Persistence pays off for Darren Beck at Q-School

BY Anthony Powter | Australasian PGA Tour | 2004 Australasian PGA Tour Q-School - Final Stage | General | 21 Dec 2004

Whilst some recently have muttered the words “the game is getting boring”, sending officials and promoters into a spin, the average weekend hacker amongst us knows how hard it is to play golf, let alone to try and make a living from it.

New South Welshman, Darren Beck from Muswellbrook Golf Club has turned professional since obtaining his playing card for the Australasian Tour.

A sterling performance at the recent Australasian PGA Tour Q-School final played on the par 72 North Course at The Peninsula Country Club in Melbourne’s famous sand belt region crystallised a life time goal to become a professional golfer. An ambition held since he first picked up a golf club as a 6-year-old, having been introduced to the game by his playing father.

Beck’s impressive 66 on the final day for a combined 4 rounds of 12 under placed him equal first at Q-School and in the much sought after top 5. This placing will open up special privileges in selected Australasian Tour Events for Darren.

There is no doubt that Darren had endured his own form of hardship and frustration in getting to Q-School and obtaining his players card. A far cry from the money infested, “hoo-ha” of the US collegiate system where interest, investment and every possible gadget is employed in an attempt to dominate the sport.

Darren recently gave up his job as a forklift driver in Sydney and golf membership at the private Castle Hill Country Club, moved to Muswellbrook, bought a house and joined Muswellbrook Golf Club. In moving from Sydney, Darren’s main objective was to turn professional.

There must be something in the area as the recent performance of Kurt Barnes in the opening round of the Australian Open earlier this month, as well as the results of a number of promising juniors, is reflective of the strong golfing fabric that exists in the community.

Darren won this year’s Club Championship at Muswellbrook Golf Club and is currently based there, training 8 hours plus every day. He builds on an impressive string of amateur achievements including winning multiple Vardon events and numerous representative honours in State teams. He makes the odd trip now to Sydney only to have his swing grooved by his coach, Alex Mercer who has worked on such players as Steve Elkington.

The 26-year-old certainly has the game and is known for his calm and methodical approach to keeping a score low. The final day 66 he carded at Q-School when his whole livelihood is dependent upon getting those playing privileges is reflective of this. This surely cannot be considered “boring” but is more a reflection of a trained, disciplined athlete with a strong and focused mind tuned after years of practice and dedication.

Darren’s next move is a trip to the Asian Q-School in an attempt to also gain his playing card there. He leaves 2 January 2005 to tackle the same ground that has seen new pros like Adam Groom (Monash Golf Club) hone their game.

Photo – Anthony Powter/Snapeture Sports