Albuquerque (N.M.) Journal
Las Vegas, N.M. -- More than 200 people packed an overflowing clubhouse at the New Mexico Highlands University Golf Course on Tuesday afternoon, surrounding the facility's namesake, Gene Torres.
Torres was there for a ceremony that officially gave his name to the nine-hole course he has managed since 1962. He spoke briefly to acknowledge the honor, which was recommended by school President Manny Aragon and approved by university regents in February.
For decades, the course and Torres have been linked. State Sen. Pete Campos, D-Las Vegas, was among the dignitaries in attendance Tuesday, and reminisced at how Torres used any trick he could to keep the greens alive and at least somewhat healthy even during times of drought.
"You always worked miracles at this golf course," Campos said.
"No matter where he was, he always introduced himself as Gene Torres, NMHU golf pro," said Highlands regent Walter Adams, the master of ceremonies for the dedication. "He was proud of Highlands."
Although he may be better known locally as overseer of business and maintenance of the golf course, Torres has enjoyed a notable career as a professional golfer, winning dozens of tournaments. He won four straight New Mexico Open titles from 1968 to 1971 before coming in second to golfing legend Lee Trevino.
Ron Maestas, formerly a business professor and cross country coach at the school, read a congratulatory letter from Trevino that the Professional Golf Association icon wrote upon learning of plans to dedicate the course in Torres' honor.
"This man could have been one of the household names of golf," said Las Vegas Mayor Henry Sanchez. "But he had a higher calling -- family.'
Torres, who is 68 this year, and his wife, Mary Delores, known as Dodie, were newlyweds when he took over management of the Highlands course at the behest of then-Highlands President Thomas C. Donnelly. (Donnelly Library on campus bears that president's name.) The couple raised five children -- Glen, Michelle, Janeen, Trisha and Gene -- and have 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Like an extended family were the legions of golf students of various ages he taught in roles as a Highlands faculty member and coach of a now-defunct collegiate team. Among those at Tuesday's ceremony were current and former players who lettered in golf at one or another of the local schools.
Isaac Apodaca, NMHU spokesman, called Torres "a charismatic role model for anyone in our community."
On Tuesday, the clubhouse was filled and approximately three dozen others huddled just outside the clubhouse door, braving brisk wind to listen to tributes. With the parking lot jammed, vehicles lined the winding road that provides access to the grounds.
"It's a roomful of love here," Sanchez said. "Total admiration."
"I love this community; the people here have embraced me and made me one of them," Torres said recently. "All of my children, with the exception of my oldest two, were born in Las Vegas. When Dodie and I moved here, I knew this is where I belonged."