1954 TIMELINE AND STORIES

 

1954

By Letty Stapp Watt

54.4.4 mdnr "New Pro for Country Club"

Johnie Stapp, former golf pro at the Independence, Kansas Country club, has taken over like duties at the Miami club. He succeeds Ed Miller, who accepted a position at a new course in Tulsa.

The 42-year-old pro played circuit golf three years before entering the Army in 1940 as an enlisted man. Stapp began his career as a pro at the Santa Anita Golf course in Arcadia, California in 1946 after his discharge as a Captain in the Ordinance Department. He moved from there to Independence in 1949.  

Stapp and his wife, Helen, call Wichita their home town. The couple has two daughters, Letty age 6 and Jonya Lee age 2. 

Plans for golf clinics are in the making. Stapp will start tutoring the beginners of the Miami Women's Golfing association at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning before the ladies leave for their rounds on the greens later in the day.

The clinic for members of the entire country club is being scheduled in conjunction with a evening dinner. Basic fundamentals will be the main phase of teaching.  

Stapp will show color films of today's top ranking golfer, including Sam Snead and Ben Hogan, and also many newcomers to the professional circuit.

*Note: Many of these films were created by my father, Johnie Stapp, and others he purchased. Over the years prior to coming to Miami and through his early years in Miami, he took 16 mm movies of many professional golfers. These movies he then used as teaching tools. He also took a series of swing photographs of many of the pros, men and women. Sadly, in the early 60's when he sent in photos to be developed the negatives and photos were never returned.) 

A story my father told me before we moved from Independence: From 1950-1954 when we moved to Miami I grew up outside at the Independence County club. I was only three to five years old. I played with the caddies, who were both black and white young boys, the man who ran the bowling alley, next to our house on the golf course was named Alex. He became my caretaker, and when I went to a nursery school he drove me there and back, often times. Alex as black and I loved that man. The maids who cleaned and cared for the grand clubhouse across from our square framed home were all black. Inez, who often babysat me played in the high school band and became a majorette. We were all family. 

Dad made a trip to Miami to play golf. When he returned he told us the story that Miami did not allow black people to stay after sunset. He and his caddie had played in the tournament and then needed to drive back to Independence that evening. Dad stopped at Otto's Diner on the 300 block of North Main on the West side just south of the NEO rail lined. He explained that our caddy had to stay in the car and could not eat with him, so dad bought the food and they ate together outside. The cook/owner apologized to dad. Later, that cook/owner went to work as the cook at the country club. 

I was greatly disturbed to know how my friend was treated and never forgot dad's story. We often ate at that diner after we moved to town.

54.4.12 mdnr "Snead, Hogan in Playoff Today for Masters Title"

Ben Hogan and Sam Snead, called the "two greatest golfers in the world" by grand slam king Bob Jones, met today in an 18-hole playoff for the 1954 Masters Championship.

The little man from Texas and the long ball hitter from West Virginia and 298 totals. That is 1 over par for the exacting 6,800 yard Augusta National course, and the highest score ever to earn first place in this prestige-packed tourney's 20 year history.   

The winner will join Jimmy Demaret as the three-time Master's champion. A victory for Hogan would make him the only man ever to win two Masters in succession. 

54.4.12 mdnr "Stag Party"

A regular stag night affair will be held at the Miami Country club at 6:30 o'clock Tuesday evening instead of tonight as previously announced by the club spokesman. All members are invited. 

54.4.19 mdnr "Mickey Mantle"

 54.4.25 mdnr "Bridge Luncheon"

The ladies division of the Miami Country club held a month meeting on Thursday at a 1 o'clock luncheon.

The tables were artistically arranged with bowls of spring flowers. Hostesses for the day were Mrs. Charles Stansell, chairman; Mrs. Joseph B. Elizondo, Mrs. M.C. Bagby, and Mrs. W. Brown Stansell.

Bridge prizes for the afternoon were won by Mrs. Bert Wall and Mrs. John Stapp. Mrs. Claud Jones won the canasta prize.   

Attending the luncheon and bridge were the following members:

Mrs. Lee Adkinson, Mrs. Ed Badger, Mrs. Bagby, Mrs. Cobban, Mrs. MA Connell, Mrs. Orville Dahl, Mrs. Spencer Dawson, Mrs. Elizondo, Mrs. F.G. Ernst, Mrs. Robert Haffner, Mrs. Monte Hall, Mrs. L.P.Hetherington, Mrs. Wayman Jackson, Mrs. Elmer Jarrett, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Kenneth Kimmel, Mrs. Bill Lacaff, Mrs. C.W. Letcher, Mrs. Ray McNaughton, Miss Patty McNaughton, Mrs. George Murphy, Mrs. Frank Nesbitt, Mrs. Clarence Niday Mrs. Neil Norton, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Phillip Peacock, Mrs. Irving Propper, Mrs. Joe Ramsay, Mrs. O.A. Rockwell, Mrs. George Russell, Mrs. Richard Russell, Mrs. Vernon Sapp, Mrs. John Schofield, Mrs. T.H. Smith, Mrs. Charles Stansell, Mrs. Brown Stansell, Mrs. John Stapp, Mrs. Robert Temple, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. D.G. Watters, Mrs. L.A. Wetzel, Mrs. Richard Wright and Mrs. William Wright.

