Lou Russo departs at 80
Even though in a time when excitement and exhilaration for the upcoming Pebble Beach Pro-Am event seem to be reaching new zenith, there are people who deserve a tribute, a couple of minutes in the name of respect and homage.
A prominent personality of golf and the Executive Director of the Pebble Beach tournament Lou Russo died at 80 after a long battle with cancer.
The news of his death has come as a severe blow to the entire tournament.
According to Ollie Nutt, former CEO and current adviser for the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, the chief organisation that arranges events for AT&T, his death is quite ironic.
That is primarily because of the dedication and determination he has always invested in organising this event.
He further added that it was pre-dominantly because of his efforts and perseverance that helped an event like Pebble Beach acquire international status and reputation, along with a unique and distinguished place in mainstream golf.
"He was a great guy," said Juanita Russo, no relation, who served as an administrative assistant under the supervision of Russo. "He had a lot of respect from those who worked with him".
During his entire career that he dedicated to golf, there are numerous instances that can be pinpointed when talking about his dedication and devotion towards his work.
In order to fulfil his objective of uplifting the status of golf, he served in different capacities throughout his career.
In 1984, when he replaced George Brucato as the Executive Director, he took some key steps that helped in achieving his objective.
"Lou loved the Crosby/AT&T tournament," said Joe LoManto. "He was very dedicated to it. He's going to be missed".
He also said that for many people the news was of deep shock and grief.
It is also important to mention here that, despite his chemotherapy sessions, Russo was working as a public relation expert for Bayonet and Black Horse golf courses in Seaside.
The entire golfing community believes that his death has caused indispensable loss to the game on the whole and it will take time before the efforts taken by Russo start to materialise once again.
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