MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 1948--1949 TIMELINE

 1948 TIMELINE AND STORIES MGCC

By Letty Stapp Watt

Pictured above is the spacious and scenic nine-hole Miami Country club golf layout where several hundred Miamian spend many happy hours during the summer months. Scene of several Oklahoma State PGA championships, the local links is now receiving a large daily turnout of shotmakers. Women golfers have taken an active part in golfing. 

**Note:  My sincere apologies for the incomplete follow ups to various events. It seems as though my new computer and I have not learned how to co-habitate, yet. With help from my techie friends, I hope to have some major problems resolved soon. I can not longer cut and paste pictures, often my ability to read the news issue is blocked,  and some of the print in the old newspapers are very blurry.  

1948 February 1 mdnr "Country Club's Officers Cited"

 Members of the board of directors for Miami County club announced Saturday the selection of M.C. (Buck) Bagby as club president for the ensuing year. The president and other officers are chosen from within membership of the board. Other officers are Claude Jones, vice-president, and Floyd Myers, secretary-treasurer. The board also includes Charles M.Harvey,Jr., W.L. Williams, Russ Hawk, and Bob Schlemmer.

Bagby announced appointment of chairmen for five committees. These are Wilbur Worley, membership; Bob Lawson, house; John F. Robinson, tournament; Hawk, entertainment, and John Burford, finance. Th next meeting will be held February 10. Bagby announced that Jack Guild, who has been pro at Miami Country club since 1939 except for a two-season break for duty in World War II, has been rehired in his present capacity.

 ***

In a snowy black and white picture by Orrick Sparlin, too blurry to share, shows  the city of Picher. The heart of the nation's largest zinc mining field is reported to have a population of around 4,000 including some 800 lead and zinc miners. The photo is similar to one published in September 1947 issue of "Fortune," a national magazine.  

1948 February 2 mdnr  El Paso, Tx.  "Ben Hogan Injured in Bus-car Wreck"

Ben Hogan, National Open champion and the leading golfer of America, suffered serious injuries today in a car-bus crash 30 miles east of Van Horn, Texas. Southwestern General hospital was advised Hogan suffered three broken ribs, a severe chest injury and possibly a broken back. He and his wife, Mrs. Valerie Hogan, were being brought here in an ambulance. She was said to have escaped serious injuries. 

Hogan was on his way home to Fort Worth after playing in the Phoenix, Ariz. Open where he lost in a play-off to Jimmy Demaret. 

1948 March 7  mdnr "Square Dance Returns"

**Miamians are active after the war with varied interests. 

The square dancing ear may have gone out with bustles and mustache cups in other sections of the country, but the pastime lingers on in Miami today. With the revival in Oklahoma of interest in the Virginia reels and other dances of bygone days, a group of young married couples here have for more than a year helped keep square dancing alive in this area. 

Comprised of 28 couples, the "Do-See-Do" club holds a square dancing party twice each month in Miami. During each jamboree, the dancers participate in several types of reels and chains, movements and steps of which date back more than 200 years. 

Women members of the club attend in old-fashioned dresses, while the men wear blue jeans, plaid shirts, boots and silk ties. Usually five sets or squares, with four couples in each square, are on the floor dancing. Officers of the club are W.L. (Bill) Oliver, president; Bernard Schaff, vice-president, and Don Sandmire, secretary and treasurer. 

1948 March 7 mdnr "Stag Party and Other Events Set"

Activities are picking up out at Miami County club, where the men's membership is planning a stag party for Tuesday night. Jack Guild announced Saturday that two different golf classes for women will begin Wednesday morning. Those who have had prior instruction will meet with Guild from 9 to 10 a.m. and those who are beginners, new club members, etc., will gather at 10 for a one-hour's meeting. 

The club pro said two local club teams have entered the four ball tournament being sponsored by the Tulsa World. The event, which will extend over several weeks with play on Sunday only, is open to competitors throughout this section of the state. 

Jess Fronterhouse and Jack Myers will form one combination for the Tulsa meet and Charley Lewis and Jimmy Moore, a Neosho player who holds a local club membership, also will become an entry. Guild said Buy May also is a probable starter, but his partner hasn't been selected yet. 

1948 March 24 mdnr -- Our social pages are full of people traveling and usually 20-30 women's clubs and social organizations meeting.**On a personal note, I have enjoyed reading every social page I find because it is so revealing. I am amazed at the social activities our town sponsored and shared in the news: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, all school PTA's, Riverside park, local parks, summer activities galore.  We all read the same paper and read the same news which seems to have helped build community and local interest in community.

Mrs. Leona DeAtley Hampton, 223 D. street southwest, was in Tulsa Friday and Saturday on business. 

Mr. and Mrs. George L. Coleman, Jr., have returned to Miami from a trip to Florida.  

  

1948 May 9

Photographer Orrick Sparlin, whose collection is at the Dobson Museum, captured these times in black and white photos.

1948 May 9 mdnr "PGA Movies Shown at Country Club"

Technicolor sound movies of the 1947 PGA golf tournament held at Portland, Oregon will be shown at 6:30 o'clock Tuesday night at the Miami Country club stag party. The film also will be shown Wednesday at noon at the luncheon of the Miami women golfers.

Shown in the film are such topnotch golfers as Bobby Locke, Ben Hogan, and Sammy Snead.

Sunday, May 16, a group of 25 Miami golfers will travel to Pittsburg, Kas., for an inter-city match. According to pro Jack Guild, 40 players are needed for a match with Parsons on May 23. Players interested in signing up for the Parsons match are requested to report at the club's pro shop.

1948 May 17 mdnr "Team Beaten"

Their golfing string of successes ran out Sunday for Charley Lewis and Jim Moore, Miami Country club linksmen competing in the annual Tulsa World-PGA four ball tourney at Tulsa.  Lewis and Moor were turned back in a quarterfinals match by Sax and Jack Judd, 3 and 2, in a match at the Highlands course.

***

"Miami's Golfers Cop Team Match on Pitt Course"

Miami Country club golfers carved out a 371/2 to 22 1/2 team match victory over Pittsburg, Kansas, linksmen Sunday in an inter-city battle over the nine-hole course at Pittsburg Country club. Twenty Miamians participated in the event and a return match will be held at Miami June 27.

Jess Fronterhouse led the local contingent yesterday, shooting a 39-35--74.John F. Robinson was next low scorer with his 38-39--77. Glenn Scott posted 39-39--78 and Bill Jones and Raymond Warner each scored 80's. 

Pro Jack Guild announced that any local golfers wishing to enter the State Amateur at Muskogee should obtain blanks at the clubhouse. The state tourney opens June 14, with the pro-amateur scheduled on June 13. 

***

"Women Golfers to Play Wednesday"

Play will be for bind holes when women golfers meet Wednesday morning at Miami Country club. Pairings were announced as follows:

Mrs. Bert Wall and Mrs. F.E. Farrier.
Mrs. John King and Mrs. Floyd Newton;

Mrs. Floyd Myers and Mrs. Gayle Pickens;
Mrs. Joe Thompson and Mrs. Dee Watters;

Mrs. Cecil Coop and Mrs. Woodrow Painter;
Mrs. Jack Horner and Mrs. Rex Graham;

Mrs. K.C. Jeffries and Mrs. E.W. McCuskey;
Mrs. Lloyd DeVoe and Mrs. Frank Pauly;

Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer and Mrs. G.W. McCollum;
Mrs. Roger Pfau and Mrs. Robert Lawson;

Mrs. L.R. Bressie and Mrs. Vernon Sapp;
Mrs. J.H. McIntire and Mrs. Phillip Peacock, Jr.,

Mrs. Jack James and Mrs. E.E. Weeks;
Mrs. L.S. Smith and Mrs. M. Sanders;

Mrs. Elven Frye and Mrs. Claude Jones.

