By: Fred Altvater
J.J. Weaver has been a Co-Head Professional at Augusta National Golf Club since 2004. Yes, that Augusta National, the home of The Masters. Did you know, if you are a member or referred by a member of the Inverness Club, you could be taking a lesson from him this summer?
Augusta National annually closes from mid-May through September and it just so happens that Weaver’s wife is from Ohio. When an opportunity to spend his summers teaching at the venerable Inverness Club, he saw it as an opportunity to strike a balance among his work, home and life.
When the former Director of Instruction at Inverness Club, E.A. Tischler left to accept a position with Olympia Fields in Chicago, Inverness Head Professional, Derek Brody began a search for a suitable replacement. Brody having served as an assistant professional at Augusta National under Weaver, sought his advice on a candidate to succeed Tischler.
When a suitable replacement was not forthcoming, Brody once again contacted Weaver and this time his wife asked a simple question,
“Would this be something you would be interested in?”
The wife always knows best, right.
After some discussion, Brody and Weaver came to an agreement and Weaver came to Toledo for the first time in the summer of 2015.
Weaver was born and raised in Pennsylvania, attended Penn State University and received his degree in Professional Golf Management. His first job landed him in Columbus, Ohio as an assistant at Scioto Country Club, from there he accepted an assistant position with Augusta National in 2001.
When the previous Head Professionals at Augusta National left, Weaver and Tony Sessa were appointed Co-Head Professionals at the historic club in 2004.
Weaver is appreciative of the opportunity to spend his summers at Inverness doing what he loves best, teaching golf to juniors and members of Inverness.
With Augusta National taking a lead role, along with the USGA and the PGA of America, Weaver has been involved with the Drive, Chip and Putt initiative, since its beginning and has been very involved at Inverness, growing the game among the junior members.
He has a passion for helping every golfer improve and enjoy the game more. As we chatted during our interview, he stopped several times to personally talk with members about their swings and offer quick tips to improve.
He told us,
“I truly appreciate the opportunity that Inverness Head Professional Derek Brody and the members of the Inverness Club have offered me and my family. They have embraced us into the club and make the long hours of a PGA Professional much easier. I am very grateful.”
J.J. Weaver is the embodiment of what a PGA Golf Professional should strive to achieve. Teach the game first, help golfers improve and ultimately enjoy the game more.
The shirts can be folded and merchandise sold later.
