Judy Bell Receives Award in Colorado

Former USGA president Judy Bell has been recognized by the El Pomar Foundation in her adopted hometown of Colorado Springs, Colo., with a pavilion in her honor. The architecture is simple but appropriate. The structure fittingly lacks walls as Bell's reach has stretched beyond any border, and the group honored Bell with, appropriately, a bell.

"This is a wonderful honor," said Bell. "I've fallen in love with this bell." The Bell Pavilion, affectionately nicknamed "the Taj" by its namesake, serves a dual purpose. Not only does the structure commemorate the contributions of the long-time trustee to the El Pomar Foundation, but it serves as the display for a large bell recently removed from the former residence of Spencer Penrose.

The bell, crafted by the Buckeye Bell Foundry in Cincinnati, Ohio, was cast in 1891 and purchased by Penrose, a mining businessman who was behind the construction of The Broadmoor resort and the establishment of the El Pomar Foundation.

"The fact is, a bell is perfect," said USGA Executive Director David Fay. "You've always been clear, and you've always been loud. Truly this is a very special person, a very special award and I am truly delighted to be a part of it."

Bell's list of accomplishments in golf is impressive. In 1952, at the age of 15, she was Kansas State Women's Amateur Champion, winning the title again in 1953 and 1954. Her first Broadmoor Invitational appearance was at age 11 and she won that competition in 1957, '58 and '60.

She competed in 38 USGA championships and was a member of the Curtis Cup Team in 1960 and '62. By 1964, she set the then U.S. Women's Open 18-hole scoring record, shooting a 67. Bell was instrumental in bringing the U.S. Women's Open to the Broadmoor in 1995 and soon became the first and only female USGA president from 1996-97. She has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and Kansas Golf Hall of Fame.

Since 1996, she has been a trustee for the El Pomar Foundation, one of the largest and oldest foundations in the Rocky Mountain West. Through her inspiration, the USGA launched the Grants Initiative and Fellowship Program that has awarded more than $62 million since 1997 to nonprofit golf programs nationwide. These programs serve economically-disadvantaged and minority children, girls and individuals with disabilities.

"Judy Bell is certainly deserving of this," said William Hybl, Chairman and CEO of El Pomar Foundation. "She has really moved forward in trying to make a difference."