“Sheer determination and will” – Analyst details Bernhard Langer’s ‘fight’ with yips

Bernhard Langer is one of the most decorated golfers in history. He has 42 wins on the European Tour and over 120 total wins across his career, two of which came in the Masters. He was very talented, yet he struggled with the "yips" from time to time.

The yips are defined as an involuntary muscle spasm when someone tries to do something they otherwise have no trouble doing. It is often attributed to golfers and baseball players. Informally, the yips often refer to struggles at moments that don't normally produce a struggle.

For example, Rory McIlroy's putting woes at the US Open could be considered as an example of the yips. Langer himself is one of the most notable athletes to struggle with this phenomenon.

On the Sky Sports Golf podcast, Josh Antmann noted that Langer is the one golfer who comes to mind when hearing of the yips. Sam Torrance detailed how he overcame those struggles (18:15-18:42):

"Sheer determination and will. And found the method ... like, I found the method. I've an extra 10 to 15 years on my career because of the long button. I've been able to use that. And just a fighter, he can't last as long as he has in the game and continually win without being a great fighter."

Langer has had and continues to have an illustrious career thanks to the PGA Tour Champions where he has 29 wins so far. His longevity is a testament to his ability to overcome challenges, including the yips, throughout a 52-year professional career.

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Golf analyst details Bernhard Langer's legacy

Bernhard Langer might not immediately come to mind for fans thinking of the best golfers ever, but perhaps he should. He has an impressive total of wins to his name, has spent multiple weeks as the world's number-one golfer, and earned two Masters Tournament victories.

Bernhard Langer has an impressive resume (Imagn)

That alone puts him in the conversation as one of the greats. Sam Torrance had high praise for the German golfer on the Sky Sports Golf podcast. He said (15:20-16:07):

"He's one of the best sportsmen there. He's as fit as a British dog. I've seen him have a sip of beer. I've seen him turn away at you. No, no, I don't need these. Canopies coming around in Goldfield barges and pro arms and he's so strict and he's always been that way."

Torrance added that Langer has a true love for the game and plays it well. He added that he has a hard time believing how successful Bernhard Langer has been as a senior on tour. He doesn't see an end in sight for the golfer, either. His illustrious career shows no signs of slowing down at the moment.