Andy Bean, who won 11 times on the PGA Tour, has died, the PGA Tour announced Saturday. He was 70 years old.
Born March 13, 1953 in Lafayette, Georgia, Beane was a standout college student at the University of Florida, winning the 1973 team NCAA Championship and earning All-American honors three times. He was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame in 1978.
Beane turned pro in 1975 and won his first tour title two years later at the Doral Eastern Open. He won his 3 in ’78 and then in 6 of his 8 seasons he won at least once, his last title being his 1986 Byron he won at the Nelson Golf Classic Did.
Golf has lost something good. Andy Bean dies at age 70. A bermuda grass specialist who is a gentle giant with four of his 11 wins in Florida. Gator legend. He had great faith, a generous heart, and loved fishing and his family. Our condolences go out to his wife Debbie, his three children, and all his grandchildren.
— Rich Lerner (@RichLernerGC) October 14, 2023
Beane also won the PGA Tour Champions three times, including the 2008 Charles Schwab Cup Championship at age 55, and was a member of the 1979 and 1987 U.S. Ryder Cup teams.
Last month, it was reported that Bean underwent double lung replacement surgery after battling COVID-19. The tour announced that he passed away in his hometown of Lakeland, Florida, after a six-week recovery. Bean is survived by his wife Debbie, three daughters and grandchildren.