 

54.5.6 mdnr "Hole in One"

Vernon Sapp's clubs 

Vernon Sapp, Miami Insurance man, accomplished Tuesday afternoon what every golfer dreams of. He sank a hole-in-one while carding a fine 38 at the Miami Country club.

Johnie Stapp, club professional reported Sapp teed off on the 151-yard No. 3 hole, his ball dropping into the cup without as much as a single bounce on the green. The ace with a No. 4 iron, even caused slight damage to the cup, Stapp revealed. 

Stapp was playing in the foursome which also included Jack Myers, Dr. Robert Baron, and Phillip Peacock.  

54.5.20 mdnr "Ladies Golf Notes"

Second-round pairing at the Miami Country club, with matches being played today through Saturday, include:

Championship

Mrs. Jack Horner vs Mrs. Elmer Jarrett, Mrs. Claud Jones vs Mrs. Sam Fullerton, Mrs. Bert Wall vs Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Tom Smith vs Mrs. Robert Temple.

President's Flight

Mrs. Floyd Newton vs Mrs. Frank Lacaff, Mrs. Vernon Sapp vs. Mrs. Joe Ramsey, Mrs. J.H. Organ vs Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. Spencer Dawson vs Mrs. Walter Patterson, Jr. 

Class A

Mrs. Orville Dahl vs Mrs. Charles Harvey, Mrs. Richard Wright vs. Mrs. Bill Oliver,

Class B

Mrs. Rex Painter vs Mrs. W.D. Jackson, Mrs. Ed Badger vs Mrs. George Murphy.

Class C

Mrs. George Kroupa vs Mrs. O.R. Westfall, Mrs. John Reese vs Mrs. Lee Adkinson.

54.5.21 mdnr "Civic Center"

 

*Note: One of my favorite memories over is the years is how happy my mother was to be living in a community with an active stage, music, and dance interest. The Junior College put on plays and brought in very famous musicians in those years like Ruth Slenczynska, and Ferrante and Teicher. Mother often wrote letters to her Wichita friends bragging on the plays and musical she had enjoyed in this small town.

54.5.21 mdnr   "Teenagers Dance"

A dance was enjoyed Saturday evening by the teenagers group of the Miami Country club from 7:30 to 10:30 o'clock. Sue Lowry, David Robinson, Linda Peters and Frank Letcher were winners in the prize dance. Refreshments were served to the young people. 

 54.5.23 mdnr  "Ladies Golf Notes"

Championship honors in "blind holes" play went to Mrs. J.R. Organ while Mrs. Woodrow Painter and Mrs. John Reese tie for class A honors. Mrs. Rex Painter and Mrs. Glen McCollum tied for the class B flight while Mrs. Orville Dahl won the class C flight at  the Miami Country club last week. The Miami Women's Golfing association will play for low gross next Wednesday. 

HIGHLIGHT: Tournament rounds will be fixed during the first of the week. The tournament highlight is the match between Mrs. Bert Wall and Mrs. Woodrow Painter. After being tied at the end of the scheduled 18 holes the played a nine-hole play off only to be deadlocked again. A second play-off over nine holes was played. But still another play-off is scheduled since the two remained tied after 36 holes. 

54.2.27 MDNR  "Golf Tournament for Ladies Monday"

All lady golfers are invited to play in a holiday "flag tournament" next Monday at Miami Country club. Entries must register before then at the club. A spokesman announced women may make their own pairings or wait to be paired at the tee.

54.5.30 mdnr  "Mantle is Rated with Ruth"

Bill Dickey, a fellow who played with and against some great sluggers, rates Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees with the best of the long-ball hitters.

The ex-Yankee catcher, now a coach with the world champions, says, "Mantle has more talent than any man I've ever seen. As a slugger, from either side, he rates with Ruth, Foxx, Gehrig, Greenberg, Williams, and DiMaggio. 

The switch-hitting Mantle boosting his average in .286 this past week, is "still two or three years away," says Dickey, Mantle has hit seven home runs this spring. 

54.5.30 mdnr "Golfers Reminded to Post Scores"

Members of the Miami Country club who are competing in the 54-hole club handicap play for the president's cup must turn in their scores by Monday evening, pro Johnie Stapp said Saturday. 

1954

NBC first began televising golf events after it was awarded the television rights to the U.S. Open in 1954. The tournament continued to air on NBC through the 1965 event.

54.6.2 mdnr "Winners Named in Women's Fairways Tournament"

Mrs. J.R. Organ took top honors in the ladies Memorial Day flag tournament, followed by Mrs. Woodrow Painter and Mrs. Jack Horner, in second and third place, respectively. 

Mrs. Jack Horner and Mrs. Robert Temple are the finalists in the Miami Country club ladies handicap tourney. They will pair up for the championship some time next week.

At least 27 entries have already been received for the Scotch foursome to be played Sunday on the country club course. Deadline for entries, which are made at the pro shop, is noon Friday. Pairings for the entries received later will be made at the tee box.

