Who was Eddie Merrins? Bel-Air Golf Pro Dead at 91

Eddie Merrins, affectionately known as “The Little Pro” due to his 5-foot-7 stature, left an indelible mark on the world of golf, not just for his own playing achievements, but for his profound influence as a teacher. The esteemed pro at Bel-Air Country Club, Merrins’ impact extended far beyond the fairways, reaching golf champions like Corey Pavin and diverse personalities such as Fred Astaire and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

On Wednesday, at the age of 91, Merrins passed away in Los Angeles after a prolonged illness, as reported by UCLA, where he devoted 14 years to coaching.

A firm believer that golf instruction should be uncomplicated, Merrins was more than just a skilled player—although he did play 82 times on the PGA Tour, qualifying for the U.S. Open eight times and the PGA Championship six times. His real passion lay in teaching the game he loved. In 1973, he penned the instructional book “Swing the Handle, Not the Clubhead,” embodying his philosophy of simplicity in the golf swing.

Reflecting on his teaching approach, 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.”

Merrins’ encounters with golf legends further emphasized his unique coaching style. In a Golf Digest account from 2010, he shared an anecdote about Arnold Palmer seeking his advice on the eve of the 2002 Masters. Merrins advised Palmer to focus on swinging the handle end of the club and keeping the joints free. While Palmer initially responded positively, the following day’s round did not go as planned, with the golf icon shooting an 89. Despite this, Merrins’ commitment to simplifying the game endured.

Born in Meridian, Mississippi, Merrins twice secured the SEC title while playing for LSU. His early career included stints as a teaching pro, with a notable tenure at Rockaway Hunting Club. In 1962, he found his home at Bel-Air, where he remained for nearly five decades.

Eddie Merrins’ legacy as “The Little Pro” lives on through the countless individuals he inspired, both on and off the golf course. His profound impact on the sport and the lives of those he coached remains a testament to his enduring influence.