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Panorama

Bernhard Langer reveals: This is how he really sustained his injury

Bernhard Langer is currently in rehab. (Photo: Getty)
Bernhard Langer is currently in rehab. (Photo: Getty)

Last month there was bad news: Bernhard Langer, probably the most successful German golfer of all time, had torn his Achilles tendon at the age of 66. The tournament golfer suffered the injury during training, preventing him from taking part in the first highlights of the calendar year. Langer now revealed in the “Musings on Golf” podcast that there was another cause behind the injury.

Bernhard Langer: Achilles tendon rupture while playing pickleball

Bernhard Langer did not tear his Achilles tendon during golf training, as he originally explained. The injury resulted from a maneuver while playing pickleball. Pickleball is an American ball sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. The question now arises as to why Bernhard Langer, a professional golfer for whom his body is his asset, would expose himself to such a risk of injury. “I play all sorts of sports to stay fit, and this was part of my fitness regime,” Langer explains in the podcast.

The situation in which his Achilles tendon ruptured sounds like a classic move: “Somebody was trying to lob me. I did a few steps backward and hit an overhead, and as I landed on the ground with my feet I heard this huge pop, very loud, like a gun shot. I knew right away it was a torn Achilles.”

Chances of recovery and comeback

Immediately after his injury, it was questionable whether or when the 66-year-old would return to the golf course. The chances of him taking part in this year’s Masters, which he also wanted to celebrate as his farewell to the major tournament, were promptly negligible. His appearance at the BMW International Open 2024 in Munich was also in the stars. However, in conversation with Dr. Tino Lorenz, sports physician and surgeon from Dresden, Golf Post learned that the golfer had a good chance of returning to the sport soon thanks to the optimal support that would most likely be offered to him after the operation.

Bernhard Langer’s positive update from rehab
Bernhard Langer has now confirmed this in person by revealing his tournament plans. In the podcast, he revealed that he is aiming to start at the Insperity Invitational in Houston from May 3 to 5, 2024. Langer would probably surprise many with a start at this tournament – only around three months after his injury. Hopes are growing that he will be able to make his planned start in Munich at the beginning of July.

Although Langer will not be able to play in Augusta this year, he would like to make the trip to golf’s most famous major. As a two-time Masters champion, the German would at least like to take part in the Masters Club Dinner for Champions.

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Who wins the Players Championship 2024?

Players Championship 2024: Who will win at TPC Sawgrass? (Images: Getty)
Players Championship 2024: Who will win at TPC Sawgrass? (Images: Getty)

Every year, golf fans eagerly anticipate the Players Championship of the PGA Tour with great expectations. Over the weekend, players compete at The Players Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida for a total prize money of $25 million. In anticipation of the tournament, several questions arise: Can Scottie Scheffler defend his title? Which other players have good chances of success? Let’s take a look at the players who are considered the biggest favorites.

Players Championship 2024: Scottie Scheffler is the clear favorite

Scottie Scheffler is certainly the name that comes to mind when it comes to winning the PGA Tour’s flagship tournament. The world number one is in good form and is performing consistently well, as is to be expected given his top position in the World Golf Ranking, which he has held since May last year. Last weekend, he fuelled his confidence with a comfortable victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, five strokes ahead of second-placed Wyndham Clark. Scheffler also won last year’s Players Championship 2023 by five strokes, so not only is he in excellent form, but he certainly has fond memories of last year’s event.

Always a contender: Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy, who incidentally helped Scottie Scheffler to victory last weekend with a tip to change putters, is always good for a win at major tournaments. While the Northern Irishman achieved three top 25 finishes in four events on the PGA Tour in 2024, he has already claimed a victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour and narrowly missed out on a second success at the Dubai Invitational. Although McIlroy missed the cut at last year’s Players Championship, the world number two is certainly capable of triumphing this year.

In good form: Wyndham Clark

A victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and a second-place fA victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and a second place last weekend shows that Wyndham Clark is currently in good form. The world number five is definitely a hot candidate for the title. However, he would have to improve on last year’s performance, where he finished tied 27th at the Players Championship.

Under the radar: Hideki Matsuyama and Viktor Hovland

Japanese Hideki Matsuyama and Norwegian Viktor Hovland can be considered more of a “dark horse” category. The situations of the two could hardly be more different. Matsuyama is currently in good form and has already secured a victory in 2024 at the Genesis Invitational. On the other hand, Hovland has not yet found his form from 2023 this year. His best finish is a tied 19th place at the Genesis Invitational. However, their strong performances from last year should give both players confidence. Viktor Hovland finished third at the Players Championship 2023, while Matsuyama finished fifth. Especially for Hovland, the upcoming weekend would be a good time to regain his old form.