A driving and putting contest will also be held Sunday. Johnie Stapp, club pro, will hold a golf clinic and show pictures of the Columbus and Kansas City Open. All club members are invited for the day's activities. 

54.6.7 mdnr  "Mrs. Painter and Stapp Winners of Country Club Event"

Mrs. Woodrow Painter and Johnie Stapp paced the field of 68 Scotch foursome entries to card the lowest gross score Sunday at Miami Country club. They were followed closely by Mrs. Floyd Newton, and Dr. W..D. Jackson. Third low gross placed ended in a tie between Mrs. Claud Jones and George Beck with Mrs. J.R. Organ and Vernon Sapp. 

First place for low net ended in a tie between Mrs. Earl Gaines, Jr., and J.R. Organ and Mrs. Corbin Shouse and John Stansell. Third place low net went to Miss Dena Anders and Woodrow Painter. 

In the putting contest, first place went to Mrs. J.R. Organ and Vernon Sapp. Second place ended in a tie between Miss Joan Taylor and Sam Fullerton and Mrs. Richard Wright and Robert Temple.

First place in ladies driving contest went to Mrs. Joe Ramsey, second to Mrs. Hance VanBeber, and third to Mrs. Walter Patterson, Jr. 

In the men's driving contest Johnie Stapp was first, Jack Myers second, and Rex Painter, third. 

 54.6.8 mdnr "Myers Receives Trophy Tonight"

Jack Myers has won the President's cup tournament at the Miami Country club, finishing 10 strokes under par for the 54-hole event. Myers, one of the district's finest golfers, will receive his trophy this evening at a Stag event at the club. Awards will be presented to other top-ranking participants in the tourney. 

Glenn Scott and G.R. White tied for second place in the tourney with Rex Painter close behind in third. Denver Seals and Harry Dean share fourth place honors. Fifth prizes will go to Jack Horner. 

Johnie Stapp, club pro said that more tournaments are being planned. Match lay for the club championship with classes A,B,C, and D will be held in July. The club handicap will be scheduled sometime in the fall. Additionally, club pros of the Oklahoma PGA section will gather at the club on September 13 for a pro-amateur tournament.

54.6.13 mdnr  "19 Are Entered in Junior Event at Country Club"

Nineteen boys will tee off at the Miami Country club Monday in the annual junior golf tournament, a 36-hole medal affair sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Walter Williams, Jr., tourney chairman, said Saturday the following youths have entered:

Larry Parker, Frank Childers, Dick Lowry, Robert Hill, Dickie Neal, Charles Beck, Pat Temple, Jack Horner,Jr., Bill Bowers, Nelson Shouse, James Emery, Cogie Cowgill, Richard Beck, Roger McCullum, Hooty Gibson, Richard Wright, III, Phillip Fontaine, George Walbert, and Al Rogers. 

Monday morning's opening 18-hole session will start at 9 o'clock. Tuesday's windup action will begin an hour later, at 10 o'clock according to Johnie Stapp, club professional.

The four low scorers will compete in a regional tourney at Bartlesville next month. Driving and putting contests is planned for Tuesday afternoon. An awards buffet dinner will be held at the club that evening.

Williams said merchandise prizes have been made available by the Hub Clothing Co., Millner-Berkey, B&K clothiers, the J.C.Penney store, and Williams Packing Co. 

54.6.16 mdnr  "Nelson Shouse is Winner"

Nelson Shouse emerged as the winner of the Jaycee Junior Golf tournament Tuesday at the Miami Country club and received a trophy during a dinner program last night.  

Shooting a 36-hole total of 177, Shouse beat his nearest opponent, Bill Bowers, by 19 strokes. Those two, Richard Beck and Dick Lowry will represent Miami in a regional junior met at Bartlesville on July 13 and 14.

Shouse shot rounds of 42-43-46-46. Bowers used 194 strokes, Beck 195 and Lowry 196. Dickie Neel, at 10 the youngest of 13 golfers who finished the tourney wound up fifth with 212. 

The top four finishers were presented awards by Johnie Stapp, club professional. The prizes were sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce and local merchants.

Bowers won the putting contest and Lowry finished first in the driving competition. Other scorers: Cogie Cowgill, 214; Robert Hill, 216; Jack Horner, 218; Frank Childers, 221; Charles Beck, 234; Pat Temple, 246; Roger McCollum, 250; Richard Wright, 278.

54.6.16 mdnr "Widen's Club Service"

William George, who is operating the food concession at the Miami Country club, said today he is prepared to serve meals to the club members every night from 6 o'clock until midnight. George said he would appreciate having reservations made with him before members appear for their dinners.  

54.6.27 mdnr "Country Club Scene of Bridge Luncheon"

The ladies division of the Miami Country club met Thursday for a luncheon at the clubhouse. The hostesses were Mrs. Walter Dumas, chairman; Mrs. Ray McNaughton, Mrs. Tom Bomford, and Mrs. O.A. Rockwell.  The luncheon tables were artistically arranged with bowls of gladioli and foliage.

Bridge prizes for the afternoon were won by Mrs. George Foster and Mrs. George Murphy. The canasta prize was won by Mrs. Claud Jones. Attending were the following members:  Mrs. Spencer Dawson, Mrs. Dumas, Mrs. F.G. Ernst, Mrs. J.B Elizondo, Mrs. George Foster, Mrs. R.O. Gibson, Mrs. Robert Haffner, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. C.W. Letcher, Mrs. Ted Lowry, Mrs. G.W. McCollum, Miss Patty McNaughton, Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. Neil Norton, Mrs J.R. Organ, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Gib Reynolds, Mrs. George Russell, Mrs. Richard Russell, Mrs. Vernon Sapp, Mrs. Bernard Schaff, Mrs. Robert Temple, Mrs. John Schofield, Mrs.L.A. Wetzel, Mrs. Hance VanBeber, Mrs. Marion Zajic. 

54.7.   mdnr   "Local Golf Tournament"

Qualifying rounds of the annual men's golf tournament at the Miami Country club were completed Sunday and 63 players are paired for the first-round matches. John Robinson copped medalist honors with a 75, four strokes under his nearest competitor, Kenneth Childress, with a 79.  First round matches must be completed before July 19, club spokesman Woodrow Painter, said this morning. 

Championship: John Robinson, 75 vs Lloyd Shafer, 82; Walter Williams, 81, vs, Glenn Scott, 83; Sam Fullerton, 80, vs Bob Temple, 82; Jim Moore, 81, vs R.C. Gibson, 84; Kenneth Childress, 79 vs Ted Lowry, 82; Dr. W.D. Jackson, 81, vs Rex Painter, 81; Kenneth Richards, 80 vs. G.R. White, 83; Jack Myers, 81, vs Vernon Sapp 84.

Flight A: Joe Thompson, 85 vs Jack Buzzard, 86; Rodney DeVilliers, 86 vs Harry Dean, 89; C.J. Carselowey, 85 vs Noel Wyatt, 88; W.C. Bullock 86 vs. Hugh Wright 91; Woodrow Painter 85, vs Dr. Robert Baron, 87; George Beck, 86 vs Dick Wright, 89; Dick Neel, 89 vs Bert Wall, 88; Orville Dahl, 89 vs John Burford.

Flight B: Dr. H.C. Ford, 93 vs Paul Wilson, 96; Marion Zajic, 95 vs Spencer Dawson 95; Bill Stout, 94 vs Jack Horner, 97; Frank LaCaff, 96 vs Bob Hill, 100; Tom Bomford, 94 vs J.r. Organ 96; H. Remis, 95 vs Al Spaulding 99; Joe Ramsey, 94 vs. George Russell 98; Walter Patterson, 96, vs Tom Smith, 100. 

Flight C: Hank Garwood, 101, vs Irving Propper, 108; Jack Brown, 105, vs Bill Spaethe, 114; Earl Fisher, 101, vs. Robert Nunn, 111; Ed Badger, 106 vs Ed Spearling, 121; K.C. Jeffries 101, vs Dr. L..P. Hetherington; John Reese, 105, vs George Murphy, 118; Jack Schofield 103 vs Bob Garwood, 112.

54.7.6  "Bill Watkins is Hired Here"

Bill Watkins, former backfield star at Northeastern A&M college, has been employed to fill out Miami High School's athletic staff for 1954-55 school year. After leaving NEO, Watkins attended the University of Denver where he played football under Bob Seymour, former University of Oklahoma and Washington Redskin star from Commerce. Seymour at the time was backfield coach at the Colorado school. 

A three-year service veteran, Watkins last year was assistant football coach at Pryor. He is married and has two children. Hiring Watkins completes Miami's athletic staff which also includes head coach John Lingo and assistants Delbert and Gene Wolf. 

**Note: Mr. and Mrs. Watkins were my teachers going through MHS. I greatly admired them both, especially his wife, our science teacher. Our history opens my eyes to the lives of people who made a difference in my life and the lives of many other young peoples.

54.7.6 mdnr "Holiday Winner at Country Club"

Monday's holiday golf festival at the Miami Country club saw 140 entries competing in two tournaments.

Following two-ball and four-ball tournaments, 400 members and their families were served a buffet dinner, preceding a giant fireworks display.

Winners of the Two-ball tourney--Low Net: Mr. and Mrs. G.R. White, first; Dr. and Mrs. W.D. Jackson, second; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Garwood, third; 

Low Gross winners: George Beck and Billy Ann Green, first; Mr. and Mrs. Bert Wall, second; Mr. and Mrs. Claud Jones, third.

Winners of the Four-ball tourney--Low Net: Mr. and Mrs. Sam Fullerton, first; Mrs. and Mrs. Walter Patterson, second; Mr. and Mrs. Dick Wright, third.

Low Gross: Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Organ, first; Billy Ann Green and Dr. Robert Baron, second; Mr.and Mrs. Jack Horner, third.

Individual low putts: Claud Jones, Orville Dahl, and Rodney DeVilliers, first to third, respectively. Mixed low putts; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Temple, first; Mr. and Mrs. Rex Painter, second; Mr. and Mrs. George Murphy, third. 

Longest drives were by Mrs. Joe Thompson and Walter Patterson; Mrs. Rex Painter took a prize for the shortest drive.

