GCSAA establishes new scholarship for students in underserved communities

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has created the Larry Powell Scholarship, administered by the GCSAA Foundation. The Powell Scholarship recognizes students in underserved populations seeking a career in golf course and turfgrass management.

The scholarship is named in honor of Larry Powell, a 48-year GCSAA member and golf course superintendent at Clearview Golf Course in Canton, Ohio. Powell’s father, Bill, opened Clearview Golf Club in 1948. The integrated course was the first and only course to be designed, constructed and owned by an African American. Both Bill and Larry Powell are members of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame, alongside Larry’s sister, Renee, who was the second African American player in LPGA history, and was awarded GCSAA’s Old Tom Morris Award in 2019.

“Larry Powell has served and advanced his family’s legacy at Clearview Golf Club as superintendent for over 40 years,” Evans said. “He is a humble leader who has shaped and impacted the lives of many. Larry serves as a beacon of hope for young minorities seeking to establish meaningful and rewarding careers. We want to help create pathways and provide financial support to others who desire to establish a meaningful career in our industry.”

GCSAA aims to award the first Larry Powell Scholarship in 2023.

The lead gift to establish the Larry Powell Scholarship Fund came from GCSAA immediate past president Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, natural resources leader at Westfield Country Club in Westfield Center, Ohio. Additional early support came from the Westfield Insurance Foundation and GCSAA past president John R. Fulling Jr., CGCS, superintendent at Kalamazoo Country Club in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Recently, GCSAA awarded several scholarships as a part of its Legacy Awards program. Learn more about those scholarships here.