Golf world loses icon, Eddie “The Little Professional” Merrins passes away

The golf world was dealt a tricky blow final week with the information that Eddie “The Little Professional” Merrins handed away on the age of 91.

Merrins leaves behind a outstanding legacy each with what he achieved on and off the golf course. He performed professionally in over 200 PGA Tour occasions starting in 1957. The long-lasting determine as soon as held the course document at Medinah (66) on the Western Open.

However it’s what he did after his enjoying profession ended that has had the best affect within the sport he liked.

Merrins was a co-founder of the philanthropic group Buddies of Golf. FOG, because it’s identified, was created in 1979 and as famend broadcaster Jim Nantz stated at this 12 months’s charity occasion, “was First Tee earlier than there ever was a First Tee.”

I had the dignity and privilege to attend this 12 months’s occasion and was astounded with every thing Buddies of Golf does to present again. PGA Tour star Max Homa and LPGA Corridor of Famer Juli Inkster had been honored this 12 months with the Eddie Merrins Statue.

Earlier winners of the distinguished award embody Jack Nicklaus, Ernie Els, Arnold Palmer and Annika Sorenstam, amongst others.

Following his passing, FOG launched a press release:

“It’s with nice disappointment that we bid farewell to a real legend and iconic determine within the sport of golf, Eddie Merrins. Eddie leaves behind a legacy of giving that may endure for generations to return and has impacted tens of hundreds of novice {and professional} golfers alike.

He was the driving drive behind the creation of Buddies of Golf, which launched over 4 many years in the past in help of each junior and novice golfers no matter their financial standing. We’re without end grateful for all that Eddie has executed for the sport of golf and we’ll proceed to honor the most effective in golf yearly with The Eddie Merrins Statue.”

Merrins can be posthumously honored on the 2024 charity occasion at Bel Air Nation Membership, the place he was nonetheless serving as Skilled Emeritus till his passing.

FOG up to now has raised over $10 million for nationwide and native faculties, excessive colleges and different golf-focused organizations.

Following his enjoying days, the legendary determine turned the pinnacle skilled at Bel Air Nation Membership. He then helped form golf in Southern California for the subsequent 20 years. He in the end coached UCLA to a nationwide championship in 1988 and tutored 11 All-Individuals, together with Corey Pavin.

Merrins was inducted into the PGA Corridor of Fame in 2009.

Eddie Merrins is survived by his spouse Lisa, two sons, Mason and Michael, and daughter Randy.

Kendall Capps is the Senior Editor of SB Nation’s Taking part in By. For extra golf protection, comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms.