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 From the News Desk...Powell helped break golf's color barrierWilliam Powell was a true pioneer in the game of golf. He broke down the game’s color barrier in 1946 – a year before Jackie Robinson did the same for baseball – by becoming the first African American to build, own and operate a golf course in the United States. And he brought the game to the masses – namely women and youths – through clinics at his Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio.  Powell died Dec. 31 of complications associated with a stroke. He was 93.
A native of the Greenville, Ala., Powell was the grandson of slaves. His family moved to the Canton, Ohio, area when he was a youngster. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, but after returning to the United States from Europe was denied a G.I. loan to start his own business. Instead, he received funding to build Clearview in 1946 from two black doctors and a sibling, who took out a second mortgage on his home. He built Clearview on the site of a former dairy farm, and opened the first nine holes in 1948. Nine holes were added 30 years later. Daughter Renee, a former LPGA tour professional, and son Larry, who also is the course superintendent, operate the course today. The course is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Last August, Powell was the recipient of the PGA of America’s Distinguished Service Award. He also was inducted into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame and was named Person of the Year by the Ohio Golf Course Owners Association. Other honors bestowed upon Powell include induction into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame in 1996 as well as receiving honoring doctorate degrees from his alma mater, Wilberforce (Ohio) University, and Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. His wife, Marcella, and a son, William, preceded him in death. Survivors include daughter, Renee, son, Larry, and sisters, Mary Alice Walker and Rose Marie Mathews. |
In other news... Bayer consolidates professional, consumer divisions Jacqueline Applegate to oversee both segments; Josh Weeks to retire in November. Posted: 09/09/2010 Read more » July heat keeps many golfers at home Rounds played at private clubs, daily fee facilities drops 5 percent. Posted: 09/08/2010 Read more » Study examines spring pre-stress fertility programs Research finds no correlation between biostimulant applications before spring core cultivation and recovery. Posted: 09/02/2010 Read more » Aquatrols, TurfNet present Water Week The series of five Webinars is aimed at helping superintendents manage water and soils more efficiently. Posted: 09/01/2010 Read more » News and people briefs Registration opens soon for Irrigation Show, Briggs & Stratton elects new chairman, FMC taps new director for professional solutions division Posted: 09/01/2010 Read more » Complete news index » |
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