Bill Clarke rose to prominence as one of the most important figures in the Middle Atlantic PGA and the PGA of America during the second half of the Twentieth Century. The PGA of America named him a “Legend” in 1997, the third person so honored.
Bill was a Baltimore native and his interest in golf started as a boy, frequently playing at Forest Park. Hillendale Country Club named him their Head PGA Professional in 1954, where he remained for 35 years, serving as the club’s Executive Director for 14 of those years.
He was President of the Middle Atlantic PGA from 1959-1962. The MAPGA named him Professional of the Year in 1960 and Merchandiser of the Year in 1989. The PGA of America honored Clarke with the Horton Smith Award in 1968 for his outstanding ability as a golf instructor.
His rise through the PGA of America ranks began as the Regional Vice President [1966- 1968], Treasurer [1969-1970], Secretary [1971-1972], and finally, President [1973-1974]. He also served as Honorary President from 1975-1976.
Clarke made his mark as one of the quintessential rule’s officials in the golf world. He started as a rule’s official at PGA Championships in 1966 and officiated many Tournament Player’s Championships and in the World Series of Golf. In 1967 he began as a Ryder Cup Official, officiating all but one over 20 years. From 1968 through 1990, he regularly officiated at the Masters. In 1986, he and Clyde Mangrum, the PGA Tour Representative, worked with Royal and Ancient Golf Club to revise the Rules of Golf.
Bill Clarke is a member of The PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame, Inaugural Class of 2005. He is was inducted into the MAPGA Hall of fame in 1987 and the Middle Atlantic Golf Association in 1997.
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