Perhaps the most revered golf professional in the area, Gene Borek, died at home this morning in Hartsdale, after battling cancer for nearly a decade.
He was 72 years old.
The native of Yonkers spent more than 25 years as the head professional at Metropolis, and continued to give lessons at the club after his retirement three years ago.
As a competitor, Borek had few peers in the Metropolitan Section, winning the Met PGA three times. He was twice named player of the year. Borek also played in the PGA Championship 11 times and the U.S. Open 10 times. He made national headlines at Oakmont in 1973, firing a course-record 65 two days before Johnny Miller’s legendary 63.
As a teacher, Borek gave an estimated 40,000 lessons over the years. He wrote a popular book, “One Move to Better Golf” with Carl Lohren, and mentored a large number of assistants that went on to become head professionals throughout the section.
Borek is survived by his wife, Joan, and children, Colleen, Robert and Wesley. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Here is a great quote from Borek that appeared in The Journal News four years ago:
“I’m going to live until I die,” Borek said. “My philosophy is, the time and place of your death is determined by the sovereignty of God. You can’t concern yourself with things out of your control. If I was going to die tomorrow, I’d still live today the same way.”
Here’s a pretty good story I came across following the round of his life.
Please, if you have a favorite story about Borek or a remembrance, leave a comment.
