Mann selected as 2012 Legend of the PGA
Mann, who served from 1999 to 2000 as the 31st president of the PGA, graduated from North Carolina State University (NCSU) with a bachelor's degree in forestry. He became a member of the PGA in 1979 and began his career as a golf course superintendent. He was the first superintendent at Myrtle Beach National Golf Club, where he was responsible for the construction and turf management for the course. He has worn many hats in the golf industry, serving in such capacities as head golf professional, general manager and golf course owner.
His first role within the PGA was serving as an officer at the section level for the Carolinas. From 1992 to 1993, he served as the Carolinas Section president, and two years later he served as national secretary of the PGA. He was elected president of the PGA in 1999. During his presidency, Mann championed many programs to benefit members of the PGA using grassroots efforts, such as the PGA Retirement Plus, which has helped PGA members supplement their retirement policies, and the Ryder Cup Player Charity Distribution Plan, which has given more than $18 million to date. He is also a strong supporter of the Special Olympics. Mann was awarded the lifetime achievement award from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at NCSU in 2011, and he was inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame in 2005.
"William Mann is passionate about the PGA of America, and I think he looks upon the opportunity to teach as a way not only to share some of his experience and breadth of knowledge with students, but also to give back to the profession and the organization that has been so good to him," says Charles Thrash, director of the PGM program at Coastal Carolina University. "He is a great guy, and Coastal Carolina University is lucky to have him."
The Legend of the PGA award was created in 1995 to recognize living past presidents of the PGA who have made positive changes within the organization and community.