RTJS Awards

2022 Awards given by the Robert Trent Jones Society at their Annual General Meeting at Point O’Woods in Michigan.  

Al Geiberger, “Mr. 59” is awarded the Society’s first Legacy Award winner

Al Geiberger, “Mr. 59”

BENTON HARBOR, MI, September 9, 2022 – The Robert Trent Jones Society awarded its inaugural Legacy Award to retired professional golfer Al Geiberger for contributions to the game of golf over his lifetime. Geiberger, affectionately dubbed “Mr. 59”, was a mainstay on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour, won 30 tournaments around the world, and participated in several multinational team competitions, including two Ryder Cup appearances. Most notably, he won the 1966 PGA Championship on the Robert Trent Jones redesign at Firestone South in Akron, Ohio. Geiberger electrified the golf world by becoming the first pro to shoot a 59 (13 under par) in the 1977 Memphis Classic, golf’s equivalent of breaking the four minute mile. 

In presenting the award David Cardwell, Executive Director of the Robert Trent Jones Society said, “The Legacy Award was established in Mr. Jones’ name to honor individuals whose lifetime is committed to expanding the game we all love. It is with great pleasure that we honor Al Geiberger for his numerous contributions to the game, on- and off the course. “

Al Geiberger in accepting the award stated, “I played alongside all the greats from Hogan to Watson, so I had quite a ride. Playing on courses designed by RTJ was always a challenge but I could rely on my long iron play to carry me through.” Geiberger recalled several other significant events and experiences from his home in Palm Desert, California. Cardwell pointed out Geiberger “owned” Firestone by winning there three times.  

Bill Stahler from the Army-Navy Country Club wins the new Robert Trent Jones Society “Club Delegate of the Year” Award

Bill Stahler

Bill Stahler, representing the Army-Navy Country Club, received the Society’s first annual Robert Trent Jones Society “Club Delegate of the Year” award. The “Club Delegate of the Year” Award is given annually to a deserving Member Club Delegate who best advances the goals, activities and communication of the Society. This includes, but is not limited to promoting Society events at their club, creating or repurposing Society or RTJ content to their club’s general membership, and promoting awareness for golf course architecture and RTJ design principles.

Bill was instrumental in the Army-Navy Club’s application to join the RTJ Society in 2014 and regularly gives tours to Army-Navy members highlighting the architectural aspects and the rich history of their club. Through his continued work for Army-Navy Foundation, Bill provides regular communication to its membership while maintaining and collecting archival information, sharing anecdotes on the courses’ designs and promoting the RTJ Society happenings. Army-Navy has a strong history of supporting the Society at its Annual Gathering.