Players are asked to register weekly by 9 a.m. Tuesday

Last week, Mrs. Floyd Newton won first pace in the championship class; Mrs. Woodrow Painter copped top honors in Class A; Mrs. Frank Pauly was the winner in Class B play.  

1948 May 24 mdnr "City Golfers Rout Parsons in Matches"

Miami golfers swamped the Katy-Parsons Country club golfing aggregation Sunday afternoon when they copped 111 out of a possible 129  points on the local links. 

In the singles play, local golfers tallied 72 points to 15 for Parsons, while in the foursomes Miami scored 36 to Parson's 3. Bill Jones posted the lowest score of the day with a 73 card for 18 holes 

Jack Guild, country club pro, announced that next Sunday, Memorial day, mixed two-ball foursomes will be played. All country club members wishing to play are requested to sign up for the matches at the golf shop.

 

 

1948 June 6 mdnr "State Women Golfers"

Entries topped over the 200 mark today as Oklahoma's women golfers prepared to converge on Tulsa Country club for the 31st annual women's state amateur tournament beginning Monday. 

1948 June 17 mdnr "Charley Lewis is Still in Running for State Honors" 

C.F. Lewis Jr., knocked out ?? in the first-round championship play in the Oklahoma Amateur golf tourney at Muskogee yesterday with a 2 and 1 verdict over Charles Dwaur, Jr., of Oklahoma City. Four other Miamians were in the initial round match play yesterday. Southpaw Tulsan Bill Smith eliminated Jack Myers by 2 and 1, and Jess Fronterhouse lot to ?? 3 and 2.

1948 June 20 mdnr  "Special Golf Event for Women"

Local Miami golf pro Jack Guild said Saturday the golf match scheduled tomorrow with Parsons has been called off until next month. Guild said the match would conflict with another tourney this week-end in Parsons. 

Meanwhile, the Miami Country club Ladies Golf association has invited women players from Joplin, Missouri, Neosho, Mo., and Pittsburg, Kas., to participate in next Tuesday's weekly match at the local links course.

 

1948 July 25 mdnr  

Jack Guild and his 20-member Miami golf team invade Parsons, Kansas, today in a return team engagement. Miami's swingers walloped the Parsons group by a large margin in their previous meeting. 

1948 July 20 mdnr "Women Golfers"

Contingents of women golfers from five district golf clubs will tee off Wednesday on the Miami fairways. Out-of-town clubs will be Shifferdecker and Twin Hills of Joplin, Elks Country club of Pittsburg, Parsons Golf club, and Neosho, Mo. Golf and Country club. Approximately 50 Miami women simon-pures will act as hostesses for the all-day event. 

Prizes for low gross and low net scores will be given, and an award will be presented for the closest shot to the short No. 3 hole. 

*The pairings were too blurry to read but lasted from 9 a.m. with 5 minutes in between times, until 10:50 a.m. 

1948 August 1 mdnr  "State Women's Four-Ball"

A state women's fourball tournament, believed to the FIRST of its kind in the nation--will be held in Oklahoma City starting Sept. 16 for state women golfers. 

The tourney is sponsored by the Oklahoma City PGA and the Daily Oklahoman. To qualify for the event, a team must have a scoring average of at least 226 strokes, or handicaps ?. The tournament will run six weeks.

1948 September 2 mdnr "Springfield Woman Leads Tri-State Golfing Lists"

Defending champion Mrs. Sayle Benson of Springfield grabbed the lead at the halfway point in the Tri-State Women's Golf tourney at the Miami Country club links Wednesday.

Mrs. Benson carded an 18-hole total of 45-48--93 for a two-stroke edge over Mrs. HA. Lowe, another Springfield Simon-pure. After leading the field on the front nine with a 44, Mrs. Lowe soared to 51 on the back tour for an 18-hole aggregate of 95.

The 98 entrants teed off again at 8 o'clock this morning for the last day's play. Trophies for low gross and low handicap scores will be awarded in each of the four flights after completion of today's round. 

In another event, Mrs. Rex Graham headed the field in a shortened 18-hole meet, nine-holes played Wednesday and nine-holes played today. Mrs. Graham shot a 60 for a one-stroke margin over another Miamian, Mrs. Joe S. Thompson. 

Results shown in paper for all 98 players. The leaders in the 18-hole meet, results of the first day play:

Championship: Mrs. Rex Graham, 60, Mrs. Joe Thompson 61, Mrs. Ruth Watters, 66. and Mrs. Woodrow Painter, 66. 

Class A: Mrs. Burns Griffith, Pittsburg, 68; Mrs. Joe Michella, Pittsburg, 69; Mrs. Paul Nelson, Pittsburg, 69; and Mrs. F.G. Reid, Miami, 71.

Class B: Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer, Miami, 71; Mrs. Richard Wright, Miami, 71; Mrs. Wallace Dunn, Miami 74; Mrs. Frank Pauly, Miami 76; and Loma Woodward, Pittsburg, 74.

Class C: Mrs. Cecil Coop, Miami, 77; Mrs. Claud Jones, Miami, 78; Mrs. K.C. Jeffries, Miami, 79; Mrs. Glenn McCollum, Miami, 76; and Mrs. Cecil Veatch, Webb City, 86.

1948 September 3 mdnr "Women's Title Goes to Springfield Swinger"

Mrs. H.A. Lowe of Springfield walked off with top honors Thursday in the championship flight of the two-day Tri-State women's golf meet at the Miami Country club. Mrs. Lowe's 36-hole total of 95-89--184 bested defending champion Mrs. Gayle Benson, another Springfield swinger, by one stroke .

The team-match play, Joplin Twin Hills was awarded the Tri-State trophy with a 676 net while Springfield's ace quartet wrapped up the Miami Country club cup with a 794 gross count. No Miami ladies played in the 36-hole event, however, they did play and place in the 18-hole event.

Championship: Low gross Mrs. Joe Thompson, Miami, 117; low net Mrs. Rex Graham, Miami, 128.

Class A: Low gross Mrs. Joe Michella of Pittsburg, 133; low net, Mrs. Barnes Griffith of Pittsburg, 84.

Class B: Low gross Mrs. Frank Pauley of Miami, 148; low net, Mrs. R.M Schlemmer of Miami, 85.

Class C: Low gross Mrs. Loma Woodward of Pittsburg, 145; low net Mrs. Glenn McCollum of Miami, 96.  

 

1948 September 20 mdnr "Golf Meet in Second Round" 

The large field of golfers competing in the annual Miami Country club tournament now in progress was narrowed considerably following completion of the first week of activity. Second round matches in the tourney will be held throughout the week. Results of the first round:   **many names are too blurred to read.

C.F. Lewis, Jr., defeated Bob Hughes; L.T. Sheldon def. Paul Wilson; Ed Olivey def. C Caskey; M.C. Bagby def. C.L. Grayson; Joe Thompson def. G. R. White, Jr.; Ted Lowery def. C.J. Carselowey; Jess Fronterhouse def. J.C. ?:  John F. Robinson def. Phillip Peacock.

Walker Williams, Jr., def. Bud May; R. O. ?  def. W.L. Williams; Walter Dunn def. C.E. Trussler;  Claud Jones def. H. M Schlemmer; James Moore def. W.P. Bullock; Lyndon Scott def. Glenn Scott; and Jack Myers def. John L. Burford. 

Hottest rally in the Championship flight was cared by Jess Fronterhouse, who was 4 down at the turn and carded a 34 on the nine to defeat J.C. Taylor one up.  

Class A: E.K. Scott def. Dr. Rex Graham; Noel Wyatt def. Cecil Coop; Bob Nesbitt def. Glenn ? ; W.J. Worley def. Bert Wall; Augie W., Dick Wright, H. E. W. M.L. Caldwell won by default. 

