In a heartfelt tribute to a local sports hero, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has recently dedicated new building signage and exhibits to Eddie Manderville, a golfer who left an indelible mark on the sport and society. The Eddie Manderville Chalet, housed within the idyllic environs of Theodore Wirth Park, now stands as a testament to the legacy of a man who spent over 60 years shaping the trajectory of golf in Minnesota.
According to a press release, Manderville's association with the Theodore Wirth Golf Club was instrumental, in not only his personal achievements but also in breaking down racial barriers within the game. He was confronted with racial exclusion but nevertheless succeeded in desegregating the Men’s Association at the club, which had long kept out Black golfers from its ranks. His efforts enriched the sport's culture, extending an invitation to people of color to share in the discipline, integrity, and camaraderie that golf can foster.
Among the displays is a description of Edward “Fast Eddie” Manderville as a beloved figure within the golf community, his passion for the game matched only by his drive for inclusivity. His decorated career included impressive feats such as winning the 1983 MPGA Senior Public Links Championship, the 1986 U.S. Senior Open, and the 1998 MGA Senior Tour. The exhibit also celebrates his 11 holes-in-one, including an exceptional pair of consecutive aces achieved back in 2013 at the Wirth Par 3 Course. Further cementing his status, in May, Mandeville was rightfully inducted into the Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame.
The dedication event featured remarks by MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura who underscored the importance of the chalet's renaming, "It is important to recognize the significance of renaming this building the Eddie Manderville Chalet in Theodore Wirth Park, to know who he is and who he inspired." Bangoura noted. He illuminated Manderville's role as a role model, and trailblazer, and his lasting impact on generations of golfers of diverse backgrounds. The celebration brought together family, friends, and community members, all bearing witness to the unveiling and honoring a much-respected legacy.
