In the midst of yet another dominating season on the Champions Tour, 59-year-old Bernhard Langer has dealt with considerable criticism in regards to his putting stroke. A number of media members, most notably the Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee, a one-time winner on the PGA Tour, have questioned if the stroke violates the ban on anchored putters.

 
The USGA has consistently defended Langer in the matter, but that has not completely quieted the accusations. Langer voiced his frustration on Wednesday at Royal Porthcawl in Wales, in preparation for this week’s Senior Open Championship.

Bullets

• Bernhard Langer has been the subject of frequent criticism this year, in regards to how he holds his putter. One of the few who still uses a long-putter since the ban on anchored putting, Langer’s left hand is still close to his chest when he putts. Langer claims his hand isn’t actually touching his body, but others have disagreed as photos and videos have been inconclusive.
• The PGA Tour and the USGA have defended Langer on multiple occasions.
• Langer referred to the criticism as “hurtful”, as he believes it questions his integrity. He has conferred with rules officials on a number of occasions, and has always been told that he is not violating the rules on anchored putting.
• Langer is again leading the Champions Tour money list, which he has finished atop the past four seasons. In 2017, he has three wins, including two at majors.
• In his Champions Tour career, Langer has 32 wins, with a record nine of those coming in major championships.
• Langer is going for his third major of the year this week at the Senior Open Championship, where he currently is tied for the lead after 36 holes.

Quotable

“It’s human to be jealous, let’s put it that way. If I was 180th on the money list, I don’t think anybody would be talking about it. But I’ve been No. 1 the last few years.”
-Bernhard Langer