Class B: Vernon Sapp def. Frank Spencer; Denver Seals def. Byron Jenkins; Bradley Watts def. Frank ?; Bob Hill def. K.C. Jeffries; Gene Wagoner def. Harry Dean; George McGhee, D. E. McIntire won by default. 

Class C: Bernie Schaff def. Jim Campbell; Marion Zajic def. Carl Peck; Elbert Frye def. A.J. Reed; Jack Horner def. Dr. L.F. Hetherington; M. Hall def ?; Jack C. Brown def. Curley Albers; Winners by default were Jack Reynolds and Ivan Estes. 

Class D: Louis Stone def. Jack D.; Steward P. def Tom Bomford; Earl Faber def. A. W. Pattisson; Jim Hatfield def. Bob S.; Clyde Booth, Charles Burnes, and Lee A. won by default.

1948 September 29 mdnr "Golf List is Reduced Here"

The number of golfers still in the annual tournament was narrowed considerably last week. Third round matches in the tourney, which is scheduled to end sometime in October, will be held during this week, Jack Guild club pro announced.

 

 

1948 October 8 mdnr "Mickey Mantle"

Commerce, The Picher Gorillas unleashed their ever-potent ground attack last night when they defeated the Commerce Tigers, 7-6 for their first Lucky Sven conference victory. In the third quart the Tigers seemed to have a touchdown of their own when Mickey Mantle, who bore the brunt of Commerce's running attack, broke into the clear and scampered 65 yards to cross the goal-line, only to have the play called back. 

Click on this link for more on Mickey Mantle: The Mick

1948 October 11 mdnr "Golf Tourney Ends in Knot"

Jack Myers and Charley Lewis played to an 18-hole deadlock Sunday in the finals for the Miami Country club Championship, necessitating a nine-hole playoff which was to begin this afternoon. 

Lewis shot a 75 to Myers'76, but they wound up even in the match play event. 

In the President's flight, Glenn Scott defeated C.J. Carselowey 1 up, while E.K. Scott captured the class A prize by walloping Dick Wright, 8 and 7.  Other final results: B flight--George McGhee defeated Harry Ives, 5 and 4; C flight--Bernard Schaff won 2 70 from Jack Brewer, and D flight--Earl Fisher defeated Stuart ? 5 and 4.

 1948 October 12 mdnr "Charley Lewis Golf Champion" 

After finding himself 2-down at the end of three holes, Charley Lewis rallied strongly Monday afternoon to defeat his playoff opponent, Jack Myers, and win the 1948 Miami Country club golf championship, 2-up.

In total strokes Lewis carded a sizzling, sub-par 34 to Myer's commendable 37 in the 9-hole match necessitated when they finished all-even in Sunday's 18-hole finals round.

Club Pro Jack Guild said prizes will be awarded winners in all flights at a stag affair at 6:30 o'clock tonight. 

1948 October 24 mdnr "Zaharias vs. Berg"

Fort Smith, Ark. Two of the nation's outstanding professional women golfers, Mrs. Mildred (Babe) Zaharias, and Miss Patty Bert, meet here in the finals of the Hardscrabble women's open golf tournament. 

HIT BY A BUS--HOW BEN HOGAN HIT BACK 

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/hit-by-a-bus-how-ben-hogan-hit-back-24870580/ BY Gilbert King, Jan. 20, 2012

This is the best short article I've read on Ben Hogan's comeback. It mentions a young golfer by the name of Arnold Palmer. 

"Sam Snead, Cary Middlecoff and a young golfer named Arnold Palmer battled for headlines in the summer of 1949, while Hogan shuffled around his house. He was named non-playing captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team and traveled to England for the matches, where he delighted fans by putting on the practice green. It was the most he could do, seven months after the accident. Reporters described him as “crippled.” But returning to the States, Hogan began to regain some strength. Then he began to practice.

By June of 1950, 16 months after the accident, Bantam Ben was back on the course, this time trying to reclaim his place as golf’s greatest competitor in American golf’s biggest tournament—the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania. He had played several tournaments leading up to the Open, but on the third and final day of grueling competition, he began to wilt under 36 holes of golf in the heat, and his lead began to evaporate on the final few holes."

 

 1949

 **Note: I have found the 1949 newspaper to be very blurry and difficult to read at times. When I cannot make out a name I will do my best to give initials or a ? mark.

1949 January 9  mdnr (Commerce) A perfect one-handed push shot by Bobby Thomas that went swishing through the nets with less than eight seconds remaining gave the Fairland Owls a breath-taking 23-22 victory over the Commerce Tigers Friday night. 

John Lingo's Tigers led all the way until med-way in the final quarter when a last-ditch effort by the Owls, who are coached by Ed Olivey, provided the Fairlanders a 21-18 lead with a minute and half left. At half-time the Bengals were ahead 14-10. Moseley and Mickey Mantle took care of most of the Commerce scoring, with both sinking three field goals and two charity tosses for eight points.

1949 February 27 mdnr  "Women's Golf Season Outline"

Women golfers met last week at the Miami Country club for 1 o'clock luncheon. Jack Guild, pro, outlined the golf program for the coming season and announced that class lessons would begin March 15. The next meeting of the group will be at 1 p.m. next Wednesday, and reservations must be made by Tuesday at the Country club. 

Those present were Mrs. Robert E. Nesbitt, Mrs. Stansell, Miss Billie Ann ?, Mrs. Tom Bomford, Mrs. Gib Reynolds, Mrs. Vernon Martin, ...15 more names I could not read due to blurry images. 

 

1949 March 11 mdnr Daily 5 cents--Sunday 10 cents

"Note from Your Town"

While skies cleared today to let the sun through at 1:30 o'clock this afternoon, Miami golf enthusiasts looked forward to a pleasant week-end at the Country club. Indications point to favorable weather for the next few days as the mercury climbed from 24-degree to an amazing 41 shortly after the lunch hour.  

Fishermen, too, hoped for sunny skies and balmy temperatures over the week-end, but withheld angling expeditions pending further weather reports. 

1949 April 27 mdnr  "Women Golfers"

Last week's golf prizes were awarded at a luncheon this week at Miami Country club: Mrs. Floyd Newton, championship; Mrs. Glenn McCollum, class A; Mrs. D.E. McIntyre, class B.

Because of bad weather the association members did not play golf following the luncheon. Prizes awarded by a drawing, went to Mrs. Bert Wall, championship; Mrs. Frank Pauly, class A; Mrs. Jack Gallaway, class C. 

Others present were Mrs. Wallace Dunn, Mrs. John E. King, Mrs. Claude Jones, Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Robert Stoner, Mrs. Louis Stone, Mrs. James W. Gibson, Mrs. Gibb Reynolds, Mrs. Glenn McCollum, and Mrs. John Stansell. 

1949 May 29 mdnr  (Commerce) "Seniors Honored"

Three top-ranking Commerce high school seniors occupied the spotlight in the closing commencement services at the high school last Friday night, when 34 seniors received their diplomas. Mickey Mantle was applauded when it was announced that he was absent and was playing baseball at Coffeyville. 

1949 June 2 mdnr "State Women's Championship Plays Host to Patty Berg"

Two Enid links ladies--Patti Blanton and Margaret Williford--are top contenders for the state women's golf tournament starting Monday at Muskogee Country club. The 31st annual meeting will be played over the par 75 Muskogee Country club's course, a tough 6,210 yard layout. Par set for women is five above that of men.

Pat Grant of Cushing, former perennial threat to Mrs. Blanton's supremacy, has been taken out of competition by Army service. Talk this year has Mrs. Williford, a close friend, as the tournament's darkhorse. 

