This is Letty Watt--Oklahoma Golf Legend Podcast

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

1969 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MGCC


1969 January 3  "Vacancy on Club Board is Filled"

Bill Hirsch was elected to fill out the unexpired term of Ray Enyart, who resigned because of conflicting duties. Officers are: George Wojcik, president; John C. Elmburg, vice president; Charles Heywood, secretary-treasurer

Wendell Gentry, former chef at the local club, resumed these duties Wednesday. He succeeds Paul Eaton, who resigned to open a cafe at the former Smokehouse location on North Main. Gentry, who was in business in Arkansas after leaving Miami, was head chef at the Tulsa Country clubs for the past two years. 

1969.2.6 "Golf Events Listed for Miami Country Club"

The 1969 golf calendar for the Miami Country club has been announced by Lou Mirjanich, tournament chairman and George Wojcik, club president.

The first round of the four-ball tournament is set for April 27. Lloyd Cowgill is chairman. Pro-am competition has been set for April 28 and will be limited to the first 50 who sign up. April 29 will be the first day of play for the Twilight League wit further rounds each Tuesday for 15 weeks. Gerald Ketcher is chairman. May 17 is the date for Miami to host the Tri-club competition. Dr. W. D. Jackson is chairman.

Parent-child competition is set for June 15, with George and Noma Newman as co-chairs. The Fall Festival will be on August 16-17 with Lou Mirjanich, Georg Romick, and John Garrett as co-chairmen. The giant club invitational will be held Sept. 5,6.7 with Bill Hirsch chairman. Club championship rounds will be held Sept. 14 to Oct. 5 under the direction of Harold Barnes, chairman. Sue Barnes is the handicap chairman. The above schedule does not include Junior Golf events.

1969 March 7 "Ladies Golf"


 Mrs. Jim Rutter, president, announced the April 2 at 9:30 a.m. will be the first four golf lessons by Johnie Stapp, club pro. Hostesses were Mrs. Robert Temple, and Mrs. Kelso Berentz. The table laid with a green net cloth, was centered with an arrangement of yellow mums.

1969 March 18 Retired Gentleman needed to work in golf shop at Miami Country club, see Mr. Stapp. 

1969 March 19 "MHS Golfers Trim Memorial"

Miami high school's golf team, coached by Jack Leake, blanked Joplin Memorial golfers 13 to 0, Tuesday afternoon at the Miami Country club as the War Dogs opened their schedule.

Charles Grayson of Miami was the medalist of the competition here Tuesday. He had a card of 37-36-72, one over men's par, to give MHS four points--one as medalist and three for his 3-0 victory over Tom Fahrig. The other members of the Miami quartet also gained 3-0 victories with these scores: Mark Cordell, 41-39-80 over Dave Woolridge; Randy James, 42-42-84 over Robby Clay; Scotty Jackson 39-47-86 over Kent Blanchard.

1969 March 30  "15 Teams Enter MHS Golf Meet"

Thirteen high schools from three states will have four-man teams here March 31 for the 11th annual Miami High school Invitational golf tournament. Jack Leake, MHS golf coach said the lineup of team contenders consists of Baxter Springs, Parsons, Independence, and Coffeyville, Kan., Memorial and Parkwood of Joplin, Edison and Rogers of Tulsa, Muskogee, Pryor, Tahlequah, Nowata, Sequoyah, Oklahoma City Marshall, and Miami. 

Last year Tulsa Hale won the four-ball trophy. The two-ball trophy went to Tulsa Hale. Fred Morgan of Rogers and Richard Maril of O.C. Harding shared the medalist honors. (Rich Maril later became the PGA pro at Ponca City Country Club.)

Three members of Miami's 1968 foursome are back. They are Charles Grayson, Mark Cordell and Randy James. Senior Jack Mann was the other member of the 1968 quartet. Others available for the Miami High team includes: Scotty Jackson, Gary Neel, and Jonya Stapp, the first girl in MHS history to be a members of the Miami team. She was the winner of her matches in MHS competition with Parkwood and Memorial teams of Joplin, 

1969 March 30  "Miami Golfers Trim Memorial"

Miami high school golfers warmed up for the invitational tournament by defeating Joplin Memorial, 17-2, Friday afternoon on the local course. All six members of Coach Jack Leake's War Dog team won their matches. 

Mark Cordell won medalist honors with an 18-hole total of 78 for a 3-0 victory of Leo Quigg. Miami gained an extra point for have the medalist. The other results: Charles Grayson 86 defeated Dave Woolridge 3-0; Randy James, 84 beat Robbie Clay 3-0; Scotty Jackson 100, defeated Tom Hutchinson 2-1; Gary Neel 108 beat Larry Stewart 3-0; Jonya Stapp 109 defeated Chris DeWelt 2-1. 

