CLEARVIEW GOLF COURSE TEE TIMES UPGRADE
CLEARVIEW GOLF COURSE TEE TIMES PROFESSIONAL

Bill Powell bought the original 78 acres he had spotted when driving with his wife, Marcella, down Route 30 - one of the earliest east-west access highways in the country - and they went to work. He borrowed money from two black physicians, one from Canton and one from nearby Massillon, and from his brother, Berry Powell, who mortgaged his home. It hardened his resolve, as Powell said, “I had just left a country where I was treated like a human being, so how was I supposed to be satisfied to be treated like dirt?” In an era when blacks could not stand in line with whites to apply for a job, when the Army was segregated, Powell was reminded of the deep societal differences between England and Scotland, where he had been stationed, and Ohio. No local banks would grant a loan to Powell, who grew up in Minerva - a small town about 20 miles east of Canton - where he caddied from the age of 9. Here’s a guy of color that was captain and coach of his golf team in high school, captain of his football team, and when I come and try back to get a loan, they tell me, ‘Bill, go there and get a loan.’ ” Bill,” he said, his eyes widening and his anger rising. “I was denied the rights accorded me in the G.I. To feel the heat that burned down the barriers in the days before Jackie Robinson donned a Dodgers uniform, ask Powell about the circumstances that led to his building a golf course from scratch after returning from World War II, in which he served as a tech sergeant in the Army Air Corps. His speech survived, as did a powerful presence that emanates from deep-set eyes that smolder or sparkle, depending on the topic. His wide shoulders and thick arms are reminders of the fine athlete he was. He is 92, his once-imposing frame slightly bent by time and by a stroke a decade ago. The great-grandson of Alabama slaves, Powell there to accept it. The Clearview Golf Club is on the National Register of Historic Places. Sown 63 years ago in an act of defiance, nurtured by the sheer force of will of the man whose vision gave it birth, the club stands as a monument to a golf giant who has battled racism in relative obscurity most of his life. Scioto Country Club of Columbus was selected in 1985, and Inverness Club of Toledo was selected in 1993.First African-American to build, own a golf courseĮAST CANTON, Ohio - Every corner of the modest two-story frame clubhouse he owns and operates, every tee and green of Clearview Golf Club, the 18-hole course he designed and built, bears the imprint of Bill Powell.

CLEARVIEW GOLF COURSE TEE TIMES UPGRADE

'We are excited about the attention we have received and our plans to continue to upgrade the course,' she said.Ĭlearview Golf Club is one of three National Register courses in Ohio. Renee Powell said current renovations at Clearview Golf Club include installing an automatic irrigation system and extending the course from its current 5,900-yard, par-69 configuration to a 6,300-yard, par-72 layout. The National Golf Foundation named the William Powell family the recipient of the Jack Nicklaus Golf Family of the Year Award in 1992. Powell also has been awarded the Cornerstone of Freedom Award from the Dr. Also that year, the First Tee Program named the Life Skills Scholarship in his honor. The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus recognized William Powell in 1999 for his service to his state and country. 'It shows what my parents contributed to American history.' 'I think it's quite incredible,' Renee Powell said of the National Register of Historic Places designation. Ohio Governor Bob Taft sent a personal letter and proclamation. The Powells were honored March 20 in Canton at a dinner hosted by the Stark County Planning Commission. His son, Lawrence Powell, is the course superintendent and a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

CLEARVIEW GOLF COURSE TEE TIMES PROFESSIONAL

His daughter, Renee Powell, a PGA member, serves as the club's head professional and is founder of the Renee Powell Youth Golf Program. Currently, two of Powell's children are actively involved in the day-to-day operations at Clearview. The first nine holes opened in 1948 on what used to be a dairy farm. Powell, 84, founded Clearview Golf Club in 1946. The PGA is pleased to be part of this significant part of American history.' Having the course listed on the National Register of Historic Places perpetuates the Powell legacy. 'Clearview Golf Club has evolved along with the game of golf. 'The PGA of America joins all golf enthusiasts of Ohio in saluting Clearview Golf Club and the William Powell family on this honor,' said PGA of America President Jack Connelly. The PGA of America, as announced in September 1999, initiated the lead in renovating the historic club. Powell, Clearview Golf Club is one of 14 golf courses on the National Register, according to the National Park Service.

Clearview golf course tee times