About Larry Powell

Larry Powell began mowing fairways at Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio, when he was 8 years old. The course, built by his father, the late Bill Powell, is the only facility in Ohio that has been designed, built, owned and operated by an African American. It became a family affair as Bill passed his knowledge and work ethics to his children who now run the facility and honor their father’s vision of providing inclusive golf experiences on their 130-acre course.

Bill and Larry are the only African American father-son members of GCSAA. Larry is a long-time member, having served on the organization’s diversity task group for five years. He was inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame during its 30th anniversary, and in 2019, the Powell family was honored with GCSAA’s Old Tom Morris Award. Larry is often referred to as hard-working, innovative, and humble.

To honor his legacy, GCSAA Past President Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, and the GCSAA Foundation have established the Lawrence “Larry” Powell Scholarship fund. It shall honor Larry Powell and the Powell family, recognizing their accomplishments not only in golf but also for the impact he has had serving as a leader to underrepresented communities.