Bean played twice during the biennial event between the United States and Europe. Those 1979 and 1987 matches remain pivotal.
European dominance has turned the Americans into underdogs, the Ryder Cup into a fan spectacle and the event’s 43rd edition into must-see TV beginning 7 a.m. Friday on Golf Channel.
Few saw the changing tide coming, or paid it much mind. Bean, a Florida Gators All-American from 1973-75, was swept up amid the oncoming surge.
After decades of futility for Great Britain, the 1979 event welcomed golfers from the European continent for the first time.
“It set the precedent that, hey, they’re not quite here yet, but they’re coming,” Bean said.