Deane Beman

Deane R. Beman (born April 22, 1938) is an American professional golfer, golf administrator, and golf course architect.

Beman was born in Washington, D.C. and attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where he was a two-time All-American on the varsity golf team.

Following graduation, Beman had a career in the insurance field. During his golf career, Beman qualified for his first U.S. Open at age 17 in 1955. He qualified for the Masters Tournament 14 times. He won the U.S. Amateur twice and the British Amateur once. He also lost a playoff to Gary Cowan for the 1966 U.S. Amateur.

Beman turned professional in 1967 at age 29 and won four times on the PGA Tour between 1969 and 1973. Beman led for two rounds at the 1969 U.S. Open and finished one shot out of a playoff. He was a short hitter by top-class standards, with an outstanding short game, and was renowned as one of the best putters in the world. Injuries curtailed his playing career. He retired as a player and closed his business practice to become Commissioner because he believed he could contribute more to the sport as a commissioner than he ever could as a player.