St. John's University Athletics
Following Phenomenal Summer, Beirne Ready To Shine In 2010-11
9/14/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Sept. 14, 2010
QUEENS, N.Y. - Heading into the 2010 men's golf fall season, fifth-year senior Evan Beirne looks to build upon an outstanding summer in which he elevated his game to the next level.
Tearing through summer competition, Beirne took home the 7th Russell C. Palmer Cup in late May, won the Hochester Memorial Tournament in mid-June and captured the Met Amateur Championship in the beginning of August.
Beirne can attribute most of his summer success to the continuous hard work he's displayed throughout his campaign as a Johnnie.
"Learning about myself and learning how to handle the pressure of tournaments really helped me get better," Beirne said. "All of it came through hard work and just being patient and staying focused."
Beirne shot a 13-under 58 in early May at New Haven Country Club, setting a new record at his home course. His near-perfect round landed him in Golf World and helped launch his outstanding summer of golf. In addition to his three victories, Beirne also tied for fifth in the 55th Ike MGA Stroke Play Championship, finished fifth in the Mittelmark Invitational and tied for third in the Met Open Championship.
"I definitely think you keep past success in mind," he said. "Using past experiences to help for next time, I know I can be successful. I like the spot I'm in now and I feel comfortable about where I can get to."
Beirne, who was also an alternate for the 2010 U.S. Amateur, is currently in first place in the 2010 Polo MGA Player of the Year Point Standings with 847.5 points. STJ alums Joe Saladino (806.1) and Mike Ballo Jr. (750) round out the top three. Beirne hopes to join Ballo, his former teammate and co-captain, as a professional golfer at this time next year.
"I had aspirations of playing professionally," Beirne said. "Having had the success over the summer I know I have a lot of room to improve and I know I can get better. But I know I can play professionally."
Head coach Frank Darby has witnessed the progress of his senior standout.
"It is really difficult to get to the elite-player level," Darby said. "Evan is well on his way due to a tremendous work ethic and understanding of the game."
After a strong 2009-10 season in which he finished in the top 10 three times and had a 75.14 stroke average, Beirne was recognized by the BIG EAST with a spot on its all-conference team.
His best finish last season came in the BIG EAST Championship, when he posted a 73-71-71-215 (+2) and finished in a tie for second after a one-hole playoff.
This season, he plans to stay much more patient and play a better mental game on the golf course.
"Not getting frustrated as much comes with maturity," Beirne said. "I have a much more relaxed attitude. If I hit a bad shot, I have to get the next one."
"It is amazing what a little bit of confidence has done for him," Darby said. "I have really enjoyed watching him develop and play on the course."
The Milford, Conn., native has become a factor for the team since transferring to St. John's three years ago from Southern Methodist University.
As a co-captain last year, Beirne helped lead the Red Storm to a fifth-place finish in the conference tournament, six strokes out of first place. As team captain this year, Beirne looks to lead a promising STJ group that also includes gritty veterans Mark Costanza, Peter Ballo and Jeremy Quinn and promising newcomers Ryan McCormick and Pat Wilson.
"I think we have as talented a group as we have had since I've been here," Beirne said. "It's just about putting it together and winning a BIG EAST championship. I think we have the team to do it. We came so close last year."
Tournament play begins for Beirne and his teammates Sept. 17-18 when the Red Storm hosts The McLaughlin at Bethpage State Park's Red Course in Farmingdale, N.Y.
Players Mentioned
