Renee Powell and her brother Larry Powell accept their award at the podium.
The USGA Museum played host to the history of the Black Golf Experience on Friday, Feb. 20th, 2014 at its facility located in Far Hills, N.J. with an invitation only, private opening ceremony, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
On Saturday, a general public event enlightened guests from 10:00 a.m. -5:00 pm. In attendance we’re golfing legends Calvin Peete, Renee Powell, Larry Powell (Renee’s brother and superintendent for their Clearview golf course), Bill Bishop, Head Pro at Freeway Golf Course and Madelyn Turner, United Golfers Association champion.
On hand to welcome guests was USGA personnel Susan Wasser, Assistant Director, Museum Operations; Kim Gianetti, Manager, Museum Marketing and Outreach, Mike Trostel, Curator/Historian and President Mike Davis along with others. The USGA staff went all out in seeing to it that everyone was comfortably accommodated. They spared no expense it appeared. On Saturday, a distinguished five- person panel session was held inclusive of questions and answers with excellent knowledge imparted.
Photo (l-R) Calvin Peete with John Perry
Panelists included: 
Calvin Peete played in 8 Master’s tournaments, won 12 PGA tour events, including the prestigious “Player’s Tournament”, held at the famous TPC Sawgrass.
He didn’t take up the game until he was 28 years old. He got his PGA playing card at the age of 32. Considered somewhat of a late bloomer, his accuracy on tour was legendary, second to none.
He qualified for, and played o, 2 Ryder Cup Teams during his short career.
At the Black History Symposium he stated that he received his first sponsorship from a complete stranger, “A white businessman whose name I don’t remember,” said Peete. He also recalled that the “heaven sent” sponsor sent him a check for $500.00 a week, for 6 months.
He was more a savior than a stranger. 
Photo (L-R) Renee Powell with John Perry
Renee Powell and her brother Larry are the primary caretakers of the famous and historic Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio. Their father Bill Powell designed, built, and ran it for years, until his health declined. He passed away on December 31st, 2009, at the age of 93. Renee and Larry assured the audience that their father’s legacy and Clearview will continue, even after they’re gone. Renee was the second African American female to play on the LPGA tour. Along with Althea Gibson, who was better known for her tennis accomplishments than her golfing achievements. Renee said that she first met Althea in 1960 and remained friends up until her death on September 28, 2003, in East Orange, N .J. Renee and Larry both stated that running and operating a golf course today is no easy task. It has it’s share of challenges and demands, which they meet with genuine dedication and determination. 
Photo: Calvin Peete is jovial with the audience as Larry Powell observes.
Bill Bishop said to the audience that he, his grandfather, his uncle—and I think a cousin—were arrested when he was very young, for allegedly stealing chicken, when they were actually just hitting golf balls near a farmer’s house. He spent 4 days in jail for that misunderstanding. He added that his mother passed away when he was only 18-months old. Bishop is still the Head Pro at Freeway Golf Course in Sicklerville, N.J., outside of Philadelphia, which he also said is not always the city of “Brotherly Love”.
Madelyn Turner was also in attendance on the distinguished panel. Madelyn is a former United Golfer’s Association champion and Wake-Robin Golf Club member. She learned the game by caddying for her mother, who was an active golfer. Madeline says that she owes a lot to the game of golf and, is a big advocate in recruiting other women to take up the sport.
Story by: John H. Perry a freelance writer, poet and active golfer with a passion for calling shots like he sees them and, then, telling it like it is. He resides in Vauxhall, NJ.
