Winner of both the U.S. and British amateur titles.
Four-time PGA TOUR winner.
Two transformational decades as PGA TOUR commissioner.
When you speak of Deane Beman, you speak of a giant in the sport of golf.
But among his accomplishments — and there are many — what fans in Northeast Florida probably most appreciate is how, in 1979, he secured 415 acres in Ponte Vedra Beach that became TPC Sawgrass, home to the renowned Stadium Course and THE PLAYERS Championship, and the TOUR’s permanent headquarters beginning in 1982.
That land cost $1. Arguably the biggest real estate win of all time.
In honor of golfing’s pre-eminent trailblazer, The PGA TOUR on Tuesday, March 17, unveiled its Deane Beman Den, a dedicated space on the first floor of the PGA’s Global Home that celebrates the three defining phases of Beman’s career.
Visiting with the Global Home staff as well as the Den, Beman took time to speak to anyone and everyone who approached. Joined by wife Judy, as well as his successor Tim Finchem (and Holly Finchem), Commissioner Jay Monahan and TOUR CEO Brian Rolapp — a group that represented four distinct eras — Dean clearly enjoyed this celebratory moment.
“I’m honored to be recognized not only as commissioner but for my whole life in golf,” he said. “Starting as a junior in the amateurs to professional and then as commissioner, I’m really honored.”
At the large staff gathering prior to the Den’s unveiling, Rolapp and Monahan spoke about Beman’s impact and invited him to share stories from the three stages of his golfing career.
“Golf has been a big part of my life for the past 75 years,” Beman said. “And it wouldn’t have been what is has been without Judy, my wife.”
He called the game of golf a great lesson for life.
“The challenge never ceases,” he said. “Failure is at every corner, and it’s there to be overcome.”
When Beman became commissioner in 1974, golf was a minor sport. But during his tenure, that changed dramatically. The TOUR’s assets grew from about $400,000 to nearly half a billion dollars. Beman created THE PLAYERS Championship and established the Senior PGA TOUR (now PGA TOUR Champions) and the Ben Hogan Tour (now the Korn Ferry Tour).
The continued growth of professional golf is something of a marvel. In fact, NBC Sports has reported that the final round of THE PLAYERS averaged 4.4 million viewers this year, peaking at 7.1 million at one point.
And the charitable impact of events from the tours has been greatly felt. Today, these events have contributed more than $4 billion in charitable giving.
Beman was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2000 and received the PGA TOUR Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. Inside the Deane Beman Den, one finds his many trophies, his golf bags, magazine covers featuring him, archival photography, a letter from President Lyndon Johnson and much more.
“Deane set a standard for leadership that continues to guide this organization,” said Monahan. “From establishing THE PLAYERS Championship to building a competitive structure that created opportunities across generations, his vision fundamentally shaped the PGA TOUR. The Deane Beman Den ensures that everyone who walks through our headquarters understands the foundation upon which we continue to build.”
