Born on this day, May 4, 1946, Renee Powell was born. As she grew up, the young girl may have never imagined that her life would become such a worldwide influence in golf. Renee’s contributions to the game span the swath of professional golf and she has been awarded some of the highest accolades in the industry, including induction into the PGA Hall of Fame, National Black Golf Hall of Fame, African American Golfers Hall of Fame, first woman recipient of Professional Of The Year from the Northern Ohio PGA section, Honorary Doctorate from University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and many other awards, honors, and distinctions.
Powell earned an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of St Andrews in 2008. In 2015, she was invited to become one of the first women members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Powell returned to St. Andrews for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for two new student residence halls at the university, one of which was named in her honor.
Renee played on the US-based LPGA Tour (1967) and is currently head professional at her family’s Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio. The course, established in 1946 by her father William Powell, is still America’s only African American designed, built, owned, operated, and managed golf course.
Exposed to the game at an early age by her father, William Powell, Renee won several youth amateur trophies in her teens. In College, she served as captain of the women’s golf teams at Ohio University and Ohio State University. Renee turned professional in 1967 and relocated to the UK in the 1970s to further her career by joining the British PGA.
In 1977, Renee became the first woman to compete in a men’s golf tournament when she played in the 1977 Surrey PGA Championship. Retiring from golf in 1980, Renee has continued to dedicate her life to bringing greater awareness of the game to as many others as possible. Annually, she participates in hosting programs for women, veterans, youth, and industry organizations, in an effort to create a welcoming environment for all who seek to learn the game and develop their skills.
Learn more about this great pioneer and celebrate her birthday by showing your support with a donation to the Clearview Golf Course Legacy Foundation at https://www.clearviewgolfclub.com/clearviewlegacyfoundation.
