PGA's person of the year passes

The professional golf world mourns the passing of William Powell, the first African American to build, own and operate a golf course.  He passed away New Year's eve.

Mr. Woods has Mr. Powell to thank for opening that door of opportunity for him to become the greatest golf player and arguably the greatest athlete in the world.

Tiger did not want to fully admit that he is African American but I am sure he has had a pretty good reminder for the recent media events that have unfolded.

Mr. Powell thanks for working those long painful hours to take care of your family and opening up that golf course.  You made your vision and dreams a reality and helped to make other's dreams and goal a reality as well.

Here's Mr. Powell's golf course and list of awarded accomplishments and recognitions below: Clearview Gold Club

1992 National Golf Foundation - Jack Nicklaus Golf Family of the Year
1996 - William Powell, Inductee into Black Golf Hall of Fame
1998 - William Powell, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, Baldwin-Wallace College Legend of Golf Award, The Woodholme Foundation
William and Marcella Powell Scholarship, The Tiger Woods Foundation
Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame
1999 PGA of America Life Membership
1999 - Congressional Black Caucus Foundation - Unsung Hero Award
2001 - William Powell, PGA of America Life Membership Doctor of Humane Letters, Wilberforce University
2004 One of 40 veterans invited by the Smithsonian Institution to serve as panelists at the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
2007 - Dr. William J. Powell Outstanding Male Leader Award, first presented nationwide by The First Tee (through donation of Fred Tattersall)
2007 - William and Renee Powell, Inductees, Ohio Golf Hall of Fame
2009 - Recipient, PGA of America Distinguished Service Award Person of the Year, Ohio Golf Course Owners Association Inductee, Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Salute Award