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Texas Golf Hall of Fame
Anchor Physical Addresses:
2315 Avenue B
San Antonio, TX 78215
16124 Championship Drive
Frisco, TX 75033
Mailing Address:
448 West 19th Street, Suite #1082
Houston, TX 77008
Phone Number:
713-382-8723
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All Rights Reserved
Class of 2010
Professional Player
Special thanks to the LPGA, USGA, PGA of America, and the World Golf Hall of Fame for providing photos and video content.
Carol Mann turned pro in 1960 and joined the LPGA Tour in 1961. She won her first tournament in 1964 at the Women's Western Open, a major championship at the time. She would go on to win a total of 38 events on the LPGA Tour, including two major championships. She earned the LPGA Vare Trophy in 1968 for lowest scoring average and was the tour's leading money winner in 1969. She led the tour in wins three times, 1968 with ten (tied with Kathy Whitworth), 1969 with eight, and 1975 with four (tied with Texas Golf Hall of Fame member Sandra Haynie). Mann served as the LPGA's president from 1973 to 1976 and she was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1977. Her final competitive appearance came in 1981. She ranks 11th in career wins on the LPGA Tour.
Mann also was a member of the LPGA Executive Board as well as the Board of Directors. As her influence away from the course grew, golf took a backseat. Mann retired at the age of 40 and served as president and trustee of the Women’s Sports Foundation. She also founded Carol Mann Golf Services, a course design and management firm, which was the first to be owned and operated by a woman. Mann also found her voice in the TV booth as a golf analyst for both men’s and women’s golf on ABC, ESPN and NBC.
Mann was a long-time student of golf instructor Manuel de la Torre. She received the "First Lady of Golf Award" from the PGA of America in 2008.
Birthplace: Buffalo, New York
Born: February 3, 1941
Died: May 20, 2018
Legacy Video
Carol Mann used her stature as one of the LPGA’s leading champions to advocate for women’s rights in athletics at the national level. She served on the Women’s Sports Foundation Board and became a powerful voice for equality in sports, working closely with policymakers and leaders to expand opportunities for girls and women. Carol participated in meetings and discussions with U.S. presidents and federal leaders as part of broader efforts to advance Title IX, the landmark 1972 legislation that prohibited sex discrimination in federally funded education programs. She believed deeply that sports could change lives and fought to ensure that young girls would have the same opportunities to compete, develop confidence, and pursue their dreams as boys. Through her advocacy and leadership, Carol helped push forward the movement that transformed the landscape of women’s athletics in America.
Pictured with President Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office.
"In recognition of the contributions of women's sports to our country, and of the need for continuing advances in these sports, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 196, has designated February 4, 1988, as ``National Women in Sports Day'' and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 4, 1988, as National Women in Sports Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities."
Carol Mann captured one of the most significant victories of her career at the 1965 U.S. Women’s Open, defeating defending champion Mickey Wright in an 18-hole playoff at Atlantic City Country Club. Known for her powerful swing and towering presence on the course, Carol stood 6 feet 3 inches tall, making her one of the tallest players in professional golf. She often joked about her height, saying she was “five-fifteen” rather than 6'3", a line that became one of her favorite pieces of humor. Despite her size, which set her apart in an era when most players were much shorter, Carol carried herself with warmth and wit, using humor to put others at ease while proving that talent and determination mattered far more than fitting any traditional mold.
Photo of Carol's player badge from her World Golf Hall of Fame locker in Pinehurst, NC and the 1965 U.S. Women's Open.
Photos from the USGA and World Golf Hall of Fame.
In 2008, Carol Mann was honored with the PGA of America’s First Lady of Golf Award, a distinction that recognizes individuals whose achievements and contributions have significantly advanced the game of golf for women. The award celebrated Carol not only for her outstanding playing career, which included 38 LPGA Tour victories and two major championships, but also for her lifelong leadership in the sport. Beyond competition, Carol served as LPGA President, worked as a television golf analyst, advocated for women’s opportunities in athletics, and helped shape the business and visibility of women’s golf. Receiving the First Lady of Golf Award acknowledged her decades of influence as a champion, leader, and ambassador for the game.
Video from the PGA of America
Carol Mann played well in the 1973 Colgate-Dinah Shore, where Mickey Wright won her 82nd and final LPGA event. The modern iteration of the Colgate-Dinah Shore Winner’s Circle, currently known as The Chevron Championship, is now recognized as a major championship and boasts a nearly $8 million purse.
Video from the LPGA
1965 U.S. Women's Open Champion
Carol Mann
World Golf Hall of Fame photo - Carol Mann
Carol Mann - Stylish
First Lady of Golf
Letter from First Lady, Laura Bush
Golf World Magazine 1968
100 Heroes First Centurty of Golf in America - Golf World 1988
Carol Mann Bunker Shot
Carol Signing a Scorecard
PGA of America Board with Carol Mann, 2008 First Lady of Golf
Bob Mix, Sandra Haynie & Carol Mann
Carol Mann 1965 U.S. Women's Open - Atlantic City CC
Carol Mann - 1972 Dinah Shore
1965 U.S. Women's Open at Atlantic City Country Club
Carol Mann Wins Again
Carol Mann 1976
Carol Mann - Wilson Golf Photo
Carol Mann - Clinic
Carol Mann Wilson Staff
1970 Burdine's Invitational Champion
1966 U.S. Women's Open at Hazeltine National, Chaska, MN
Carol Mann - location unknown
Patty Berg and Carol Mann
Sandra Haynie and Carol Mann
Carol Mann with Chi Chi Rodriguez
Carol Mann's World Golf Hall of Fame Locker in St. Agustine, FL
Carol Mann - Joanne Carner - Kathy Whitworth - Mickey Wright - Lockers at World Golf Hall of Fame Locker - Pinehurst, NC
World Golf Hall of Fame Locker - Pinehurst, NC
World Golf Hall of Fame Locker Mementos, Pinehurst, NC
2008 Woman of Distinction Award - Women's Western Golf Association
1975 Lawson's LPGA Classic Champion
Practice Tee
1992 LPGA Hall of Fame Induction
LPGA 50th Anniversary Plaque
LPGA Celebration
Wilson Sporting Goods and Carol Inspring Young Girls
National Sport Hall of Fame
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