Andy Bean, a towering figure in professional golf and an 11-time winner on the PGA Tour, passed away on Saturday at the age of 70. His death followed complications from a double-lung transplant, a procedure necessitated by severe lung damage incurred during a battle with COVID-19. Bean, known for his imposing presence and consistent play, left an indelible mark on the sport over nearly three decades of competition. His career spanned an era dominated by legends, yet he carved out a significant legacy of his own.
The PGA Tour officially confirmed Bean’s passing on October 14, 2023, noting his courageous fight to recover from the intricate medical procedure. He had undergone the double-lung transplant approximately six weeks prior, in early September, in Orlando. The surgery was a critical measure after his lungs sustained extensive damage from a severe case of COVID-19. This recent health crisis marked a challenging chapter in the life of the veteran golfer.
News of his death prompted an immediate outpouring of tributes from across the golfing community. Larry Rinker, a former tour player and fellow University of Florida alumnus, shared his sorrow on X, formerly known as Twitter. Rinker remarked, “So sad to hear of the passing of my friend and fellow Gator, Andy Bean.” He further reflected on Bean’s larger-than-life persona, describing him as “a kind and generous soul” who made a profound impression during a high school recruiting trip to Gainesville.
Alan Pope, a close friend of Bean’s, conveyed his deep sense of loss on Facebook, emphasizing Bean’s significant impact. Pope wrote, “He will be missed dearly and was a very special friend that was very instrumental in helping me in my career and life.” He added, “He will never be forgotten and I am thankful for having such a good friend.” These sentiments underscored the personal connections Bean forged throughout his life and career.
The PGA Tour itself shared a heartfelt tribute on X, honoring the former golfer with poignant words. The post stated, “Andy was a tenacious competitor on the course but the kindest of men off of it.” Miller Brady, President of PGA Tour Champions, elaborated on this perception, affectionately referring to Bean as “a gentle giant.” Brady noted that Bean “always had time for fans, the media and his fellow players,” highlighting his approachable nature despite his formidable presence.
At 6-foot-4 with a distinctive shock of red hair, Andy Bean presented an imposing figure on the PGA Tour for nearly three decades. His physical stature was matched by a formidable golfing talent that often intimidated fellow competitors. Masters and PGA champion Raymond Floyd once spoke to Sports Illustrated about Bean’s capabilities, stating, “He’s awesome long, he’s straight, and he can putt.” This assessment encapsulated the comprehensive nature of Bean’s game.
Bean’s professional career, which began in 1975 when he turned pro, was marked by remarkable consistency and success. He amassed 11 victories on the PGA Tour, carving out his niche during an era heavily influenced by golf titans Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. From 1977 to 1986, Bean consistently finished in the top 35 on the money list, a testament to his sustained high-level performance. His record included 103 top-10 results and 15 runner-up finishes on the regular circuit, contributing to career earnings of $10 million.
Among his notable achievements, Bean captured the Doral-Eastern Open three times, a tournament where his upbringing on Bermuda grass undoubtedly contributed to his excellence. His first PGA Tour title came at the 1977 Doral-Eastern Open. His final victory on the PGA Tour occurred in 1986 at the Byron Nelson Golf Classic. Other significant wins included the 1978 Kemper Open, the 1978 Danny Thomas Memphis Classic, the 1978 Western Open, the 1979 Atlanta Classic, the 1980 Hawaiian Open, the 1981 Bay Hill Classic, and the 1984 Greater Greensboro Open.
Despite his considerable success, a major championship title remained elusive for Bean. He came agonizingly close on three separate occasions, finishing as runner-up in major tournaments. These near-triumphs included the 1980 PGA Championship, the 1983 Open Championship, and the 1989 PGA Championship. In 2015, he candidly expressed his lingering desire for such a victory, telling The Lakeland Ledger, as quoted by PGA Tour, “I would have still liked to have won a major, on either tour.”
For a man described as mostly soft-spoken and reserved despite his considerable physical presence, Bean possessed an undeniable inner confidence. This self-assurance was evident in his competitive outlook. In a 1979 interview with Sports Illustrated, when he had already accumulated five career wins, Bean famously stated, “I never hit a bad-looking shot.” He followed this with an insightful self-assessment: “I just don’t think too good sometimes.”
This confidence extended to his matchups against the sport’s greatest. Bean further articulated his competitive spirit in the same Sports Illustrated interview, asserting, “If you ask me can I beat Watson, I’m going to say yes.” He unequivocally added, “I always think I can beat anybody. That includes Watson, Jack Nicklaus—anybody.” Such declarations revealed a deep-seated belief in his own capabilities, a hallmark of elite athletes.
Thomas Andrew Bean was born on March 13, 1953, in LaFayette, Georgia. He spent much of his early childhood on Jekyll Island, Georgia, where his father had connections with a golf course. At the age of 15, his family relocated to Lakeland, Florida, a move that proved pivotal for his golf career. His father, Tommy Bean, acquired a golf course in Lakeland, which eventually ignited Andy’s profound love for the game.
Bean enrolled at the University of Florida, becoming a standout member of coach Buster Bishop’s Florida Gators men’s golf team. His collegiate career was described as intriguing and highly successful. He and teammates Gary Koch, Woody Blackburn, and Phil Hancock were instrumental in leading the Gators to a memorable 1973 NCAA Championship victory. Bean completed his bachelor’s degree in marketing in 1975, the same year he turned professional.
His contributions to the University of Florida’s athletic program were formally recognized in 1978 when he was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame. It was during this period that he earned the esteemed nickname ‘Gator Great’, a title that forever linked him to his alma mater’s distinguished sporting heritage. This early recognition foreshadowed his later success on the professional circuit.
Beyond his golf accolades, Andy Bean was famously known by a colorful nickname: the “Legend of Alligator Wrestler.” This moniker originated from a fascinating incident in 1975 during a South Florida-based PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament. Playing alongside Sandy Galbraith, the Georgia native spotted an alligator at a distance while walking the fairway. Knowing Galbraith was unaccustomed to such encounters, Bean quickly intervened.
Without hesitation, Bean rushed to his partner’s rescue, demonstrating a surprising and bold act of bravado. He reportedly grabbed the alligator’s tail and successfully pushed the formidable reptile into a nearby lake. Galbraith, clearly impressed and perhaps relieved by Bean’s unusual intervention, recounted the story to numerous people. This tale quickly spread, gaining popularity for the 6-foot-4 golfer and solidifying his memorable nickname.
Bean also proudly represented the United States on two occasions in the Ryder Cup, competing in the 1979 and 1987 editions of the prestigious team event. These appearances further underscored his standing among the top golfers of his time and his commitment to international competition.
As he approached 50, Bean transitioned to the senior circuit, where he continued to demonstrate his competitive fire. He secured three more professional victories on the Champions Tour. His most dominant performance on the senior circuit came in 2008 when he comprehensively routed the field by nine shots to seize the prestigious Charles Schwab Cup Championship, a testament to his enduring skill.
Misfortune, however, struck Bean in 2011 when he suffered a severe hand injury. The incident occurred when another driver ran a red light and collided with his SUV. This accident left Bean’s right index finger crooked and caused him severe pain and swelling in his wrists. The injury profoundly affected his ability to practice and compete at the professional level.
By late 2015, the persistent pain and inability to prepare adequately for competition led Bean to a difficult decision. At 62 years old, he informed the Champions Tour that he no longer planned to compete professionally. He acknowledged the challenge of stepping away from a lifelong pursuit, telling The Ledger, “It’s hard giving up something that you worked all your life to achieve.” He concluded, “But everybody has to do it.”
In retirement, Bean found solace and joy in other passions. An avid sportsman, he expressed happiness at being able to fish more, a pursuit he deeply enjoyed. Crucially, his retirement allowed him to dedicate more quality time to his family. He cherished moments spent with his beloved wife, Debbie, their three daughters, and his cherished grandchildren, finding fulfillment in these personal connections.
Bean consistently viewed his life through a lens of profound gratitude. In a 2015 interview with The Ledger, he reflected on the unique opportunities his career afforded him. “We all have a chance to have our time. You hope you make the most of it,” he shared. He elaborated on the extraordinary experiences he had accumulated, stating, “I’ve been able to travel the world, to see things and have privileges that other people only dream about.”
He further articulated his contentment, saying, “I’ve been able to support my family and do things that I enjoy. How could anybody complain about that?” These words encapsulate a man who found deep satisfaction in his achievements, not just for personal glory, but for the opportunities they provided for his loved ones and his own enjoyment. His perspective was one of humble appreciation for a life well-lived.
