Bob Shearer, a two-time European Tour winner and four-time winner of the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit, has passed away at the age of 73.
Shearer turned professional in 1971, two years after rising to prominence with victory at the Australian Amateur.
The Australian joined the European Tour in its first year in 1972 and found success three years later with two victories in the space of three weeks in 1975.
His first success came at the Madrid Open, winning by three strokes from South Africa’s Dale Hayes and Scotsman Norman Wood, with his second coming at the Piccadilly Medal, beating South African Andres Oosthuizen in the final.
Shearer won 18 times on the PGA Tour of Australasia, including an Australian Open triumph in 1982, where he finished four strokes ahead of Jack Nicklaus and Payne Stewart at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney. That same year he won the Tallahassee Open on the PGA TOUR.
When he turned 50, Shearer joined the then-European Senior Tour. He won in his first season on the over-50s circuit, finishing two strokes clear of Tony Jacklin at the Jersey Seniors Open. Shearer won three further times, with his last victory coming in 2001 at the STC Bovis Lend Lease European Invitational.
Rodger Davis, Chairman of the PGA of Australia, said: “Bob was a giant of the game here in Australia in the 1970s and 80s and I am just absolutely devastated that I have lost another of my great mates.
“Bob and I travelled a lot together playing in Europe and as tough as he was to beat on the golf course you couldn’t find a better bloke to have a beer with after the round.”
Keith Waters, Co-Chief Operating Officer of the European Tour group, said: “Bob was a fantastic character both on and off the golf course. He was a key part of the pioneering group of golfers from the Southern Hemisphere during the formative stages of the European Tour whose efforts paved the way for the stars of today.
“The thoughts of all at the European Tour group are with his wife Kathie and their family as well as his many friends around the world.”
So sad to hear that Bob Shearer one Australia’s very best golfers has left us. A lovely character, who added a sparkle when he came over to play on the European Tour in ‘70’s.
— Ken Brown .......⛳️ (@KenBrownGolf) January 9, 2022
Sad news from down under with the passing of Bob Shearer, brings back fond memories of the real early Euro Tour days. Its been awhile since I've played in Aussie, Cathy was press officer, gently coaxing me into the media tent! Such a sweet couple. 🤗 pic.twitter.com/8edZYoWwZI
— Sir Nick Faldo (@NickFaldo006) January 9, 2022
Raising a 🍷🍷 tonight to Bob Shearer, may he Rest In Peace. Followed as a golf pervy kid growing up in the 80’s. He had a great career but think his greatest accomplishment was marrying Kathie! She’s a treasure and my heart goes out to her and their family. 🥰🥰❤️❤️
— Karrie Webb AO (@Karrie_Webb) January 9, 2022
Very sad news about Bob Shearer. Thoughts to his Family and lovely wife https://t.co/7OWCnU2Isx Bob.
— Barry Lane (@BazLane) January 9, 2022
Sincerest condolences in learning the passing of Australian golfing great Bob Shearer & known to so many @AGWgolfwriters members
— Association of Golf Writers (AGW) (@AGWgolfwriters) January 9, 2022
Bob won 27 times in his pro career including twice @DPWorldTour
Thinking of his wife & also dear friend Kathie and family at this very sad time pic.twitter.com/dVUZjOEduV