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Oliver held the high score in the two-ball group while Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mallory took the high in the four-ball play.

54.7.18 "Mantle Twins 'Go Pro', Sign Yankee Pacts" 

(Commerce, July 17--Special) Roy and Ray Mantle, brothers of the NY Yankee star, have been signed to minor league contracts by the same club.  The 18-year old twins were signed Friday night by Tom Greenwade, Yankee scout, their mother, Mrs. E.C. Mantle, said today. 

Both boys will report to McAlester to try out with the Rockets of the class D Sooner State league. A cousin, Max Mantle, earlier this year signed with the American league club and played a short time at McAlester before being released. 

Ray and Roy currently are involved in a playoff as members of the Tri-State Miners. They are to go to McAlester after the semi-pro series in Wichita, Kas. The Yankees reportedly plan to use both boys in the outfield at McAlester. Ray is an outfielder but Roy usually plays first base.

54.7.25 mdnr "Ladies Golf Notes"

A two-day tie developed for the championship and flight A honors in Wednesday's play for low gross at the Miami Country club.

Mrs. Bert Wall and Mrs. Jack Horner shared the championship laurels while Mrs. Claude Jones and Mrs. Woodrow Painter tied for class A. Mrs. Hank Garwood and Mrs Lois Cowles took undisputed class B and C honors, respectively. 

 54. 7.26 mdnr  "Winners Reported "

A large number of players took part in the mother-daughter and father-son handicap tournament at the Miami Country club Sunday afternoon. About 52 golfers, young and old, paired up for the contest played in four-hole to 18-hole flights.

Winners include:

Mother-daughter:  Four Hole--Sara Lynn Salling and Mrs. Vernon Sapp, low gross; Pat Dawson and Mrs. Spencer Dawson, low net; Dorothy Russell and Mrs. Richard Wright, high net; 

Nine-hole: Deborah Lee and Mrs. Bert Wall, low gross; Nancy Baron and Mrs. Claude Jones, low net; Sue Lowry and Mrs. Henry Garwood, high net.

Father-son:  Nine-hole, Richard Wright and Dick Wright, low gross; Bill LaCaff and Ed Spearing, low net; Joe Thompson and Joe, Jr. high net;

18-hole: Dick Lowry and Ted Lowry, low gross; Bill Bowers and Spencer Dawson, low net; Don Rockwell and O.A. Rockwell, high net. 

54.8.1 mdnr  "Meet for Title"

John F. Robinson, defending champion, will meet Jack Myers one week from today for the men's link title at Miami Country club. Both won their semi-final matches last week, Robinson besting Jim Moore, 3 and 2, and Myers defeating Dr. W.D. Jackson, 4 and 3. 

Jackson and Moore will participate in the foursome, bidding for third-place honors. 

54.8.6 mdnr 

Jackie Myers, 1954 champion at the Miami Country club, tees off in winning form as medalist and former champion John F. Robinson, left;Jim Moore, center, and Dr. W.D. Jackson look on. Myers defeated Robinson for the crown 3 and 2, while Jackson won over Moore for third place in the recent club meet.

 54.8.15 mdnr  "Ladies Golf Notes"

In last week's play, Mrs. Jack Horner won the championship flight, class A honors went to Mrs Robert Temple while Mrs. Dick Wright took class B. Mrs. Ed Badger copped the class C flight.

Four feminine linksters from the Miami Country club are paired in the Tri-State golf association's annual 36 hole medal play tournament in Bartlesville, August 17 and 18, at the Hillcrest Country club. Planning to attend are Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Joe Ramsay, and Miss Joann Taylor. They will vie for individual honors.   

Pairings are shared for 47 women players. New names of ladies who are now playing include: Mrs. Frank LaCaff, Mrs. Orville Dahl, Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. Lois Cowles, Mrs. Tom Cordell, Mrs. Stuart Powrie, Mrs. Bob Nunn, Mrs. Elmer Jarett, Mrs. Earl Gaines, Jr., Mrs. Douglas Brockie, Mrs. George Kroupa, Mrs. Don Jones, and Mrs. Dorothy Neel. 

54.8.27 mdnr "Dances Slated for Miami Country club"

A series of four dances at the Miami Country club has been announced by Spencer Dawson, chairman of the entertainment committee. The first one will be on Sept. 4 with Eddie Aldridge and his orchestra of Joplin furnishing the music.

Other dances are scheduled for Oct. 9, Nov. 27 and New Year's Eve. Tickets went on sale Wednesday. Contact Dawson for tickets.

 

** As noted before, Miami and Ottawa Country were extremely social during these years. The News Record printed all social club events, officers, and luncheons, which sometimes covered forty to fifty. If you traveled, to Tulsa or Egypt, and called the news they would print the event and why and how you arrived at your destination. If you had surgery, the hospital often gave details and updates of these events with full names. Every PTA had meetings and plays. The fishing scene dominated many sports pages, along with bowling. All high school and college events are covered with pictures of details of the events. The news covered the communities in elaborate fashion. Everyone felt connected. 

