Question of the week [November 11-17]: Bernhard Langer, 67, won the Charles Schwab Cup Championship on Nov. 10 for his record-extending 47th PGA Tour Champions title. In addition, the Hall of Famer is a two-time Masters champion, has the second-most career wins on the European Tour (42), was a 10-time European Ryder Cup Team member and captained the victorious 2004 team? Do you believe he is underrated in comparison to the game's greatest players?
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Bernhard Langer is a throwback to an era where pro golfers carried themselves with dignity and respect. That is unlike today’s crop of insufferable multimillionaires.
He never played to the crowd by childishly encouraging cheering, etc. He never criticized fellow pros as Rory McIlroy, Billy Horschel et al did regarding LIV issues.
He is a family man and a religious man. His five decades in the public eye include tremendous success as well as huge trouble, like his putting yips.
He probably would never consider this weekly question regarding whether he’s underrated. That’s a topic the current pros think is important — not him. They are consumed by being respected yet often give no respect to those who dare have a conflicting view.
Vinny Mooney
Poughkeepsie, New York
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It may annoy some readers that a European should stand atop any PGA Tour related category of achievement. Regardless, Bernhard Langer has not only withstood the best challengers over his entire career and succeeded, but his ironman character and ability to persevere are legendary.
Is there another player who compares in terms of longevity — maybe Jack Nicklaus as he excelled in terms of major championships over his career. In a world of meritocracy, Langer must be looked on as one of the most accomplished players in history.
Cue the number crunchers for his place on the list.
Pete Croppo
Bayfield, Ontario
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There is no arguing that longevity in top-level sports is amazing. Bernhard Langer has competed at the highest level for the longest time in professional golf. It can be stated that one player is more accomplished than another, but this man has excelled on every level for more time than anyone.
Dennis Brissette
Heathrow, Florida
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As to the question about whether Bernhard Langer is underrated compared to golfing greats, I believe he might be. However, his greatness comes with an asterisk.
He anchors his putter and that is detrimental to the younger golfers now going to the long putter. They believe if he can get away with it, they can also. I have witnessed him in action close by and he not only anchors his fist, he definitely anchors his arm against his side. Adam Scott is the perfect example of not anchoring. Langer continues to exploit it with no repercussions.
Eugene Smith
Surprise, Arizona
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I think Bernhard Langer should be rated up there with the top 20 of all time.
Jamie Pavlis
Eatontown, New Jersey
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Bernhard Langer is the Clint Eastwood of golf. When someone tries to beat him, he says to himself, “Make my day,” and outdraws them.
Gary Saretzky
Lawrenceville, New Jersey
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Front: Bernhard Langer during the second round of the 2023 Masters.
Photo: Fran Caffrey | Golffile