Ohio Golf Journal June 2020

O hio’s legendary golfer, Renee Powell, has received numerous awards including being inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame. Her most recent recognition comes from the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) as the recipient of their highest honor, the Donald Ross Award. The award has been given annually, since 1976, and is presented to a person who has made a significant contribution to the game of golf and the profession of golf course architecture. She will receive the award in October as part of the 2020 ASGCA Annual Meeting to be held in Cleveland. Powell was the second African-American woman to compete on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour, the first African-American woman to earn a Class-A PGA of America membership, and in 2015 was one of the first women to be named Honorary Member of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews, Scotland. Her father, William was the first African- American to build, own and operate a golf course in this country. Seventy years later, Renee and her brother, Larry, continue their father’s legacy and operate Clearview Golf Club, just outside of Canton, Ohio. “Renee and her family have improved the lives of countless people in their hometown and around the world through the game of golf,” ASGCA President Jan Bel Jan said. “She, Larry, and the Clearview Legacy Foundation are carrying on what Bill Powell The Powell family has dedicated seven decades to golf as trailblazers, educators and international goodwill ambassadors Renee Powell to receive ASGCA Donald Ross Award Ohio Golf Journal