54.9.  mdnr  "Polio Event Fund"

An Oklahoma PGA section sweepstakes, for the benefit of the March of Dimes, began Saturday at the Miami Country club. The tournament, for members only, will divide half the proceeds with the March of Dimes and half for prizes. Club pro, Johnie Stapp, said that the tourney would run from Saturday through Monday, Labor Day.

**Note: In the late 1940's--1960's Kansas and Oklahoma played a key role in promoting women's professional golf. I've always been proud of our state's history of promoting women's golf. Keep in mind that high school golf was offered for boys and girls until 1960. It took Title IX to bring girls golf back to high school and colleges.

In light of this Ardmore was dynamic golfing community. After dad moved to Miami, he yearly drove to the Ardmore area for Waco Turner's professional/Calcutta men's tournaments. Doc Jackson, Dr. Baron, John F. Robinson, Jackie Myers and others often accompanied him. The term for Calcutta in golf refers to a betting game, which later became an issue! Each golfer participating in a Calcutta is both a player and an owner, but before anyone can tee off, all golfers must first “buy” another player through an auction. Golfers bid on who they feel will win the event, generally beginning with the lowest handicap player and ending with the highest handicap player. 

54.9.19 mdnr  "Lady Pro Golfers Play in State"

Golfers who will be playing in the first annual Ardmore Women's Open golf tournament starting Thursday, will have to work hard for the bonus money to be offered by Mrs. Opie Turner, who is bankrolling the $5,000-plus event.

Dornick Hills Country club course, scene of the rich men's open the past three years, will play a tough par 74, just four strokes over men's standard. The tournament, patterned by Opie after her husband Waco Turner's bonus plan for the men's event, may become the richest ever sponsored for women.

In addition to the $5000 official prize money, the bonus awards, which include $200 for the day's lowest score, $300 for a hole in one and $250 for eagles, are likely to equal or surpass that amount by windup time Sunday. The total purse may reach $12,000 or more for the professional women.    

The course will have six par five's. This should enable the long-hitters such as Babe Zaharias a chance to grab off birdies on the holes which ordinarily would carry a par four. However, the Babe will not have too much advantage on the tricky, hilly layout because of her distance. 

Although the Babe is a perennial favorite wherever she plays, little Louise Suggs, Patty Berg and Betsy Rawls should do well. Other topnotchers of the Ladies Professional Golfers association competing will include Betty Jameson, Jackie Pung, Beverly Hanson, the Bauer sisters, Alice and Marlene, and other of the field of 50. 

54.9.26 mdnr "Pro-Amateur to Start Monday at Local Golf club"

A pro-Am golf tournament will open Monday at the Miami Country club with golfers from Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas expected. Each of the pros will be accompanied by an amateur and will play with members of the Miami club, according to host professional Johnie Stapp.

Such proficient golfers as Ky Laffoon, former Miamian now from Springfield, Mo, and Jack Shields, Tulsa are expected along with Royand Harper, Wichita, Art Wadkins, Joplin; Marshall Smith Independence, Kas.; Hugh Banoff, Tulsa; Bill Weatherspoon, Tulsa; Eddie Johnson, Miami; Jack Higgins, Tulsa; Marion Askew, Tulsa; Don Wilkie, Bartlesville; Dan Langford, Enid; Lloyd Tate, Joplin; U.C. Ferguson, Oklahoma City; Bill DeMoss, Blackwell; Fred Kareyer, Wichita, and Marion DeLongy, Parson, Kas. 

The matches will start at 11 o'clock Monday morning. There will be about 80 players entered. No gallery fee for spectators will be charged. 

 

54.9.28 mdnr  "Shields' Team Takes Pro-Am"

A team headed by Tulsa professional Jack Shields won first place in the pro-am tournament held Monday.  Shields and three amateurs--Al Moyer, Tulsa, West Bullock and J.C. Taylor, both of Miami--were 18 strokes under par after 18 holes.

Some 70 golfers competed in the tourney, including most of the district's professionals who, incidentally, unanimously praised the host club's greens.

Close behind in the team competition--with two best balls counting--were Marion Askew, Tulsa pro with amateurs R.D. Karnes, Tulsa, Clarence Carselowey and Joe Thompson, both of Miami. The quartet finished 17 strokes under par, just one stroke off the lead.

Third place went to Don Wilkie, professional, and Glen Vandyke, Bartlesville, Walter Williams and Glenn Scott of Miami at 16 under par. 

Low individual was professional Jack Higgins of Tulsa, with a 71. Eddie Johnson, Miami, and Shields both posted 73's. Loddie Kempa, national southpaw champion out of Kansas City, and Ky Laffoon, were among the pro's competing.

 

54.10.10 mdnr "Women's Club Champion"

The Ladies Golf association of Miami Country club has announced winners of the Champion tournament held last week. The winners competed in driving, approaching and putting contests.

The Championship went to Mrs. J.R. Organ, runner-up Mrs. Spencer Dawson. 

Class A: Mrs. Claud Jones was the victor and Mrs. Robert Temple, runner-up,

Class B: Mrs. George Murphy, was the winner, and Mrs. Glenn McCullum was the runner-up.