She's the wife of the Enid Country club professional, Hack Williford, and will appear in an exhibition match Sunday preceding the tourney with Mrs. Blanton.

They will tour the course against Patty Berg, professional star, and Betty McKinnon of Mount Pleasant, Texas. 

Mrs. Blanton's title--won in 1947 and 1948 and four times straight from 1939-1942--will be contested by at last other former state champions. They are Mrs. Lucy Wallace, Sapulpa, 1930, 1933, 1938 winner; and Oklahoma City's Miss Jenny Grout, 1937 titleholder. 

***

 "Tulsa Golfers Here"

A team match between a Miami Country club golf team and a squad from Mohawk golf club of Tulsa will be played Sunday afternoon at the local club. Tee-off time for the two 20-man teams will be at 1 o'clock, Guild said. 

1949 June 5 mdnr (Commerce)  "Yankees Sign Mickey Mantle, Versatile Commerce Athlete" 

Mickey Mantle, 17-year-old Commerce high school and Baxter Spring Whiz Kids baseball star, has signed a contract to play professionally in the New York Yankee chain, it was announced here Saturday.

Mantle, who drew the attention of pro scouts while playing shortstop for the Whiz Kids of the Junior Card League, was signed by Tom G., spotter for the Yanks from Willard, Missouri. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The youth, who graduated from high school here (Commerce) last month, was an all-around athlete. He was selected for the all-district high school football team last fall. He was the second highest scorer on the Tiger basketball team last winter. His parents are Mr. Mrs. Mutt Mantle.  

1949 June 6 mdnr "Women Golfers"

Women golfers will enter a two-ball tournament with mixed classes at Miami Country club Wednesday. The first foursome will tee off at 9 a.m. and following foursomes will be off at 15-minute intervals. Lunch will be served at the end of play. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each class.

Pairings are as follows:

Mrs. H. F. Myers, Mrs. H. S....., Miss Billye Anne Greene, and Mrs. Richard Wright; Mrs. Robert Nesbitt, Mrs. Dee Watters, Mrs. John E. King, and Mrs. Jack Gallaway; Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Vernon Martin, Miss Jean Taylor, and Mrs. Roger Pfau; Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. Fred DeMier, Jr., Mrs. Lewis K. Stoss, and Mrs. Wallace Dunn; Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. William Martin,Jr., Mrs. Rex Graham, and Mrs. Gilbert Reynolds; Mrs. John Sanders, Mrs. Glenn McCollum, and Miss Susan Stansell; Mrs. Frank Pauly, Mrs. John Stansell, Mrs. Robert Schlemmer, and Mrs. L.E. Smith.

1949 July 5 mdnr "July Fireworks"

The July fireworks at the Miami Country club were attended by 550 people, who enjoyed a barbeque meal. Wallace Dunn and C.H. Mullendore oversaw the arrangements.    

1949 September 8 mdnr  "Club Championship Pairings"

Pairings in the A,B,C, D, and E flights of the Miami Country club championship golf tournament, have been announced by Jack Guild, club pro. According to Guild no handicaps have been given for these flights, and one week has been allowed for these matches to be played. (Sadly, the names are so blurred that I could not figure them out, but I think there are at least 75 players in these flights.)

1949 October 2 mdnr  "Golf Tournament Postponed"

The mixed foursome play regularly scheduled for today at the Country club will be postponed until next Sunday, October 9, in order that the club championship matches may be played. 

1949 October 5 mdnr  "Lewis, Moore vie for Title"

Charles F. Lewis and Jim Moore have advanced to the finals in the annual Miami Country club golf tournament. Lewis defeated John F. Robinson, and Moore outstretched Ed Olivey to reach the championship round. Pro Jack Guild has announced that all finals matches must be completed by Sunday night. 

Class A: Bradley Watts def Earl Fisher 2 up; Dr. R.W Graham def. J. L. Burford, 1up on the 19th hole.

Class B: Jack Brown def. J.W. Gibson 2 up; H.E. Woods def. Jack Horner, 7 and 6.

Class C: Estes def. Tom Bomford, 7 and 6; D. Clark and Jack James, yet to play. 

Class D: Vernon Martin def M.W. Hall, 2 and 1; L.E. Stone def. Nate Emery, 1up.

1949 November 11 mdnr "Dance to be Held"

The Miami Country club dance will be held Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Music will be provided by Basil Baker. This is the first dance of the fall season. 

 

* The book Miami Forever in our Hearts is available for purchase if you click on the blue link. 

** If you are interested in pictures of Miami in the 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's consider purchasing one of Ron Enderland's Hand Drawn Miami, Ok. Calendars.  2022 Historic Miami, Ok. Calendar

MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 1947 TIMELINE

photo by Orrick Sparlin, story on June 22, 1947

 

1947 TIMELINE AND STORIES MGCC

BY LETTY STAPP WATT

1947 January 11 mdnr "Miamian Competing in Crosby Tourney"

DEL MONTE, CALIFORNIA, JAN. 10 (AP) Playing in crooner Bing Crosby's $10,000 pro-amateur golf tourney, E. J. Dutch Harrison of Little Rock, Arkansas and his amateur partner, George L. Coleman, Jr. of Miami, Oklahoma. They posted a 36-hole total score of 137 (70-67). Coleman assisting the pro in the scoring for Harrison, in the pro lists alone, tallied 74-70 for 144. 

1947. January 19 mdnr

The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Miami Country Club, Inc, will be held in the office of said corporation at Miami, Ok on January 20, 1947, at 6:30 o'clock p.m. for the election of directors for the ensuing year and the transaction of such other business as may come before this meeting. --Joseph S. Thompson, President. 

1947 February 1  OKLAHOMA PGA TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD HERE IN MAY

Miami Country club with its nine-hole grass greens layout that has withstood par-shattering efforts of many top flight golfers in past years, will be host to the Oklahoma PGA tournament again this year. 

More than 25 professional swingers are expected to participate in the event, Jack Guild, local pro, said Saturday in announcing the selection of Miami. It will be the seventh time since 1929 that the PGA has chosen the course here. 

The dates were set for May 19, 20, 21, and 22 and an event 36-hole match play is observed to determine the new state champ, a fifth day may be added. Marion Askew, pro at the Tulsa Oaks club and chairman of the State PGA tournament committee, conferred with members of his committee before acting. The pros, who will be paired with local simon pures in a special 18-hole affair the second day of the tourney, will be firing for about $850 in cash prizes and the handsome silver trophy now held by Tex Consolver, Wichita, Kas., shotmaker. 

The Oklahoma PGA, with a membership that includes golfers in Arkansas and Wichita, has guaranteed that at least 25 men will participate. That total would assure places for 75 local amateurs in the 18-hole special event.

The nation's various professional districts will schedule qualifying play May 19 to determine which golfers will be eligible to compete in the U.S. tourney, held in early summer. This will be a 36-hole medalist test and perhaps two or three of the lowest scorers here will be eligible for national competition. The low 16 qualifiers here May 19 will collide two days later in the match play event. Besides Consolver, there are several other outstanding players, who never have previously shown their hitting prowess off the local tees.

These include Jimmy Gauntt, pro at Oklahoma City's Twin Hills club, and Mike Murra and Dave Trufelli both of Wichita. Among the old favorites to compete will  be Floyd Farley, who won two of the previous tourneys held in Miami. 

Meanwhile, it was announced that the PGA will hold a number of one-day pro-am meets are various Oklahoma clubs this year. Hugh Bancroft of the Tulsa highland club, president of the state PGA listed these single day affairs for the following cities, each one on the first Monday of the month: Tulsa Indian Hills, May; Ponca City, June; Wichita, July; Oklahoma City, August; Miami, September, and Okmulgee, October. 

In these events, pros will be permitted to take their own club amateurs along with them.

