|
A golfer, Powell had a difficult time finding places to play because he was black, and virtually all American country clubs and courses were "restricted" -- a more friendly word than "discriminatory". The grandson of slaves, Powell served in the Army in World War II, and achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant. Once back in civilian life, he decided to build his own golf course -- but was denied GI and bank loans. So other black men -- two doctors and his brother -- loaned him money, which he used to buy a 78-acre dairy farm. Powell worked as a janitor and security guard, and on his off hours he went back to work clearing the farmland to build his course, with his wife Marcella doing most of the landscaping work. In 1948, after two years of work, the Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio, opened with nine holes; the back nine opened in 1978. It was the first golf course in the country designed, constructed, and owned by an African American. And not only were blacks allowed in: he also welcomed women and youths -- including his daughter, Renee, who competed in the LPGA for 13 years. "Golf is a part of society and I wanted to be included," Powell said. "I want you to be included, too." In August, Powell received the Professional Golfer's Association's Distinguished Service Award. "He made golf a beacon for people of all colors," said PGA of America president Jim Remy. "Bill made us appreciate the game and each other that much more by his gentle yet firm example." Powell died December 31 after a stroke. He was 93.
From This is True for 3 January 2010
Suggestions for further reading:
The Stack and Tilt Swing: The Definitive Guide to the Swing That Is Remaking ...
by Michael Bennett, Andy Plummer
Amazon Price: $19.80
Customer Review: The swing was found to be not suited for me. I was not striking the ball any better.
Mind Gym : An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence
by Gary Mack, David Casstevens
Amazon Price: $11.53
Customer Review: This book was recommended to me get over issues I had playing racquetball. I kept making mental mistakes and things got worse as the match progressed. This book has taught me how to stay focus and keep moving forward. My game has improved quite a ...
Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf
by Ben Hogan
Amazon Price: $9.36
Customer Review: Fast easy reading. Great instructions and insights into the game of golf from one of the greatest.
Finding Your Zone: Ten Core Lessons for Achieving Peak Performance in Sports ...
by Michael Lardon
Amazon Price: $10.17
Customer Review: This book is easy to read. It lays out what needs to be done to get into the optimal state of mind in which to do your best. Michael Lardon uses concise examples to illustrate his points, which seem to be:
* Trust and believe in your dreams;
...
Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff
by Jim Johnson
Amazon Price: $21.56
Customer Review: A thousand thank yous to Mr. Johnson for being one of the very few self-help-book authors to base all of his recommendations on well-designed scientific studies. On this point alone, Mr. Johnson's book stands head-and-shoulders above nearly all other...
Newsfeed display by CaRP |
About the HUs
About This is True
Subscribe Free
to This is True
Prev: Rainman inspiration Kim Peek
Next: Memory savior Miep Gies
Complete Name List
|
