Powell literally paved the way for many blacks to play the sport by building an 18-hole golf course in East Canton, Ohio. Known as Clearview Golf Club, the course is the first and only golf course designed, built and operated by a black American. Powell got the idea to build his own golf course after being denied a G.I. loan once he returned from serving in World War II. After receiving a loan from two black physicians and with the help of his wife, Marcella, Powell began building his golf course in 1946 at the age of 29. Two years later, he opened a 9-hole golf course and expanded it to 18-holes by 1978.
During his acceptance speech at the Hazeltine National Golf Club, Powell talked about how the sport of golf can change lives. “I believe that golf is a game that brings out the best in people and it is vital to young people,” he said. “If you can get young people in the game, then they are good for all their lives. I have not reached my dream, but at the same time I feel thankful that we have made a good start and have worked to get everyone into the game. I think people realize how hard I worked to get this course started, but they didn’t understand why I was so motivated. I had a lot of anxiety; I felt that something was going to happen before I finished. Twenty-four hours in the day was not enough.” –amir shaw
