Always a supporter of New Zealand events, Shearer has won four titles here.
In 1976 he claimed the prestigious New Zealand Airlines Classic, 1978 the NZ Open at Wanganui, and the NZ Open and Air NZ /Shell Open in 1981. His last victory was the 2001 STC Bovis Lend Lease European Invitational on the European Senior Tour which goes to prove that golfers, just like a good wine, mature and improve with age.
Shearer was inducted as a life member of the PGA Tour of Australasia in 2008 in honour of his phenomenal career. Among all his highlights he rates his best year as 1982 when he won the Australian Open (home national title) and his first US PGA title in the Tallahassee Open. His best major finish was a tie for seventh in the British Open.
Today, at 63, Shearer's passion is in golf course design and his own company, Shearer Golf Design is booming.
Organisers of the Wanganui Pro-Am are excited to have such a legendary golfer back in the River City for what is hoped to be the start of many more.
One of the organisers, Peter Cassidy of Fairway NZ, urged golfing fans to support the event.
"We wish Bob the best for his stay and hope that many of the locals who watched him play back in 1978 will be here again."
"It is important to remember that the Wanganui Golf Clubhouse and the majority of the club's physical history was lost in 2001 when it burned to the ground. This year's event will be the start of what is hoped to be the first of many professional events."
This year's event is sanctioned by the PGA of New Zealand and will be under the watchful eye of the NZPGA national events manager Jim Clelland.
Tee off today is 11.30am and 10am tomorrow. The gates are open to all at no charge.
