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 exceptional 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 enduring determine as soon as held the course file at Medinah (66) on the Western Open.

But it surely’s what he did after his enjoying profession ended that has had the best impression within the sport he beloved.

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 mentioned at this 12 months’s charity occasion, “was First Tee earlier than there ever was a First Tee.”

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

Earlier winners of the celebrated award embrace 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 come back and has impacted tens of hundreds of beginner {and professional} golfers alike.

He was the driving drive behind the creation of Buddies of Golf, which launched over 4 a long time in the past in help of each junior and beginner golfers no matter their financial standing. We’re ceaselessly grateful for all that Eddie has performed for the sport of golf and we’ll proceed to honor the perfect in golf yearly with The Eddie Merrins Statue.”

Merrins shall 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 to this point has raised over $10 million for nationwide and native schools, 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 following twenty 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 Taking part in By. For extra golf protection, comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms.