Bernhard Langer under fire over 'cheating' putting stroke: "It's LAUGHABLE!"

Bernhard Langer equalled Hale Irwin's PGA Tour Champions victories but the 65-year-old German has come under fire once again over his putting stroke.

Ben Smith

21 Feb 2023

Bernhard Langer under fire over 'cheating' putting stroke: "It's LAUGHABLE!" — Bernhard Langer under fire over 'cheating' putting stroke: "It's LAUGHABLE…

Even at the age of 65 years old, Bernhard Langer doesn't know how to slow down.

Over the weekend, the German reached an incredible milestone on the PGA Tour Champions.

In case you haven't heard, Langer birdied five of his last seven holes to shoot his age and earn a three-stroke victory at the Chubb Classic at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida.

Related: Bernhard Langer on LIV Golf

It meant that he recorded his 45th senior victory, tying the record with Hall of Famer Hale Irwin.

Langer was understandably emotional after the win. He told the media that he didn't think tying Irwin's record was attainable when he started playing the senior circuit.

He told the media:

"It's extremely special because we've been talking about it for so long it seems now. When I first came out here, I thought, this is never going to happen. When I heard Hale Irwin had won 45 times, I'm going, this is awesome and amazing, and it still is and always will be."

The winning moment@BernhardLanger6 birdies No. 18 to win the @ChubbClassic and ties Hale Irwin with 45 career victories. pic.twitter.com/o8REH9iFcA
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) February 19, 2023

There is absolutely no denying that Langer is regarded as one of the greatest German players of all time.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001/2002 and boasts two major championship victories, both coming at the Masters in 1985 and 1993.

Oh, and he's also now won 121 times across the world.

Yet for all of his brilliance he has faced several cheating accusations throughout his career.

Particularly with his putting stroke.

Speaking to GolfDigest in 2017, Langer sounded absolutely fed up with the accusations.

In fairness, the USGA came to his defence. Langer has said he continually consults with Champions Tour officials about this.

He said back then:

"I personally don't understand it because I'm a man of integrity and the last thing I want to do is break rules and be known as cheating or something."

Langer said if he was further down the money list then he doubted the stroke would be such a talking point.

He also said there was a hint of jealousy from his critics.

In the immediate aftermath of his latest victory, an account called @Trot_Golfer called out Langer, describing his putting stroke as 'laughable'.

He tagged several golf journalists and the post has received quite a response.

See here:

The cheating by @BernhardLanger6 is laughable at this point..rules officials on the @ChampionsTour need to do their job… 14-1b anchor point created by the forearm …this is from today… @NoLayingUp @TronCarterNLU @chambleebrandel @AlanShipnuck @MintzGolf @Daniel_Rapaport pic.twitter.com/hl9K42Zn3J
— TrotGolfer (@Trot_Golfer) February 19, 2023

Comments included:

"Looks like anchoring to me."

"If the forearm wasn’t anchored there would be no creases on the shirt. There is pressure from the left forearm on the left pec. The shirt doesn't lie."

"From what I understand in 2016 none of his playing partners would ever sign his scorecard. This is the biggest scandal in sports history."

"His playing partners need to call him on it too."

"It can touch you and not be anchored. You're wrong."

"Of course he's anchoring. Been saying this for years. It's a freaking joke."

"Bernhard Langer is an absolute legend of the game. Love seeing his success. Not sure why people get so worked up by the long putters. Makes golf more fun in my opinion."

"Can't help but notice your pictures are post impact, in which case it's irrelevant. If it's that way at set up and through the stroke, it's a whole different story."

"Either get rid of the rule or get rid of the club if they aren't going to enforce it."

"I love Bernhard but they do need to straighten this out. His left forearm is definitely up against his chest even if the club isn't."

"Langer has been cheating like this for years. It's literally stealing money from the other players."

"Bernhard will have to be anchored into a head lock if he's not careful."

"Blatant disregard for the rule since the changes in 2016. Anchoring is cheating, and the Tour shamefully just look the other way."

Related: The 1991 Ryder Cup remembered

What do the rules of golf say?

According to rule 14-1b, the player must not anchor the club 'directly' or by use of an 'anchor point'.

What do you think about this? Have you noticed this putting stroke at your club? Don't hesitate to Tweet us with your thoughts.