clubs
On the range with Bob Weir
Born in Sydney, Weir did the hard yards as a
trainee pro at North Ryde Golf Club under the
guidance of Irish professional Sam Fleming.
David Newbery
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T
“I was living at Umina Beach near Gosford
on the Central Coast and would travel to
North Ryde six days a week.
EACHING professional Bob Weir is fast
approaching 50 years in the business,
but he’s not slowing down.
“I used to catch the 5.45am bus to get the
6.20am train and I’d get to the station in
Sydney at about 7.20am and then hop on my
pushbike and ride to the golf club,” he said.
“Then, I’d repeat the process.
Weir, who has been a PGA member since
1966, loves playing the game but he loves
teaching people to play even more –
particularly at the grassroots level.
That’s why he purchased the Capalaba Golf
Driving Range in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs
two years ago.
“I’d leave home at 5.40 in the morning and
get home at 6.45 at night – that was just to do
my traineeship.
It’s given him a permanent base where he
can hone the skills of not only the A graders,
but those less skilled and those just starting
out in the game.
“My wage virtually went on transport fees
and I had nothing left at the end of the week.
“It was a tough beginning, but I was
determined to be a golf pro,” said Weir who
held down numerous club jobs after a short
playing career.
“I should be retired, but I’m not,” he said.
“I still love playing, but I also love teaching.
“Frankly, if you don’t love playing golf then
you can’t do the other (teach).
“My first club job was at Cootamundra
Country Club and then I went to Bondi Golf
Club for four years.
“I enjoy teaching all levels of golfers. If I can
help someone win a club championship or
monthly medal, then I’m happy.
“When I was 26 I got the job at Avondale
Golf Club and after four years I wanted to go
back and play so I did for a few years.”
“I have worked with professionals, but
it’s the grassroots golfers I’m interested in
helping.”
Later, Weir moved his family to Queensland
and was the first director of golf at Windaroo
Golf Club.
In the past two years, Weir has poured all
available funds into bringing the Capalaba
Golf Driving Range facility up to scratch.
GOLF LESSONS: Bob Weir’s passion for teaching golf has not diminished.
“Since taking over the range, there has
been ongoing improvement to the facility.
Open seven days a week, the facility also
has a golf shop and offers refreshments and
snacks.
Before arriving at the range, Weir spent 20
years teaching golf at Sanctuary Cove.
“We are using Srixon range balls, in my
opinion the best, and are continually adding
and replacing the supply. We are also doing
work on the grass tee area and the next
project is to vastly improve the lighting.”
and dads who bring their kids here,” he said.
“We do everything we can to encourage them
and we give kids free hire clubs.”
Weir’s fellow teaching professional Todd
O’Leary specialises in group lessons for men,
women and children as well as offering
private lessons.
He’s a PING and Titleist club-fitting specialist
who says he won’t sell anyone a set of clubs
without doing a proper fit.
The facility boasts 32 undercover floodlit
bays, designated grass tees, quality golf balls,
chipping green, practice bunker and club
repair service.
“That’s my priority,” he said. “They book in for
a lesson and after that I can advise them.”
Weir said the range was the perfect facility
for all levels of golfers – including families.
The range has multiple targets from three
different line a