Kevin Beirne has spent more than two decades growing the game of golf in New Jersey. The game just gave something back.
Beirne, VP of operations at Spirit Golf Management, has been named the 2026 New Jersey PGA Golf Professional of the Year — the highest annual honor awarded to a PGA of America Golf Professional within the Section.
A member of the New Jersey PGA Section since 1999, Beirne was recognized for his leadership, character and contributions to the NJPGA, the PGA of America and the game itself. He currently serves as president of the New Jersey PGA Section.
“Kevin’s impact on Spirit Golf Management, the New Jersey PGA, and the game of golf extends far beyond the facilities he oversees,” Mike Attara, president of Spirit Golf Management, said. “A highly respected leader, mentor and ambassador for the game, Kevin embodies the best qualities of a PGA of America Golf Professional. This recognition is well deserved.”
Beirne’s career has been defined by a commitment to junior golf and player development. He has earned multiple NJPGA Player Development Awards and in 2024 received the NJPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award for his dedication to mentorship and support of the next generation of PGA Professionals.
He joined Spirit Golf Management in 2017 after serving as Head PGA Professional at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood from 2002 to 2015, where he also coached the Ocean County College Men’s Golf Team.
In his current role, Beirne has been a driving force behind the Spirit Golf Academy, which offers instruction and player development programs for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
The academy’s curriculum — developed by PGA of America Golf Professionals — is now being incorporated into golf programming across The Sports Facilities Companies portfolio.
The honor marks back-to-back years of distinction for Spirit Golf leadership. In 2025, Attara himself received the New Jersey PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award — making Beirne’s recognition a remarkable consecutive achievement for the organization.
Beirne and this year’s NJPGA Special Award recipients will be honored at the Celebration of Golf on Oct. 22 at Canoe Brook Country Club and again at the NJPGA Fall Meeting on Oct. 26 at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club.
Beirne is a resident of Manahawkin.
