Cheater”; “Tired of BS” – Fans call out Bernhard Langer for alleged foul play at the PNC Championship
Bernhard Langer and Son Jason Defeat Team Woods in Sudden-Death Playoff to Win 2024 PNC Championship The 2024 PNC Championship concluded dramatically as Team Langer, consisting of Bernhard Langer and his son Jason, edged out Team Woods (Tiger Woods and his son Charlie) in a thrilling sudden-death playoff. After 36 holes, the two teams were…
Bernhard Langer and Son Jason Defeat Team Woods in Sudden-Death Playoff to Win 2024 PNC Championship
The 2024 PNC Championship concluded dramatically as Team Langer, consisting of Bernhard Langer and his son Jason, edged out Team Woods (Tiger Woods and his son Charlie) in a thrilling sudden-death playoff. After 36 holes, the two teams were tied for the lead, setting the stage for a high-stakes playoff showdown.
The decisive moment came when Bernhard Langer made a crucial shot during the sudden-death playoff, securing his team’s victory. A video shared by Nuclr Golf captured the defining shot, with the caption:
“Bernhard Langer and his son Jason defeat the Woods family in a sudden death playoff at the PNC Championship!”
While the victory was celebrated by many, controversy emerged in the comments section, with several fans accusing Langer of “anchoring” his putter—a violation of the rules in golf.
Fans Accuse Langer of Anchoring
Social media reactions quickly turned critical, with accusations of rule-breaking dominating the conversation. Fans alleged that Langer violated the anchoring rule while putting during the playoff.
Comments included:
“So, you can’t see he’s anchoring? Seriously? So tired of this BS!”
“Cheating! Anchored putter.”
“Cheater tee box and cheater putter gets it done.”
“Looked like anchoring to me!”
What Is Anchoring in Golf?
The term “anchoring” in golf refers to a specific rule violation detailed under Rule 10.1 of the United States Golf Association (USGA). According to the rule, players must not anchor their club against their body while making a stroke.
Specifically:
1. Direct Anchoring: Players are prohibited from touching the putter grip to any part of their body other than their forearm. For example, the putter grip cannot make contact with the torso, chest, or stomach.
2. Indirect Anchoring: Players must not use an “anchor point” by stabilizing their forearm against their body, allowing the hand to swing the club from a fixed position.
In short, the putter grip may only touch areas below the elbow joint and wrist but must not touch the torso or any other part of the body. Violations of this rule result in a two-stroke penalty during stroke play or a forfeited hole in match play.
The controversy over Langer’s putting technique centers around whether he adhered to these guidelines during the playoff.
Team Langer’s Road to Victory
Bernhard and Jason Langer played an exceptional tournament, carding rounds of 59 and 57 to tie for the lead with Team Woods after 36 holes. The playoff on a par-5 hole saw Team Woods make a birdie, but Team Langer secured the win with an eagle.
The victory marked the Langer duo’s second consecutive PNC Championship win, having also triumphed in 2023. This latest title adds to Bernhard Langer’s illustrious PNC Championship record, bringing his total to six wins. He previously won twice with his older son Stefan Langer in 2005 and 2006 and four times with Jason Langer in 2014, 2019, 2023, and now 2024.
A Historic Legacy
Langer’s win reinforces his reputation as one of the most decorated players in PNC Championship history. Despite the controversy surrounding his putting technique, his performance, alongside his son Jason, demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, solidifying their place as champions of the 2024 tournament.
The PNC Championship, hosted annually at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, continues to be a platform where golfing legends and their families shine—though this year’s event also serves as a reminder of the scrutiny that comes with professional success.
