MERRILL MASTER'S CUP
About the Merrill Master's
Since 2011, the Merrill Master's Cup has been home to some of golf’s greatest moments. Amidst fresh cut greens, palm trees and the occasional hurricane, the first full week of September ushers in a stage unique to golf and to sport. Over three days and 54 holes, golfers compete for a chance to hold the Merrill Cup trophy and earn place in Masters history. Take a journey down the Grande Vista Golf course or stroll over to the Marriott’s Copa Loca, and explore the iconic traditions, moments and history of the Merrill Master's like never before—past and present.
Awards & Trophies
A Brief History of the Merrill Master's
There are many origin stories of how and why the Merrill Master’s Cup came into being. According to some, after a few beers and a round of golf between two members of the Merrill family, a trophy was found. Frank P. Merrill (The chairman of the board) said “Let’s mess with them" and so the names of Galen A. Merrill and Frank P. Merrill were inscribed on the trophy. These actions instigated a sibling rivalry unlike any other, the culmination of which was the foundation of the Merrill Master’s Cup. Other’s claim the trophy was purchased after a legitimate round of golf between Galen A. Merrill, at a legitimate trophy store. In order to properly commemorate Galen’s A. Merrill’s victory over his siblings the year prior to this round of golf Galen's name was inscribed first on the trophy, followed by Frank P. Merrill’s, who had won that day on the Wee course in Tennessee. Still, others claim the cup started to “get a rise out of Mary”.
While we may never know the how and why of the Merrill Master’s Cup, one thing is clear. The Merrill family has provided a service to the game of golf over the past seven years by hosting the tournament. These days the tournament takes place in early September on the Grande Vista course in Orlando Florida.
The Founders
Pictured (left to right) back row: Eugenia Revelle, Galen Allan the III
middle row: Frank Patrick, Paul Ogden the II, Sarah Ann
front row: Peter Martin
Not Pictured: Mary Chantelle (born in '62)
In the late forties Phillis Joanne Crahen and Galen Allan Merrill married and began a family that would change the history of golf forever. The couple gave birth to seven children; Eugenia Revelle Merrill (1948), Galen Allan Merrill III (1949), Sarah Ann Merrill (1952), Paul Ogden Merrill the second II (1953), Frank Patrick Merrill (1955), Peter Martin Merrill (1958), and Mary Chantelle Merrill (1962).
In 2011 Galen and Frank Merrill (Chairman of the Board), the legendary first champions, founded the the the Masters.The first “recorded” tournament took place between the two siblings on the notorious Wee course in Tennessee. In the years following the tournament moved to Orlando Florida, attracting some of golf’s and the Merrill family’s biggest stars to the Merrill Masters.
Notable years include the first appearance of cousins in 2013, prompting the Chairman of the Board to institute a new +21 rule to the tournament. The 2015 tournament is perhaps the most infamous championship as it was the first to feature all seven members of the Merrill siblings. In 2017 the tournament was called off due to Hurricane Irma. Then in 2018 Megan Merrill became the first player in the history of the tournament to make a hole in one. This was also the tournament which lead two players who were neck and neck, Maddy Merrill (Niece, 21) and Paul Ogden, to play well into the night fighting for a victory. Ultimately leading Paul Ogden to claim his third victory, the most in Merrill Master's history.
Pictured (left to right): Mike Schueppert, Sarah Ann, Paul Ogden, Eugenia Revel, Galen Allan the III, Mary Chantelle, Megan Schueppert, Claire Schueppert, and Frank Patrick
Pictured (left to right): Frank Patrick, Galen Allan the III, Peter Martin, Sarah Ann, Paul Ogden, Bagpiper, Mary Chantelle, Mike Schueppert