arnie spirit fills the air at ghs latrobe outing

John Rusbosin reports on the June 27 gathering for golf and friendship at Latrobe CC.

The Palmer Spirit was alive in Latrobe this past June 27. Honoring the legacy of Arnie and golf was in the air. Dozens of GHS members, new and veterans, gathered for a great day of fun and golf. Here are some highlights.

The cameras were flashing as everyone got pictures with Arnie’s favorite tractor and captured memories playing this scenic gem of a golf course.

Hosted by Dennis Clawson and Jim Litrun on the stunning upper green connecting to the 18th hole, the putting contest was a hit all day long. Quite a finishing challenge.

Glenn, our GHS Board leader from Texas, used his Korn Ferry Tour experience to keep the audience in the game. He loved the bidding and golfing results.

GHS President Bern Bernacki chats with two of Arnie’s dearest friends during the exciting putting contest finals – Lifetime GHS Benefactor James Rutkowski Sr. of Erie, Pa., and a very enthused Howdy Giles from Bay Hill and Delaware. John Rusbosin listens in from behind the two seated gentlemen.
Jim Jeselnick with his new Bobby Grace putter.

Jim Jeselnick charged the crowd when he won the putting contest at Latrobe Country Club. He humbly accepted the Grand Prize Bobby Grace putter then invited the standing room crowd to join us in Indy on Sept. 21, and encouraged all to be involved with the noble GHS mission.

 It was great watching relatively new GHS members already enjoying the mission and fruits of membership. All told, it appears that some 20 new members joined the GHS the past few months, many of them directly tied to this weekend’s festivities.

The generous Jim Rutkowski bid high on a two-volume Jeff Ellis book, The Clubmakers Art, which was donated by Glenn Haueisen.

After our day at Latrobe Country Club we gathered to honor Arnie at the local host hotel, Springhill Suites. Throughout the evening, intimate stories of Arnie flowed from nearly every corner.

Sitting on the curvy couch was John Rusbosin, Howdy Giles , Doc Giffin and Jim Rutkowski Sr. The afternoon’s MC, Randy Tantlinger, hosted the story telling.
Randy Tantlinger gives Doc Giffin the news of a Doc Giffin Day, to be hosted by the City of Latrobe on Aug. 29,2022.

After watching the video Tribute to Arnie created by John Rusbosin, Randy Tantlinger surprised Doc Giffin with the news that the City of Latrobe will host a Doc Giffin Day on Aug. 29, 2022. The Standing Room audience erupted in applause as Doc gratefully acknowledged the tribute.  You can bet GHS will have a presence on that wonderful day. Doc noted that while Arnie got hundreds of keys to many cities this will be his first key and he will cherish it.

New member Richard Payne played his heart out during the golf outing and after returning home to North Carolina, he texted that he is now our biggest promoter. Great to hear from a man who belongs to many historic golf organizations.

It was fun to welcome Richard and all our new members. To them all we say, Join the fun as we grow!

During the Sunday Golf Show, GHS VP Bob Muir (standing), a long-time Palmer fan, and Craig Blair, right, enjoyed checking out the rare Palmer Items and the classic clubs of 45-year PGA Pro and GHS member Ron Lucas. John Rusbosin is at left.

The day’s golfing winners are:

HICKORY SCRAMBLE – Bryan Wilson, Jay Daniels, Sherm Hostetter, and Josh Dimarie 

HICKORY NET – Richard Payne

HICKORY GROSS – Mike Callahan

MODERN DIVISION – David Weiss tied with  Steve Shiflet

CLASSIC DIVISION – Bern Bernacki

  • A sample of tags among Arnold Palmer memorabilia displayed at the Spring Hill Suites hotel in Latrobe, Pa.
  • A wall of Arnold Palmer memorabilia at the Spring Hill Suites hotel in Latrobe, Pa.
  • Arnold Palmer memorabilia at the Spring Hill Suites hotel in Latrobe, Pa.
  • The golf outing at Glengarry Golf Club.
  • Golfing guys at Glengarry Golf Club.
  • Enjoying the evening in the Tin Lizzy Bar in Latrobe.