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Little Pro Hits the Big Time

Like its author, Eddie Merrins’ latest book is filled with charm, wisdom and plenty of wit.

By JOEL BEERSPublished: May, 2006

Anyone who has met Eddie Merrins, the longtime golf professional at Bel-Air County Club, can attest to his easygoing and gentlemanly nature. A conversation with the Little Pro, who has worked at Bel-Air since 1962, is like speaking to your favorite uncle — someone with wisdom and wit but no pretense of arrogance.

The same can be said for Merrins’ latest book, “Playing a Round with the Little Pro.” The title is a play on words, and the book isn’t an instructional primer, such as his “Swing The Club” videos. Nor is it a straight biography, a selection of life lessons learned on the course or a list of colorful encounters Merrins has experienced.

It’s a little bit of all those things, unfolding like you’re playing a leisurely round of golf with Merrins, whose career spans the golden days of Hogan, Nelson and Snead to the current generation of Woods, Singh and Mickelson.

You’ll learn a great deal about Merrins, from his amateur career and early days as a professional at Merion Country Club to his time at Bel-Air and long association with UCLA’s golf program.

Interesting tales are told about Dean Martin, who rarely won a wager during a round, and former Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley, who rarely lost on a course he designed in Vero Beach, Fla.

The writing style is casual and concise, and there are no long chapters or anecdotes, with many being less than two pages.

“Playing a Round with the Little Pro” is available at most major bookstores and at Amazon.com.