1947 February 9 mdnr "Stag Night"

The new board of the Miami Country club wishes to announce that regular stag night will be held Tuesday, February 11, at 6:30 o'clock. All members are urged to bring a prospective member. An important announcement of interest to the club will be made. 

***

"College Names Music Leader" 

Kenneth Richards, who has come from Waco, Texas where he was director of music in the high school will lead the music department of Northeastern Oklahoma A & M college.  Richards, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, with a degree in music, and graduate work at Northwestern University, taught several years in Pauls Valley and Durant school systems, prior to entering the service as a first lieutenant in 1941. 

Participating in the Normandy campaign as liaison officer with he second division, 38th Field Artillery, Captain Richards was wounded by mortar fire on the Trevieres route, June 9, 1944. He holds the Purple Heart and Silver Star, and was discharged receiving his majority of December 1946, after a total of five years service. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richards and son, Kenneth, Jr., temporarily reside at the the girls' dormitory with the instructor's mother, Mrs. Dora Richards, matron. (His wife, Marian, taught music in the Miami schools through the 1950's and 1960's. Their son, Kenneth, and daughter, C. Ann, were both graduates of MHS.)

**Kenny is an important figure in golf for the next three decades. He became the first golf coach for NEO and willingly took on one young woman, Letty Stapp,  who had to qualify for the team and for each tournament. In 1965 I qualified for the NEO Men's Golf Team and traveled with them to area tournaments for the next two years. I was at that time the only woman playing golf on a men's golf team, in the Midwest. When the team qualified for Nationals held in Florida, I was not allowed to travel with them nor play on the team. Ironically, they played in gale force winds from an approaching hurricane.

When my sister, Jonya Stapp, qualified for the men's team at NEO, she played one year and was not allowed a second year because Title IX was introduced. No woman's team was created, so Jonya did not play on the team that year. 

1947 March 3 mdnr  "Golf Day"

Wednesday will be ladies' golf day at the Miami Country club. Jack Guild, professional, will give a group golf lesson at 10 a.m.  Luncheon will be served at the clubhouse between noon and 1 o'clock 

1947 April 2 mdnr  "The Grist"

Four Tulsa pros are planning a trip to Miami Thursday to test the local golf course preliminary to the start of the annual Oklahoma PGA tourney, which starts at Miami Country club May 19...The visitors will include: Marion Askew, Oaks club pro and chairman of the State PGA tournament committee: Hugh Bancroft, Highland club, president of Oklahoma PGA; Joe Dahlman, Mohawk club, secretary, and George Whitehead, links instructor at Indian Hills and a former PGA champion...They will meet with the local tourney committee, headed by R.M. Schlemmer, and will stay over for dinner following their round of golf. 

1947 May 4 mdnr "City Amateurs Await Pros for Golf Tourney"

Sixteen members of the Oklahoma PGA had notified Jack Guild, Miami Country club pro, Saturday of their intentions to compete May 1922 in the annual state PGA tournament here. They include: Marion Askew, Hugh Bancroft, Tex Consolver, Joe Dahlman, Bob Dunning, Floyd Farley, Frank Higgins, Jack Higgins, Gene O'Brien, Bill Oliver, Georg Whitehead, and Charles Worley. 

Farley is the pro of Meridian golf club in Oklahoma City (now a housing development off NW Ann Arbor and 36th Northwest) while Weisner and Rawlinson are Muskogee golfers. Worley is pro at Okmulgee Country club. Oliver is links instructor at Ponca City Country club. O'Brien teaches golfers at Westlink club, Wichita. 

Guild said there will be more--some 25-30 in all--by the hour of the shotmakers tee off on opening day for at least two places in the national PGA tourney. Several Kansas and Arkansas golfers are members of the Oklahoma PGA and one of them, Tex Consolver of Wichita, is the defending champion at match play. He won last year at Muskogee and will be here to defend his laurels. 

Guild said that greens are "coming along in good shape" and reported that all fairways have been "mowed and rolled." With a break in the weather, he added, the course should be in excellent condition for the coming event. A new tee has been built on No. 9, extending the long par 5 hole approximately 55 yards. 

Members are being reminded that handicaps must be established if they wish to participate in the pro-amateur. These practice scores should be posted with the club pro.

***

Wilbur J. Worley pitched a sizzling display of "off the greens" shots at a a group of links pals the other day. The victims were Russ Hawk, Ivan Fisher and Schlemmer. Worley holed out three shots from off the green in nine holes, an unusual feat on the fairways...He chipped in on Numbers 1, 3, and 8 holes for two birdies and a par. "As far as I'm concerned," Guild said, "I've never heard of anyone holing out three approach shots on nine holes." 

Some of the lowest scores at the club have been turned in recently by George Coleman, Jr, Oklahoma amateur champion in 1946; John F. Robinson, C F (Charley) Lewis, Jr., and Jack Myers. Coleman, who plans to compete in the pro-amateur tournament is 7 under par, it was reported, for all rounds he has played over the nine-hole layout this year.

*** 

The team of Lewis and Bud May, which has reached the quarter-finals of the Tulsa World PGA four-ball tourney, will play today at the Tulsa Mohawk course. Last Sunday Lewis was 6 under regulation figures for the first 14 holes. This dazzling performance knocked out the opposition quickly...Lewis and May have now captured three matches. 

1947 May 11 mdnr 

1947 May 14 mdnr  "Golfers Told to Report"

A large number of Miami Country club amateurs with handicaps of 18 or less will compete May 20 in the Oklahoma PGA pro-amateur here.

 

1947 May 18  mdnr "Ladies Golf Association"

Mrs. Cecil Coop was hostess Wednesday for the activities of the Ladies Golf Association of Miami Country Club. The class lesson was given by Jack Guild, pro, at 10 a.m. Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Denver Seals, and Mrs. L.R. Bressie won prizes for the low putts on three holes in the beginners class. The prize for low putts on nine holes was won by Mrs. Bert Wall. 

Others attending the meeting were: Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, Mrs. Gayle Pickens, Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. D.E. McIntire, Mrs. Frank Pauly, Mrs. James Campbell, Mrs. Elver Frye, Mrs. Rogert Pfau, Mrs. MG. Morgan, Mrs. Lloyd DeVoe, Mrs. John King, Mrs. N.J. Emery, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, Miss Diana Ander, Mrs. Rex Graham, Mrs. Stewart Gammon, Mrs. R. M. Schlemmer, Mrs. F.E. Farrier, Mrs. Claud R. Jones, and Mrs. Ted Lowry. 

1947 May 18 mdnr "Stag Party

A stag party for the Miami Country club membership will be held at 7 o'clock Monday night at the clubhouse. At this time, members will meet the visiting professional golfers and make final pans for the club's pro-amateur event, an 18-hole affair scheduled for Tuesday. 

Jack Guild, host pro, said it was urgent that he be notified at once as to how many members will attend. This may be done by mailing in cards recently mailed out or by phoning at the clubhouse. 

1947 May 19 mdnr "Simon Pures Paired with Pros"

(The Merriam Webster dictionary defines as 'simon pure' as one of untainted purity or integrity; also, pretentiously pure. However, it appears from the last twenty years of reading this term that the newspaper writers sometimes use the term to mock the fact that some men don't know how to add properly or perhaps they don't always post the correct scores for handicaps."

A dazzling array of linksmen, who hail from major cities of Oklahoma and parts of Kansas and Arkansas, will tee off at 9am in a battle for the two places allotted to the state association for participation in the National PGA tournament, to be held in June at Plum Hollow course at Detroit.

