Anders Mankert, a PGA Master Professional from Leicestershire and Rutland, has been formally honoured by the King.
Mankert, who lives in Lutterworth, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to golf and to people with disabilities – an award that forms part of the King’s Birthday Honours List.
The medal takes the form of an Honorary BEM, owing to his Swedish birth, 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 in the more than 100-year history of the Professional Golfers’ Association to be recognised as a Master of The PGA. He received this honour earlier this year at The PGA’s annual graduation ceremony at the University of Birmingham.
He also owns and runs Leicester Golf Centre, located on the site of Leicester Racecourse, which welcomes families and children of all ages, whether they are complete beginners or more experienced golfers looking to refine their skills.
There are few formal rules – just a request that everyone respects the range of facilities available, including a space-themed 18-hole adventure golf course, a 16-bay Toptracer driving range, and a nine-hole golf course open to all.
Thirty years ago, Mankert became the first golf professional to coach totally blind or visually impaired people to play the game. In recognition of his pioneering efforts, he was recently named the first-ever professional to become a patron of the England and Wales Blind Golf Association. Many of his blind students have gone on to become highly skilled golfers, competing in tournaments around the world.
Commenting on his prestigious award, Mankert said: “I am greatly honoured by the award of a BEM from the King, and I’m looking forward to receiving it once the medal has been made in the next few months. I’ve been told my kids can even have their weddings at St Paul’s Cathedral one day!”
His Majesty King Charles III is Patron of The PGA, succeeding Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, who accepted the patronage shortly after her succession in 1952, as well as King George VI and King Edward VIII. It is a source of great pride that The PGA’s long association with the Monarchy continues.