European hopes: Ludvig Aberg and Matthieu Pavon

Frenchman Matthieu Pavon impressed at the Farmers Insurance Open with his first tournament win on the PGA Tour after securing a tour card via the DP World Tour and travelling on the PGA Tour as a rookie. Ludvig Aberg is also playing his first full season after a rocket start to his professional career in 2023 and has already recorded two top-10 finishes in 2024. Both players are young talents who did not play in the Players Championship last year and will have the opportunity to prove themselves on the PGA Tour’s biggest stage this week.

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark At The Players Championship

Tee Times for the GA Tour's Players Championship 2024. (Photo: Getty)
Tee Times for the GA Tour's Players Championship 2024. (Photo: Getty)

The Players Championship, known as one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour, takes place at the renowned TPC Sawgrass (The Players Stadium Course) in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA. Last year, Scottie Scheffler emerged victorious, securing the title for this popular tournament, with a prize pool of $25,000,000.

See all Tee Times here

PGA Tour Tee Times: Spotlight on U.S. players

As the first flight of the day, Ryan Moore, Chesson Hadley and Zac Blair, all hailing from the USA, will launch into the first round at 07:40 and continue into the second round on Friday at 12:45 local time. Simultaneously Troy Merritt, Taylor Montgomery and Canadian Taylor Pendrith will tee off from Tee 10 on the first and Tee 1 on the second day.

Among the notable American players teeing off is Xander Schauffele, who is scheduled for a tee time at 8:24 am in the first round and 1:29 pm on day 2. His flight partners will be Sam Burns and England’s Tommy Fleetwood. Returning champion Scottie Scheffler will start his round at 1:40 pm alongside Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas. Their second round begins at 8:35 am, starting from Tee 10.

Other renowned American players Wyndham Clark, Collin Morikawa and Brian Harman will start off round 1 at 1:51 pm. On the second day their flight is scheduled for 8:46 am.

This text was created with AI.

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European Tour

Race to Dubai: Jordan Gumberg leads American presence

Race to Dubai: Jordan Gumberg pushes for the top 10. (Image: Getty)
Race to Dubai: Jordan Gumberg pushes for the top 10. (Image: Getty)

With the current season already several tournaments in, the last event on the DP World Tour hinted at the rising standards of competition.

Jordan Gumberg is America’s best

The chase for the coveted Race to Dubai title sees three American golfers positioning themselves in the rankings’ top 70. Jordan Gumberg sits at the forefront of this trident, currently occupying the 17th spot with 523.7 points from just six events, including a remarkable victory that highlights his season thus far. His compatriots Johannes Veerman and Sean Crocker follow suit, finding themselves at the 49th and 70th places respectively.

Rory McIlroy still maintains his lead, sitting comfortably at the pole position with a total of 1596 points after his most recent triumph. Followed by Japanese Rikuya Hoshino with 1244 points, Adrian Meronk with just over 1000 points, Joaquin Niemann, and Thriston Lawrence who finished second at the Jonsson Workwear Open.

How the DP World Tour Race to Dubai works

The Race to Dubai is the season ranking of the DP World Tour. The top 60 players in the Race to Dubai ranking are allowed to take part in the final play-off tournament of the former European Tour at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the DP World Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points awarded at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. For winning a DP World Tour tournament, the winner receives at least 460 points and a good 300,000 euros.

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Live

Race to Dubai: Jordan Smith Makes Huge Step In The Ranking

Race to Dubai: Jordan Smith takes big step in the Ranking. (Image: Getty)
Race to Dubai: Jordan Smith takes big step in the Ranking. (Image: Getty)

As the season advances, the leaderboard of the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai has shifted, with Rory McIlroy still dominating the standings. Sitting comfortably at the top, McIlroy leads with 1596 points after just two events, including a notable victory. Not to be overlooked, 21 English players have cemented their places within the top 120.

Tommy Fleetwood on top, Jordan Smith pushes forward

The charge of English golfers is led by Tommy Fleetwood, who is currently ranked 14th with an impressive 625.6 points from two events and one victory to his name. Laurie Canter follows, positioned at 18th with 479.15 points over five tournaments, though he’s yet to secure a win this season. Rounding out the top three for England, Jordan Smith climbs to the 26th spot, with his tied second place at the Jonsson Workwear Open.

The Race to Dubai is witnessing a fierce battle at the top, with Rory McIlroy setting the pace, but the competition is tight. Close behind him is Rikuya Hoshino from Japan, holding the 2nd spot with 1244.3 points from nine tournaments, alongside a win. Polish golfer Adrian Meronk occupies the 3rd position with 1023.4 points from four appearances. Not far off, Joaquin Niemann of Chile finds himself in 4th place with 966.73 points and a single victory from three events. Thriston Lawrence, originating from South Africa, rounds off the top 5 with 783.01 points earned in ten tournaments.

