February 3, 1941 – May 20, 2018
Carol Mann, age 77, passed away unexpectedly at her home in The Woodlands, Texas on May 20, 2018. Born in Buffalo, New York on February 3, 1941, she was a star of the LPGA in the 1960s and ’70s who won 38 tournaments, including two major titles, and later served as the organization’s president. She was elected into the LPGA and the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1977.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of Carol Mann’s passing. On behalf of all of us at the World Golf Hall of Fame, we offer our deepest condolences to Carol’s family and friends. Carol dominated on the LPGA Tour with 38 wins and two major championships, including the 1965 U.S. Women’s Open. She was a legend of the game, not just for her power on the golf course but also for the work she did in the formation of the modern Ladies Professional Golf Association and her immense support of the World Golf Hall of Fame. We will forever celebrate Carol’s life and legacy.” -Jack Peter, President of the World Golf Hall of Fame
A Celebration of her life will be held at 1 pm on June 9, 2018 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 3801 S. Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Carol Mann Scholarship Fund in care of the Southern Texas PGA foundation, 22305 Gosling Road, Spring, Texas 77389. Please note on the check that it is for the Carol Mann Scholarship Fund.
Those wishing to post tributes and memories to the family may do so at www.eickenhorstfuneral.com.
About Carol Mann
Carol was a force to be reckoned with and her influence was felt both on the golf course and in the administration of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).
Joining the LPGA Tour in 1961, she claimed her first tournament win with a major championship at the Women’s Western Open in 1964. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Mann towered over the competition winning 38 LPGA events including two major championships.
Her accomplishments on the golf course earned her the LPGA Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average in 1968 and the tour’s leading money winner in 1969. However, Mann felt that there was more to do both for women’s golf and for the LPGA Tour.
She took a more active role in the development of the LPGA and, in 1973, stepped into the position of its President and would serve in that capacity until 1976. One of her main goals was to increase the coverage, sponsorship and purses for LPGA events. Under her leadership, the changes were noticeable. By 1980, the LPGA Tour had an increase in prize money of more than 800 percent.
Carol Mann was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1977. She gave her time and energy to support the World Golf Hall of Fame and was dedicated to developing the relationship between the Hall of Fame and its members.
In 2008 she was named the PGA’s First Lady of Golf.
She once said, “I enjoy being a person, and getting old and dying are fine. I never think how people will remember Carol Mann. The mark I made is an intimate satisfaction.”
Carol need not worry about how people will remember her. Her impact and legacy will live on inside the Museum and in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be greatly missed and her contributions to the game of golf will not be forgotten.
