The golf world was hit with some absolutely tragic news this week as legendary PGA Tour star Andy Bean passed away at the age of 70 following a battle with COVID-19.
According to Golf Digest, Andy Bean underwent a double-lung transplant six weeks ago after his lungs were badly damaged in a battle with COVID-19, but he was unable to recover from the transplant and passed away.
Although Bean never won a major – though he managed three different runner-up finishes – he was still dominant enough to emerge as an absolute star in an era of golf that was dominated by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Bean was able to notch 11 victories on the PGA Tour and tallied 103 top-10 results along with runner-up fishes 15 times to become a household name for all golf fans.
And Bean had confidence that he could hang with other legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.
“I never hit a bad-looking shot,” Bean told Sports Illustrated back in 1979. “I just don’t think too good sometimes. If you ask me can I beat Watson, I’m going to say yes. I always think I can beat anybody. That includes Watson, Jack Nicklaus—anybody.”
His passing was nothing short of tragic and heartbreaking, and the golf community had a lot to say about his loss on social media as a result.
Golf lost a good one. Andy Bean passed away at 70. Gentle giant, Bermuda grass specialist with 4 of his 11 Ws in FL. Gator legend. Man of great faith, generous heart, loved fishing and family. Condolences to wife Debbie, their three children and all the grandkids.
— Rich Lerner (@RichLernerGC) October 14, 2023
Andy Bean at impact – RIP pic.twitter.com/bCgvHhCuwh
— Jarod Hitchcock (@jarodhitchcock) October 15, 2023
🎙: “The giant American Andy Bean”
Along with his 11 @PGATOUR wins Andy had four top 3 finishes in majors. The 1980, 1985 and 1989 PGA Championships and the 1983 Open Championship. He also played on the US Ryder Cup teams of 1979 and 1987. R.I.P. https://t.co/xxQ8Rj4ObC pic.twitter.com/VeHNTSBU3T
— The Golf Library (@GolfLibrary) October 15, 2023
I did not know Andy Bean well. In fact, only met him a few times but I’ll never forget his size (big guy!), voice (not what you’d expect from a big guy!), kindness & storytelling. Obviously a heckuva player too. 🙏🙏 #RIP #golflife
— Michael Vrska (@vgolfman) October 14, 2023
The first tour event I played in, while still a junior at the University of Texas was the 1983 Colonial, after making the cut I got paired with Andy Bean on Sunday. Andy was in the prime of his career, was a mountain of a man and without trying to be, was very intimidating. On…
— Brandel Chamblee (@chambleebrandel) October 14, 2023
Few years back Andy Bean was set to play a charity event in FL. Injured, he was unable to tee it. I said, “No worries, you’ll come next year.” He insisted on showing, said he’d made a commitment. Came, drove around, told stories, gave lessons, made us laugh. Kind of guy he was.
— Rich Lerner (@RichLernerGC) October 14, 2023
We lost a good one today. One of the most honest men I’ve ever met. He loved his Florida Gators. R.I.P. Andy Bean! 🐊❤️
— JC Deacon (@realjcdeacon) October 14, 2023
It’s safe to say that he will not be forgotten anytime soon.
