Beach wins PGA Professional as 20 pros qualify for Bethpage

BLUFFTON, S.C. (AP) — Alex Beach seized control with three straight birdies on the front nine and closed with a 3-under 69 to hold off Danny Balin and win the PGA Professional Championship on Wednesday.

They were among 20 club pros who earned spots in the PGA Championship in two weeks at Bethpage Black.

Beach, an assistant pro at Westchester Country Club in New York, had a one-shot lead when he hit his approach from the left rough over the trees to 7 feet for birdie on the 15th hole. He closed with three pars to finish at 10-under 277 at Belfair Country Club.

Balin, the head pro at Fresh Meadow Country Club in New York, closed with a 71.

Rich Berberian Jr. qualified for the PGA Championship for the fourth straight year.