Langer Longevity
This has been a busy and hectic week. There are a lot of news stories going around the world of golf, but one of the most remarkable stories of the year went almost unnoticed. Three months ago, Bernhard Langer tore an Achilles tendon. At age 66, Langer’s season was certainly over, and questions about whether or not he could come back were legitimate.
Fast forward to Friday. Three months after tearing his Achilles, Langer’s season on the Champions Tour is under way. He teed it up in the first round of the Insperity Invitational. He also fired a three-under par 69. Regardless of how he finishes, returning to competitive golf three months after tearing an Achilles is truly remarkable for anyone, let alone a 66-year-old!
As a result, I am reposting an article I wrote earlier this year. Paid subscribers will have some bonus content.
A few weeks ago, Bernhard Langer won the US Senior Open at the age of 65 setting a record for wins on the Champions Tour with 46. A few months shy of his 66th birthday, Langer doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. He still hits the ball far enough. He putts better than he ever did on the regular tour. His ball striking is superb. And his desire to win has not waned. How does he do it?
First, he has taken great care of himself physically. Langer is not a big man, but he is in shape. Slim and athletic, his swing looks the way it did 30 years ago. He exercises and eats healthy which allows him to remain in peak physical condition, even at 65! It has also prevented serious injuries from occurring. Compare Langer to John Daly who is having a lot of major health issues. Daly could still bomb it before his recent physical issues, but he is rapidly falling apart.
But Langer also didn’t overdo it with his workout and fitness routine. He understands what his body can and cannot do. He works within that knowledge to stay strong enough and fit enough to remain in good physical condition. One only needs to look at Tiger Woods to see what overdoing workouts can do to your body over time. Tiger’s body started breaking down long before the car accident which nearly cost him a leg. It was well known Tiger was a gym rat and loved to push his body beyond its limits.
Secondly, Langer approaches his golf practice sessions like a job. When working on his game while not on tour, he is known to be at the golf course practicing and playing from 9-5, just like a job. Those hours are spent preparing and honing his game to be ready for tournament play. It’s how he makes his living, and he treats it as such.
Thirdly, Langer has not lost his desire to compete. For people like me who have competed professionally or at high level amateur events, this is the part that astounds us. Speaking for myself, I have no desire to compete at those levels anymore. I still love to beat my friends in a friendly round or compete in a local better ball or charity scramble, but the desire to compete and grind simply isn’t there anymore. The fact Langer still has that desire is quite simply amazing.
So, what can you learn from Bernhard Langer? A lot actually. Here’s a small list.
If you want to keep enjoying this game in your later years, get in the gym and workout. We all lose muscle mass as we age. Lifting weights to help maintain or increase muscle is great for your health as you age. A simple rule of thumb is to push, pull and/or jump. Better yet, find a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Instructor like me to develop proper technique and a fitness plan.
Make healthier food choices. I’m not saying you can’t eat a burger and fries or drink a few beers. Anyone who knows me knows I love burgers, fries and beer, but I try to limit how much (and often) I eat and drink.
You have to practice in order to get better. I’m not suggesting you need to get to the range 9-5 everyday like Langer, but you can’t get better rolling into the course parking lot once a week at 9am for a 9:10 tee time and expect to get better. Not gonna happen. Banging balls at the range for an hour a couple of times a week isn’t the answer either. Practice needs to focus on areas, such as putting, where you can improve. Rather than beating balls, focus some time on what you need to improve to save some shots.
The last thought I want to leave you with is this: Langer is grateful for being able to play golf at his age. He is always thankful and gracious. You should be, too. Playing this game is a privilege and honor. We should be thankful and grateful when we get the chance to play.
Now, go golf and have fun!
Langer spends a good deal of time working on his fitness. His fitness is the key element in his ability to return from his injury so quickly. He spends a good deal of time in the gym keeping himself in good shape.
How does this help you?
Here are some simple exercises you can do to keep lower body strength and mobility as you age.
Windshield Wipers
This is a really good exercise for hip mobility. Your hips have to be able to rotate internally and externally in the golf swing. Any limitations in their ability to rotate either way will often lead to lower back issues.
Simply sit on the floor with your legs set apart at approximately 45 degrees. (You can place your hands on the floor for balance and stability). Feel like you're pulling your toes towards you. Start by rotating your feet to the left as far as you can. Ideally, you should be able to rotate your feet all the way to the floor. Next, rotate all the way to the right as far as you can. This is 1 rep. Perform three sets of 8 reps daily.
Lunges
Lunges are really simple and good leg exercise. You can perform them with or without weights.
Perform 3 sets of 8 reps per leg 3 times a week.
Squats
Another simple and good leg exercise you can perform with or without weights.
Perform 3 sets of 8 three times a week.
These three simple exercises will help maintain and build leg strength. They are also great warmup exercises prior to a round of golf. While you won’t be in Langer shape, theses can help limit potential injuries, and reduce the amount of recovery time should you incur an injury.
As always, be thankful and grateful when you get to play. Enjoy playing this great game. Now, go golf!