LPGA aids Clearview charity pro-am
On June 27 members of the LPGA Tour will take part in a fundraising event at Clearview Golf Course in East Canton to benefit the Clearview Legacy Foundation.
There's a whole lot more to this fundraising event, which is being held at the home of former LPGA Tour player Renee Powell.
This pro-am fundraiser is being held to help preserve the heritage and assist in the renovation of the golf course.
Clearview Golf Course holds a special place in history. It is the first and remains the only golf course in the United States designed, built and owned and operated by an African American, William Powell, Renee's father. Renee Powell is an LPGA Teaching and Club Professional.
William opened the course more than 50 years ago. The Clearview Legacy Foundation was created in 2001 after the golf course was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Foundation was established to preserve the golf course for future generations, develop improved facilities for teaching the game and to expand turfgrass research.
So on June 27 a total of 18 LPGA professionals will be paired up with four amateur golfers in a scramble format in the first Clearview Legacy Foundation Pro-Am.
Help
Helping put on this event will be members of the LPGA/USGA Girls Golf of East Canton, which is based at Clearview.
LPGA Tour standout Tammie Green, close friend of the Powells, is serving as the Tour Captain and has been rounding up the LPGA players who will participate. Green is expected to play.
Already there have been commitments from LPGA Hall of Famer Kathy Whitworth along with former standout Sandra Post and current players Jenny Lidback, Michelle Estill and Suzanne Strudwick.
Renee Powell, who started playing golf at age 3 under the watchful eye of her father, went on to become only the second African-American ever to play on the LPGA Tour, which she did from 1967-1980.
She was also awarded the LPGA's Budget Service Award in 1999 for her dedication and commitment to bringing the world of golf closer to junior golfers who may otherwise be unable to enjoy the challenges and benefits that the game brings.
Lifetime award
William Powell has received a lifetime membership by the PGA of America and his son, Lawrence, also involved in golf, have been longtime members of the Golf Course Superintendents of America.
There will be a special "meet the pros and pairings reception" on June 26 to kick off the event. Prior to the start of the Pro-Am, a special clinic will be conducted by the LPGA pros.
The cost for an individual spot in the Pro-Am is $600, ($500 before May 1) or $2,000 for a team. There is also a list of sponsorship opportunities, starting from a yardage sign sponsor for $150, up to the Title Sponsorship for $20,000.
For more information about the Clearview Legacy Foundation Pro-Am or to purchase playing spots or a sponsor package contact Renee Powell at (330) 488-0404.