Golfers Mark 70th Anniversary Of Historic Course
Earlier this month, a golf match took place at Clearview Golf Course in Canton, Ohio between Bermuda’s Ocean View Golf Club and Clearview Golf Course, with a team from Bermuda heading out to mark the 70th anniversary of the golf course, which is the only golf course in the United States designed, built, owned and managed by an African American.
A spokesperson said, “This event was talked about since 2010 when the organizers profound LPGA golfer Renee Powell and President of the Ocean View Golf Club Cheryl-Lynne Thompson came together to discuss how the two courses might engage in a match. It was based on the significant parallel of the history of the two courses.
“Both were founded in the early 1940’s during a time of deep segregation which created many challenges that were overcome. It was a time of hostility when civil rights tensions were rising and coming to a head. Discrimination and violence was spread to all facets of life including sports.
“Clearview Golf Course was founded in 1946 by Dr William Powell, father of Renee. It is the only golf course in the United States designed, built , owned and managed by an African American, and is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
“The first nine holes opened in 1948, on what used to be a dairy farm. Today, Renee serves as golf professional and his son Lawrence is the golf course superintendent.
“As like her father, Renee had to rise above prejudices to become the phenomenal person who she is today. Dr Powell was inducted into the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame and amongst all of the distinctions given to the family, Renee was inducted in the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Honorary member – first African American woman.
“The family have received countless awards, recognitions and honors for what they have accomplished over the years particularly with junior, veterans and women programs. In addition, Renee was the second African American LPGA player on tour.
“2016 marked the 70th anniversary of the golf course and was very fitting that Bermuda would have a group travel to the course to commemorate the occasion.
“Ocean View Golf Club was also founded during a time of difficult circumstances for people of color here in Bermuda. Erskine Simons, Bill Pitt Sr, and George Lowe had to rise above with determination and dignity in order to secure a place for people of color to play golf on the island.
“They too were denied countless times but it never deterred them from continuing the fight. Ocean View was called a “cow pasture” and the members would work the course with their hand tools and very limited funds and resources.
“Both courses were established after World War 2 and ironically the motto of both was to have a golf course where “all people” could play.
“With this in mind, both the resilience of the Powell’s and the Ocean View founders persevered and survived completing two golf courses at different parts in the world to be remembered for all times.
“It is ironic how after all these years the two courses have been brought together to form and initialize their own history by having this golf event.
“On August 20th and 21st, the team of 12 from Ocean View competed against the team from Clearview.
“The Bermuda Ocean View team consisted of Larry Brangman, Kenneth Ford, Kavon Trott, Fred Stovell, Glen Baisden, David Patterson, Bill Pitt and Frank Morgan.
“Ladies competing were Patricia Morgan, Veronica Hines, Louise Payne and Ann Symonds.
“The Ohio Clearview team consisted of Reggie Holmes, Ron Fuller, Dave Fitzgerald, Jessie Brooks, John Ramos, Chuck Bush, Don Dunbar and Jeff McDaniels,
“Ladies competing were Roz Harris, Mindy Cooper, Joyce Blough and Kathy Strong.
“A welcoming reception and dinner were held the night before the competition at the Embassy Suites. A brief history and introductory meet and greet took place. Gifts were exchanged.
“On the final day of the competition, a barbeque and prize presentation took place at the Clearview golf course. Every participant received a medal and a memorable plaque was given for the Ocean View team to bring home.
“The entire event was nothing short of impressive and unforgettable with acquaintances being made, friendships being established and bonding being recognized.
“Ocean View team very proudly won the two day competition with a total of 405 to Clearview’s 386.
“Clearview was an exemplary host and look forward to coming to Bermuda in 2017.
“The return will be from a Clearview to an Ocean View.”
