American Golf Course Highlights Bermuda Ties
MP Kim Swan recently took part in the 80th anniversary celebration of Clearview Golf Course in East Canton, Ohio, highlighting its ties to Bermuda.
A spokesperson said, “The story of Clearview Golf Course is an inspirational American story. which is thankfully becoming more widely known, and they recently celebrated its 80th anniversary. The Powell family teamed with the family of the late Franco Harris to honour his memory and love for Clearview.
“MP Kim Swan followed up on the invitation from tournament committee member, historian Dr. Jeffrey Sammons, and was able to get support from Bermuda Government Golf Courses [Port Royal and Ocean View], Newstead Belmont Hills Resort, Turtle Hill Golf Course, Paradise Putters, Bella Vista Restaurant, and the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.”
MP Swan said, “As a former amateur, collegiate, and professional tournament golfer, I am aware of the role played by the Powell family in establishing Clearview Golf Course in 1946. Not too dissimilar to that of the members of Ocean View Golf Club which were doing the same thing in the 1940s. Renee Powell is keen to rekindle a relationship with Bermuda.
“I felt duty bound to be a part of this event given my journey in the game and the barriers we navigated, but the example of Mr and Mrs Powell is a story worthy of repeating across this globe. Ionically, in 1988, Renee Powell participated in my Easter Lily Pro-Am for Ladies because of our mutual friend LPGA Co-Founder Marilynn Smith “
The spokesperson said, “The pre-tournament dinner and Pro-Am not only featured LPGA and PGA Golf Pros, but also legendary pro ballers Reggie Jackson, Greg Pruitt, Ben Davis, Campy Russell, and legendary 1968 LPGA Champion Sandra Post, Canada’s first LPGA player.
“Sandra Post spoke fondly of her wonderful times in Bermuda and reminded me the legendary Canadian George Knudson produced his last instructional video in Bermuda before passing.
“I am grateful for the advocacy of historian Dr. Jeffrey Sammons who unearthed the story of Louis Rafael Kid Corbin.
“Thanks to the Bermuda Government Golf Courses for sending Port Royal Golf Professional Steven Lambert Jr, who was in attendance at the gala dinner to present the collection of Bermuda auction items and meet baseball living legend Reggie Jackson. Jackson attended the Franco Harris Gala Dinner and raised $3,200 by auctioning a signature brand of champagne; the auction was stopped at $3,200 in honour of Franco’s Steelers number.”
Steven Lambert Jr said, “It was an absolute honour to be part of Clearview’s 80th anniversary weekend. From the moment I arrived, I felt the club’s storied history, warm hospitality, and unwavering passion for the game.
“Playing on the Clearview greens was a true pleasure. The course’s thoughtful design, pristine conditions, and welcoming atmosphere reminded me why golf is such a powerful connector, bringing people together across generations. Each hole told a quiet story of perseverance, tradition, and community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share in that moment with MS, Renee Powell and her team.
“The anniversary celebrations were truly special. The camaraderie, the thoughtful reflections, and the enthusiasm of members and guests alike spoke volumes about Clearview’s enduring impact. It was an honor to witness and participate in a milestone that honors both the past and the promising path ahead.
“I wish Clearview Golf Course and Ms. Powell 80 more years of success.”
Former LPGA Pro Renee Powell showing Kim Swan around the clubhouse
Bermuda Auction items raise in excess of ten thousand dollars [$10,000+]
