Alex Beach knows what it takes to battle back.
In 2016, Beach was on his way to compete at the PGA Professional Championship when he ended up in the emergency room with a blood clot in his left leg. He was just 26-years old. Three years later, Beach battled back to become the winner of the 52nd PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac, Club Car and Omega.
“It caused me to refocus and really fueled the fire that has pushed me to where I sit today,” Beach said about his recovery. “It’s also a testament that there's no limitation to success and you can really come out of anything. It just takes a little work and a little focus.”
The PGA Assistant Professional at Westchester Country Club entered the final round at Belfair's West Course tied for the lead with Danny Balin, a friend and fellow Member of the Metropolitan PGA Section. With a narrow one-stroke lead heading into the final stretch, Beach sent his tee shot wayward at the par 4, 15th hole, which was also the toughest hole on the West Course. With a tucked pin, Beach hoisted an 8 iron, from 171 yards, up and over a tree and landed it just four feet from the hole. He rolled in the putt for birdie and carded a final round 4-under par 69 to win by two-strokes ahead of Balin. He also earned his second berth to the PGA Championship.
“To beat a guy like Danny, I wasn't afraid of it because my goal the whole week was to win,” Beach said. “Whether it changes my career, that's to be seen, but it certainly changed how I personally feel about golf and the determination that I put in, a lot of behind the scenes work. It's been a lot of fun, but life changing.”
In 2019, Beach also won the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship, becoming the first player in history to win multiple PGA of America national championships in the same year.
Relive the excitement of Beach’s victory at the 2019 PGA Professional Championship Wednesday, April 29 on Golf Channel.
TV Times:
Second Round, 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. ET
Third Round, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
Final Round, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET
