The Ohio State University

“What are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King.  

William Powell, Owner, Clearview Golf Club, was presented the 2007 Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) Professional of the Year Award this past December.  Ninety-one year-old Powell is the only African-American to design, build, own and operate a golf course in the world. In 1946, after his return from fighting in World War II, he broke ground for Clearview Golf Club near Canton, OH after being refused permission to play area golf courses because he was black.

Powell has won numerous other awards, including The Jack Nicklaus Golf Family of the Year Award; Cornerstone of Freedom Award from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, and the “Diamond in the Rough Tribute” by the National Golf Foundation. He also has been inducted in the National Black Golf Hall of Fame and the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame to name a few.

From the book, Clearview: America's Course, Mr. Powell stated, "When we celebrated our 50th anniversary at Clearview, people began to recognize what this course, America's Course, represented in 1946, and what it represents now.  Clearview stands for freedom to chart your own course through your beliefs and actions.  We all have that choice whether we are building a golf course or sailing the seven seas, or helping a neighbor.  I didn’t build this course for any of the recognition.  It was a labor of love.  Golf is a part of society and I wanted to be included.  I want you to be included too.  I’ve always felt that each individual should leave something behind of meaning.  It feels good to know that I have done that with Clearview, at long last.”