1969 April "Cordell Takes Top Honors in Six Lakes Golf"

Mark Cordell of MHS was the top individual of the Six Lakes Conference golf tournaments at the Sand Springs Country club. Cordell shot a 270hole total of 37, 38, 37=112. Other War Dog scores: Charles Grayson, 125; Randy James, 127; Scotty Jackson, 134

1969 April 6 "Ladies' Golf Notes"

Winners in Ladies Golf flag tournament were: Evelyn Hatfield, championship; LaRue Gaines, Class A; Noma Newman, Class B; Louise Whitney, Class C. Next Wednesday's play will be from the red tees. Pairings follow:

No.1 tee--9:00 Faye Berentz, Lib Lillard, Beverly Jackson; 9:07 Yvonne Temple, Evelyn Hatfield, Ruth Heyburn; 9:14 Erin Wojcik, and Hattie Wall; 9:21 Noma Newman, Marylyn Adams, Peg Murphy; 9.28 Pauline Adkinson, Louise Whitney, Wanda Doan; 9:35 Gladyce Hirsch, Helen Stapp, Sarah Mirjanich; 9:42 Gladys Wetzel, JoAnn Burgess, Vera Elmburg, Mary Lou Wickham; 9:48 Grace Painter, Dorothy Gibson, Loraine Chumley; 9:55 Norma Nunn, Sue Enyart.

No. 6 tee-9:00 Barbara Shouse, Virginia Sapp, LaRue Gains; 9:07 Helen Jones, Joyce Rutter, Sue Barnes; 9:14 LaVon Young, Mary VanBeber, Helen Moore; 9:21 Lottie Mae Russell, Liz Hansford, Maxine Jeffries, Lois Garwood; 9:28 Mary Robinson, Mavis Ford, Rose Pratt; 9:35 Virginia Romick, Dolly Humes, Jean Phillips; 9:42 Wanda Jo Brown, Clara Barton, Nancy Johnson; 9:48 Pat Parker, Delores Renegar and Grace Burns.

1969 April 30 "James and Cordell Qualify for State Golf Tournament"

Okmulgee, Miami, Pryor and Nowata had the leading teams in the regional golf tourney Tuesday at Nowata in preparation for the state high school tournament next Tuesday in Stillwater. Okmulgee won the four-ball title with a total of 603. Pryor was second with 621. Next were Miami and Nowata, 624 each, followed by Pawhuska, Tahlequah, Jenks, Tulsa Webster, Sequoyah of Tahlequah. 

Miami's two-ball qualification for the state came on scores of 72-74-146 by Randy James and Mark Cordell for a total of 294. James won the third place medalist honor on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff. 

Scores of other three members: Charles Grayson, 155; Scotty Jackson 175; Gary Neel 189. 

1969 May 6 "Southern Hill Pro and Miami Man Win Here"

A team composed of Ken Tipton, assistant pro at Tulsa's Southern Hills, and amateur Paul Funk of the Grand Lake area, a member of the Miami Country club won first in the pro-am golf competition Monday at the Miami club with a net score of 63.

Participating in the annual event were 20 pros and 49 amateurs. Most of the pros were Oklahoman s, who are members of the Eastern chapter of the South Central Section of the PGA. Three teams tied for second with 64: Johnie F. Stapp and George Myers of Miami; Ken Carter pro at Hillcrest, Bartlesville and Joe Whipple a member of the Miami club; Jim Shelton, pro from McAlester, and Scott Myers of Miami.

The low individual pro score of 71 was shared by Stapp of Miami and Carter of Hillcrest. It was the second straight year for them to tie for low gross score with a 71. 

1969 May 14  "Lead Same in Twilight Golf"

The golf team captained by Dr. W.D. Jackson again was the leader in Tuesday competition at the Miami Country club with a net of 150. The team leads the league standings with 23 points. Other members of the top foursome are Bob Temple, Bill Oliver, and George Wojcik. Tuesday's leaders in low putts were George Romick, Harry Kenreigh, Frank Hansford, and Jerry Ketcher.

Individual leaders were: low net--David Robinson, George Myers and Ketcher, 34; low putts--Ketcher, 12 and low gross--Jackson, 36. Team leaders with designation by their captains were: M. Wojcik beat D. Mailath; K. Berentz beat D. West; G. Parker beat J. Doan; Jackson beat W. Raymond; A. Nikkel beat Al White; K. Jeffries beat D. Page; D. Neel beat E. Dudgeon.

Dana Painter Meyer shared these memories: My best and most vivid memory of my youth entered at MGC&C. I started playing golf at a very young age. I remember your dad, Johnie Stapp, made a very small set of clubs for me with wooden shafts. I can remember being in the baby end of the old pool splashing around. Dad was often on the course, but I remember him popping over and clinging to the chain link fence as he would transition from the front to the back nine ( red tees to the white tees).