How the DP World Tour Race to Dubai works

The Race to Dubai is the season ranking of the DP World Tour (former European Tour). The top 60 players in the Race to Dubai ranking are allowed to take part in the final play-off tournament of the former European Tour at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the DP World Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points awarded at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. For winning a DP World Tour tournament, the winner receives at least 460 points and a good 300,000 euros.

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Highlights Tours

Luke Donald on the Ryder Cup: The Trickiest Things About Foursomes

(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: Getty)

Luke Donald chats on the range with Mizuno in company of Ben Griffin and Keith Mitchell. He reflects on his past captaincy at the Ryder Cup in Rome, on the positive result but also the decisions a captain has to make leading up to that.

Luke Donald reflects about the Ryder Cup

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Live

FedExCup Leaders: Rory McIlroy und Shane Lowry make big gains

Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy cllmpoed up the FedExCup ranking. (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Tour season has seen a flurry of competitive action with several tournaments already in the books. Recently, the golfing world watched as the latest PGA Tour event concluded with a thrilling victory that reshaped the FedExCup leaderboard. Currently, the top spot of the FedExCup rankings is held by Scottie Scheffler from the USA, showcasing his consistent performance with remarkable results. On the international front Shane Lowry from Ireland gained more than 200 points at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He rises from 79th to 30th place.. Rory McIlroy is now part of the top 70 (66th place), after gaining 90 point at the signature event in Florida.

Click here for the FedExCup ranking

FedExCup Rankings: English Players Exhibit Steadiness

Four English players have managed to secure a place among the top 100 of the FedExCup rankings, demonstrating England’s strong presence in global golf standings. Matt Fitzpatrick stands as the leading English golfer in the FedExCup rankings at the 61st position. He has accumulated a total of 212 points across seven events this season, although victory has eluded him so far. Tommy Fleetwood follows as the next English contender, holding the 68th spot with 195 points. Fleetwood has participated in four events and secured one top-10 finish, illustrating his capability to contend on the PGA Tour.

FedExCup Standings: A Glimpse at the Top Contenders

Scottie Scheffler’s ascendancy to the FedExCup rankings’ summit is not unheralded, as he continues to amass a staggering 1,600 points over six events, including five top-10 finishes and one victory. Wyndham Clark trails closely with an equal number of points, although placed second due to other decisive factors. The third position is held by France’s Matthieu Pavon who, with 987 points from six events and three top-10 finishes, solidifies his top-tier status. Japanese talent Hideki Matsuyama occupies the fourth spot with 958 points, while Korean Byeong Hun An rounds out the top five with 948 points, both displaying resilience and skill on the course throughout the season.

How the PGA Tours FedEx Cup works

The FedExCup is the season ranking of the PGA Tour. The top 30 players in the FedExCup ranking are allowed to take part in the PGA Tour’s final play-off tournament at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the PGA Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points earned at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. The winner receives 500 points for winning a normal PGA Tour tournament.

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Live

FedExCup Leaders: Scottie Scheffler climbs on top

Scottie Schefflers victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational pushes him on top of FedExCup rankings. (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Tour season has been in full swing, with numerous tournaments defining the golfing landscape. The most recent tournament winner has added significant points to his FedExCup haul, impacting the overall rankings. Currently, Scottie Scheffler of the USA leads the FedExCup rankings, showcasing consistent excellence throughout his 6 events with 5 Top Ten finishes and a victory under his belt. In total, 57 American players have secured their spots within the top 100 of the FedExCup rankings, a testament to the deep talent pool within the United States.

FedExCup Focus: Top American Players

The two leading American players, Scottie Scheffler and Wyndham Clark, are making waves in the FedExCup standings. Scheffler, known for his strategic play and calm demeanor, sits at the apex with 6 events played, 5 Top Ten finishes, and a rewarding victory. Clark, with a similar event count, has earned his place right behind Scheffler with 2 Top Ten finishes and a triumph that has propelled him up the leaderboard. Both golfers have shown the skill and tenacity needed to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

See the full FedEx Cup Ranking

The PGA Tour season has been in full swing, with numerous tournaments defining the golfing landscape. The most recent tournament winner has added significant points to his FedExCup haul, impacting the overall rankings. Currently, Scottie Scheffler of the USA leads the FedExCup rankings, showcasing consistent excellence throughout his 6 events with 5 Top Ten finishes and a victory under his belt. In total, 57 American players have secured their spots within the top 100 of the FedExCup rankings, a testament to the deep talent pool within the United States.

Top Contenders in FedEx Cup Glory

Looking beyond the American leaderboard, players from France, Japan, Korea, and beyond fill out the top five positions in the FedExCup rankings. Matthieu Pavon from France, with his impressive approach game, lies in third place with consistent performances across his 6 events, capturing a victory and 3 Top Ten finishes. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama remains a constant threat with his stoic precision, holding the fourth spot with a victory among his 7 events. The pursuit of FedExCup success is truly an international endeavor, with these top golfers epitomizing the global nature of the PGA Tour.

