Powell, really, it was meeting history.” A dream is bornīill Powell was no stranger to the racial divide that held sway in the country during the early part of the 20th century. I mean, he just took it to a new level of appreciation,” says Franco Harris, the iconic running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who was on the receiving end of the “Immaculate Reception” in a 1972 AFC divisional playoff game - as well as golf lessons from Bill Powell.
“He had that determination, that drive, all for the love of the game. 6 at the Golf Industry Show in San Diego during that event’s Opening Session, which is presented in partnership with Syngenta.Ī football legend who was at the center of one of the most famous plays in the sport’s history understands the importance of how far Bill Powell’s imagination and grit took him. They’ll officially receive the award Feb. The latest distinction comes in the form of GCSAA’s highest honor, the 2019 Old Tom Morris Award, which has been presented annually since 1983 to an individual - and now a family - who, through a continuing lifetime commitment to the game of golf, has helped to mold the welfare of the game in the manner and style exemplified by Old Tom Morris. What the Powells achieved at Clearview has been applauded and recognized on many occasions. “At a small operation like this, it was critical for the survival of Clearview. “I can’t emphasize enough that this course would not be here without the help of so many people,” Larry says. His acts of bravery and a determination to overcome racial injustice helped shape his legacy, and a slew of people through many decades have kept the dream alive. Larry’s sister, Renee Powell, is the club’s PGA professional.īill Powell - an agent of change - was a 37-year GCSAA member when he died at 93 in 2009. “Dad said the only card here is the scorecard,” says Powell’s son, Larry, a 44-year GCSAA member and Clearview’s superintendent since 1971. Fondly dubbed “America’s Course” because Powell wanted a place where anyone could play, Clearview was the first and remains the only golf course to be designed, constructed and owned by an African-American.Īlthough Powell was victimized by racism, he never played the race card. Using his bare hands to do much of the grueling, endless and seemingly impossible tasks, Powell opened Clearview Golf Club with nine holes in 1948. When they found a dilapidated dairy farm that suited their eye near the tiny village of East Canton, Ohio, something massive emerged. Powell and his wife, Marcella, searched for a piece of land in 1946. Rejected for a GI loan meant to help service members buy a home, Powell turned to his brother, Berry, who took out a second home mortgage, and two African-American doctors to assist in financing his golf dream. He was prohibited from playing on a golf course because of his color.
Powell faced discrimination in many ways. African-Americans such as Powell encountered a country still far from colorblind. Simply by wanting to play golf, he learned it hadn’t. A devoted family - courageous and fearless - ensured its longevity.Īfter serving his country in World War II, Bill Powell returned to the United States, hoping the racial climate had changed.
There was zero chance, however, that it would totally wash away what happened there 70 years ago. Photo courtesy of the Powell familyįorty-seven years ago, a flood wiped out 12 bridges at Clearview Golf Club.
Today, Clearview is managed by his children Larry Powell, Superintendent, and Renee Powell, LPGA/PGA Head Golf Professional.From left: Billy Powell, Marcella Powell, Larry Powell, Bill Powell and Renee Powell, circa 1960. The only course designed, built, owned and operated by an African American, Clearview was named a National Historic Site by the U.S. Today, both the jeep and original walk-behind mower are part of the archives of Clearview. With a walk-behind mower to mow the greens, and an army jeep pulling gang mowers, he carefully manicured his 78-acre vision. He opened Clearview to the public in 1948, and in 1978 expanded the course to 18 holes. He walked the fairways with just a hand seeder around his neck to plant every blade of grass. Without traditional golf maintenance equipment, Bill began building his course by hand. With the help of his wife, Marcella, Powell carved nine holes out of farmland while working nights as a security guard. In 1946, he established Clearview Golf Club in East Canton Ohio: “America’s Course.” When William "Bill" Powell encountered racial discrimination on the golf course after returning home from World War II, he decided to build his own place to play, one where people of all colors would be welcome.
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