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ATLANTA – In recognition of his supreme level of character and sportsmanship, his professionalism and the distinguished manner in which he embraces the values of golf, Bernhard Langer has been named the recipient of the PGA TOUR’s 2018 Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company. Langer will be honored on Tuesday, September 18, at the Payne Stewart Award Ceremony in conjunction with the TOUR Championship. The ceremony will be televised live on Golf Channel as part of a “Golf Centralâ€� special from 7-8 p.m. ET. The Payne Stewart Award is presented annually by the PGA TOUR to a professional golfer who best exemplifies Stewart’s steadfast values of character, charity and sportsmanship. Stewart, an 11-time winner on the PGA TOUR and World Golf Hall of Fame member, died tragically the week of the TOUR Championship in 1999. Southern Company, the “Official Energy Company of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions,â€� was the TOUR Championship sponsor the year of Stewart’s passing. A year later, the PGA TOUR created the Payne Stewart Award in his honor, and Southern Company has supported the annual presentation since its inception. The past winners have all distinguished themselves through their respect for the game, the TOUR’s tradition of charity and their ability to make a positive impact in the lives of others. “We all are so proud of Payne Stewart and the husband and father he was, the player he was and the character he had,â€� said Langer.  “I was very close with Payne for a number of years. Toward the end of his career, he became a believer in Jesus Christ and a Christian, and that was very touching to me because the same thing happened to me a few years earlier, so we had even more in common at that point. To now be receiving the Payne Stewart Award, I feel extremely honored. I know there are many, many other guys that deserve it as much if not more than me, and I’m thrilled to receive it.â€� Langer turned professional in 1972 at the age of 15 and joined the European Tour shortly thereafter, in 1976. He became a PGA TOUR member for four seasons beginning in 1985 and rejoined the TOUR in 2001. Originally from Munich, Germany, Langer and his wife Vikki currently reside in Boca Raton, Florida, and have four children: Jackie, Stefan, Christina and Jason. “Bernhard Langer epitomizes the ideals around which the Payne Stewart Award is built – character, charity and sportsmanship,â€� said PGA TOUR commissioner Jay Monahan. “Fueled by his strong faith and steadfast humility, Bernhard has become one of the great ambassadors for this game and continues to set an admirable example every time he tees it up on the PGA TOUR Champions. “On the course, there has been no one more consistent or resilient over a longer period of time than Bernhard. He’s won all over the world and continues to lift trophies on a regular basis on PGA TOUR Champions. I’m still not so sure Father Time will ever catch him.â€� Charitable Commitment In addition to a sculpture by Bob Pack presented to the recipient, the Payne Stewart Award is accompanied by an annual Payne Stewart Award Grant made possible by Southern Company. The $500,000 grant supports several initiatives in Stewart’s name and is distributed as follows: $100,000 to Payne and Tracey Stewart’s primary charity, The Stewart Family Foundation; $100,000 in Stewart’s honor to The First Tee of the Ozarks located in Missouri at Kids Across America, which is affiliated with Kanakuk Kamps; and $300,000 to a charity designated by the winner. Langer has chosen to designate the Bernhard Langer Foundation, which will distribute funds to several charitable organizations that focus on providing aid to children, orphans and widows in South Florida. His charitable impact also stretches beyond the borders of the United States to his native Germany, where donations help needy families and children. A devout Christian, Langer organizes an annual charity event called “Youth for Christâ€� that raises money to help introduce Christianity to children. Other charitable organizations that Langer supports include National House of Hope Inc., Search Ministries Inc., Sheridan House Family Ministries and 4 Kids of South Florida. In addition, Langer frequently speaks at Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) functions in PGA TOUR Champions host cities and was one of the original founders and the guiding force behind the European Tour’s weekly Bible study class. During his day-to-day life on PGA TOUR Champions, Langer is a model for what the Tour strives to accomplish in providing fans with accessibility and personal interactions with the legends of the game. Langer was honored for his contributions to the game in 2006 with his appointment as honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, which was originally created by King George V during World War I to reward services to the war effort by civilians, but is now given to those who make significant contributions in their own areas of activity. “The Payne Stewart Award celebrates the attributes that make our communities great – charity, sportsmanship and character,â€� said Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Tom Fanning. “Southern Company is proud to recognize Bernhard, a fierce competitor, teacher and advocate for children who personifies these worthy aspirations. We extend our sincere congratulations to Bernhard, one of the most successful and revered golfers in the world.