By Odeisel

When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, some fold and settle for another way. Others decide that they will create where there was no way. Bill Powell chose the latter. Born in a world where skin color determined not only aspiration, but also relaxation and diversionary interest, Mr. Powell gave his life to a change that had nothing to do with bombed churches, dogs and fire hoses or seats in the front of the bus. But it has everything to do with perhaps the dominant story of the year that just passed.  You see, Bill Powell was the first Black person to design, construct, and own a professional golf course in the United States.

Powell grew up in Ohio, caddying from the age of 9 and participating in golf and football as a high school student, serving as captain of both school teams.  Upon graduation, he served his country in the Air Force as a tech sergeant. Once he returned to Ohio, he found a world still stuck and his love denied him, as there were still no Blacks allowed to play on public courses. The Professional Golfer’s Association’s bylaws remained segregated until 1961, leaving Powell with precious few options to satisfy his golf jones.

Rather than sulk, Bill Powell chose to build his own course, an incredibly ambitious idea even now, but certainly back then. Banks were also not very conducive to Black progression, and so his attempts at obtaining a loan went for naught, even though through his service to the armed forces he was eligible under the G.I. Bill. But love engenders amazing things and Powell would not settle for a no. In an example of real Black power, he enlisted fiscal aid from two Black physicians, and from his own brother, who mortgaged his own house, and bought 78 acres of an Ohio dairy farm upon which to erect his own golf course.

He set to work in early 1946, at age 29, taking a job as a janitor at nights to help finance his work and support his family. Stone by stone, filling wheelbarrows of debris by hand, Mr. Powell cleared and designed what would become the Clearview Golf Club. He seeded every blade of grass, and personally handled the creation of the course. This labor of love also included his children who have all had a hand in the building and maintenance of the course including his daughter, who followed Althea Gibson as the second Black woman to tour with the LPGA. His surviving son is presently the superintendent.

He finished the original 9 holes in two years. He later purchased an additional 52 acres of land and completed the other 9 holes for a complete course thirty years later in 1978.  His steely resolve was complemented by the patience and fortitude to continue a mission past its initial highlight.

Bill Powell died this past New Years Eve at the age of 92. His legacy is important for so many reasons. As is custom, those who live to see his age from that era are awarded medals and a myriad of honors commemorating their struggle. Most like Jackie Robinson die bitter and painful deaths; the strain of stomaching disrespect with grace rather than fists. Mr. Powell was awarded medals from presidents, golf associations; with Clearview receiving historical designation and landmark status. But those things are material. Medals tarnish, certificates crumble. But such displays of courage, perseverance, dedication and flat out hard work serve anathema to excuses. They serve as shining examples to those of us who feel the weight of obstacle and have the taste of entitlement slapped from our mouths by adversity. Because of Mr. Powell doors were opened, and people were inspired. Because of Bill Powell there is Tiger Woods and all that that encompasses with regards to his achievement and the financial windfall that accompanies it.

When next you toil under the weight of the house, or think of the evils of whatever industry pose to your enrichment, or advancement, think of Bill Powell. Think about the courage to try something under your own power. Think of creating something that serves not only your love but that of others. You may find yourself enriched in ways you can’t presently imagine. May he rest in peace.

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