Soon, I was big enough to run from my house just a few blocks away to the club, where I would spend all day with my friends including Brenda Brown and Linda Wickham. It would be golf, swim, and more golf. During the day, there would be many stops at the pro shop where your Dad was always there to get our snacks. Dr. Pepper was one of our favorites and he would ALWAYS call it prune juice. After a full day of swimming, we would play more golf or hit the putting green. We learned early not to go on the green with bare feet, as your Dad would tell us our toes would curl!  Many night were spent with Linda Wickham sitting at the bottom of the stairs to the bar waiting on our parents to walk down the steps and pick us up.  I am sure this would be considered terrible now, but it was never that long and--as all young girls do--we had plenty to chat about. 

 My mother always volunteered for the Junior Golf program. I remember making seemingly endless bagged lunches for the tournaments. Early on I would help her (at least I thought I was helping) for the boys tournaments. Later I would spot ball in the creeks or score for the events. All I now is that during that time my interests went from the cookies in the lunch bags to the cut guy golfers. 

I played in the girls tournaments. I don't remember how good I was, but I do remember my older sister, Gail, was much better. We did go to state a couple of times. I remember marveling at the course elevations-and drops in elevation--on the courses compared to our beloved nine hold course.  

1969 May 29  "Pairing Announced for Holiday Event"

Memorial Day Scotch foursomes are scheduled Friday at the Miami Country club beginning at 4:30 p.m. The charge is $1 per couple, with $2.15 for the buffet from 6:30--8:30 p.m.

Pairings: No. 1 tee--George Parker-LaRue Gaines and Bill Hatfield-Millie Carter; Charles Longenbaugh-Clara Barton and Tom Barton-Barbara Shouse.  No. 2--Don Young-Rose Pratt and Jack Doan-Claire Oliver; Don Grayson-Vera Elmburg and Jack Renegar-Stormy Lewis.  No. 3--Al White-Yvonne Temple and Jim Smallwood-Erin Wojcik. George Murphy- Mary Robinson.  No. 4--Olin Moore-Dena Anders and Hank Garwood-Marji Grayson and George Romick-Hattie Wall and Bob Temple-Lib Lillard and Dick Lillard-Grace Painter.  No. 5--John Elmburg-Marian Richards and Ray Lomax-Grace Burns. Bill Wilson-Pat Parker and Jack Burns-Hattie White. No.6--Bill Dunbar-Sarah Holmes and Chuck Chumbley-Gerry Dunbar and Bill Carteer-Evelyn Hatfield and Ken Richards-Lorraine Chumbley. Woodrow Painer-Laura Cowgill and Lloyd Cowgill-Helen Jo Painter. No.7--Tom Holmes-JoAnn Smallwood and Lou Mirjanich-Pam Lomax. H.D. Robinson-Lois Garwood and Bud Gaines-Wanda Doan.  No. 8--Bill Oliver-Helen Moore and Bernie Schaff-Cora Wilson and Corbin Shouse-Delores Renegar.  No. 9 Kermit Lewis-Virginia Romick and Bert Wall-Sara Mirjanich. Cy Elmburg-Karen Harsch and Bill Harsch-Linda Elmburg. 

 


 Randy James: I played at NEO in 1969--70.  Maybe with Jack Mann and a kid named Adkinson. The best part was, Mr. Hudspeth, the Dean of Men gave me permission to live off campus with a friend, who played football for NEO. I was given free books and tuition and played golf for the team.  Funny things you remember and don't.

1969 June 17 "The Big-I Boys Invitational" 


 
1969 June 19  "Guest from Nowata Shoots Hole-in-One"

The vivid report below about one of the highlight's of Ladies Guest Day at the Miami Country club was written by one of the participants:

"When Joan Whitford of Nowata left home Wednesday morning, she didn't dream of what excitement the day would bring. The morning was gloomy--cold, and with promise of rain, and the thought of driving to Miami for the Women's guest day at the country club was less than thrilling."

"Tee-off was 9:00 am and the galaxy of gals of all ages were there to do their bit in conquering the well-known hazards of Miami Golf and Country club. The third hole, a par-three is a real challenge-through the trees and over the creek. Using her trusty five-wood she hit a sharp crisp shot--hit the pin, and wonder of all wonders--dropped in for a hole-in-one. The golfer's eternal dream of Shangri La."

"With over 100 gals in attendance, not another person even came close to such a record, but with the sun finally shining in the blue heavens, all seemed to enjoy the respite from the dreary days of the past few weeks."

1969 June 22  "Junior Golf"

Championship--Tom Cordell, low gross and low putts. Class A--Melissa Landers, low gross and low putts. Class B--Kim King and Tony Montgomery, low gross and Charles Wilmoth, Jim Arndt, and Tony Montgomery, low putts.  Girls--Dana Painter, low gross, and Karen Walters, low putts. 

