'So sad': Golf world in mourning over death of Aussie legend
Tributes have been pouring in on social media as the golfing world pays its respects to the memory of Aussie legend, Bob Shearer.
Regarded as a true gentlemen of the sport, Shearer died at the age of 73 after suffering a shock heart attack.
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Shearer's tragic passing came just three days after he played what turned out to be the final round at his beloved Southern Golf Club in Melbourne.
The 73-year-old won 27 tournaments worldwide in a playing career spanning four decades, famously hoisting the Australian Open's Stonehaven Cup at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney in 1982.
Shearer upstaged Jack Nicklaus down the stretch to claim that title, finishing a four-stroke winner over the Golden Bear and the late Payne Stewart.
The winner of the 1983 Australian PGA Chamionship, he also won once on the US PGA Tour, twice on the European Tour, claimed the New Zealand Open on two occasions and collected Australasian Order of Merit honours four times.
News of Shearer's death led to an outpouring of grief across the golfing 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 day for Australian golf with the passing of one of my all time fav golfers in The Great Bob Shearer. A true Gentleman, Professional, Larkin, Mustache wearing Aussie sports star. Here he’s making a charge back9 79 Oz Open. pic.twitter.com/w4OOfRnFBi
— Rob Williamson (@Yeti2319) 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
RIP Bob Shearer.What a top bloke🙏
— Greg Chalmers (@GregChalmersPGA) January 9, 2022
The Australian golf community lost one of the finest gentlemen today. Bob Shearer was one of the greats. On and off the course an absolute beauty. Condolences To Kathy and the Shearer family. RIP Shears. pic.twitter.com/JNiWsxs7Hl
— Steve Potts (Shaggs) (Pottsie) (@shaggs23) January 9, 2022
Vale Bob Shearer. Some of my earliest golf memories were watching Bob and co during the Aussie golfing summer. The first player I saw that putted cross handed.
— Arron Downes 🌱 (@arrondownes) January 9, 2022
As a kid I remember the heavy blow on the golf ball. His patient advice for our Colts series at Southern GC. Later, his presence, skill, modesty, humility, good nature. Giant of Aussie golf.
His old caddy, Irish, would yell "3 cheers for Shears!"
Bloody oath
Vale Bob Shearer. pic.twitter.com/rfSxisidzv— Adam Drummond (@Drummo7) January 9, 2022
Like Arnold Palmer, everyone has a Bob Shearer story. He was a wonderful bloke. ✨
— Rich Mueller (@azcatacus) January 9, 2022
Hearts are heavy in the southeast after the death of golfing great Bob Shearer, who lived at Dingley and was a 60-year and life member of Southern. He was 73.
— Paul Amy (@PaulAmy375) January 9, 2022
"Bob was a giant of the game here in Australia in the '70s and '80s and I am just absolutely devastated that I have lost another of my great mates," Australian PGA chairman Rodger Davis said.
"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.
"On behalf of the PGA of Australia I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife Kathie and all of Bob's family and friends at this incredibly sad time."
Nation hails 'legendary figure' of Aussie golf
Golf Australia chairman Andrew Newbold hailed Shearer as "of one of our greats".
"Bob Shearer was a legendary figure as a player who was known for the easy beauty of his golf, but also for his gregarious and very Australian way on and off the course," Newbold said.
"He had a ready smile and he was a favourite of fans around the country on his way to winning our biggest tournaments.
"To the doorstep of his untimely passing he was a regular fixture at his home club of Southern in Melbourne and a tremendous advocate for the game that he was so passionate about.
"Golf Australia's board, executive and staff on behalf of all golfers passes on our heartfelt sympathies to Kathie Shearer and all the Shearer family."
Shearer's wife Kathie, the long-time Australian Open media manager, also paid tribute.
"I'd like to say he was what he needed to be. He was golf. It was his life and his love," she said.
"He played three or four times a week and it was everything to him."
Shearer, who later worked in golf course design, was made a PGA of Australia life member.
He is survived by wife Kathie and their two sons, Brett and Bobby.
with AAP
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