Class C: Mrs. Earl Gaines, Jr, was the victor and the runner-up was Mrs. Corbin Shouse.

Consolations winners were; Championship, Mrs. Jack Horner; class A, Mrs. O.R. Westfall; class B, Mrs. Sam Fullerton; class C, Mrs. Lois Cowles.

The handicap winners were Mrs. Robert Nunn, first, and Mrs. Ed Badger, second.

Approaching and putting winners were Mrs. Claud Jones, first, and Mrs. Jack Horner, second.  

In the driving contest, the title went to Mrs. Organ, Class A winner was Mrs. Joe Ramsay, class B honors went to Mrs. Walter Patterson, Class C was won by Mrs. Hance VanBeber.

"Surprise Winners" were Mrs. George Kroupa and Mrs. Woodrow Painter. 

Next week, lady golfers will play by teams for low net. Pairings to follow.

**PERSONAL STORY: Terry Westfall, son of Mildred Westfall, shared that his mother was so proud of her tournament win that she displayed her trophy on the mantle, and there it stayed for years to come. 

54.10.31 mdnr  "Officers Selected"

The Ladies Golf group of Miami Country club has elected new officers for the Women's Golf Association. The president is Mrs. J.R. Organ. Others are Mrs. Joe Ramsay, vice-president; Mrs. Lois Cowles, secretary, and Mrs. Hance VanBeber, treasurer.

**Note: The ladies group of Miami Country club was extremely active and always efficient at announcing all events in a timely manner. I found entries for Ladies Golf and Ladies Card Games weekly in the newspaper. Time and space did not allow me to write all that is available . The men, however, did not seem interested in posting Stag Night results.

 54.11.7 mdnr  "Ladies Card Party"

The bridge-canasta party, sponsored by the Ladies division of the Miami Country club Thursday evening at the clubhouse, was attended by approximately 175 persons.

Mrs. E.C. Mabon was awarded a set of tires. 

High score for the bridge was won by Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. Vernon Anderson was the high scorer in the canasta group. 

Other bridge prizes were won by Mrs. Robert Temple, J.W. Hanna, Mrs. Marion Zajic, Mrs. J.A. Coppedge, Mrs. I. M. Helmey, Mrs. Gib Reynolds, Mrs. John Highland, Mrs. Louis Jolley, Mrs. George Murphy, Ann Garman, Mrs. Jack Brown, Mrs. Richard Lacy, Mrs. Richard Wright, Mrs. C.D. Wood, Mrs. Ralph Moore, Mrs. John Reese, Margaret Harned, and Mrs. J.W. Hanna.

Canasta winners were Mrs.M. C. Bagby, Mrs. Earl Fisher, Mrs. G.W. Housley, Blanche Dunn, Mrs. Clarence Niday, Mrs. Claud Jones, Mrs. Robert Peel, and Mrs. J.R. Organ. 

Prizes for the low scores were won by Mrs. Walter Patterson, Jr., and Mrs. Jack Brown. 

 

The Caddy -- 1950's

1950'S THE CADDY by Letty Stapp Watt

It would be impossible to share our history of golf without including the role of the caddies who have perpetuated the game over the last two centuries.

Depiction of Slammin Sammy Snead, who began his career in golf as a caddy.

 

It is important to know that before 1870 caddies carried clubs in their arms with out the benefit of a bag. A retired sail-maker who was the clubhouse attendant at England's Westward Ho! fashioned a strip of canvas to keep the grips from getting wet. Among the wealthier members, this chore of toting the loose clubs was delegated to the caddie.  Because of course conditions (Links-lands and public space for man and beasts) and the caddy's intimate knowledge of the course, they began to advise the player on club selection, distance, direction, and hazards. By the nineteenth century many caddies where known as "professionals." My father, like so many professionals of his era, began his career as  a caddy in Wichita, Kansas.  (THE WORLD OF GOLF by Charles Price, 1962)

1932

1932 June 19 mdnr reports that John Ballard, Custodian of the golf shop will reduce cold drinks by 50 percent. Golfers may now quench their thirst for a nickel. Golf balls are also cheaper this year and caddies made the rounds at considerably reduced fees.

1932 August 2 mdnr  reports that during the club championship between Clarence Gordon and Luther Sheldon, that Sheldon knocked his tee shot into the ditch and rolled under the bridge on hole #4. Caddies who were in a position to watch the ball declared that it bounced back and forth under the bridge before it flopped out and up for several yards on the fairway.

1932 July 11 MNR The annual tournament of caddies of the Rockdale CC is under way this week. The matches being played so far show: McCorkle winning two up and one to play over Breckinridge; Andy Gump winning five up over E. Warner; Glen Heath over Hank Eagle two and one to play; Virgil Pryor winning over Irvin Heath three up and two to play. The semi finals are scheduled to be played the first of this week.(No follow up on the winner.)

In the 1930's the Western Golf Association built a "caddie kit" for golf courses to purchase. 1. Know all 14 clubs;2. Hand player the club he selects; 3. Stand still; 4. Watch the ball; 5. Keep p with the player; 6. Keep quiet; 7. Replace all divots; 8 First n the green takes the flag; 9 Smooth sand in traps; 10. Memorize yardage of each hole; 11. Never swing clubs; 12. If you don't know--ask.  