Four-holes--Sandy Jackson, K Parker, Mike Hylton. Two-holes--Mary Ober and John Dick. 

1969 June 25 "Twilight Golf"

The low net score of 152 in Tuesday's Twilight league golf competition at the Miami Country club was posted by the tram consisting of G. Parker, P. Campbell, A. Williams, and Dr. McKinney. The team with the lowest putts, 60, consists of M. Wojcik, D.Barnes, Dr. Ford, and J. Ginn. 

Individual leaders were Bill Oliver, low net 33; Dr. W.D. Jackson, low gross 37 and M. Wojcik, D. Page, F. Remis and J. Hester, low putts (13 each).  The league's leading team now with 54 1/2 points, consists of Dr. Jackson, B. Temple, G. Wojcik, and B. Oliver. 

Tuesday's team results, with teams designated by their captains, follow: M. Wojcik beat D. Neel; T. Rogers beat D. Page; A. Nikkel beat Dr. Neal; W. Raymond beat E.Dudgeon; K. Jeffries beat J. Doan; A. White beat D. West; Dr. Jackson beat D. Mailath; G. Parker bet J. Mann, Jr. 

1969 June 29 "Ponca City Girl Wins Miami Golf Tourney"

Teresa Weinshilboum, 17, of Ponca City has added the championship of the Miami Junior Girls Invitational tournament to her golf honors--including the state junior girls championship in 1966 and 1967. Miss Weinshilboum carded a 43-40=83 for top honors in the 10th annual Miami Invitational Friday at the Miami Country club. This was her second appearance in the Miami meet. She finished sixth here last year, one position ahead of Miami's Jonya Stapp. Two weeks later Jonya and Teresa met in the state championship in Tulsa with Miss Stapp dethroning the two-time state champion. Jonya finished in a fourth place Friday and will defend her state title in the junior tournament July 5-11 at the Tulsa Country club. 

Diane Lukken, 17 of Tulsa Oaks club, winner of the Miami Championship the past two years, finished second this time. Suzy Wickham of Miami, whose mother--Mrs. Mary Lou Wickham served as tournament chair for the sponsoring of the Miami Ladies Golf Association--carded 47-49=96 for sixth place. Other Miami girls in A flight: Tammy Romick, 113;Nine-holes flights--Ann Cordell, 68, Dana Painter, 78, Janey Adams, 83, Jeri Dunbar, 87, Barbara Prewitt 91;  B-flight: Linda Wickham won third place  with 70; Anny Heyburn, 76, Pam Landers 77; and Debbie Austin, 83.

Personal Note: Teresa Weinshilboum (Ponca City) died in 2005 in a tragic car wreck. I thought these lines from her obituary told a beautiful story about her life and contributions to women's golf. 

 With an inviting smile, Teresa Weinshilboum began every lesson with a witty catchphrase. One of her favorites was "Tee it up and let it fly." Golf and family were Teresa's passions. A classic, classy blend of player and instructor—and loving daughter and sister—she lived up to her on-course nickname: "T-Bird."

 While a lion on the links, Teresa was always warm, gentle, and kind. These qualities, and her knowledge of the science and art of the game, made her an expert and in-demand instructor. For over 25 years, a majority of them with John Jacobs' Golf Schools in Mesa, AZ, Teresa taught both casual and seasoned golfers  Obituary

1969 July 9  "Jonya Fires Fine 82 in State Meet"

 


Oklahoma City's, Barbara Russell won the medalist honors Tuesday in the annual Oklahoma Junior Girl's golf tournament with a two-over 79. Defending champion Jonya Stapp of Miami w s runner-up with an 82. She will play Karen Edwards of Bartlesville who shot a 90. 

1969 July 11  "Jonya Stapp of Miami in State Semi-finals"

Jonya Stapp of Miami sank a 30-foot putt on the 21st hole this morning to defeat Louise Stekoll of Okmulgee and advance to the finals of the state Junior Girls Championship. 

1969 July 11  "Local Girls in Tourney"

Eight girls from Miami competed in the state Junior Golf Tournament at the Tulsa Country club this week. Defending champion, Jonya Stapp, lost to Bartlesville's Karen Edwards.
Miamian Ann Cordell won first in the nine hole B flight and Melissa Landers placed second in the nine hole A flight Gail Painter and Dana Painter also played in the nine-hole A flight competition.
Pam Landers won first in the PeeWee A flight defeating her sister, Jennifer. Suzy Wickham competed in the 18-hole A flight. 

