Renee Powell to accept father’s induction into PGA Hall of Fame

She was due in Florida on Monday, the family spokesperson for the induction of her late father, William Powell, into the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame today.

But Renee Powell was in the clubhouse at Clearview Golf Course last Thursday afternoon, with no intention of leaving soon.

Her father, William “Bill” Powell surely would have laughed, too, proud his daughter was continuing the family legacy of teaching and promoting diversity.

An African-American, Powell built Clearview because he was a minority who was refused the opportunity to play white-owned courses as a youth and denied admittance to those courses even after he had served his country in World War II.

It still is American’s only golf course built, owned and operated entirely by an African-American.

William Powell’s influence began with the golf course.

It was the accessories to the game of golf after the course was opened that completed the Powell legacy.

From Juniors to women’s leagues to recreational leagues and group lessons, making course availability and lessons possible for all became a staple at Clearview.

William Powell will be part of an eight-member class that includes the late Jimmie DeVoe, Don “Chip” Essig, Michael Hebron Jim Mrva, the late Bill Ogden, Bob Toski and Allen Wronowski.