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. From left: Billy Powell, Marcella Powell, Larry Powell, Bill Powell and Renee Powell, circa 1960.
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