1969 July 13 "Basolo of Muskogee Nips Oulds for Golf Title Here" 

In a sudden death playoff, John Basolo of Muskogee took championship honors Friday in the ninth annual Junior Boys Invitational Golf tournament at the Miami Country club. Basolo tied with Scott Oulds of Ponca City with a 74 before the playoff. 

Sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf Association, the tournament attracted 77 golfers from Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Other top finishers were David Jones of Columbus, Kansas, Dana DeWitt and Mike Magill of Tulsa, and Charles Grayson and Mark Cordell of Miami. 

Other Miami boys playing: President's flight--Tom Cordell; A flight--Kenny Gibson; B flight--John Mirjanich won Low Putts, Wayne Anderson, Randy Arndt, Charles Wilmoth, Mike Hylton, Jackie Brown, Tony Montgomery and John Prewitt; C flight--Roy Ober, Dan Heyburn won Low Putts,  Kevin Wadleigh, Jim Hall.

1969 July 20 "Junior Golf"

Junior golf winners Friday at the Miami Country club were: Championship--Scotty Jackson, low gross; tom Cordell, low putts; Class A--Rebecca Mirjanich, low gross and low putts, Janey Adams, low gross, Janey and Jeri Dunbar, low putts; Four-hole--Carol McKinney and John Prewitt; Two-hole--Kathleen McKinney and Jay Jackson.

 1969 July 27  "Junior Golf Results"


 Seventy-nine boys and girls took part in the summer program, with 40 trophies being awarded following a buffet luncheon. Jonya Stapp, competing for the last time in junior programs, won her tournament championship trophy by carding a 38 even par for women on the first nine-holes and 41 on the second nine for a total score of 79.

Bill Giffhorn, who will be eligible age to compete in the junior program again next season, carded a 41-47=89 to take the boys division championship. Seventy-nine boys and girls took part in the summer program, sponsored by the Ladies Golf Association. Other boys and girls winning trophies: Championship flight--Kenny Gibson, driving and runner-up; Tom Cordell and Jonya Stapp, driving; Louis Price and Suzy Wickham, putting. Class A--Rebecca Mirjanich, winner; Melissa Landers, runner-up; Ann Cordell, driving; Kathy Mountford, putting: Class B--Wayne Anderson and Linda Wickham, winners; John Mirjanich and Brenda Brown, runners-up; Tony Montgomery and Jeri Dunbar, driving; Jim Arndt and Barbara Prewitt, putting: Four-hole--John Prewitt and Pam Landers, winners; Mike Hylton and Sandy Jackson, runners-up; Chris Atkinson and Chandy Garrett, driving; Roy Ober and Sonya Austin, putting:  Two-hole--Bobby Garwood and Jenny Landers, winners; John Dick and Debbie Jackson, runners-up; Billy Jackson and Kathleen McKinney, driving; Brent Landers and Mary Ober, putting. 

Co-chairmen of the tournament were Mrs. Lou Mirjanich and Mrs. Wayman Jackson.

1969 August 5 "Jonya Stapp Among Best Shooters in National Golf"

Jonya Stapp, 17, of Miami was among the leading scorers Monday in the opening round of the National Junior Girls golf tournament in Dallas. Miss Stapp, whose father is the golf pro at Miami Country club, carded a 79 on her 18-hole round, just two strokes behind the best score of 77, shared by Nancy Hager of Dallas, Martha Jones of Decatur, Alabama, and Hollis Stacy of Savannah, Georgia. All have won top honors in their respective states. 

 1969 August 17 "Jonya Stapp in Western Meet"

Jonya Stapp, 17, who won Oklahoma's Junior Girls Golf Championship a year ago, will compete in the 43rd annual Western Junior Girls tournament that opens Monday with qualifying rounds on the Woodland Country club course in Carmel, Indiana. 

Miss Stapp, who will be a senior this year in Miami High School, was accompanied to Carmel by her mother, Mrs. Johnie F. Stapp. 

The defending champion of the Western tournament is Mary Jan Fassinger of Pennsylvania, who was a runner-up in the recent National Girls Junior Championship at Dallas. Miss Stapp was among top 32 from the field of more than 140 girls.  

Scores in qualifying rounds at Carmel will determine assignments to flight for match play that will continue through Friday. 

Personal note: In 1969 I lived in Killeen, Texas with my husband Don Rains. Jonya came to visit each summer and winter. In between we wrote letters to each other. This letter came after she failed to qualify at the Western. She wrote in the heart--Indiana was so wonderful, everyone was pulling for me. I wish I could have won. It would have been fabulous. I don't know if I'll ever have a chance again to be a favorite to win like I did in Indiana. 

The bottom left heart reads: I got to be pretty good friends with Nancy Hager. She is the cutest thing on earth. 

The bottom right heart reads: I sprang my ankle the night before we qualified. I was so mad at myself. It was really hard to walk and qualify. It still hurts. 

