Renee Powell Continues to Inspire as She Earns the Inaugural Charlie Sifford Award

Ever the inspiration, PGA Coach Renee Powell was recognized by the World Golf Hall of Fame as the inaugural recipient of the Charlie Sifford Award as part of the Hall of Fame’s 2022 induction ceremony at THE PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

The award honors an individual who personifies Sifford’s groundbreaking achievements through perseverance, confidence, respect and adaptability.

Renee Powell's vast achievements speak for themselves. She was the first African American woman to become a PGA Member and the second African American woman to ever compete on the LPGA Tour. She has demonstrated her resilience amidst her own obstacles of racial adversity and segregation, and show her dedication to making golf a sport for all.

“As a youngster, my parents fought to get me into tournaments when I was not welcomed because of the color of my skin, which instilled in me how important it is to get young people into the game to help build their self-confidence,” said Powell.

“I’m honored to be the first recipient of this award and to see Charlie Sifford be recognized for breaking down barriers that never should have been put in front of him and all others of color who strived to play this game. I was taught early on by my parents that golf should be a sport for everyone, and we can all diversify this game in so many ways.”

Renee competed in more than 250 professional tournaments during her impressive career and played as a member of the LPGA Tour from 1967-’80. Since 1995, she has served as the PGA/LPGA Head Professional at Clearview Golf Club (Ohio), which her father – William Powell – established in 1946 as the first U.S. golf course designed, built, owned and operated by an African American.

The club’s incredible Clearview Legacy Foundation (nonprofit) focuses on education, preservation, and research, utilizing golf as a tool to reach everyone, with an emphasis on youth, minorities, veterans, seniors and other underrepresented groups.

Notably, William and Renee Powell were the first father and daughter combination to be inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame, with Renee becoming the first African American woman to ever receive the honor.

“On behalf of the Sifford family, we are immensely proud and honored to have this award established in my father’s name,” said Charles Sifford, Jr. “My father, my number one hero, simply wanted to play the game he loved so much and – in this pursuit – endured enormous challenges as an African American golfer. His skills, perseverance, grit, and determination propelled him to continue his dream. He was successful despite having to overcome multiple barriers of discrimination. His hard-fought efforts paved the way for other minority golfers to pursue their career.

"This award is honorably illuminated by having a longtime family friend and successful African American female golfer, Renee Powell, as the first recipient. This really is something special.”