39. Deane Beman – Former PGA Tour Commissioner & World Golf Hall of Famer
Few have had a life in golf as impactful as Deane Beman. Before a two-decade run as PGA Tour Commissioner where he ushered the sport from small-purses and minimal television coverage to major network deals and the big dollars that go with it, he was a standout golfer in his own right.
Twice he qualified for the US Open as a teenager while at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. Before turning professional he won the US Amatuer twice, the British Amatuer as well as played college golf for the University of Maryland. After four tour wins, he was convinced to give up his playing career and lead the PGA Tour into a new era. As commissioner his impact is immeasurable, ushering in television deals the sports world had never before seen, starting both Ben Hogan & Senior Tours (now Korn Ferry & Champions) & creating the TPC.