Renee Powell of East Canton, Ohio, the 2003 PGA First Lady of Golf, went across country recently to be honored in a locale where she has never competed before: Hollywood.

Powell became the first recipient of the Pioneer in Golf Award during the inaugural Halle Berry Celebrity Golf Classic, April 26-28, at Mountain Gate Country Club in Los Angeles.

The award was presented by tournament namesake Berry, an Academy Award-winning actress, who began the event to raise funds for the Jenesse Center of south Los Angeles, which for 28 years has supported women who are victims of domestic violence.

"This year, with Halle's enthusiastic involvement and support, we had our first golf tournament," said Dr. Othella T. Owens, chair of the golf committee. "It was her desire that we honor a pioneer in golf. Renee Powell, because of her philanthropy, dedication to the sport, recognition by both the LPGA and The PGA of America and as only the second black woman to play on the LPGA Tour, was our only first choice to receive the Pioneer in Golf award."

Powell, who next month will be receiving an honorary doctorate of laws degree at St. Andrews University in Scotland, said that she found Halle Berry "just an amazing person."

"Halle had just had a baby six weeks earlier and wanted to ensure that the fundraising event well for the Jenesse Center," said Powell. "She not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. She believes in the Center and gives her time, her money and raises money to support her project.

"It was a wonderful experience to be honored from a vastly different audience than that of golf. This was not a golf organization, but you found how the game has reached a lot of people for a common good. Golf is spreading into all areas of society, and you find individuals in different arenas are picking up the game."

The Halle Berry Celebrity Classic included a pro-am attended by Champions Tour member Lee Elder; and joined by such stars as Jay Leno, comedian Wanda Sykes; Rachael Grant and Oscar winners Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle and Jennifer Hudson.