![]() He founded the only golf course in America that was designed, built, owned and operated by an African-American – a course that he made for anyone and everyone to play on. “At Clearview Golf Club the only color that matters is the color of the greens,” was Powell’s message. Instead, with his GI Loan and the help of some local African-American investors, he decided to build his own course on land in East Canton that he purchased from a dairy farmer. This less-than-warm thank you from a country he had just put his life on the line for didn’t stop Powell. Much to his chagrin, he was not permitted to golf on any course here at home. In 1946, after returning from World War II, and playing golf in London, Powell had hoped that the climate had changed and he’d be able to golf. There, he helped found the university’s first collegiate golf team. Powell continued in the sport he loved at Wilberforce University, an African-American private University. ![]() This was rare for an African-American boy in the 1930s. William “Bill” Powell grew up in Minerva, Ohio, where he caddied and played golf. Clevelanders might be surprised to learn that this story happened and continues to happen in their very own backyard, in East Canton, Ohio. Powell is one that can be described as The Legend of Bagger Vance and Field of Dreams combined. Unless you’re an avid PGA fan, the name William “Bill” Powell might not mean much. Much to my surprise, I learned that some of the NFL’s greatest Hall of Famers will find their way back to East Canton only weeks after their induction ceremonies to golf on the very course I found myself visiting, Clearview Golf Club.Ĭheck out an exclusive Cool Cleveland video with Renee Powell, LPGA Pro-Am and Owner of Clearview Golf Club, where Sean Tuttle learns about the historic golf course, the story of the brave man who built it, and a golf outing that is the stuff of sports fan dreams. I had just learned of a golf course in East Canton that I doubt is well known by many in the sports world, unless they have been asked to play as a celebrity in Clearview Golf Club’s annual celebrity tournament. Days after the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton inducted six of its newest members, I found myself sitting in a small golf pro shop about 5 miles from its steps.
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