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

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

Merrins leaves behind a exceptional legacy each with what he completed on and off the golf course. He performed professionally in over 200 PGA Tour occasions starting in 1957. The enduring determine as soon as held the course file at Medinah (66) on the Western Open.

However it’s what he did after his taking part in 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 recognized, was created in 1979 and as famend broadcaster Jim Nantz stated at this yr’s charity occasion, “was First Tee earlier than there ever was a First Tee.”

I had the glory and privilege to attend this yr’s occasion and was astounded with every little thing Buddies of Golf does to provide again. PGA Tour star Max Homa and LPGA Corridor of Famer Juli Inkster have been honored this yr 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 unhappiness that we bid farewell to a real legend and iconic determine within the recreation of golf, Eddie Merrins. Eddie leaves behind a legacy of giving that can endure for generations to return and has impacted tens of hundreds of newbie {and professional} golfers alike.

He was the driving pressure behind the creation of Buddies of Golf, which launched over 4 many years in the past in assist of each junior and newbie golfers no matter their financial standing. We’re eternally grateful for all that Eddie has carried out for the sport of golf and we are going to proceed to honor the perfect 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 schools, excessive faculties and different golf-focused organizations.

Following his taking part in days, the legendary determine grew to become the pinnacle skilled at Bel Air Nation Membership. He then helped form golf in Southern California for the following 20 years. He in the end coached UCLA to a nationwide championship in 1988 and tutored 11 All-People, 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 Enjoying By. For extra golf protection, comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms.