Q&A's with Westchester CC's Alex Beach

Q&A's with Westchester CC's Alex Beach

Q: Since joining the section, you’ve quickly made a name for yourself as an incredible player. Has this early success surprised you in any way?

A: It’s been many years of hard work that has certainly paid off in recent years. I’ve always had aspirations of playing golf at the highest level, and the road to get there wasn’t always easy. Moving from New Jersey to the Met Section, I certainly knew I’d have to step my game up a bit to compete with the deep level of talent that exists in the section. But, it was exactly where I wanted to be playing against the best professionals in the country. I couldn’t be happier now being at Westchester CC and representing the Met Section as it continues to make me better. I wouldn’t say it surprised me, but I was certainly happy and proud to keep playing well.

Q: You had a strong start to the year, winning the PGA Professional Championship and then going on to compete at the 2019 PGA Championship. Talk about what it meant to you to compete with some of the greatest players in the world.

A: Winning the PGA Professional Championship was a huge accomplishment for me. Ever since I became a PGA Professional, winning that tournament was the ultimate goal on the playing side of things. It provides me opportunities to compete on the PGA Tour, both in the PGA Championship and with the six exemptions for this season. I was also able to capitalize on being exempt Into 2nd Stage of Korn Ferry Q-School, getting through to Final Stage and now having my tour card. Playing with the best players in the world is a setting I want to be in, and each chance I get to compete with them makes me more comfortable in that environment and an overall better player.

Playing at Bethpage, specifically, was a fantastic experience. Being able to compete on the PGA Tour in our relative backyard was a dream come true. Having friends, family, and members/staff from the clubs I’ve worked at the last six years come watch was very special for me. I was hoping to achieve this similar setting at Baltusrol back in 2016, but fell victim to the blood clot which erased my hope of doing it then. To accomplish that feat a few short years later was a very proud moment for me.

Q: You made history by becoming the first player to win multiple PGA of America championships in one calendar year by winning the 43rd National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship. Talk about what it means for you to have your name in the history books.

A: This is simply a result of hard work paying off. Having competed in two PGA Championships, a PGA Cup, and countless other events has made me very comfortable in just about any golf setting. My goal in any tournament I compete in is to win and these past experiences has taught me how to do it. To accomplish the feat of winning two National Championships is very cool and I’m extremely proud of it. I can’t say creating history was ever a goal of mine, but if it’s a result of playing well I’m happy to accept the honor.

Q: Talk to us about qualifying for the final stage of the Korn Ferry Tour and being able to compete in six PGA Tour events. What are some of your goals for those events and how will you prepare?

A: I am very excited for the coming months and the playing opportunities ahead. Earning the six exemptions on PGA Tour, and now having my Korn Ferry Tour card in additional to those will provide me with chances to keep playing at the highest level. Getting through Q-School in my first attempt was pretty surreal; but again I didn’t overthink it, and approached it just like any other event. Knowing I can compete with guys at this level has boosted my confidence as I look forward to playing more on tour. I’ve always been told I have the game to do it, but there’s no guarantees and it’s all about playing well at the exact time an opportunity is given. To succeed at that was a big step in the right direction.