that’s all it is, an advantage. Sports are all about competition, and competition is about more than just physical ability.

Langer is one of the best competitors in the world. I say this because, while he certainly is blessed with physical talent, and has kept himself in shape well throughout the years, he is by no means in the physical condition of some of the younger professional talents. hitting the 320+ yard drives. Yet, as a full-time member of the European Tour, he has amassed an impressive record of forty European Tour wins and three PGA Tour wins, including two Masters victories, and is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Langer’s Ryder Cup record is matched only by three other players in the history of the event (do the names Palmer, Faldo, and Casper seem familiar?). Langer was also the first player to ever be ranked number one in the World Golf Rankings when the ranking system debuted in 1986.

What makes Langer such a fierce competitor is his mind. Known as a painstakingly deliberate player, he never hits a shot he hasn’t thought through atleast twice. He makes decisions based on logic and not based on emotion. He is an excellent example of a golfer playing within himself, and he hates to lose. Even while battling the yips throughout his career, Langer has shown nothing but resilience and fortitude.

Whether he hits sixteen greens in a round or only three, his mind is always in the present. He is known as the ultimate grinder, always willing to work for every inch. He is the kind of player you fear being matched against, and celebrate being on a team with.

You can learn a lot from Bernhard Langer. You don’t need the best swing to be a competitor (although Langer’s swing is just fine). Grind out every shot of every round, and you may find your scores can be better than you’d imagine. There is so much more to winning than physical ability.

Written by John at 10:45 pm. Miscellaneous