Closer look at world's most successful senior golfer over past two years

Bernhard Langer would like to

be US President for a day

Bernhard Langer has had a golfing career that seems to have lasted forever, first in Europe, now in America, where he stays in Florida. He won four times this year on the US Champions (Seniors) Tour and had 11 other top-10 finishes. He has topped their over-50s tour's money table for the past two seasons, winning $2,139,451 in 2009 and $2,035,073 in 2008. Yet at one time in his early days on the European Tour, the German, who eventually became a Ryder Cup player, then captain, had a long struggle to overcome the putting yips which he did with the help of one of the early long-handled putters. His average number of putts per round in the 2009 seniors' season was 29.42.

Champions Tour media official Dave Senko sat down with Langer for a quick question-and-answer session for the PGATOUR.COM website. We thought you would like to read it too.

Q: What's your favourite TV show?

BL: I enjoy all types of sports and action movies.

Q: Outside of golf, what sport do you enjoy watching on TV?

BL: Football, soccer, basketball, hockey and ski-ing.

Q: With whom would you love to trade places for a day?

BL: The President of the United States. Just to see what it's like with everything going on.

Q: Favourite team as a kid and did you have a favourite player?

BL: Bayern Munich, Franz Beckenbauer.

Q: First job you ever had?

BL: I was an assistant golf professional at Munich Country Club.

Q: Your favourite meal?

BL: Thanksgiving Dinner.

Q: One talent which you would most love to have?

BL: I wish I was able to play a musical instrument like the piano or a guitar.

Q: Favourite athlete in another sport?

BL: Roger Federer.

Q: Your wife would say your worst habit is?

BL: Eating sweets and desserts.

Q: One course you've never played but would love to play?

BL: Pine Valley Golf Club

Q: Most memorable holiday?

BL: Ski-ing in the Alps.

Q: What do you currently drive?

BL: Mercedes-Benz S-550

Q: Person you'd most like to sit down for a discussion with and why?

BL: Billy Graham, to learn from him.

Q: Your most memorable golf shot?

BL: At the 1995 Smurfit European Open at The K Club, I made a 75-foot putt for an eagle on the last hole to tie Barry Lane and then went on to win the play-off.

Q: Do you have a favourite charity you support?

BL: I have several that I support -- 4 Kids of South Florida, Youth For Christ, Search Ministry and Sheridan House.

Q: When not playing golf, what do you enjoy?

BL: Family time, walking, bike riding, working out and going to church.

Q: Things still on 'to do' list?

BL: Helicopter ski-ing, white=water rafting, visiting Yellowstone National Park and several other National Parks, including the Grand Canyon.

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT BERNHARD

His father settled in Bavaria after jumping off a Russian prisoner-of-war train bound for Siberia.

Bernhard was born at Anhausen, Germany on August 27, 1957.

He turned pro in 1972 when he was only 15.

Height: 5ft 9in.

Bernhard developed fever cramps several times as a child (ages 2-5) and nearly died as a result.

Began having back problems at age 19 after an 18-month stint as a member of the German Air Force.

Marching with a 30lb pack and rifle led to two stress fractures and bulging discs.

Started ski-ing at age of four and would say he's a "scratch skier."

A devout Christian, Langer helped organise the regular meetings of the European Tour Bible Class.