How the PGA Tours FedEx Cup works

The FedExCup is the season ranking of the PGA Tour. The top 30 players in the FedExCup ranking are allowed to take part in the PGA Tour’s final play-off tournament at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the PGA Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points earned at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. The winner receives 500 points for winning a normal PGA Tour tournament.

Looking beyond the American leaderboard, players from France, Japan, Korea, and beyond fill out the top five positions in the FedExCup rankings. Matthieu Pavon from France, with his impressive approach game, lies in third place with consistent performances across his 6 events, capturing a victory and 3 Top Ten finishes. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama remains a constant threat with his stoic precision, holding the fourth spot with a victory among his 7 events. The pursuit of FedExCup success is truly an international endeavor, with these top golfers epitomizing the global nature of the PGA Tour.

How the PGA Tours FedEx Cup works

The FedExCup is the season ranking of the PGA Tour. The top 30 players in the FedExCup ranking are allowed to take part in the PGA Tour’s final play-off tournament at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the PGA Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points earned at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. The winner receives 500 points for winning a normal PGA Tour tournament.

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Live

World Golf Ranking: Wyndham Clarks rises into Top 5

World Golf Ranking(1)
Wyndham Clarks makes somes important steps within the OWGR after his second place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. (Photo: Getty

Scottie Scheffler maintains his lead in the World Golf Ranking following another week at the pinnacle. The consistency of his performance cements his status as the top American golfer and the world number one. Wyndham Clark made a significant gain, ascending two spots to rank fifth, marking a positive shift in the World Golf Ranking for the American player. Other notable American golfers, including Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, and Max Homa, experienced a status quo or a slight drop in ranking, placing them at sixth, seventh, and eighth respectively. Brian Harman rose one position, securing the ninth place, and exhibiting incremental progress in the ranking.

See the entire world world golf ranking

Continuing with the American golfers, Keegan Bradley, Jordan Spieth, and Collin Morikawa occupy the 13th to 15th places, with Bradley improving his standing by two slots in the World Golf Ranking. While Spieth saw no change, Morikawa slipped in the rankings, suggesting mixed outcomes for the American contingent. Onto the top three in the World Golf Ranking, Jon Rahm of Spain holds the third position, right behind Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy who remains in second place. Both athletes continue their pursuit of the summit, yet have not made movements in the ranking recently. As the World Golf Ranking evolves, players within the top ten aim to solidify or improve their positions. Viktor Hovland from Norway stands at fourth, separated by the leading trio only by marginal points. Emerging Swedish golfer Ludvig Aberg rounds out the top ten, moving up one place to take the tenth spot. England’s Matt Fitzpatrick just misses the top ten, falling to 11th.

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Live

World Golf Ranking: Shane Lowry makes a big leap

Shane Lowry gains some places with his performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. (Photo: Getty)

In the current World Golf Ranking, the spotlight falls on Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, maintaining his 2nd position, manifesting stability at the apex of the rankings. English golfer, Matt Fitzpatrick, holds the 11th spot, a slight descent from his previous 9th rank, denoting a minor setback.

See the full World Golf Ranking

Shane Lowry jumps into Top 40

Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton, both from England, occupy the 12th and 16th positions respectively, indicating no change for Fleetwood but a climb for Hatton, who was 17th last week. In a notable downturn, Justin Rose from England fell to 51st from 48th. Shane Lowry of Ireland demonstrated a significant leap, landing at 37th, gaining from the prior 54th rank.

Update on British, Welsh, and Scottish Players
The recent World Golf Ranking also depicts Robert MacIntyre from Scotland at 70th, experiencing no movement, while Welsh golfer, Jamie Donaldson, is not in the top ranking positions. Aaron Rai, another English golfer teetered downward to 79th from 78th, Jordan Smith improved to 86th from 96th, and Ewen Ferguson from Scotland climbed from 121st to 119th, which are considered minimal changes.

Top Three in Global Rankings
As for the international scene, Scottie Scheffler of the USA remains at the pinnacle, entrenched as the world number one. Jon Rahm from Spain continues to hold the 3rd place firmly, ensuing behind McIlroy. The uppermost echelon of the rankings thus remains unchanged this week.

Movements in Top 10 Players
Looking further down, the World Golf Ranking reveals Viktor Hovland from Norway staying at 4th. However, Americans made notable advances: Wyndham Clark ascended from 7th to 5th, while Brian Harman inched upwards to 9th from 10th. Ludvig Aberg from Sweden also gained ground, stepping up from 11th to 10th. Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, both from the USA, saw demotions to 6th and 7th places respectively, hinting at minor shifts in the upper rung of the rankings.