At Glance
‣ Bernhard Langer’s remarkable comeback to competitive golf at the Insperity Invitational, just three months after tearing his Achilles tendon, showcases his resilience and determination.
‣ The influence of NFL star Aaron Rodgers on Langer’s recovery, with both athletes undergoing the same SpeedBridge procedure for their Achilles injuries, highlights the importance of cross-sport inspiration and support in athlete recovery processes.
‣ Despite his age and the severity of his injury, Langer’s successful return to golf, inspired by Rodgers’ own recovery and supported by advancements in medical procedures, underscores the possibility of overcoming significant physical setbacks with determination and modern medical interventions.
Two months after tearing his achilles, @BernhardLanger6 is making a return.
The 66-year-old plans to tee it up next week @InsperityInvtnl.
A look inside his miraculous comeback journey ⬇️
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour)
Oh, what a ride it’s been for Bernhard Langer. Winning trophy after trophy in his seniors career, but this? Teeing up at the Insperity Invitational this week might just top it all. Especially since it’s only been three months since he tore his Achilles. Can you believe it? The man is 66!
Back in early February, Langer had a bit of a mishap. He tore his Achilles tendon. But, like the champion he is, he didn’t let that stop him. Immediate surgery was on the agenda, and now, here he is, making a grand return to the PGA Tour Champions in Texas.
Now, get this. Langer’s got a bit of an inspiration. Ever heard of Aaron Rodgers? Yep, the NFL star and New York Jets quarterback. Rodgers had a similar setback, tearing his Achilles just four plays into his debut last September. But, like a scene from a comeback movie, he was back on his feet, throwing the football within three months, thanks to this newfangled SpeedBridge procedure. Guess what? Langer had the same procedure.
“I heard from other athletes who had similar injuries, like Aaron Rodgers,” Langer mentioned in a social media video. He was all eyes and ears on Rodgers’ recovery story. And guess what? It gave him a boost. Knowing Rodgers was back throwing the ball in no time made Langer think, “Hey, maybe I can do this too.”
And if you’re into golf (who isn’t, right?), you might want to subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter. It’s your ticket to all the latest tour news, equipment reviews, and expert advice. Just saying.
Rodgers, being the good sport he is, didn’t miss a chance to give Langer a shoutout. He took to social media, calling Langer a legend. And Langer? He’s just humbled. Said he talked to Rodgers after the Masters, inspired by his story.
Rodgers, at 40, is not just throwing footballs post-surgery. He’s also hitting holes-in-one on the golf course. January saw him acing his first round post-surgery. If that’s not inspiring, I don’t know what is.
Langer, the well-oiled German machine, is not your average senior golfer. His comeback is nothing short of miraculous. Not many his age would even dream of making such a physical comeback. But Langer? He’s in a league of his own.
Just two months post-injury, and @BernhardLanger6 is all set for a comeback. He’s planning to tee it up next week @InsperityInvtnl. Everyone’s eyes are on this miraculous journey.
After smashing Hale Irwin’s seniors win record with his 46th title at the US Senior Open last year, Langer’s already a legend. He’s won all five senior Majors. What’s left to prove, you ask? Plenty, it seems.
Langer’s got his eyes set on more titles. Despite missing what would have been a nostalgic Masters appearance this year, he’s aiming for a grand send-off at Augusta next April. With 130 professional golf tournaments under his belt, across all six golf-playing continents, he’s far from done.
The story of how he injured his Achilles? Pure Langer. Playing pickleball in Florida, part of his fitness regime. “Part of my training is doing other things, like ping-pong and other sports,” he said. Then, during a game, his opponent lobbed him. Langer went for it, jumped, hit the ball, and then – pop. Down he went, realizing he’d torn his Achilles.
Initially, Langer was in the dark about what this meant for his career. “Will I ever be back?” he wondered. But doubting himself? That’s not the Langer way. After this incredible comeback, it’s clear. The ageless German can seemingly do anything.
