Ohio Golf Journal October 2017

game as the club’s Head Pro. He was not a PGA certified golf professional, because back in those days, the PGA had a Caucasian-only rule, Blacks need not apply. Bill and his wife, Marcella raised three children on their small golf course, two boys and a girl. The middle child gravitated to the game at a young age and Bill even built a short course for young girl to learn the game. Renee’ excelled at golf, but with few junior golf tournament opportunities in the 1950’s and early 1960’s for young women of color, her playing options were limited. At the time, the United Golf Association (UGA) was primarily a professional golf circuit for African-Americans barred fromPGA tournaments. However, they also sponsored women and junior events, for both boys and girls. Renee’ excelled in several of the UGA events and at the age of 16, was the first Afro- American female to qualify for the USGA’s Junior Girl’s Championship in 1962. She parlayed her golfing skills into a college scholarship. She played collegiate golf, first at Ohio University and then for Ohio State. Althea Gibson was the first African-American to become a member of the LPGA Tour. Renee’ was the second, competing professionally from 1967 to 1980. Those were not easy times to be traveling around the country as a young black athlete. Restaurants would refuse service, hotel reservations would suddenly be lost when she went to check in, plus she received death threats. Through it all she prevailed and is still full of joy for the game and love of teaching juniors, women and men the game of a lifetime. When The R&A voted to admit women members in 2015, Renee’ was shocked to hear her name included on that exclusive list of just seven women, with Princess Anne, Laura Davies, Belle Robertson, LallySegard,AnnikaSorenstam and Louise Suggs. Powell spent several years living in England, she even served as a Head Professional at an English Golf Club for a time. With an idea to teach golf to African nations, she contacted several embassies and eventually gained permission to travel and spread the word. She has been recognized by St. Andrews University and has led junior golfers to Scotland to study the history of golf, as well as, view the iconic courses. In 2003, the PGA of America recognized Powell for her work in promoting the game of golf throughout the world with its “First Lady of Golf” award. Then PGA of America President, M.G. Orender said, “Renee’ Powell is a member of one of the great families of golf in our country, whose life’s work has been to open the doors to many, who would not have had the opportunity to pick up a golf club and find enjoyment in their lives. Renee’s tireless efforts to build opportunities for young people in golf has elevated her among her peers.” She joined an impressive list of winners of the “First Lady of Golf” award, Barbara Nicklaus, Judy Rankin, Judy Bell and Nancy Lopez. It was a high honor, indeed. In accepting the award Renee’ said, “Golf has been my entire life, and my family has been my inspiration. Golf is what I do, it is who I am.” The game of golf has been the recipient of the talents of one of the great women of the game and Ms. Powell’s latest honor of being inducted into the PGA of America’s Hall of Fame is well deserved. She is extremely proud and honored to be enshrined with her father, who was enshrined in the PGA Hall of Fame in 2013. Bill Powell created something that most would consider impossible and his daughter has carried on that legacy. Clearview Golf Club remains a living tribute to his efforts. Renee’ Powell has hob knobbed with royalty, but continues to spread the word of golf across the world with her contagious charm, a smile that will warm any heart and boundless enthusiasm. She is already a member of four golf Halls of Fame and received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of St. Andrews, for her work growing golf internationally. Renee’ Powell from East Canton, Ohio and Clearview Golf Club is American Golf Royalty at its finest. Ohio Golf Journal Ohio Golf Journal