Andy Bean was a professional golfer who won 11 PGA tour events and was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.
- Died: October 14, 2023 (Who else died on October 14?)
- Details of death: Died in Lakeland, Florida, following a double lung transplant at the age of 70.
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Andy Bean’s legacy
Bean grew up on a golf course. Born in LaFayette, Georgia, he was raised on Jekyll Island where his father worked on a course. Later, his father bought his own golf course and the family moved to Lakeland, Florida, when Bean was a teenager. He began playing golf himself, winning four tournaments during his time at the University of Florida. He was twice selected as first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) and was an All-American from 1973 to 1975. In 1978, Bean was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a “Gator Great.”
Bean went pro right out of college and quickly achieved success. On the PGA Tour, he was a top 35 money-earner every year from 1977 to 1986, finishing five times in the Top 7. In 1977, he won his first PGA tournament, this one at the Doral-Eastern Open. Ten more victories followed, with his last at the Byron Nelson Golf Classic in 1986. He also finished second at three major championships: the 1980 PGA Championship, 1983 British Open, and the 1989 PGA Championship.
Bean transitioned to the Champions Tour after he turned 50 and continued his successful career with three more tournament wins. In 2000, he was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame. He retired to Lakeland, Florida. Bean died after a double lung transplant, following a battle with COVID-19 that severely damaged his lungs.
Tributes to Andy Bean
Full obituary: Golf Digest
