The PNC Championship provides an extraordinary opportunity to see some Major Champions partner with their children in a tournament that is as much about legacy as it’s about competition. This year, the Langers exemplified this spirit as they navigated the course with precision, each swing a testament to their shared passion for the game.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about how the Langers rocked the PNC Championship.
Performance
The 2023 PNC Championship will be remembered for the outstanding performance of the ageless Bernhard Langer and his talented son, Jason. The duo’s triumph was a masterclass in golf that unfolded over the weekend.
Team Langer faced a three-stroke deficit and unfavorable golf odds on the final day, but they managed to catch up and left everyone else in the dust. Starting the day with three consecutive birdies, the Langers showcased a level of precision and skill that quickly pulled them away from the leaders of the previous round, Team Kuchar.
The Kuchars stumbled, opening the door for the rest of the field, but it was team Langer who seized the opportunity and never looked back. They kept making great shots and putting the ball in the hole, scoring birdies on seven of their first eleven holes.
The Langer’s run was nothing short of spectacular, with a red-hot-streak on the greens that left their competitors in awe. Even though they didn’t finish with a bang, getting three birdies in the last seven holes was still good enough for the Langers to win by two strokes against Team Duval.
Guess what? This victory wasn’t the first rodeo for Bernhard Langer. Nope, it was his fifth time winning this particular tournament. Plus, it’s the third time he’s won it with his son, Jason. Before teaming up with Jason, Bernhard won this tournament two times with his older son, Stefan Langer.
Equipment Used
At the heart of the Langers’ victory at the 2023 PNC Championship was their trusty Ping G400 driver. It was the common thread in their equipment arsenal and played a crucial role in their stellar performance on the golf course.
However, beyond the shared driver, the father-son duo sported a diverse set of gear that perfectly complemented each other’s playing styles. Let’s take a closer look a the equipment used by each Langer:
Bernard Langer’s Gear
- Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
- Putter: Odyssey White Hot 2-ball Long
- Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX / Titleist Vokey Design
- Irons: Tour Edge Exotics Pro 723 / Tour Edge Exotics CBX
- Hybrid: Adams Idea Pro
- 3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus
Jason Langer’s Gear
- Putter: Odyssey Metal X Milled No.1
- Wedges: Callaway MD3 / TaylorMade MG
- Irons: TaylorMade P750 (3-PW)
- 3-wood: TaylorMade M1
While both Langers relied on the Ping G400 for their drivers, their individual preferences and strengths were reflected in the rest of their gear. From irons to putters and wedges, each club was carefully chosen to suit their playing style and maximize their performance on the course.
Bernhard’s mix of Tour Edge Exotics and Titleist wedges showcased a blend of precision and versatility, while Jason’s TaylorMade irons and Callaway wedges emphasized power and control. The choice of putters also highlighted their comfort with specific styles.
How Much Did They Win?
The duo took home $200,000 from the event’s prize purse, which amounted to $1.085 million. For Bernhard Langer, this win was a well-deserved bonus after a year of hard work on the PGA Tour Champions circuit.
At the age of 66, Langer showcased his enduring skill and dedication by participating in 24 events throughout the year. Among those events, he secured an impressive 21 top-25 finishes and clinched victory twice, with one of the highlights being the U.S. Senior Open in July.
Bernhard Langer expressed his gratitude and hinted at some well-deserved time off. According to him, the Langer family will be heading to Europe to spend the holidays over there.
What’s Next for the Duo?
For the 22-year-old Jason Langer, the path ahead involves a unique juggling act between his passion for golf and his professional commitments. Currently working for an investment bank in New York, Jason faces the challenge of balancing a demanding work schedule with his desire to spend more time on the golf course.
On the other hand, Bernhard Langer, the seasoned German golfer, may have his sights set on the PNC Championship next year. The competitive spirit that has driven him to break records and achieve success over the years suggests that he will continue to strive for excellence in the PNC Championship when it returns in 2024.
Beyond the PNC Championship, the father-son duo may continue seeking opportunities to share the course and create lasting memories. Whether it’s in prestigious tournaments or casual rounds, the Langers will likely find ways to nourish their shared love for golf, strengthening the unique bond they’ve forged on the fairways.
Final Takeaway
The victory of Bernhard and Jason Langer at the PNC Championship 2023 is a heartwarming narrative of family bonds, shared passion, and the creation of a lasting legacy. Their journey serves as a poignant reminder that, in the world of golf, the real victories are the memories created, the lessons shared, and the joy of playing as a family.