PGA of America Hall of Famer Renee Powell has received the 2026 Award of Merit from the National Golf Course Owners Association.
Powell, who became the second African-American to play on the LPGA Tour in 1967, is the head pro at Clearview Golf Club in East Canton. Clearview was designed and built by her father Bill and became the first integrated golf course.
The NGCOA’s Award of Merit recognizes individuals who have made significant long-term contributions to golf.
Powell is a member of 15 different Hall of Fame classes. She has received numerous awards, including the PGA of America First Lady of Golf Award, the USGA Ike Grainger Award and the Charlie Sifford Award for her efforts in advancing diversity in golf.
Powell established Clearview HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the only no-cost, year-round therapeutic golf program in the nation specifically for women veterans.
“Renee Powell is the personification of progress in the golf industry, having spent more than five decades breaking barriers that once seemed insurmountable,” NGCOA CEO Jay Karen said in a statement. “While the world knows her as a legendary ambassador, our members recognize her as a dedicated peer — a head golf professional and operator who carries forward the historic legacy of Clearview Golf Club. Her life’s work has proven that golf is a powerful vehicle for community engagement, and her efforts to diversify the game directly fuel the growth and health of the entire industry.”
“It is a profound honor to be recognized by the NGCOA, an organization that understands the dedication required to own and operate a golf course,” Powell said in a statement. “My passion has always been to extend the mission of my father, William Powell, who built Clearview during a time of great adversity to ensure there was ‘golf for everyone.’ Whether we are supporting our women veterans through Clearview HOPE or mentoring the next generation of diverse players, we are strengthening the future of this sport.”
Powell accepted the award on Wednesday, Jan. 21 during the NGCOA Golf Business Conference in Orlando, Fla. She joined past NGCOA Award of Merit recipients that include Tom Watson (2025), Lee Trevino (2024), Annika Sorenstam (2022), Jack Nicklaus (2014), Gary Player (2003), Arnold Palmer (2002) and Nancy Lopez (1989).
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