20 Questions with KSU Men's Golf Standout Jimmy Beck

There is no debate that Kennesaw State's Jimmy Beck is one of the top A-Sun men's golfers in 2013-14. As the No. 2 returning player in the A-Sun behind North Florida's MJ Maguire, Beck recorded four top-15 finishes during the fall 2013 schedule, including a top-five in the Owls' Pinetree Intercollegiate team victory. He is ranked among the nation's best in the latest Golfweek rankings (61st) and also checks in among the top 100 in the Golfstat Cup (96th). 

Recently the junior from Columbus, Ga., added another award to his growing list of accolades when he received the Georgia State Golf Association's (GSGA) Co-Men's Player of the Year Award on Jan.18. Beck was recognized along with Cameron Hooper of Atlanta and Jeff Knox of Augusta. 

"Being named the GSGA Men's Co-Player of the Year is one of the many blessings that have happened during my time here at Kennesaw State," Beck said. "I am honored to receive this award and could not have accomplished this without the support of my team, my coaches, my friends, and my family. I am looking forward to the upcoming season." 

In addition to leading the Kennesaw State men's golf team to an NCAA Division I regional appearance in 2013, Beck became the first KSU player to capture the Georgia State Amateur when he outplayed the field at Pinetree Country Club last July.

"This is yet another feather in Jimmy's cap as he is becoming one of the most decorated athletes in KSU history," Owls head coach Jay Moseley said. "A college player has not won this award in nearly 10 years and for Jimmy to be the first KSU golfer to ever receive it is quite an honor."

Moseley saw the ability when recruiting Beck from nearby Columbus, but was just as enamored with the intangibles that Beck possessed. A steady and consistent personality that is bold but not brash, and one that is always open to suggestion is what Moseley says makes Beck a joy to coach.

"When I recruited Jimmy I thought he would have more impact as a freshman, but it took him about 18 months to adjust to the college game and to raise his level of play," says Moseley. "Nothing really changed from his freshman to his sophomore years, other than his confidence. He has certainly come to be what I thought he could be as a player.

"But with Jimmy you also get the intangibles that make him such a valuable member of this team. Often what you see from the outside with people is not always a true measure of what is inside, but Jimmy personifies the A-Sun's goal of 'Building Winners for Life.' I recruited him as much for who he is and what he stands for. He is a first class young man with great character, a tremendous leader by example and pure joy to coach."

If making the professional tour remains one of Beck's goals, Moseley says his abilities,  both mental and physical, make that goal well within his reach. "His mind is the best part of his game," says Moseley. "He is ahead of everyone in that aspect of his game, and on the course his confidence around the greens makes his putting and chipping second to none."

Beck followed his win at the Georgia State Amateur by leading the Owls to a pair of tournament victories last fall as Kennesaw State won the Rees Jones Invitational and Pinetree Intercollegiate. He also paced KSU with 72.50 scoring average and posted four Top 20 finishes. 

The Owls open their spring season Feb. 10 at the Farms Collegiate Invitational in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

Other Career Highlights:
• A-Sun All-Freshman Team (2011-12)
• Four-time Golfer of the Week honors (1 in 2011-12; 3 in 2012-13)
• A-Sun All-Conference First Team (2012-13)
• Member of the A-Sun Academic All-Conference Team (2012-13)
• Member of the Golf Coach Association of America (GCAA) PING All-Southeast Region team (2012-13)
• Two individual titles in 2012-13 (Pinetree Intercollegiate, Irish Creek Intercollegiate)
• Nine top-20 and five top-10 finishes in his first two seasons

20 QUESTIONS

Biggest Pet Peeve: I am sort of a neat freak, so when I see something that is dirty or cluttered I feel obligated to clean it up and get it out of the way

Favorite Course That You Have Played: Peachtree Golf Club in Atlanta
Dream Foursome: Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and my Dad
Other Favorite Golfer(s): Ernie Els
Best Golf Tip: Put a lot of focus on putting
Shot You Love to Practice: 6-iron with a small fade
Part of Your Game that Needs Improvement: Pitching and chipping
Favorite Club: Putter 
Ball Marker: Generally a nickel, but any coin, usually silver 
Holes In One (competitive): 1 
Favorite Non-Golf Athlete: Michael Jordan 
Age Broke Par for First Time: 6 (set up for kids) 13 (on par-72)
Favorite Sports Team(s): Boston Celtics, Atlanta Braves 
Playing in your earphones before a tournament: I listen to any kind of music, so I just hit shuffle 
Describe Jay Moseley in one word: Leader 
What never fails to make you laugh: My roommates (and teammates) Jonathan Klotz, Austin Vick, Carlos Segura Oliva
Favorite food: Sushi, any kind of Japanese food because my Mom is Japanese
State have you never been in but would like to visit: New York 
Prefer Facebook or Twitter: Twitter 
What you like most about Kennesaw State University: The community and atmosphere. KSU is a Big university with a small campus feel, walking around campus doesn't seem that big. Special to be a part of something that is big like this.

IN THE BAG 
Driver: Taylor Made R11S
3-Wood: Titleist 913S
Irons: Mizuno MP57
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM4
Putter: Scotty Cameron Titleist