Folks, hold onto your hats! What Bernhard Langer, our German golf god, delivered at the Senior PGA Championship in Bradenton, Florida, is simply phenomenal. At an incredible 68 years young, he fired a blistering round of 6-under-par (66 strokes) on April 16th, securing a share of the lead. Now that's what you call a start for the ages!
A Comeback of the Highest Order
Anyone who thought Langer would be rattled by that clearly doesn't know the Swabian Golf Express. After the double-bogey, he launched a finishing surge of the highest order, playing his final six holes in a sensational 5-under-par! Birdies on the 13th, 14th, and 16th holes showed what he's made of. The absolute highlight: a 60-foot (approx. 18 meters) eagle putt on the par-5 17th hole, after he had perfectly placed his ball with a 3-iron hybrid. He called his round "really good," praising his straight drives and superb putting on the challenging greens.
The Competition Isn't Sleeping
Langer shares the lead with three other top golfers who are also playing exceptionally well. There's the Spanish "Cigar Man" Miguel Ángel Jiménez, who, at 62, also carded a round of 66, including an eagle on the par-5 seventh hole. Australia's Steve Allan also played a flawless round, peppered with birdies on most par-5s. And Brian Gay, who propelled himself to the top with three birdies over his final four holes, is also in contention. Lurking right behind them are Ben Crane (making his Senior Major debut) and Retief Goosen, both at 5-under-par.
Bernhard Langer, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame with a record-setting 12 Senior Major titles – including his victory at the 2017 Senior PGA Championship – is simply a legend. He leads the PGA Tour Champions with an incredible 47 victories. With his current form, things are looking very good for him. We're keeping our fingers crossed that he can continue to extend his record!
