By AAGD STAFF
(September 19, 2018) –Today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Powell Hall at the University of St. Andrews marks an unprecedented privilege for the school as it welcomes Renee Powell as the first American, and the first golfer, to ever receive this designation. A true pioneer in the game, Powell is a 2017 PGA Hall of Famer Member and a member of the R&A.
Powell learned of the honor just before winter began when administrators of the University contacted her. “This is really an honor for my entire family, because, without them, I never would have played this game of golf,” she told The Golf Channel through a telephone interview. “This is something that is shared by all of us, and it’s great.”Powell has made a tremendous impact on the game and was the second African American to play on the LPGA Tour.
The Powell family has a long legacy in the game and built their historically designated Clearview Golf Course in 1949 in East Canton, Ohio. Powell’s late father, William Powell, a PGA Life Member, seeded the first 9 holes by hand. The course is a staunch promoter of diversity and inclusion and has welcomed players from across the world to its beautiful 18 holes.
The acknowledgment of Ms. Powell for the new hall naming rings true for the University of St Andrews, as the school is not only the home of golf, but it also has staff and student body from over 140 countries, and hundreds attend for a Study Abroad experience. The British public research university, located in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, was founded in 1413. It is Scotland’s first university, the oldest of the four ancient universities of Scotland, and the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is the 100th-largest university in the United Kingdom by enrollment (10,330 total students (2016/17).
University of St. Andrews Powell Hall
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When asked about diversity in golf today, Powell said, “I think that we have come a long way, but that we also have a long way to go and we’re not quite there yet, but there are so many good people around who are trying to open those doors wider. In order for the game to stay healthy, we really need to be very inclusive and very diverse, because it brings so much more to our game,” said Powell.
Powell, age 72, played on the U.S.-based LPGA Tour and is currently head professional at her family’s Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio. Powell has received a plethora of awards during her career and was named 2003 PGA First Lady of Golf and recognized as an “Outstanding Leader in Golf” by African American Golfer’s Digest (2009).
The University is known worldwide as a unique place to study and live. The campus is situated on the east coast of Scotland, where many students cross over beautiful golf courses and pristine beaches while making their way to class. Contemporaries who attended the University include Prince William and Kate Middleton. William graduated with a master of arts degree in geography, Middleton with a master of arts degree in art history (circa 2003).
