Myrtle Beach, August 29, 2025
News Summary
The Myrtle Beach golf community mourns the loss of Darren deMaille, a beloved PGA golf instructor who passed away unexpectedly at 48. Known for his inclusivity and dedication to teaching, deMaille’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the future golfers he inspired. His commitment to accessible golf for everyone, especially individuals with disabilities and young golfers, set him apart in the industry. As tributes pour in, the community remembers a generous spirit and skilled mentor who made a significant impact on the sport.
Myrtle Beach Golf Community in Mourning
In a heartfelt and somber moment for the Myrtle Beach golf community, the untimely passing of Darren deMaille, a highly admired PGA golf instructor and director of instruction at Best Golf Lessons, has left a deep void. DeMaille, only 48 years old, passed away in his sleep on a tranquil Sunday morning while vacationing in sunny Key West, Florida, alongside his wife, Leanne Graham (Shelley).
A Legacy at Tupelo Bay Golf Center
Darren was not just an instructor; he was a beacon in the golfing world. He proudly operated the Quick Fix Golf school at the Tupelo Bay Golf Center nestled in Garden City, South Carolina. Here, he was known for his immense dedication and passion for making the sport accessible to all. DeMaille was a Class A PGA of America professional whose impact stretched far beyond just teaching the principles of golf.
A Pioneer for Inclusivity
One of Darren’s most significant contributions was his commitment to increasing access to golf for individuals with disabilities, especially military veterans. His efforts to create an inclusive environment for all golf enthusiasts were both commendable and inspiring. DeMaille’s love for the game was evident in his desire to ensure that everyone could experience the joy of golf, regardless of their circumstances.
Fostering Young Talent
Not only was Darren passionate about inclusivity, but he also held a special fondness for working with junior golfers. He consistently devoted time and energy to nurturing young talent, believing that the future of golf lay in the hands of the upcoming generation. His enthusiastic approach to teaching the sport to youth was marked by skillful guidance and encouragement, inspiring many young players to pursue their golfing dreams.
A Community Asset
The golf world is mourning a remarkable individual whose loss is profoundly felt across Myrtle Beach. Gary Schaal, a past president of the PGA and executive director of Project Golf, referred to deMaille as a “real asset to the community.” His willingness to help others hone their golfing skills made him a standout figure in a landscape filled with talent.
A Skilled Instructor with a Personal Touch
What set Darren apart wasn’t just his technical know-how; he was known for his good bedside manner and his innate sense of humor. These qualities earned him a reputation as a genuinely great instructor who made learning enjoyable. Many of his students appreciated his ability to break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons, ensuring everyone felt comfortable learning the game.
Remembering a Generous Spirit
Darren deMaille’s legacy will not be forgotten quickly. As one of the most generous teaching professionals in the Myrtle Beach area, he made a significant impact in the lives of countless golfers. His passing is not just a loss for his family and friends but for the entire golf community that he enriched through his teachings and kindness.
Looking Ahead
As friends, students, and fellow instructors gather to reflect on the shared memories and lessons learned from Darren, they honor not just a golfing instructor but a devoted mentor and friend. The Myrtle Beach golf community will continue to cherish his spirit, ensuring that his contributions to the game of golf and to the lives of others are remembered and celebrated.
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News
- Wikipedia: Golf
- WPDE News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Golf
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Scholar: golf teaching
- On the Green Magazine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: golf teaching
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google News: golf community myrtle beach
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
