The New Mexico Open is the oldest golf championship in the state, and began in 1954 with amateur golfer Billy Moya winning the crown. Since then, there have been only two other amateurs who have won the open. There are many notable players’ names on the New Mexico Open trophy, which include PGA Tour and Champions Tour players like Fred Hawkins, Ben Kern, Lee Trevino, Steve Spray, Ernesto Acosta, Steve Haskins, Paul Stankowski, D.J. Brigman and Notah Begay III. However, two PGA club professionals have their name on the trophy the most, Mike Putnam of Albuquerque, NM, (five) and the late Gene Torres of Las Vegas, NM, (four).

Entering the final round of the 2010 New Mexico Open, it looked as though second round leader Dusty Fielding had the event all but locked up. With a three stroke lead following rounds of 67 and 62, it appeared the Richfield, UT, resident had a big enough cushion with 18 holes remaining to secure the title. However, the back nine of the 3rd round told a different story. First round leader Chad Saladin scorched the back nine with four birdies, including one on the 54th hole, to overtake dusty and secure a 3-stroke victory. Chad shot rounds of 64-68-66 for a 54-hole total 15-under par 198. Chad defeated a field that included 2009 champ Ben Kern and PGA Tour veterans Notah Begay III, Greg Bruckner, and Kris Cox.

 

Continuing its long-standing tradition of giving back to the community and to those who need it most, proceeds from the NM Open and the NM Open Pro-Am were generously donated to the New Mexico Special Olympics, the Corky Clark Foundation and the Sun Country Junior Golf Foundation. For information on how to participate in the open’s charity pro-am, please go to www.suncountry.pga.com for more information or contact the section office.