William J. (Bill) Powell of East Canton, Ohio, who overcame racial barriers to become the only African-American to design, build, own and operate a golf course while pioneering diversity in golf, has been named the recipient of the 2009 PGA Distinguished Service Award.
Powell, 92, and a PGA Life Member, will be honored this week in a ceremony in conjunction with the 91st PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. The PGA of America’s highest annual honor, the PGA Distinguished Service Award was inaugurated in 1988 and honors outstanding individuals who display leadership and humanitarian qualities, including integrity, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for the game of golf.
“William Powell’s dream to build a golf course where players regardless of the color of their skin would be welcome was a task that he met under great duress, hardship and personal sacrifice,” says PGA President Jim Remy. “Yet, Mr. Powell displayed exceptional courage, grace and the finest character while persevering toward his goal of opening Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio. He and his family represent the best in our sport and what it means to treat one’s neighbor with dignity and respect.”
Powell is the father of PGA and LPGA Professional Renee Powell, the 2003 PGA First Lady of Golf and the second African-American to compete on the LPGA Tour. Renee is the PGA Head Professional at Clearview Golf Club, where she is joined by her brother, Larry, a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
In September 1946, while denied a G.I. Loan despite serving honorably in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Bill Powell received the financial backing of two black physicians in nearby Canton and Massillon, Ohio, to begin building a public golf course. Powell added his own part of the necessary capital after his brother, Berry, took out a loan on his home.
Powell’s dream took fruit in April 1948, with nine holes opening for play on the former dairy farmland. A decade later, Powell bought out his partners and added an additional 52 acres for a second nine holes. The complete 18-hole layout was opened for play in 1978. Today, Clearview Golf Club is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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