Personal

To combat putting yips, has used a variety of putting grips, most recently utilizing a long putter that he began using at the end of the 1996 season...Father settled in Bavaria after jumping a Russian prisoner-of-war train bound for Siberia...Developed fever cramps several times as a child (ages 2-5) and nearly died as a result...Took up golf at age 7 through caddying and turned pro at 15...Developed back problems when he was 19, during an 18-month stint as a member of the German Air Force. Marching with 30-pound pack and rifle led to two stress fractures and bulging discs...Devout Christian, helped organize the regular meetings of the European Tour Bible Class...Web site is bernhardlanger.de...Started skiing at age 4 and would say he's a "scratch skier."...Also enjoys driving fast cars...Conducts an annual charity event for Youth for Christ. Event has raised $140,000...Favorite courses are Cypress Point and Augusta National...Dream foursome would include Lee Trevino, Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson...Admires Mother Teresa...Best tip he ever received is to pay attention to fundamentals...Favorite book is The Bible...Top athlete is Bjorn Borg...First job was as a teaching professional.