Bill Powell (golf) facts for kids

William J. Powell (November 22, 1916 – December 31, 2009) was an American businessman and golf course owner. He made history by designing and owning the Clearview Golf Club. This was the first golf course in the United States that welcomed everyone, no matter their race. It was also the first professional golf course owned and built by an African American. Powell famously said, "The only color that matters is the color of the greens."

Biography of William J. Powell

William J. Powell was born in Greenville, Alabama. His grandparents had been slaves in Alabama. When he was young, his family moved to Minerva, Ohio.

Early Life and Golf

In high school, Bill Powell played both golf and football. He loved golf and continued to play in college. He attended Wilberforce University, which was a historically African-American college. He was part of the golf team there.

Serving in World War II

After college, Powell joined the United States Army Air Forces. He served in World War II in England. When the war ended in 1946, he returned to Ohio. He settled near Canton, Ohio, close to his hometown of Minerva.

Building Clearview Golf Club

When Powell returned, he faced a big problem. Due to racial segregation, many public golf courses only allowed white people. African Americans like him were not allowed to play. He wanted to build his own golf course, but banks would not give him a loan.

He did not give up. Two African-American doctors helped him with money. His brother also gave him a loan. With this help, Powell bought a 78-acre dairy farm in East Canton, Ohio. He and his wife, Marcella, worked very hard. They did most of the landscaping by hand.

In 1948, just two years later, he opened the Clearview Golf Club. This course was special because it welcomed everyone, no matter their race. In 1978, he made the course even bigger, expanding it to 18 holes. In 2001, Clearview Golf Club was named a national historic site.

For many years, Clearview was the only golf course in the United States. It was designed, built, owned, and run by an African American. William J. Powell passed away in Canton, Ohio, on December 31, 2009. He died from problems after a stroke.

Awards and Honors for William J. Powell

William J. Powell received many important awards for his work.

• 1996: He was added to the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. He also received special degrees from his old college and from Baldwin-Wallace College. These degrees honored his contributions to society.
• 2001: The United States Department of the Interior recognized Clearview Golf Course. They added it to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site.
• 2009: The Professional Golfers' Association of America gave Powell a special award. It was called the PGA Distinguished Service Award. He was honored at the 91st PGA Championship.
• 2019: The Powell family received the Old Tom Morris Award. This award is given by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. They were honored at the 2019 Golf Industry Show.

Powell Family's Legacy in Golf

William J. Powell's family has continued his legacy in golf.

Renee Powell

His daughter, Renee Powell, is a famous professional golfer. She was the second black golfer to play on the LPGA Tour. The first was Althea Gibson. Renee learned to play golf from her father when she was young. Today, she is the Head Golf Professional at Clearview. She is also known as one of the best golf instructors in the U.S.

Lawrence Powell

His son, Lawrence "Larry" Powell, works at Clearview too. He is the Course Superintendent. This means he takes care of the golf course. His work has been praised by both NASA and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

See also

In Spanish: Bill Powell para niños

• Military history of African Americans