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RENEE POWELL
In 2003, professional golfer and educator Renee Powell was honored to receive the prestigious First Lady of Golf Award from the Professional Golfers' Association of America. Powell was recognized for her tireless efforts to promote the game of golf to women, children and underprivileged youth around the world. One of only three African American women to ever play on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour, Renee competed on the LPGA Tour for 13 years from 1967-80. She is the only African-American woman to become a Professional Class A member of both the LPGA and the PGA of America.
Renee is the daughter of William Powell, who earned his own legacy in the history of golf. An accomplished golfer himself and captain of his high school team, William developed Clearview Golf Course, the first golf course to be designed, constructed, owned and operated by an African American. In 2001, Clearview Golf Course in Canton, Ohio was named to the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Renee attended Ohio University and Ohio State University, serving as Captain of the Women's golf team at each institution. She made her professional debut on the LPGA Tour in 1967, and her first tournament was the U.S. Women's Open. Renee won the Kelly Springfield Open in Brisbane, Australia.
Following her playing career, Powell traveled to Africa and Europe at the request of the U.S. State Department to promote golf on a worldwide basis. After eight years abroad, Renee returned home to continue her work with inner-city youth in Cleveland. She opened the Renee Powell Youth Golf Camp Cadre program, which was adopted by the PGA of America. Renee also served as a consultant to the national First Tee program, and started the LPGA/USGA Girls Golf Club in East Canton. Renee remains very involved with the USGA Junior Girls Association.
During the ceremony for the First Lady of Golf Award, PGA president M.G. Orender summed up Renee's many accomplishments. "Renee Powell is a member of one of the great families of golf in our country, whose life work has been to open doors to many who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to pick up a golf club and find enjoyment in their lives."
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