Pairings for the pro-amateur will be:

Pros and                        Simon Pure amateurs

T.Consolver                    C. Hilliard(16), 

B. Schlemmer,                J. Campbell

R. Dahlman                    D. Matthews, Dr. Alquist, G.L. Coleman(0)

C. Weisner                     B. Wal, Dr. Graham

G. Whitehead                 L. Cowgill, C.J. Carselowey

J. Gauntt                        Fuzz Swanson, W.Bullock, D. West

Frank Higgins                 Jim Moore, MC Bagby

J. Gullane                       C. Trussler, N. Wyatt, F. Pauly

J. Durham                       Dr. Barton, R. Warner, R. Pfau

B. Witherspoon                B. Watts, A. Witzansky, Dr. Connell

J. Guild                          C. Jones, J. Burford, D. Wright

UC Ferguson                   G. Speer, G. Scott, R.D. Painter

Bill Oliver                        Paul Wilson, G.R. White

Tom Manley                    MK Hutts, Gob Taylor, Leo Scott

G. Getchell                     B. Hughes, A. Thompson, I Fisher

Jack Higgins                   JF Robinson, Ted Lowry

Marion Askew                 D. Sandmire, B. Longacre, H. Wright

Gene O'Brien                  Ken Richards, J. Eagle, EW McCuskey

H. Bancroft                    Cecil Coop, Jack Myers, L.R. Bressie

Don Wilkie                     Luther Sheldon, F. Wall

Chuck Worley                 Joe Spencer, M. Caldwell, T. Stith

Morris Gravatt                Dick Neel, C.F. Lewis Jr.(2)

 

1947 May 20 mdnr "Gravatt's 141 Best Score"

Morrie Gravatt, smooth-swinging Tulsa Country club linksman, proved himself the "best mudder' in the annual State PGA golf tourney held here. Gravatt, who started out with 21 other pros in 36-hole medalist play for three national PGA places, turned in a sparkling 72-69--141, three strokes under par. It was the finest performance ever posted here in seven PGA tourneys and shone even brighter considering weather conditions, including a torrential rain that halted play for 20 minutes.

The Tulsan's sub-par feat gave him the first of three places in the national meet in June, with Jimmy Gauntt of Oklahoma City Twin Hills, taking second honors after recording a 73-71--144, even par. While U.C. Ferguson, Oklahoma City Lincoln Park, registered 75-71--146 with a sizzling 32 on his third nine-hole tour being the lowest for a day single round. 

The day was marked by one heart-breaking incident, the tough luck guy of this meet is Joe Durham, a six-foot-four Ft. Smith shotmaker who was disqualified for playing the wrong ball on the 24th hole. Durham led the field in the morning round, scoring a one-under par 71. Then over a course that was softened by a terrific downpour shortly before noon, he twice stroked a muddy pellet toward the 24th green from the edge of the rough. Later this ball was discovered as that played by George Whitehead in swinging down the adjoining fairway. 

The 16 low scorers qualified for the match play division of the tourney Wednesday and Thursday. This will be held over 18 holes with a new state champion to be decided Thursday. 

1947 May 20 mdnr  "Golf Tourney Rained Out"

Rains totaling nearly 1.5 inches washed out the annual PGA pro-amateur at the Miami Country club today, but the 18-hole play will be held tomorrow starting at noon, if weather allows. 

1. Match play for the 16 low scorers will begin at 9am tomorrow.

2. The pro-amateur will be held tomorrow afternoon. 

3. The second round match play for the pros will begin at 9am Thursday and the third round will be played that afternoon. 

1947 May 21 mdnr "Tournament Visitors Entertained"

The Ladies Golf association of Miami Country club entertained with a dinner party Monday evening at the Green Shutters tea room in honor of the wives of visiting professionals participating in the PGA tournament at the Country club. Guests of honor for the affair were: Mrs. Bob Dunning and Mrs. Hugh Bancroft of Tulsa, Mrs. Gene O'Brien of Wichita, Kas., Mrs. Bill Oliver of Ponca City and Mrs. Floyd Farley of Oklahoma city.

The women played card after dinner. The small tables for four at which the meal was served, were decorated with bouquets of iris. 

Local women who enjoyed the occasion were: Mrs. Ted Lowry, Mrs. M.A. Connell, Mrs. Denver Seals, Mrs. Frank Pauly, Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer, Mrs. M.G. Morgan, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Claud R. Jones, Mrs. L.R. Bessie,  Miss Deana Anders, Mrs. Dee G. Watters, Mrs. Faye Thompson, Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Wylie G. Chesnut and Mrs. Clarence Carselowey.

*This seems to be the first time that women have organized to host guests for their husbands golf events. Their support will help the Miami Country Club become one of the recognized golf clubs in Oklahoma for tournaments. 

1947 May 22  mdnr "Pro-Amateur Crown Goes to Gravatt and Charley Lewis"

While you wouldn't exactly say he dominates such things or that he can't keep his hands out of the melon, Charley Lewis has a way of reaching into the money bags when Miami Country club offers its 18-hole pro-amateur.

Yesterday's victory for the combination of Morrie Gravatt, Tulsa Country club pro who led the 36-hole medalist event Monday, and Lewis, willowy amateur with a sizzling hot putter, came on a lowball 65. It was two strokes better than the nearest competitors in a field of 24 pros and more than 50 simon pures. 

The triumph marked Lewis' second such victory in a like event. Back in 1940 he teamed with the loquacious Gib Sellers, formerly of Hot Springs, Ark., to fire at 63 at the opposition. That score paid off, just as yesterday's did. 

There was quite a scramble for the runner-up honors in the Wednesday play. There were four combinations deadlocked for second, third, fourth and fifth places with 67's and still another group of five, with scores of 68, tied for sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth places. 

Frank Higgins, unattached Tulsa pro and 1940 Oklahoma PGA champion, and two of his simon pure associates Jim Moore, with 8-stroke handicap, and Joe Thompson with a 9-stroke "spot", tallied lowball counts of 67. U.C. Ferguson of OKC Lincoln Park and Raymond Warner, a 7 handicap, and George Whitehead, Tulsa Indian Hills, and Lloyd Cowgill (14) were other combinations posting 67's.  

1947 May 22 mdnr "PGA Matches Run True to Form at Local Golf Club"

Miami Country club's rugged nine-hole layout, together with a stiff south-breeze, made it doubly tough for the quarter-finalist match play of the Oklahoma PGA tourney this morning, with general scores of the eight shotmakers soaring to above-par averages.

No amazing upsets nor any of the established favorites went out via the casualty list in this mornings play as George Whitehead, Jimmy Gaunt and pacesetter among Monday qualifiers, Morrie Gravatt, came through with victories.  

However, soft-spoken Bill Oliver of Ponca City pulled a mild surprise with a 1-up verdict over U.C. Ferguson of Oklahoma City Lincoln Park. Ferguson and Oliver matched shot for shot until the 17th when Ferguson's tee shot was trapped and he took a bogey 4 while the steady playing Oliver rammed home a par 3. Both halved the 18th with par 5's to give Oliver the 1-up decision. Oliver's 18-hole morning tour was a four over 76. 

Whitehead, of Tulsa Indian Hills and four-time PGA winner, staged a fine comeback after trailing George Getchell 1 up at the turn to coast to a 3-1 triumph. 

This afternoon the four semi-finalists collided, in 18-hole match play, Whitehead meeting Gauntt and Gravatt tangling with Oliver. The finalist will tee off tomorrow.  

1947 May 25 mdnr "Gauntt's Sparkling Approaches Decide Golf Titular Play" 

Thirty-three year old Jimmy Gauntt of Oklahoma City Twin Hills becomes the 1947 Oklahoma PGA titlist at Miami Country club links Friday as he decisively trimmed dark-horse Bill Oliver of Ponca City, 4 and 3, in the abbreviated 18-hole match play finals.