â€� A Legendary Career Langer has enjoyed nothing short of a legendary career on the golf course ever since he was first introduced to the game at 8 years old, following in his brother’s footsteps to become a caddie at the Augsburg Golf Club in Germany. Since turning professional in 1972, Langer has collected over 100 worldwide wins and is one of five players to win tournaments on six continents, joining Gary Player, David Graham, Hale Irwin and Justin Rose. Langer was the inaugural No. 1-ranked player in the world when the Official World Golf Ranking was first introduced in 1986 and spent three weeks atop the rankings. He was a 10-time European Ryder Cup team member and captained the victorious 2004 team. A two-time Masters champion (1985, 1993), Langer was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2002 as the first German to be honored. When he officially joined PGA TOUR Champions after turning 50 in 2007, Langer quickly became a dominant force, winning four times over his first two seasons. Now in his 12th season, Langer owns 37 PGA TOUR Champions titles, which lists him second all time. He’s earned seven Player of the Year Awards and a record four Charles Schwab Cups as the season-long champion, including three in a row from 2014-16. Langer has also received several honors in his native Germany, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Silver Laurel Leaf, which is their highest sport award. He was also inducted into the Germany Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. Langer is the 21st recipient of the Payne Stewart Award, joining a distinguished group of respected golfers including Stewart Cink, who was recognized in 2017, and the inaugural recipients Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer (2000). Other recipients include Jim Furyk (2016), Ernie Els (2015), Sir Nick Faldo (2014), Peter Jacobsen (2013), Steve Stricker (2012), David Toms (2011), Tom Lehman (2010), Kenny Perry (2009), Davis Love III (2008), Hal Sutton (2007), Gary Player (2006), Brad Faxon (2005), Jay Haas (2004), Tom Watson (2003), Nick Price (2002) and Ben Crenshaw (2001).

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The easiest course since PGA TOUR Pick ‘Em Live launched has been Copperhead at Innisbrook Resort, host of the Valspar Championship. No, you’re not going to find professional golfers describing it as a pushover, but that’s not the point. In our relative world of betting, all we care about are results. However, when scores promise to be as low as they will be at TPC Craig Ranch, site of this week’s AT&T Byron Nelson, expand your focus and oil your swivels because they’re gonna be a-spinnin’ in correlation to a kaleidoscope of red numbers. After posting top 40s in Pick ‘Em Live at the Mexico Open at Vidanta, Rob and Glass absorbed a couple of knockout blows at the Wells Fargo Championship. That’s fine, they can handle it. They’ve landed hard on the mat before. Those who know them best would say that that explains a few things. Indicative of their expectations this week, their approaches are varied in the bets below, particularly the weeklongs. It gives respect (and capitalizes on) the random, and it’s likely going to require keeping a closer pulse of the action than usual. Register for PGA TOUR Pick ‘Em Live here and monitor Rob’s and Glass’ progress as Influencers. For a broader explanation of the format and FAQs, click here. TOURNAMENT TO WIN Rob … Kurt Kitayama (+10000) If I wanted the PGA TOUR’s version of Rich Strike, I’d plunk down a couple of units for, who else, Richy Werenski. And at +50000, he qualifies. But no thanks. Lightning strikes only once, too. TPC Craig Ranch will host its own version of a horse race this week, so I’ll reach for the first grouping at five digits. Defending champion K.H. Lee is among them but Kitayama’s arrow is pointed in an upward direction. Dude has been on a heater with a T2 in Mexico and a T15 outside D.C. He’s secured his card for next season, so all pressure is off and focus singularly sharpens to finding an open lane for an upset victory. Glass … Matthias Schwab (+15000) In an event where half-a-dozen guys broke 20-under last year and the top-60 players were 10-under or better, there’s no chance I would start my staking plan with anyone less than +10000. Scott Stallings made THIRTY birdies here last year and didn’t win! Free minds, swings and putting strokes will open up all of the doors this week, so start down the board and work your way back up. With big targets off the tee and into the greens, I’ll take my chance on a guy who can get hot with the putter. Young guys have an easier time of letting it rip, he hits enough GIR and he’s top 20 Strokes Gained: Putting. TOP 10 Rob … Matthew Wolff (+900) My outright, Kurt Kitayama, is +800 for a Top 10, so I’m compelled to look beyond his horizon. There I see Wolff in sheepish clothing at even longer odds. The fact that he’s sitting there should be a coup for y’all. His firepower is documented, he’s excelling at the hard part about discussing his mental health the right way, and he’s an Oklahoma State University product where he’s always been comfortable. Oh, and if you want a physics lesson, or at least a lesson from my physics teacher of which Wolff’s approach reminded me this week, you’ll appreciate his perspective that I shared in Draws and Fades on Tuesday. Glass … Hank Lebioda (+1400) Led the field in proximity last year when he was just starting to find his feet before a hot summer. He’s cashed three straight events for the first time this season and he returns to familiar ground with T17 and 22 birdies. If you dig this deep, you’ll have to be on your toes as the week rolls on to catch the window to update/abandon ship or roll with a more conservative choice such as Sebastián Muñoz (+575). TOP 20 Rob … Shaun Norris (+550) And now, with my Top 10, Wolff, at +475 for a Top 20, I’m extending to one of the most intriguing international non-members right now. Not that this is a reach, however. In fact, the value in the trenches spreads nicely that you can roll with a personal fave and feel good not only about his chances to convert but also that ownership dispersion is your friend. Norris’ story is such a good one that I went into more detail about it than usual in Sleepers, so please take a moment to read that if you already haven’t. As he approaches “The Big 4-0” on Saturday, he’s arguably in the best form of his career and has stacked starts in the last three majors recently, so this is a free play for the last man in the field on a sponsor exemption. Glass … Mac Meissner (+1600) Dallas resident who played at SMU should be more than comfortable and excited to make the home fans proud. He’s cashed in seven of 10 tries on the Korn Ferry Tour, with T30 or better in six of those. The breeze shouldn’t bother him and having just his second free roll on the BIG TOUR should have his full attention. ROUND 1 LEADER Glass … Xander Schauffele (+3300) Had no problem racking up birdies with his SoCal buddy, Patrick Cantlay, in winning the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Tom Weiskopf’s TPC Scottsdale has been a happy hunting ground, minus a win, so he should slide right in. What better way to prepare for a major than ripping off an early-bird Thursday round? Ride this birdie-maker until you don’t have to! Rob … Patton Kizzire (+6000) Riffing off Glass’ predictable and proper approach, I’m also limited my initial play to a pro in the morning wave. This is how it’s done in PGA TOUR Pick ‘Em Live. In fact, like Schauffele, Kizzire also goes off at 7:56 a.m. local time, albeit on the opposite side (No. 1). If we didn’t have the power to make changes during the competition, I wouldn’t go back to Kizzire’s well because, well, fool me thrice and all that. But the numbers don’t lie. He’s seventh on the PGA TOUR in R1 scoring average with 16 red numbers in 17 starts. He also finished T3 here last year with sub-70s in every round. His 63 in the finale was the field low on the day. MAKE THE CUT Rob … Kurt Kitayama (-140) If he doesn’t win, I don’t want to be empty-handed. Compared to his opening odds as my outright, this would be worth 9,982 fewer coins, but that’s still greater than zero. Glass … J.J. Spaun (-135) Opened with 63 here in 2021, so maybe I should have loaded him up for FRL instead! Well-deserved break after winning Valero to get into his first Masters (T23) before fading out at RBC Heritage. Obviously, he doesn’t mind a bit of wind as his other top 10 this season was T7 in Bermuda. 3-BALL Glass … Sebastián Muñoz (+155) over Matt Kuchar & Danny Willett Muñoz has rattled off seven consecutive paydays and the North Texas alum will be right at home in McKinney. Posted 60 earlier this season on a wide-open RSM and opened with 66 last time out at the Mexico Open. Rob … Aaron Wise (-137) over Jonas Blixt & Jason Dufner As I’ve detailed, even if a guy at +200 delivers 50 coins, it’s not going to have an impact unless you’re connecting on the weeklongs, R1 leader and/or 2-balls, and even then, it’s unlikely to matter due to the distribution of total points and since only the top five get paid. So, when Glass and I go at it blind before 3-balls are on the board, I always default to an obvious favorite. If another on my short list of 4-6 is a little bit longer, I’ll bite, but that’s only because I’m competitive. Ya think? Wise is in my Power Rankings. End of story. NOTE: While Glass and Rob typically stick with their selections as detailed in Pick ‘Em Preview, they are allowed the right to make changes at any time.

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Keegan Bradley ended his round with an eagle from 100 yards out Friday, putting him in a tie with Sam Burns for a four-shot lead at the Valspar Championship.

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