SCGA member and WWII vet John Russo receives another honor

One Tuesday morning in December 2022, John Russo went to Meadowlark GC in Huntington Beach for his weekly round with longtime SCGA member club, the Retirees Golf Association (RGA). The mood was especially jovial because it was a landmark birthday for Russo; he was turning 100. When he stepped off the 18th green, he had shot an incredible score: 98 gross. A week later, he shot 98 again and the Orange County Senior Golf Association commemorated the achievement with a plaque on the first tee.

Russo, now 102, has been recognized yet again for his extraordinary life, which includes service in World War II and the Korean War, retiring as a lieutenant colonel and time as a professor at Santa Ana College. The RGA announced the John V. Russo Championship Trophy, given to its season winner.

“It’s an honor,” Russo said. “I’m overwhelmed that my friends would do something so special.”

When Paul Shay, president of the RGA, presented the trophy to 2024 champion Tom Sunderland, he said, “This award represents more than just a victory on the course. It symbolizes the strength of character, resilience and commitment that John has shown throughout his century-long journey.”

Despite his age, Russo’s energy is still vibrant (“He has an aura,” Shay remarks) and he speaks with a clarity that harkens back to his days as a professor. When he recalls his decades as an RGA member, he does so with a charming smile and beaming eyes. “It’s a small group. When we got through playing, most of us sit down and have a beer and talk about what we did that day,” Russo says. “The camaraderie is close. We became like brothers.”

What makes the RGA unique is that their membership is entirely word of mouth — and invitation-only. Founded in 1983, Russo joined in the early 1990s, brought in by his friend and co-worker Ron Sabo. Russo was then able to invite another friend, Danny Gonzales. He lights up when he recalls stories about how Danny used to drive him to and from the course for a nominal fee.

“Some beer,” Russo chuckles. “Modelos.” Russo’s daughter, Madeline, remembers it being somewhat of a ritual. “He’d bring Danny two beers. And he’d wrap them in ice packs, so they’d be cold on the course,” she says, smiling.

Stories of the lifelong friendships formed between the RGA members abound. In 2023, Russo had a stroke, and the association was right there by his side during his recovery. “The guys were checking in on dad and coming to visit. They’d come hang out. It’s been fabulous,” Madeline recalls.

But she wasn’t surprised. In the past, Russo was the one keeping absent members updated by sending e-mails with scores, rankings and stories from the course. Shay, the RGA president, adds that the association has gone further than that. “If somebody’s sick or just having a difficult time, we’ll raise some bucks and give it to them.” And they’ve even spread the ashes of a former member along the courses they play. It’s clear that the RGA is more than just a group of golfers, it’s a second family.

As a centenarian who shoots better than his age, one of Russo’s secrets is frequency. “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” he says.

It’s hard to argue with him. He’s played the game for 90 years, first stepping onto a course at age 12, when his Uncle Tinney hired him as a caddie in 1934, during The Great Depression. (Russo even looped for Sam Snead once.)

As for a swing thought, Russo’s advice is, “Just keep your eye on the ball. Whenever you hit it, don’t look up.” Is it really that simple? “Well, don’t get mad,” he added with his charming smile, speaking to the emotional side of the game. “Because then you can’t keep your eye on the ball.”

“Russo, now 102, has been recognized yet again for his extraordinary life, which includes service in World War II and the Korean War, retiring as a lieutenant colonel and time as a professor at Santa Ana College.”