Andy Bean, a revered figure in professional golf with 11 PGA Tour victories, has sadly passed away at age 70 following complications from a double-lung transplant, which was necessary due to severe lung damage sustained from COVID-19. Known for his commanding presence and steady play throughout his nearly three-decade career, Bean left an enduring legacy in a sport graced by many legends, carving out a significant place for himself.
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.
The golfing world has been quick to share heartfelt tributes following the news of his passing. Larry Rinker, a fellow former tour player and alumnus of the University of Florida, expressed his profound sadness on X, formerly Twitter, remembering Bean as “a kind and generous soul” who left a lasting impression on him 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 also offered a touching tribute on X, celebrating the former golfer by stating, “Andy was a tenacious competitor on the course but the kindest of men off of it.” Miller Brady, President of PGA Tour Champions, further echoed this sentiment, affectionately calling Bean “a gentle giant” who “always had time for fans, the media and his fellow players,” despite his imposing stature.
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.
Bean’s impressive career was marked by several key victories, including three wins at the Doral-Eastern Open, a tournament where his familiarity with Bermuda grass likely played a role in his success, securing his first PGA Tour title there in 1977. His final PGA Tour win came in 1986 at the Byron Nelson Golf Classic, capping a career filled with notable achievements that also included victories at 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.
Born Thomas Andrew Bean on March 13, 1953, in LaFayette, Georgia, his formative years were spent on Jekyll Island, Georgia, where his father had ties to a local golf course, laying the foundation for his future passion. A significant turning point in his golf journey occurred at age 15 when his family moved to Lakeland, Florida, where his father purchased a golf course, profoundly deepening Andy’s love for the game.
Bean’s collegiate golf career at the University of Florida under coach Buster Bishop was nothing short of remarkable, where he became a key player for the Florida Gators men’s golf team. Alongside his teammates Gary Koch, Woody Blackburn, and Phil Hancock, Bean was instrumental in leading the Gators to clinch the prestigious 1973 NCAA Championship title, and he successfully completed his bachelor’s degree in marketing in 1975, the same year he embarked on his professional golf career.
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 impressive golf achievements, Andy Bean was famously known by a rather colorful nickname: the “Legend of Alligator Wrestler.” This unique moniker stemmed from an extraordinary event in 1975 during a PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament held in South Florida, where, while playing a round with Sandy Galbraith, Bean encountered an alligator by the fairway.
Displaying remarkable courage and quick thinking, Bean didn’t hesitate to intervene when he noticed Galbraith’s unfamiliarity with such wildlife, rushing to his playing partner’s aid. He reportedly grabbed the alligator by its tail and managed to push the reptile into a nearby lake, a bold move that clearly impressed Galbraith, who subsequently shared the captivating story, which quickly spread and cemented Bean’s 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 his 50th birthday, Bean made a successful transition to the senior golf circuit, continuing to showcase his competitive spirit and securing three additional professional victories on the Champions Tour. His prowess was particularly evident in 2008 when he delivered a commanding performance, winning the prestigious Charles Schwab Cup Championship by a significant nine-shot margin, a clear demonstration of his enduring talent and 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 articulated a deep sense of contentment with his life and career, stating, “I’ve been able to support my family and do things that I enjoy. How could anybody complain about that?” These words beautifully capture the essence of a man who found immense satisfaction not only in his personal accomplishments but also in the opportunities they provided for his loved ones and his own personal enjoyment, reflecting a life lived with humble gratitude.
