Al Geiberger Receives the 2022 Legacy Award from the Robert Trent Jones Society

(BENTON HARBOR, MI) – On Friday, 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.  

Robert Trent Jones and the Legacy Award 

Robert Trent Jones is remembered for his genius in golf design, ushering in a modern, post-war feel for the game as represented by iconic course designs and redesigns such as Oakland Hills, Bellerive, Hazeltine and Firestone. That list is virtually endless. 

The Robert Trent Jones Society is committed to preserving how Mr. Jones expanded the game with his modern industrial construction techniques, use of statistics to shape course design for all players, care for the environment, improvement of turf conditions, and of course, “heroic” shot values. He supported making municipal golf available to all, mentored countless architects, and expanded modern designs around the world across different climates.  

Most important, Mr. Jones pioneered a deep appreciation for the tapestry of the game. Mr. Jones said it best himself in his autobiography, “Golf’s Magnificent Challenge:”

“If I am to be remembered, I hope it is not just for the golf courses I built but for the other contributions as well to the game I love, to the game that has been my life.” 

The RTJ Society created the Legacy Award, to honor similar individuals who have electrified the game by their presence and gave so much to golf over a lifetime.