They are legends on the gridiron, the basketball court and on golf courses around the world, and they are coming to East Canton on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, to honor visionary pioneer and lover of golf, William (Bill) J. Powell, and his legacy at Clearview Golf Club.
Among those scheduled to tee-off at 10 a.m. at historic Clearview are football greats Franco Harris, Leroy Kelly, James “Bonecrusher” Smith, Greg Pruitt, John Thierry and Tom Goosby. They will be joined by pros they have faced across the scrimmage line, including Al Jenkins, Dave Robinson, Jamie Caleb, Bob Hunt, Ben Davis, Reggie Holmes and Don Cockroft. Add to the mix, Campy Russell and Wes Wilcox, the new general manager of the Cavs’ D-League in Canton, from the professional basketball side of the equation. All are headed to Clearview because of the legacy of Bill Powell.
William Powell”I know sports celebrities come to Clearview because of its significance,” said Renee Powell, LPGA/PGA Head Golf Professional at Clearview. “It’s not Augusta or Pebble Beach; it is Clearview, and it’s known for its creation by an individual, my father, who had a vision and a passion to make a difference for all people.”
This is the 27th year for the Clearview Celebrity Tournament, and this year’s event is noteworthy because this is the 65th anniversary year for the course that was designed, built, owned and operated by Bill Powell until his death in December 2009.
“My brother and I look forward to this event, but the missing link will be our father, Mr. P,” said Renee Powell. “He spoke softly, carried a golf club, changed the world and became a legend.”
One very special celebrity guest this year will be Homero Blancas, a former PGA and Champions Tour player. Turning pro in 1965, Blancas was that year’s PGA Rookie of the Year. While on the PGA Tour, he won four tour events and carded more than 4 dozen top-10 finishes. Nicknamed “Mr. 55” since 1962, Blancas made the record books that year while playing as an amateur in the Premier Invitational, in Longview, Texas. In one round, Blancas shot a 27 on the front nine and a 28 on the back nine with a combination of 13 birdies, one eagle, and only 20 putts. His low score of 55 has been the only known round of 55 on a golf course with a regulation par.
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