Bernhard Langer and George McNeill Talk Longevity on the PGA TOUR Champions Season in Advance of the Chubb Classic
By Doug Milne
NAPLES, Fla. – Prior to World Golf Hall of Fame Member, Bernhard Langer, taking the media stage Wednesday, George McNeill was asked about the factors that motivate him as he makes his PGA TOUR Champions debut this week.
“I'm not Bernhard Langer. I don't think anybody is Bernhard Langer,” said McNeill. “That guy is a machine. He's incredible. If I could have a career like his, absolutely, I'd love to. I think every player out here looks at Bernhard as something to strive for.”
That’s an ambitious goal. After all, the 68-year-old “machine” has won the Charles Schwab Cup six times and collected 47 PGA TOUR Champions titles, which stands as the all-time record.
It also just so happens that Langer has also won the Chubb Classic five times: 2011, 2013, 2016, 2022 and 2023. His 2023 victory at Tiburón Golf Club marked his 45th career win on the Champions Tour, which tied Hale Irwin for most.
Seemingly unaffected by age, the 1985 and 1993 Masters Tournament winner has since added two more PGA TOUR Champions titles to his resume, bringing that total to 47.
“At this stage for me, it's more trying to stay healthy, trying to stay somewhat fit. That's the biggest challenge,” Langer said. “I've been losing a bit of distance, and these young guys coming out, they're all gaining distance. They're all so much longer. My challenge is to keep up with them and their length. I think I'm pretty good in the other departments, short game and straightness and the way I think and the way I can handle pressure, but I can't make up for my drive being 40 yards shorter than some guys out there.”
According to Langer, that difference in driving distance is the biggest challenge for him these days.
“When I was 18, it was all golf. It was like 100 percent golf. That's changed,” Langer said. “Now, I'm a father of four, a grandfather of four and I've been married 42 years. So, there's other things, other priorities in life. Golf is still played full-time and still a big part of my life,” I may play about 25 events a year nowadays, which is still half the year. It's a big commitment.”
While young, more powerful players continue to break onto the PGA TOUR Champions scene with explosive distances – like the Langer-admiring George McNeill – part of what has made Langer so successful over the years has been his discipline, accuracy and respect for the layouts before him.
“Look at the golf course and what it demands,” Langer said. “Tiburón is not just a bomber's paradise like some courses are, just for the big hitters. Here, there's a few very tight holes you've got to keep the ball straight and narrow and in play because it can easily run into a water hazard, trees or other trouble. You need to be more precise, not necessarily just long. That suits my game. I think that's why I've done fairly well on this golf course over the years.”
Next year, the Chubb Classic will turn 40. Not that any extra incentives can increase already great chances, but it is a significant anniversary Langer will be proud to be a part of.
“I think it's a wonderful anniversary. It shows that 40 years of having a tournament here and the same sponsor over a very long time works for all sides,” Langer said. “It's working for the sponsor, the guests and the players. We love to have those kinds of sponsors, because you want to count on continuity and longevity. Everybody loves and enjoys the event.”
This year, Langer is celebrating 20 years with his longtime caddie, Terry Holt.
“When I first met him, I asked if he knew anybody he could caddie for,” said Langer. “He thought about for five seconds and then asked me, ‘how about you’? I didn't know he was available, so I agreed to try it for a few weeks. Now, here we are 20 years later. It's been a great relationship. He's a wonderful friend, a Christian, very reliable, maybe the hardest working caddie out here. I don't need to tell him to work hard; it comes by himself.”
So, as George McNeill breaks ground for the first time on the PGA TOUR Champions this week, it’s not Bernhard Langer’s success McNeill needs to seek out for motivation. What needs to be focused on is the “machine’s” commitment to process, patience and respect en route to the results. When that can happen, Langer will quietly, though sincerely, nod in approval and with the utmost respect.
