Eddie Merrins, the ‘Little Pro’ who had an enormous influence on golf in LA, dies at 91

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Eddie Merrins, affectionately known as “The Little Pro” due to his modest stature of 5-foot-7, left an indelible mark on the world of golf in Los Angeles, which extended far beyond his physical size. This influential figure, who served as the long-time golf professional at the prestigious Bel-Air Country Club, touched the lives of notable individuals ranging from U.S. Open champion Corey Pavin to legendary entertainers like Fred Astaire and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

On Wednesday, Los Angeles bid farewell to Eddie Merrins, as he passed away at the age of 91 after battling a prolonged illness, according to UCLA, where he dedicated 14 years of his life coaching.

Merrins once remarked, “The game of golf is a very selfish game in the sense that you’re the only one who gets any real enjoyment out of what you do. But in teaching, you get the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve helped somebody.” While Merrins certainly possessed the skills to excel on the golf course, with 82 appearances on the PGA Tour and multiple qualifications for prestigious tournaments like the U.S. Open and PGA Championship, his true passion lay in teaching and simplifying the game for others. In 1973, he authored an instructional book titled “Swing the handle, not the clubhead.”

In a memorable encounter with golf legend Arnold Palmer on the eve of the 2002 Masters, Merrins shared a piece of advice that aimed to extend Palmer’s swing arc. Unfortunately, Palmer’s performance in the tournament did not reflect the excitement of the moment, as he shot an 89 in the first round, prompting Merrins to humorously recall, “That tip didn’t work out so well. In fact, it might have prompted his early retirement from the Masters.”

Born in Meridian, Mississippi, Merrins twice secured the SEC title while playing for LSU. His journey as a teaching professional led him to Rockaway Hunting Club before he found his long-term home at Bel-Air in 1962, where he dedicated nearly five decades of his life to the sport. He simultaneously held two roles for a period, serving as the head coach of the UCLA golf team from 1975 to 1989, during which the Bruins clinched an NCAA title in 1988. Some of golf’s prominent names, including Corey Pavin, Duffy Waldorf, Steve Pate, and Brandt Jobe, honed their skills under his guidance.

Eddie Merrins’ moniker, “The Little Pro,” originated during his playing days on the PGA Tour when he frequently played practice rounds with Jerry Pittman, the head professional at a Long Island course. Merrins fondly recalled, “Jerry began calling me The Little Pro, and it caught on.” He embraced the nickname, even as he humorously noted, “At 74, I’m getting shorter all the time.”

Despite his physical stature, Merrins was an unmistakable figure in the golf world, often recognized by his distinctive jacket and white driving cap. His devotion to golf in Los Angeles extended beyond his own game, as he initiated the “Friends of Collegiate Golf” in 1979, which later evolved into “Friends of Golf.” This philanthropic endeavor has raised over $10 million to support junior golf programs across the nation.

Eddie Merrins’ life revolved around golf, from his coaching career to his personal quest to improve his game. In a lighthearted anecdote, he recounted seeking an ophthalmologist’s advice due to concerns about his declining hand-eye coordination. To his surprise, the doctor’s request to bring a driver was meant for transportation, not golf equipment, leading to a humorous episode that endeared him to the community.

Eddie Merrins’ legacy as “The Little Pro” goes far beyond his physical stature, and his impact on the world of golf, particularly in Los Angeles, remains an enduring testament to his passion and dedication to the sport.

Source: AP golf

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