Former PGA Tour pro Andy Bean passed away on Saturday following complications from a recent double lung transplant. Bean was 70.
The Georgia native attended the University of Florida and teamed up with future fellow Tour players Woody Blackburn, Phil Hancock, and Gary Koch. The four golfers headlined the Gators’ famed 1973 team that won the SEC and NCAA Championships. Bean was a three-time All-American (1973, 1974 and 1975).
After graduating in 1975 with a degree in marketing, Bean turned pro. Starting in 1977, he finished in the top 35 of the PGA Tour money list for ten consecutive seasons (1977-86), including five times inside the top 10. During this 10-year span, Bean won 11 PGA Tour titles including three times at the old Doral-Eastern Open in Miami. Bean’s final Tour victory came in 1986 at the Byron Nelson Golf Classic in Texas.
Bean never won a major title but finished runner-up at the PGA Championship in both 1980 (Jack Nicklaus) and 1989 (Payne Stewart). He was runner-up at the 1983 Open Championship (Tom Watson) as well. Bean was a member of the U.S. Ryder Cup teams in 1979 and 1987. He was also a three-time winner on the PGA Champions Tour.
Bean reportedly underwent a double lung transplant last month after developing respiratory issues. He is survived by his wife Debbie, three daughters and multiple grandchildren. Bean died in his hometown of Lakeland, Florida.
