A silent yellow tractor sits on the green turf of Margaret River Golf Club, a moving tribute to life member William ‘Roy’ Hobson who passed away two weeks ago.
Mr Hobson joined the golf club in 1973 and went about making his mark on the club ever since.
A member of the Margaret River Districts Club for 65 years, community was at the heart of Mr Hobson, particularly when it came to tending to the beloved green.
Every Monday and Friday for 20 years, he would drive his tractor, first a green one he’d bring from work then years later the iconic yellow to the turf.
From there, he would go about assisting to fill sand bins, water tanks and everything in between.
Mr Hobson even played a part in installing the first irrigation system at the club.
“I can still remember his hand drawn maps in pencil,” course superintendent Mark Lewis said.
“He easily contributed about 12 hours of voluntary work to the club a week.”
Mr Hobson was made a life member of the club in 1998 after years of proving what a valuable asset he was.
A captain, winner of the first Veterans Champion Shield and a consistent player across the board, members of the club recall the way he played his golf was a reflection of the way he went about his life.
“He was very quiet and he got the job done,” Mr Lewis said.
“He had a no fuss approach to life.”
Life member Laurie Bedford said Mr Hobson was renowned as a good golfer throughout the South West, not just within their own club.
He laughed while describing Mr Hobson’s no-nonsense approach to his game, striding forward and commencing play with no practise shots.
Fellow life member Ray Atcheson described Mr Hobson as completely consistent; he had to do everything for himself and wanted to assist others too.
Beneath the no-nonsense exterior lay a soft heart, with Mr Hobson bringing along the paper and something sweet every Friday for his fellow golfers to enjoy.
Rumour has it he had a very soft spot for his beloved West Coast Eagles too.
Leaving behind seven children, 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a club who will always remember his wonderful contribution, his mark on their lives is irreplaceable.
