The silent auction for Celebration 120 is now open, giving golf enthusiasts, history supporters and National Black Golf Hall of Fame members an opportunity to bid on 12 special lots while supporting the Hall directly. Bidding is conducted conveniently from your phone and will close at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, October 3, 2026, during the Celebration dinner.
Each auction lot includes its fair-market value, allowing bidders to understand the value of what they are bidding on. Most importantly, proceeds from every lot benefit the National Black Golf Hall of Fame.
The auction is part of Celebration 120, a historic weekend marking the 80th anniversary of Clearview Golf Club and the 40th anniversary of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame, taking place October 2–3, 2026, in East Canton, Ohio.
The exciting weekend begins Friday evening, October 2, at 6:30 p.m. with “An Evening at Clearview” in the Powell Educational Building. The program will feature a conversation about the game with Renee Powell, Jeff Dunovant and other PGA and LPGA professionals. Saturday begins with golf at Clearview, featuring a 10 a.m. shotgun start. The weekend concludes Saturday evening with a special dinner at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Celebration 120 brings together two institutions that represent important chapters in the history of African Americans in golf.
The Historic Clearview Golf Club
Clearview Golf Club was founded in 1946 by William “Bill” Powell, a World War II veteran who encountered racial discrimination when he returned home and wanted a place where people of all races could play golf. With the assistance of his wife, Marcella, Powell began carving a golf course out of farmland in East Canton, working nights as a security guard while building the course by hand.
The first nine holes opened in 1948, and the course was expanded to 18 holes in 1978. Today, Clearview is recognized as a landmark in American golf history and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. It is recognized as the first golf course designed, built, owned and operated by an African American.
The 18-hole, par-72 course measures 6,478 yards and features gently rolling terrain and undulating greens. It continues to be operated by the Powell family, with Renee Powell, a former LPGA Tour professional, serving as head golf professional.
Renee Powell herself is an important part of golf history. In 1967, she became the second African American woman to compete on the LPGA Tour and later dedicated much of her career to expanding opportunities for women, youth, minorities and military veterans.
Celebrating 40 Years of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame
The National Black Golf Hall of Fame (NBGHF) was founded in 1986 by the late Harold Dunovant, a pioneering professional golfer and the first Black person to graduate from the PGA’s Business School. The Hall was created to recognize and honor the contributions and accomplishments of Black golfers and individuals who have promoted golf in African American communities.
Its historic first class included legendary figures such as Lee Elder, Charlie Sifford, Ted Rhodes, Calvin Peete, John Shippen and Joe Louis, among others. Over the years, the Hall has continued to recognize players, professionals, administrators, organizations and advocates who have helped break barriers and expand opportunities in golf.
Following Harold Dunovant’s death in 2002, his son Jeff Dunovant, PGA, continued his father’s legacy. Jeff serves as chairman and president of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame.
Celebration 120 is therefore more than an anniversary gathering. It is a celebration of perseverance, Black golf history and the people and institutions that helped create opportunities for generations of golfers.
Registration and Sponsorship Information
Registration, the souvenir journal, sponsorship opportunities and hotel information are available through the National Black Golf Hall of Fame.
National Black Golf Hall of Fame — Celebration 120 Information
For NBGHF members, special member pricing is available at 50% off golf and 50% off souvenir journal advertising. Members should contact the Hall for the appropriate member registration and advertising links.
The souvenir journal artwork deadline is September 18, 2026, with full-page and half-page color advertising opportunities available.
For supporters of Black golf history, Celebration 120 offers an opportunity to participate in a weekend that honors the past while helping preserve the future of the game. The silent auction is an especially direct way to support that mission—with all auction lots benefiting the National Black Golf Hall of Fame.