 

1969 September 7  "Golf Champion"

1969 September 5 "Record Field of 164 for Miami Invitational"

Can Tommy Beck of Tulsa match the record achieved by Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill, who has won the championship invitational three times? Will Pipes add a fourth trophy to his Miami Championship string? Or will some other golfer from the all-time record field of 164 for the 14 annual meet that opens here Saturday take the 1969 crown?

Many golfers from a wide area were on the Miami course today for a practice round. Their 18-hole qualifying scores Saturday will determine assignments to six flights.

1969 September 8  "Collins of Springdale Takes Miami Golf Championship"

Dwight Collins, a clothing merchant in Springdale, Ark., won the Miami Golf Invitational defeating champion, Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill. on the fourth hole of a sudden death playoff Sunday afternoon. The men tied at 148 for 36 holes. Collins, formerly of Okemah, Okla., was a shortstop on the University of Oklahoma baseball team in the mid-1940's and never played golf until leaving the university. He now has been the champion at Springdale a number of times. 

Charles Strahan, a senior at Kansas State college, was a stroke behind the top tow with a 147 for third place.In a three-way tie for fourth place here Sunday were former Miamian, Bob Hill, Jr., of Parsons, Kans., 148, Chi Galloway and Bob Klein of Miami each with a 148. Next in championship flight were Dick Neel, 150; Bill Harsch, 153; Dr. W.D. Jackson, 153; Bob Snook, 153; Lloyd Tate, 156; Kent Jeffries, 158; Woody Painter, Jr., 162.

Other Miamians playing: President's flight--2nd place John Robinson, Jr., 159; John Robinson, Sr., 161; Tom Cordell, 163; Tom Forbes, 163, Jack Doan, 163; Dick Lowry, 165; Joe Whipple, 166, Corbin Shouse, 169, Mark Wojcik, 177.

First Flight: 1st place, Steve Conatser, Bartlesville with a 164; Dr. W.D. Neal, 165; Dick Lillard, 168; Delmer Barnes, 169; Ed Dudgeon, 179; Bud May, 172; Maj. Gen. George G. Russell, Jr., Ft. Sill, 175; Bill Hirsch, 177; Scott Myers, 180.

Because of a late start the remaining flights only played 9 holes Sunday for a 27-hole round. Second Flight: 1st, Al White, Woodrow Painter, George Wojcik, Lou Mirjanich, David Robinson, John Elmburg, Bill Hatfield, Dr. R.R. McKinney.  Third Flight--1st, Jerry Blevins, Rex Painter, Dr. Harry Ford, Henry Garwood, Dan Mailath, John Garrett, George Romick, Jim Rutter, K.C. Jeffries. Fourth flight--John Burford, Bill Oliver, Bob Garwood, Jack Brown, H.D. Robinson, Dail West,

1969 September 21 "Best in Tournament"



 1969 October 19  "Jonya Rated No. 16 Among U.S. Junior Girl Golfers"

Jonya Stapp of Miami is ranked No. 16 among the nation's junior girl golfers by "Golf-USA," a national magazine for country clubs, amateur golfers and club professionals. Jonya, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnie F. Stapp, 209 H northeast.

The  cover page of the October issue features a picture of Janey Fassinger of New Wilmington, Pa., acclaimed the nation's No. 1 junior girl golfer Next in order of the magazine's ratings were Nancy Hager, Dallas; Hollis Stacy, Savannah, Ga.; Martha Jett, Little Rock; Martha Jones, Alabama; Suzanne Jackson, Georgia; Jane Renner, California; Sandra Baker, Ohio; Sue Dougherty, Washington; Paula Eger, Missouri; Debbie Grove, California; Teresa Weinshilboum, Ponca City (who regained the Oklahoma title last summer after losing to Jonya in the 1968 championship match); Debbie Skinner, California; Cindy Barnard, Missouri; Mary Budke, Oregon; Susie Long, Texas; Jonya Stapp; Laura Baugh, California. Diane Lukken of Tulsa, former champion of Miami Junior girls tournament, received honorable mention. 

1969 November 30  "Jaynes To Observe Anniversary at Tea"

 Miami Jaycee Jaynes will look fondly back at past achievements and look enthusiastically at the future as they observe their 20th anniversary at a tea on Sunday, December 7. A special invitation is extended to all local past presidents,state presidents, and vice-presidents to the tea set for 3:00-5:00 pm at the Miami Country club. 

Trophies will be on display as well as scrapbooks and dresses of the 1950 period, the organization date. Ottawa County's new Junior Miss, talented Debbie Ginn, and two runners-up, Debbie Hudspeth and Starr Erwin, will appear on the program. 

Mrs. L.J. Bamberl, Jr. is current Jayne president. Lois Weston (KI 2-6291) and Jud Trenery (KI 2-6848) will take reservations. 


