I have known Eddie Manderville for over 8 years. We became first friends because of our love of golf and really connected because we both thought more women of color needed to learn the game. Thus, our love of golf journey began.
He helped me and Shirley Hughes (Daughter of Solomon Hughes) to begin BWOC (Black Women on Course) over 13 years ago in Minnesota and the club now has over 150 women in its database. The ladies normally play three different courses between Minneapolis and St Paul.
Eddie and I were very close. I called him my big brother because I never had a brother and he called me sister because all of his sisters had passed away.
Eddie was a serious golf instructor, but I would never claim to take him seriously, because I just wanted to be his friend and not just another student. When he would try to give me directions on a stroke, I would just make him laugh and pretend not to pay attention to what he was telling me. He would just shake his head and laugh, but I would go away and really practice what he showed me.
In his final days, when he was passing, I would visit him and talk golf. I would say, “I think I am getting better on my driver,” and he would respond by saying, “I wish I could get out of this bed and give you some tips with your left hand.” and I would respond by telling him, “I think you should rest for now.”
When I was with Eddie, I always felt I was in the presence of greatness. He was very cool—and knew it, but had a wonderful sense of humor.
Before, he passed away, I and other close friends put together an event to donate a bench to him in his name in celebration of the two back-to-back hole-in ones he made at Theodore Wirth Regional Park with the help of Mary Merril who was at the time Superintendent of the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board. There is also a ball washer in his name at Theodore Wirth because he said his office title was the CEO of Ball Washer.
When Eddie passed, I wanted everyone to know what a great man he was. When I started on my journey of love to have the Chalet at Theordore Wirth Park named after my dear friend, I thought this tribute would give people who did not get a chance to know Eddie personally, the opportunity to learn about him and appreciate his contribution to golf.
I started my initiative with Latrish Vetaw who at the time was a Park Board Commissioner and is now on the Minneapolis City Council. Throughout the two-plus years of my effort, I worked closely with various park board staff and met with Al Bangoura, the current Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board to understand the entire scope of the organization. Finally, with the help of Jennifer Ringo, Deputy Superintendent, and Board Secretary, and now a dear friend, she closely and safely guided me through the political process and the highs and lows of getting this done.
It is quite a coincidence that Eddie is being inducted into the 2023 Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame and I have been chosen by the Minnesota Coalition of Women in Athletic Leadership (MCWAL) as an honoree at the 2024 National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Minnesota in recognition of my achievements and pioneer efforts to support girls and women in sports.
60 years ago because of his race Eddie Manderville could not access the Clubhouse at Theodore Wirth Regional Park which is now named after him. Learn more about The Eddie Manderville Classic being held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Theodore Wirth Golf Course by clicking HERE. This is a one-time event.
RELATED STORY: CHALET BUILDING AT THEODORE WIRTH REGIONAL PARK NAMED AFTER EDDIE MANDERVILLE