The rangy Gauntt was even par over the rain-soaked, lengthy Miami course as he annexed the championship by eliminating Oliver on the 565-yard No. 15. He halved the hole with a part 5 to close out the match. The former three-time Texas PGA champ held the upper hand throughout with his faultless putting and deadly, almost uncanny short approaches. Gauntt one-putted seven of the 15 holes and never had a three-putt green during the contest.

A former Longview, Texas, professional who saw service in the air forces, Gauntt held only a 1-up lead at the 9-hole turn, as the Ponca Citian doggedly clung to within striking distance of the Twin Hill artist, but Gauntt finally shook the determined Oliver off on the 131-yard No. 12 by laying his tee shot within six feet of the flag and sinking for a birdie 2. At that point Oliver suddenly broke and Gauntt captured the 13th and 14th with par 4's to go dormie off the 15th tee.

The visiting pros lauded Jack Guild, Miami pro, whose untiring efforts as host and tourney director made the PGA meet one of the most successful in recent years.

1947 May 29 mdnr "Golf Program for Juniors"

To promote golfing interest among local junior links enthusiasts, Miami Country club professional, Jack Guild, announced today the opening of a six-week summer links instruction period for children and local club members. The free lessons, beginning Saturday, May 31, will run concurrently on successive Saturdays 9:30 to 10:30 am for six weeks.

1947 June 16 mdnr "Flag Tourney"

 Wednesday's weekly women's golf play at the Miami Country club layout will be in a flag tournament with the tee-off starting at 9am.

Prize-winners in last week's low new play were Mrs. Claud Jones, Mrs. John King and Mrs. Denver Seals, while awards in the May ringer tournament went to Mrs. Gayle Pickens in Class !; Mrs. John King in Class B; and Mrs. Denver Seals in Class C.

Pairings announced for Wednesday's-flag meet are:

Mrs. Lloyd DeVoe, Mrs. S.E. Hamilton, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Denver Seals, Mrs. M.A. Connell, Mrs. F.E. Farrier, Mrs. G.W. McCollum, Mrs. M.C. Morgan, Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. Rex Graham, Mrs. Cecil Coop, Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, Mrs. Roger Pfau, Mrs. Bob Lawson, Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer.

Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Claud Jones, Miss Diana Anders, Mrs. Ted Lowry, Mrs. Nat Emery, Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. D.E. McIntire, Mrs. J.S. gammon, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, Mrs Frank Pauly, Mrs. K.C. Jeffries, Mrs. John King, Mrs. Jimmy Campbell, Mrs. L.R. Bressie, Mrs. Gayle Pickens.  

1947 June 16 mdnr "Snead Blows Short Putt"

The up-and-comer golf folks have been talking about for several years --Lew Worsham of Washington, DC--thunderously has arrived, with the National open crown perched jauntily on  a fast-thinking head. Some say it was Sam Snead's school boyish putting on the 18th green of their title playoff at St. Louis County club yesterday that gave the 29-year-old Worsham a dramatic one-stroke victory and a ticket into golfdom's big money bracket.

Lew, a newly appointed professional at Oakmont, Pa., collected $2,500 for his triumph and figures to grab some $20,000 more in testimonials and attendant rewards lured by an open titlist.

But when Sammy from Hot Springs, Va., blew a 30 1/2 inch putt for his losing 70, it was second after Worsham pulled a psychological swifty--demanding that U.S.G.A. officials measure both balls to see who had the outside lie in the payoff taps for both. 

Snead had judged he was a fraction outside of where Worsham's ball had squirted after nicking the cup in a magnificent chip shot from the rim of the green; and stepped up to address the ball.

Worsham coolly interrupted him and waved in the officials, armed with a tape measure, who took several minutes to confirm what Snead had guessed--he was a half inch outside Worsham's ball on the opposite side of the cup and had the first play. 

But the interruption obviously nettled already-harassed Snead, who was anxious to follow up his failing first putt from 15 feet, a straggly short tap that left him the fatal 30 1/2 inches shy. Like Worsham, he was anxious to get his putt in first and put the pressure on the last player. 

 

1947 June 22 mdnr  "Coleman Defends State Championship"

Defending the Oklahoma amateur golf championship he won last summer at Tulsa, George Coleman, Jr., of Miami will compete this week at Oklahoma City Twin Hills Country club in the annual state tourney.

Coleman, who has won the Miami Country club title several times, will be one of 32 golfers eligible to battle it out for the state crown. Qualifying play will be held Monday and Tuesday and the match play will begin Wednesday. By virtue of being the 1946 winner Coleman is not required to qualify. A large field is anticipated in the scramble for the 31 open places. The Miamian will go to the capital links today to participate in a pro-amateur tourney. (For the story on his winning please refer to 1946 post. This is new information 1/31/2022)

***

Ky Laffoon Into the Quarterfinals of the PGA

Lew Worsham of Pittsburgh, Pa., today was a definite threat to become the first man in a quarter-century to capture both the National open and PGA golf championships the same year. Back in 1922 as a 20-year-old, Gene Sarazen won both the open and the PGA, but he's the only one who ever turned the trick. That same Sarazen, his putter refusing to work, bowed out of the running today, ending his quest for a fourth PGA championship. 

Ky Laffoon of St. Andrews, Ill., and former Miami, Okla., golfer, put an end to Sarazen's bid. Sarazen had a three-hole edge at the end of nine, but faded over the rest of the long route as he missed five club-length putts which would have won holes. Laffoon won it, 4 and 3. Laffoon reach the third round Friday by eliminating Tony Penna, conqueror of Ben Hogan, 1 up. 

1947 

First Tournament on TV: 1947 U.S. Open

In 1947, St. Louis, Mo., television station KSD-TV broadcast the U.S. Open, played at St. Louis Country Club. But the broadcast was only within the station's local area. The tournament winner was Lew Worsham, who defeated Sam Snead in a playoff. First Televised Golf Match

 

1947 July 8 mdnr "Women's Fairways Tourney"

Common scene at MGCC

The weekly women's golf tourney at the Miami Country club Wednesday morning, will be for low score on No.'s 1, 6,and 9 holes in three divisions, Class A, B, and C.

Awards last week in low net meet were Mrs. Gayle Pickens, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, and Mrs. Gordon Anderson.

June's Ringer Tournament winners were Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. John King and Mrs. Woodrow Painter.

Tee off will be at 9am followed by a covered -dish luncheon. Pairing for Wednesday's play are as follows:

Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. Robert Schlemmer, Mrs. Clarence Carselowey.

Mrs Floyd Newton, Mrs. James Campbell and Mrs. Cecil Coop.
Mrs John King, Mrs. L.R. Bressie and Mrs. F.E. Farrier.
Mrs. Gayle Pickens, Mrs. Elbert Frye and Mrs. Nate Emery.
Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Kenneth Jeffries and Mrs. D.E. McIntire.
Mrs. Lloyd Devee, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, and Mrs. Rex Graham.
Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. MA Connell, Mrs. Claud Jones.

1947 July 14 mdnr "Women Paired in Golf Joust" 

The weekly women's golf tournament at the Miami Country club on Wednesday morning will be for low net play on nine holes in all three divisions. 

Awards last week went to Mrs Bert Wall and Mrs. Floyd Newton in Class A, Mrs Joe Thompson in Class B, and Mrs. Roger Pfau in the Class C bracket. 

1947 July 21 mdnr "Women Golfers in Tilts at Country Club"

Tee off for the weekly women's golf tournament at the Miami Country club links is set for Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock. This week's event will be for low putts play in three divisions. 

Winner of the low net meet held last week were Mrs. Nate Emery, Mrs. Jack Horner, and Mrs. Joe Thompson.  Pairings follow:

Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. Joe Thompson, and Mrs. James Campbell.

Mrs Elvert Frye, Mrs. Vernon Sapp, and Mrs F.E. Farrier.

Mrs. D.E. McIntire, Mrs. Gayle Pickens, and Mrs. Jack Horner.

Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Bob Lawson, and Mrs. Cecil Coop.

Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer, Mrs. K. C. Jeffries, and Mrs. H.F. Myers.

Mrs. L.R. Bressie, Mrs. Claud Jones, and Mrs. Gordon Anderson.

Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, and Mrs. Lloyd Devoe.

Mrs. Denver Seals, Mrs. John King, and Mrs. G.W. McCollum.

Mrs Nate Emery, Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, and Miss Diana Anders. 

**The women continue to play regular Wednesday golf through late Fall.

**The men continue to Stag Night every Tuesday nearly year round. 

1947 July 30 "personal papers"

My father, Johnie Stapp, kept only the papers that truly mattered in his life; newspaper clippings in the form of complete scrapbooks that his mother and sister made for him were among his most cherished; he managed to keep a several scrapbooks of his time in New Guinea and the Philippines; most important was his early correspondence with the PGA.

He a applied for PGA status in the late 1930's, but the war changed his plans. After the war he stayed in Santa Anita, California and became the pro at the Santa Anita Golf Course, near the racetrack. (I will write a new story about his early golf career at another time.)

Click on this link to read his story posted in Literally Letty The Pro.

1947 August 29 mdnr "300 at Traffic Club Meet--Golf Prizes Awarded"

In his address, entitled "Alone on a Honeymoon," R.Elmo Thompson, vice-president of the First National Bank of Tulsa, appealed for serious thinking on our present day economic situation at a dinner attended by more than 300 members of the Tri-State Traffic club at Miami Country club last night.  

 

Attending the session were representatives
of some of the nation's largest railroad and transportation men and shippers from the Tri-State area and other points. In the afternoon, members toured the B.F.Goodrich company's tire manufacturing plant.

 

The golf events staged through the day at Miami Country club the visiting rail men and shippers competed for a series of prizes. 

 

1947 September 2 mdnr "New Caterers at Miami Country club"

With today's announcement that Ira Frisbie and his wife, Lena, have been assigned as caterers at Miami Country club, Ted Lowry, and officer of the social and sports center, said it is no possible to take care of banquets and other activities which include the serving of food. Arrangements for meals at the club may be made by calling Mr. and Mrs. Frisbie or Lowry. 

The Frisbies for several years have operated the Sailboat Inn at Groveport. 

1947 September 7 mdnr "Pairing for Golfing Test"

A two ball mixed foursome tournament will get underway at the Miami Country club this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Any player not entered will be paired at the first tee before the start of the tournament. Pairings are as follows:

Mrs. Joe Thompson and John F. Robinson.

Mrs. H.F. Myers and Bert Wall.

Mrs. Gordan Anderson and Joe Thompson.  

Mrs. Gayle Pickens and Dr. Robert E. Baron

Mrs. Bert Wall and Bob Hill.

Mrs. E.W. McCuskey and C.F. Lewis, Jr.

Mrs. K.C. Jeffries and Carl Hilliard.

Mrs. Dick Wright and Bob Lawson.

1947  September 21 mdnr "Radio Station for Miami Sanctioned"

Barring unforeseen obstacles, Miami will have a radio broadcasting station in operation sometime next spring. Present plans call for location of the station on the mezzanine floor of hotel Miami. The transmitting tower is to be located on a hill, four miles east of the city. Work on installation of equipment is expected to begin immediately. 

Officers of the Miami Broadcasting company include: C.M. Barlett, general manager of the Miami News Record, vice-president; M.K. Hutts, secretary and treasurer.

Besides the Miami New-Record Publishing company, stock holders include George L. Coleman, Jr., and John F. Robinson, both of Miami, and Kenyon Brown and C.B. Akers, both of Oklahoma City. 

1947 October 10 mdnr "Coleman's Return Home"

Mr. and Mrs. George L. Coleman, Jr., and daughter, Ann, have returned to Miami from Pebble Beach, California, where they spent the summer. 

**George's long time friendship with Bing Crosby will continue to thrive with their home in California. George will become one of the celebrities of the "Clam Bake" Golf Tournaments, a friendly tournament begun in 1937 to help out the struggling professional tour. To learn more about this celebrity event read THE MATCH: THE DAY THE GAME OF GOLF CHANGE FOREVER by Mark Frost. It is the story of millionaire, Eddie Lowery's bet to fellow millionaire, George Coleman, that two amateurs he employed could beat any two professionals of Coleman's choice. 

1947 October 26 mdnr "Country Club Golf Tourney Planned" 

Jack Guild, pro at Miami Country club, announced Saturday that a match play tournament with handicap is scheduled to get underway at the Country club soon. All players will be bracketed in flights according to their handicaps.A meeting will be held at the Country club Monday night, to make the pairings. First round  matches will be completed by November 2. 

1947 November 9 mdnr "Stag Party

The regular monthly stag party will be held at Miami Country club at 6:30 o'clock Tuesday evening, Ted Lowry, club official, announced Saturday.

1947 November 11 mdnr "Harrison Leading Pro Swingers in Honolulu"

Dutch Harrison still was the man to beat today as some of the country's best professional and amateur golfers teed off in the final round of the $10,000 Hawaiian Open. Harrison was three strokes ahead of the pack with a 206 for 54 hole--10 strokes under par as he finished up yesterday's round of 71. 

Over the weekend Harrison paired with George L. Coleman,Jr., of Miami, Oklahoma, to capture the pro-amateur event with a scorching 63 round.

1947 November 11 mdnr "Women Set to Play Wednesday"

Last week's ladies golf tournament for low putts held at Miami Country club ended up in one big deadlock, with a tie for first in every class except one. In the championship flight, Mrs. Floyd Myers, Mrs. John King, and Mrs. Gayle Pickens ended n a three-way tie for top spot, which Mrs. Jack Horner and Mrs. Cecil Coop were deadlocked in A class. Only in B class was there a clear-cut winner, Mrs. G.W. McCullum.

Play for this Wednesday's meeting will be for low net score on No. 3 and No. 8 holes Pairings for the play, which will start at 9am are as follows:

Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Gordon Anderson, and Mrs. Gayle Pickens.

Mrs. Lloyd Newton, Mrs. Floyd Myers, and Mrs. Mutt Farrier.

Mrs. John King, Mrs. Joe Thompson, and Mrs. Nate Emery.

Mrs. Cecil Coop, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, and Mrs. Clarence Carselowey.

Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. K.C. Jeffries, and Mrs. Claud Jones.

Mrs. M.J McIntire, Mrs. Roger Pfau, and Mrs. N. Berger.

Mrs. Robert N. Lawson, Mrs. Lloyd DeVoe, and Mrs G.W. McCullum.

Mrs. L.R. Bressie, Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer, and Mrs. E.W. McCuskey. 

*It was announced that the last event for the year will be held December 9. 

1947 December 30 mdnr "Young People Enjoy Holiday Dance"

Approximately 150 young people of high school and college age enjoyed a holiday dance Saturday evening at Miami Country club for which Miss Betty Wagoner and Miss Jean and Miss Joan Newton were hostesses. The three who entertained are cousins, all granddaughters of Mrs. S.C. Fullerton

Basil Baker and his orchestra provided music for dancing. Punch was served throughout the evening. Attractive yuletide decorations trimmed the lounge and ballroom of the clubhouse.

Chaperoning the party were Mrs. John Newton and Mr and Mrs. Gene Wagoner, parents of the hostesses. Many parents and older friends dropped in during the evening to watch the dancing and to visit with students home for Christmas. 

 

* The book Miami Forever in our Hearts is available for purchase if you click on the blue link. 

** If you are interested in pictures of Miami in the 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's consider purchasing one of Ron Enderland's Hand Drawn Miami, Ok. Calendars.  2022 Historic Miami, Ok. Calendar