Renee Powell (center) enjoys a beautiful day at the Pioneer Tournament with Art Turner (right) and Percy Kerrens (left).
By AAGD STAFF
The 16th Annual Pioneer Golf Tournament was held June 23-24, 2018 at the historic Clearview Golf Course in East Canton, Ohio. Over 80 golfers attended the outing which was started as a fundraising effort to support Clearview Golf Club while helping to spread the word about the nation’s only course that is built, owned, operated and managed by African Americans.
Known as “America’s Course” Clearview is headed by Renee Powell, the second African American to play on the LPGA Tour. The course was built by her late father, WWII Veteran, William Powell, and it is managed by the Clearview Legacy Foundation for Education, Preservation, and Turfgrass Research, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable foundation. When William “Bill” Powell encountered racial discrimination on the golf course after returning home from World War II, he decided to build his own place to play, one where people of all colors would be welcome. In 1946, he established Clearview, putting in the first 9 holes by hand. Clearview was named a National Historic Site by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2001.
The 18-hole public golf course opened in 1948 and measures 6478 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 105 and a 67.2 USGA rating. The course features 4 sets of tees for different skill levels. The greens are lofts 93 and a-6 bent grass and the fairways are bent grass, poa, and ryegrass. Course Superintendent, Larry Powell, the brother to Renee Powell does a fantastic job in course maintenance.
“With your help, we have been hosting this tournament for 16 years,” said tournament co-manager Jessie Brooks, at the excellently coordinated outing which feted players represented from 12 states. “In this year’s tournament, there were 10 new ladies registered and 4 new men.” Some of the golfers proudly proclaimed to Brooks that they had a great time, and, plan to bring more golfers with them next year. “This tournament is for anyone who wants to support the cause, and yes, beginners are welcome.”
RELATED ARTICLE: William Powell,
Class of 2013 PGA Hall of Fame
“Ron Fuller and I thank you for participating in this year’s golf tournament. It was truly a pleasure to host the tournament and to see everyone enjoying themselves. Your support has enabled us to host this tournament for 16 years,” said Brooks as he gave additional thanks to those who sent monetary donations, and to his lovely wife, Gail, her supportive mother and aunt, all who sent tournament prizes and volunteered their time towards the success of the outing. Gail, an avid golfer herself, also donated several prizes and sponsored the scrumptious food that was served at the Saturday night banquet held on the patio. Brooks continued with thanks rolled out to his sister Cindy and her husband for volunteering their time and efforts again this year.
AND NOW THE SCORES!
Dana Shoulders – men low gross with scores of 78, 74
Valliery Holmes – ladies low gross with scores of 85, 86
There was a tie for the Bob Nicol Award between Valerie Stevens and Jerry Moses. Valerie won the tie-break. They both shot a total score of 50 on holes 9, 10, 11 for the two days.
Brooks already has another grand time planned for the 2019 Pioneer Golf Tournament and the playdates are slated for June 21-23, 2019 at Clearview Golf Couse. During the program, he also announced his upcoming Jamaica Golf Outing which he will be hosting December 5-9, 2018.
“Thanks, again,” said Brooks to everyone at the conclusion of the banquet. “I am looking forward to our next outing.”
For more information on the Pioneer Golf Tournament, or to make a donation, or find out more about the Jamaica Golf Outing please contact Jessie Brooks at jesbr3@gmail
Clearview Golf Course Superintendent Larry Powell did an outstanding job preparing and maintaining the course. Co-tournament manager, Ron Fuller presented Powell with a memento to express his unwavering contribution and dedication to the Clearview course.
RELATED ARTICLE:
Larry Powell, Clearview Golf Course Superintendent
Inducted into National Black Golf Hall of Fame
(l-r) Dana Shoulders, John Ramos, Malcolm Dennis, Nat Harris
(l-r) Andrea Moody, Iva Harris, Mimi Johnson, Gloria Reynolds
(l-r) Nat Harris, Rosco Brown, Ron Harris
(l-r) George Bowman and Ron Harris enjoy sharing a cart.
These ladies were all smiles as the day kicked off with a full burst of sunshine.
Upon arrival to the course, tournament guests were welcomed with a huge banner.
