Anders Mankert, a PGA Grasp Skilled 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 providers to golf and to individuals with disabilities – an award that types a part of the King’s Birthday Honours Listing.
The medal takes the type of an Honorary BEM, owing to his Swedish start, and might be offered by the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire at a ceremony to be confirmed, adopted by a go to to Buckingham Palace subsequent yr.
Mankert is certainly one of solely 66 individuals within the greater than 100-year historical past of the Skilled Golfers’ Affiliation to be recognised as a Grasp of The PGA. He obtained this honour earlier this yr at The PGA’s annual commencement ceremony on the College of Birmingham.
He additionally owns and runs Leicester Golf Centre, positioned on the positioning of Leicester Racecourse, which welcomes households and kids of all ages, whether or not they’re full newcomers or extra skilled golfers trying to refine their expertise.
There are few formal guidelines – just a request that everybody respects the vary of services accessible, together with a space-themed 18-hole journey golf course, a 16-bay Toptracer driving vary, and a nine-hole golf course open to all.
Thirty years in the past, Mankert grew to become the primary golf skilled to teach completely blind or visually impaired individuals to play the sport. In recognition of his pioneering efforts, he was just lately named the first-ever skilled to develop into a patron of the England and Wales Blind Golf Affiliation. Lots of his blind college students have gone on to develop into extremely expert golfers, competing in tournaments all over the world.
Commenting on his prestigious award, Mankert stated: “I’m vastly honoured by the award of a BEM from the King, and I’m trying ahead to receiving it as soon as the medal has been made within the subsequent few months. I’ve been advised my youngsters may even have their weddings at St Paul’s Cathedral sooner or later!”
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, in addition to King George VI and King Edward VIII. It’s a supply of nice pleasure that The PGA’s lengthy affiliation with the Monarchy continues.