Earl P. Maurer

Maurer, Earl P.

of Tarpon Springs, FL, died while asleep on July 23, 2025, at 82, after living with patience and strength through chronic illness in recent years.

Born on April 26, 1943, in Sayre, Pennsylvania, to the late Joyce (Fox) and Elmer L. Maurer, Earl grew up with a gift of athleticism and a passion for golf. After apprenticing at the Towanda Country Club in PA, and a stint at Rochester Country Club in NY, Earl served in the U.S. Army as a MP in Anchorage, AL, where he was detached to Special Services and the military golf operations at Moose Run Golf Club-where the hazards included moose and bears.

After his Army service, Earl pursued his dream of becoming a PGA golf club professional and teacher. He spent over 20 years at Onondaga Country Club in Fayetteville, NY, where he rose to Head Golf Professional. While there, he was elected to the PGA in 1969, he served as president of the Central NY PGA Section, and was named to their hall of fame. At the national level, he served a term on the PGA board of directors and was recognized with the prestigious Bill Strasbaugh Club Relations Award.

When the opportunity came to leave harsh winters behind and head to Florida, Earl's reputation as an exceptional swing instructor preceded him, and students of all ages sought his guidance. He became General Manager and Director of Golf at Tarpon Woods Golf and Country Club and then Head Teaching Professional at Countryside Country Club. In 1996 Earl earned the elite designation of PGA Master Professional in Teaching and Coaching. In addition to his thesis, he wrote many guides for his students. Earl's lessons were marked by his expertise in the "mental game" and his trademark dry humor. He had quirky and endearing habits like tossing out the question "Hey, what's the capital of South Dakota?" to new acquaintances and always carrying his wallet in his sock.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Douchka Herschel Noren, in 2021 and his sister, Emily Maurer Liddick. He is survived by his brothers, William E. Maurer and Gernant E. Maurer (Suzanne); his niece, Lillian Maurer (Patrick Murphy); his nephew, Eric Maurer (Angela Macias); a great-nephew and great-niece, as well as his devoted caregivers-Catherine, Maria, Sophia, and Tony-who cared for him at home with love and loyalty, becoming part of his extended family. Earl's ashes and those of his wife will be interred together at Tioga Point Cemetery in Athens, PA.

All who knew him are invited to a celebration of his life Thursday, August 21, 5:30 pm until 7 pm at Countryside Country Club, 3001 Countryside Blvd, Clearwater, FL.

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