Bernhard Langer's golf game has aged like fine wine.
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Welcome to Play Smart, GOLF.com's regular game improvement column that will help you become a smarter, better golfer.
Bernhard Langer appeared to do the impossible as he continued Father's Best Time. Although he's on the wrong side of 65 (he turned 67 this summer), he continues to play incredible golf. While many people his age are moving up to the pros in their retirement public courses, Langer still competes on the Champions Tour.
It should come as no surprise that Langer has some of the most decorated of all time on the top circuit. Since turning 50, he has won 46 times – including an absurd 12 (!) major titles. Combine that with his 42 Euro Tour wins, three PGA Tour wins and two Masters titles and you have one trophy case.
Even with all that hardware, though, Langer refuses to slow down. Even after tearing his Achilles this spring, he continued to play a full Champs Tour schedule over the summer, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the Ascension Charity Classic.
So, how did Langer maintain such fitness and health well into his late 60s? At the US Senior Open at Newport Country Club back in June, he shared a few of his secrets with us.
Langer's fitness tips
1. No alcohol
Alcohol is a bad habit that many indulge in, but it is not always good for our bodies. According to the National Institute on Aging, drinking often “increases the risk of serious consequences, including injuries and health problems.” Avoiding those health problems is key to maintaining physical fitness, so Langer recommends eliminating alcohol for the most part.
“I don't drink alcohol at all,” said Langer. “I drink a little, but very, very little.”
2. No smoking
Smoking is another favorite vice for many – and the negative health effects are well known. And it's something Langer avoids at all costs to save his life.
“I don't smoke [at all],” he said.
3. Stay active every day
As we grow older, we need to stay active to maintain the vitality that naturally emerges when we are young. Taking days off from work has more impact than ever, so it's important to keep yourself active as much as possible.
“I exercise and stretch every day,” Langer said. “I've done it since I can remember. I think that definitely helps you be healthier, stronger, and feel better. The body works better when we move the body. If we don't hang around too much, you will soon pay the price. I talked to my PT, a physical therapist, and he said, if you spend two weeks in the hospital, just two weeks, doing nothing, guess how much energy you lose? Fifty percent. I was shocked. That just motivates me to do more, to do something every day, instead of just sitting around for a few days in a row.”
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