By Fred Altvater
Ohio’s leading lady of golf and golfing pioneer was featured in the November 17th edition of CBS Morning Show. The segment featured Powell’s passion for female veterans and the promotion of PGA HOPE at her family-owned Clearview Golf Club in East Canton.
Powell’s father, William built Clearview just outside of East Canton, Ohio, after he returned from WWII. William loved the game and although a military veteran, was denied membership at local golf clubs, due to his skin color. Renee’ and her brother still own and operate Crestview today as an 18-hole public facility.
Powell was a successful amateur golfer in Ohio, even though she was denied entry to USGA tournaments held at private clubs in the 1960’s. She also played collegiate golf for both Ohio University and 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. It was not easy traveling around the country in those days. Segregation still was rampant in the south and hotels in several LPGA Tour stops would conveniently lose a reservation, or suddenly become overbooked, when Renee’ would arrive. Restaurants would refuse service, plus she received death threats.
When The R&A voted to admit women members in 2015, Renee’ was shocked to hear her name included on that exclusive list of seven women that included, Princess Anne, Laura Davies, Belle Robertson, Lally Segard, Annika Sorenstam and Louise Suggs.
Powell has traveled and spread the gospel of golf around the world. She was recognized by St. Andrews University, with an honorary Doctorate 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 internationally with its “First Lady of Golf” award.
Today Renee’ teaches the game to juniors and has a special place in her heart for working with retired female military veterans, via PGA HOPE. Women in the military give just as much as any man, plus they suffer the same problems returning to the private world. PGA HOPE helps veterans learn the game of golf and gives them an appreciation of the sport, while at the same time, providing something on which to focus.
Last April when Renee’ was recognized by the PGA of America with their “First Lady of Golf” award, she said,
“Golf has been my entire life, and my family has been my inspiration. Golf is what I do, it is who I am.”
Earlier this year St. Andrews University also honored Renee’ by naming a dormitory after her. For the official ceremony she invited, as well as, paid for her female PGA HOPE Group to attend the ceremony at the ‘Home of Golf.’
It was indeed a grand gesture and only confirms Renee’ Powell’s importance to the game of golf, not only in Ohio but throughout the world, as well.
