Bernhard Langer Makes CRAZY Recovery from Torn Achilles, Returns to Competition

Bernhard Langer is 66 years old, but his age is not stopping him from making one of the most miraculous recoveries in recent memory.

Langer, who was unable to compete in this year’s Master’s Tournament and pulled out in February, is recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon. He injured himself in a pickleball game in Boca Raton, Florida.

However, it appears he will be back at the Insperity Invitational this weekend, and he has a chip on his shoulder regarding his injury:

“Statistically, they say that guys win the most tournaments from age 50 to 55 on the PGA TOUR Champions, and then they kind of drop off. I’m trying to continue to prove them wrong.”

Langer said that his injury was simply a freak accident, and that he is not limited to golf in his training. To stay in shape, he does a lot of other activities, including things like pickleball and other sports. 

However, returning a shot during a game with friends cost him his Achillies:

“So I played pickleball with some of my friends. My opponent lobbed me, and I did a few steps back, jumped up, and hit it, and as I landed, I heard this loud noise and pain in my leg. I went down on the ground, and at first, I thought I hit something walking backwards, but as I looked around, there was nothing there, and I realized most likely it was a torn Achilles tendon.”

Another high-level athlete who had an Achilles injury last year and had a speedy recovery was Aaron Rodgers, quarterback of the New York Jets.

Langer drew inspiration from Rodgers’ recovery last year, which took only eight to nine weeks for him to be able to throw a ball again:

“That lifted my spirits, hearing he was back on the field throwing the ball after eight or nine weeks. That encouraged me that I may do something similar.”

Langer has been competitive in tournaments recently, even as he has been a proven winner over the span of a very successful career. He does not see anything changing anytime soon.

“…even at my age, I still think I’m competitive and [can] win.”

Quotes and Cover Image via PGA Tour