PGA Commissioner Beman Plans to Resign

Deane Beman, who presided over a 20-year period of growth and prosperity--and controversy--has decided to resign as commissioner of the PGA Tour.

Beman announced Tuesday he will not seek an extension of his contract, which runs through December, 1995. Beman, 55, a former U.S. and British Amateur champion and winner of four PGA Tour titles, said he hopes to compete in some senior tour events.

Richard J. Ferris, tournament policy board chairman, said a selection committee has been appointed. Beman said he will leave when his successor is named.

In Beman’s 20-year reign, tour purses grew from $8.2 million to more than $103 million this year.

Although the PGA has enjoyed success under Beman, there were some controversies surrounding his administration--the multimillion dollar suit over square-grooved clubs, a highly critical series of articles in Golf Digest, a lengthy dispute with leading European players over playing rights and responsibilities on the American tour.

Miscellany

The U.S. men’s volleyball team will play its six-match World Volleyball League home schedule at the San Diego Sports Arena. Team USA will play host to Greece on May 6 and 8, Bulgaria on May 27-28, and defending Olympic champion Brazil on June 3 and 5.