Ottawa County Sports Heroes 


 

 




 

Monday, October 16, 2023

1960's--1975 Memories by Scotty Jackson, Son of Doc and Norma Lou Jackson

 I have done my best to give tribute to all of you who have share your stories with me and the world. As readers can imagine, some stories are too colorful to share. Perhaps those, never to be printed stories, we can share in person July 26, 27 of 2024 at the Dobson Museum in Miami, Oklahoma.

Dickie Neel, Johnie Stapp, Norma Lou and Doc Jackson at a men's invitational in the early 1970's.

As I read over the notes I took when Scott was living, I realized that he needed his own page. I only wish I had more to share of the time and energy his mother put into every men's invitational tournament.  The credit went to Doc but the work, the organizing, the phone calls, the letters sent were done by Norma Lou and I am confident her team of women friends from the club. 

Scotty Jackson's memories from a story sharing afternoon in 2012 in Norman, Ok. Scott, son of Doc and Norma Lou Jackson, died in 2013.

My most vivid memory is of the mole/gophers killings by Fred and Johnie. The boys all watched. We followed Johnie and Fred all over the golf course, watching as they shot the moles with his 410 rifle.  Those two men had fun and we wanted to be a part of it.

Mark Wojcik had a wedge shot into #4 green. He carried the trap and the ball dropped into a mole hole. Mark was so made that he dug a hole with his wedge, between the trap and the green. Johnie was furious. 

Johnie Stapp carried a lot of clout with the kids and our parents. He treated us like his own and scolded us more often than you and Jonya put together. Of course, we may have deserved

My friends, Mark Cordell, Richard Varley, Tom Cordell, and Charlie Grayson. We played lots of golf together.

Personal photo: MHS 1968 golfers Richard Neel, Mark Cordell, Charles Grayson, Randy James and Scotty Jackson.
 

(Adult read only!) Dad’s best friends were from Springfield, Missouri. The Whipple's and Chi Galloway, who married Earlene Gaines DeArman, finally joined the club even though they lived in Springfield. They called Earlene, Spooky, but I don’t know why. In Miami Chi and Spooky joined up with the Brown’s, Wanda Jo and Jack to play golf.  Whipple joined up with my folks to play golf. They all drank too much.  Chi would drink a 5th of Whiskey between Springfield and Miami.

One time I (Scotty)  caddied for Doc at the Joplin Invitational at Twin Hills along with Chi Galloway. They stopped in Commerce for a 6-pack of beer and drank it before they teed off.   Dad and I were changing shoes in the car at Twin Hills. We pulled out two sets of clubs, Docs and Chi’s. Chi then goes into the clubhouse and returns carry a new golf bag. He promptly filled the round leather golf bag with ice and beer. Then played in the tournament. He ran out of beer on the backside. The caddy for Chi was carrying two bags, the clubs and the beer. When Chi ran out of beer he sent the caddy with the beer bag to the clubhouse to refill. Chi carried his own bag for several holes until the caddy returned. Chi always had a cigarette in his mouth or hand. He smoked with tar nicotine filter on a long stick. 

My parents and their friends all liked to party, go to dances and have dinner and drinks at the club. They were great ballroom dancers and especially like to sing dance and perform the jitterbug.  They also hosted an annual New Year's Eve party at our house. My mother was known far and wide for her love of entertaining and her cooking. 

However, she did have one favorite recipe that she prepared especially for the New Year's day "Ice Cream Social" at our house. There are many wild tales that I could share about those parties, but they are not for print (not that anyone remembers those days!) 

**My thanks to Scotty Jackson's wife, Leah Jackson, for finding this delicious and highly intoxicating Ice Cream Social punch. She shared that it could be found in the "Eve's Apples" cookbook published by the Presbyterian Women's in 1975 with the cover painted by Charles Banks Wilson. ***

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

1 c. cold coffee

1 c. bourbon (Leah insisted that they poured the entire quart bottle into the punch)

1 p. vanilla ice cream

sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon

Mix and serve in punch cups. Increase ingredients in proportion, as needed. Use blender to mix or stir, but be sure to blend thoroughly.

Dr. W.D. Jackson and Co.  (This is how wives often referred to themselves in the 1950's and 1960's. The creator is definitely Norma Lou Jackson, and this recipe is representative of the times and social occasions of ladies and gentlemen. My generation chose to drink "Purple Passions" for a real knockout and use our given names or the initials "Ms." Each generation distinguishes itself from their parents.)

PRO FROM MIAMI-- KY LAFFOON:  Ky Laffoon's Golf Swing

One time at the country club Ky Laffoon, professional golfer from Miami, duck hooked a tee shot off the #4 into the brush (perhaps over the fence and into Fullerton's pasture). He sat the golf bag down in search of his one lost ball, and misplaced the golf bag in the trees and brush. My dad told this story.  I was very little and this story has been told and retold.

