Anders Mankert, PGA Professional from Leicestershire and Rutland, has been officially awarded the title by the King.
Manket, who lives in Lutterworth, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to golf and disabled people as part of the King’s Birthday Honors List.
As he was born in Sweden, the medal takes the form of an Honorary BEM and will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire at a ceremony to be confirmed, followed by a visit to Buckingham Palace next year.
Mankert is one of only 66 people to be recognized as a PGA Master in the Professional Golfers Association’s more than 100-year history. He received the honor at the PGA’s annual graduation ceremony at the University of Birmingham earlier this year.
He also owns and operates the Leicester Golf Center at Leicester Racecourse, which welcomes families and children of all ages, whether they are complete beginners or experienced golfers looking to improve their skills.
few formal rules – ZhuEveryone is asked to respect the various facilities available, including the space-themed 18-hole adventure golf course, the 16-put Toptracer driving range and the 9-hole golf course open to all.
Thirty years ago, Mankert became the first golf professional to teach golf to someone who is completely blind or visually impaired. In recognition of his pioneering efforts, he was recently appointed the first-ever patron of the Blind Golf Association of England and Wales. Many of his blind students went on to become highly skilled golfers, competing in tournaments around the world.
Commenting on his prestigious award, Manket said: “It is a great honor to be awarded the BEM from the King and I look forward to receiving it when I receive my medal in the coming months. I have been told that my children may even get married in St Paul’s Cathedral one day!”
His Majesty King Charles III is Patron of the PGA, succeeding the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth (who accepted sponsorship shortly after her accession in 1952), along with King George VI and King Edward VIII. It is a matter of great pride that the PGA’s long association with the monarchy continues.