Ky Laffoon's Last Stand  This is a song written about Ky and his golf game.

Jim Conatser, a Judge from Bartlesville, was a former baseball player whose golf swing was very much like his baseball swing.  He always hit the ball way too hard. One time, when I was caddying for dad, we watched Conatser decide to fly a ball over the water on hole # 9 (This may have been at Shangri-La on the original layout?)  The pond was full and overflowing with water because of the recent rains. Giving no regard to the course conditions, Jim hit his first ball into the water, then his second ball into the water. Next, he threw a temper tantrum and one by one threw his clubs into the water. As dad and I watched, he continued until he threw his bag into the water. Then he turned to the caddy and said “Well, go get the bag.”   The caddy walked off to the clubhouse and did not return. 

**Personal note:  Scotty referred to Steve Owens, Mickey Mantle and the golf tournaments/fundraisers they hosted at Shangri-La in the early 1970's, but he did not share any stories. I thought this a prime opportunity to share one of my stories.

 Playing in the Mantle/Owens fundraiser was a real treat for me in 1974. I played with three other women, who I did not know previously. They were great golfers and consequently, instead of drinking a lot the four of us set out to play our best
golf. On one long hole at Shangri-La my approach to the green was left of where I should have been, but not in the other fairway. As I took the club back, I collapsed to my knees, followed by my head hitting the ground. For a moment, I did not realize what had happened. Before I could stand the man who hit me and his teammates were at my side lifting me upward.

 

As it turned out, George Foster, who owned a liquor store in Miami, hit me with a drive that landed once and picked up speed and spin hitting me in the right butt cheek. I was wearing jeans with a round leather label "Turtle Bax" placed squarely on my derriere. The golf ball hit that label smearing my tiny turtles. George was beside himself with fear of the fury of my father. After he and his teammates quit apologizing, he said, "Tell your dad that his liquor at the store is free from now on."  I recovered but hurt miserably.  When I reached a warm locker room the ladies checked by bruise and much to our surprise the leather did not save me from receiving a dimple marked bruise, like the ball's dimples. That bruise lasted for over a month, and yes, I did tell my parents in hopes that they would laugh at the outcome. Now you ask, did my father receive free liquor? I know I never did, but perhaps so. 

The car built by Mad Man Muntz and sold to Johnie Stapp by Lou Newell.


MUNTZ:  Doc and Johnie drove to Southern Hills to play. This had to be in the 50’s because Doc always bragged about it and the story got better with time. After they played and drank enough to be blind drunk it began to rain in Tulsa. The Muntz convertible top was hanging in the garage in Miami, so they drove Route 66 in the rain as fast as they could with the top down so they didn’t get wet. 

Your dad (Johnie Stapp) built two cars if I remember correctly. The one with the fiber glass body called Buttercup and then later one made for you (Letty).  Dad bought Buttercup when I was a little baby and drove it home. It never did have a top, did it? (No, dad built that car in the garage and framed it in fiber glass, our house smelled like fiber glass all winter long.)

Carole Lea Searle,Jonya Stapp, and neighbor boy.This is the same car that I drove on the streets of Miami from our house on H st. Northeast to the club, until the police officer told my mother how dangerous it was, not to mention illegal. From then on we took turns driving all over the wide sidewalks at NEO. 


 

The other car was the one that you and Jonya drove. It was low to the ground and made for children.  After Jonya out grew it, Doc bought it from your dad. I drove it all around the Bay street area and the college.  It was lots of fun. 

 

Tommy Jackson, their neighbor Speer, Scotty Jackson

***A brief note on the Presbyterian Women's Cookbook "Eve's Apples." 

The cover was created especially for "Eve's Apples" by our own Charles Banks Wilson, whose works continue to bring national acclaim. We gratefully acknowledge the significant contributions of this great artist who was not only reared in this church, but who, along with his family, has contributed immeasurably to its progress and well being during most of its existence.  The title for this cookbook was suggested by his wife, Edna.  

 

The Weather-vane

It is particularly fitting that the artist should have selected for the center of interest the 126 year old weather-vane from the Claude Williams' family home. The Williams, one of the church's earliest families, brought the vane from Shawnee Mission, Kansas. It is now on of the treasured objects in the Ottawa County Historical Society Museum at Miami, Oklahoma   Pub. by Frontier Printing Co., Ron Forkum, Miami, Oklahoma. 1975

Introductory Poem by Miami Doc

 A book about cooking is not with danger,

For every new dish is an untried stranger.

These Miami recipes gathered with care

Will give you the best of our prandial fare. 

And if one of these is especially delicious

Call up the dear lady and give her best wishes.