There were also "Four Things to Do" if you are the player: 1. Know your caddy's name; 2. Cooperate fully with the caddy committee by observing all club caddy rules; 3. Give your caddy constructive advice and suggestions; 4. Help your caddy earn the WGA Honor Caddy badge. 

1942

Linda Neal Reising shares this story about her her father, Leroy Neal. 

My father worked as a caddy at the Miami Country club when he was young. He always told the story about Bing Crosby coming to the course. The boys drew straws to see who would be his caddy. Unfortunately, my father did not win. The boy who received the job to caddy for Bing Crosby was given a fifty dollar tip from Mr. Crosby. That was a fortune. 

To read the story of when Bing Crosby played golf at Miami please click on this link: Bing Crosby

1947 to the early 1950's 

Hermann Childers shared his memories of caddying at the Miami Country club in the early 1947. The pro before your dad came on board after the Scotsman, Jack Guild, left. He was there when I started to caddie in 1947 (Guild 1939-1952). Some of the caddies who worked there were Jack Horner, Larry Warner, Jim and Larry Parker, Ken and Jr. Walker, Ron Edwards, Bob Furnish. There were the Huddleson Brothers, there were five who lived in Commerce worked regularly as caddies. Ernie Warner, and others whose names I don't recall worked as caddies through the late 1940's and early 1950's. 

Those were the good times. We always made good money for hauling those clubs around the course. On Saturdays and Sundays we made $2.00 a day or more. That was great money because we could go to the movies for 10 cents. Ice cream "double dip" was 5 cents and hamburgers were 10 cents at Roy's Lunch and Tucker's Lunch. Those were the days.  

 

James Taylor recalls many stories about the Miami Country club. He writes that the old cement building for caddies stood off to the right of hole #1. It was a block house with benches to offer shade. Caddies would wait until they were called, I believe Ernie, a Sr. Caddy in his thirties, managed them. However, I did caddy and spent a little time in that house. Mostly caddies played poker and gambled while waiting. Conversations were similar to the dialogue in the movie "Caddy Shack." 

James writes, when I was 14, I was going to the CC to practice and observed a dozen or more people grouped around someone hitting golf balls in the range next to hole #1. As I walked over there, I saw Ben Hogan hitting balls and watched him for 60 plus minutes hit seven irons to Ernie. Hogan's forearms were Popeye liked, and those shots were carrying about 155 yards or so. Erie hardly ever had to move other than a step and bend over to pick up the golf balls.

Another treat was when Hogan hit 25 or so shots with just his left arm. Those shots had the same trajectory and were 15-20 yards shorter than his normal shot. Hogan was a good friend with George Coleman, Jr.  George brought Ben to Miami more than once when he visited his mother. George is who also put together the four ball team of Hogan and Nelson that defeated the undefeated team of Ward and Venture as described in the book THE GREATEST MATCH EVER PLAYED by Mark Frost. 

James writes, Johnie Stapp and my father, Gob Taylor, were good friends. Once when I was caddying for John Robinson I overheard John F. and Johnie Stapp discussing activity at the dance at the Miami CC. It must have been a good story.

I also carried double at Southern Hills for Johnie and Doc Baron. Pat Temple and I went double for Johnie, Doc Baron, Jackie Meyers and Doc Jackson at Southern Hills when I was 14 years old and Pat Temple was 15. Southern Hills is hilly and a wonderful challenging course. I only recall I was totally exhausted after the round, going up and down those hills, as was Pat. Johnie took a little pity on us and as did the rest of the foursome and asked after the round if we could go another 18. I almost died at the question as the event was in July and 95 degrees with no wind, but then he just laughed and said, "Just kidding Jimmy" and I thanked the Lord. 

1953 October 7 mdnr  "Pros Women caddies in Paris"

The American Ryder cup golf team confessed to a man today that it is slightly nettled over one aspect of European golf. It is the women caddies.  The American Professionals are here for a match with a European all-star team from six countries. At the suburban St. Cloud golf course they discovered that women were used to carry clubs. Walter Buerkemo's caddy confided in him she's expecting the blessed event in about five months. 

"You know," said the Detroit pro, "I just feel like going up to her and saying, "Ma'am I'll carry that bag".

 

Bob Hill relates his memories of caddying for Ky Laffoon and Jackie Myers, local hustler. It was not uncommon for them to play 18 holes, for which Bob caddied double, then after winning or losing a large amount of money, they would head over to hole #1 and play the hustle game. 

On hole #1 they'd go to a spot on the hole, perhaps a 60 yard pitch or chip shot, throw out a dozen balls each and hit to see who got the closest to the hole. These were of $100+ bets (1950's). Then they'd walk over to hole #2 and perhaps throw down a dozen balls each in the bunker, and again play for who hit the closet shot to the pin. 

During the hustle game Ky would play with his Championship bag of clubs. The special bag contained 5-6 different types of clubs because he was superstitious, and kept only the clubs that he hit the best. In reality they were often the only clubs left in his bag after a round of golf. His temper cost him not only tournaments and money but it cost him many golf clubs (and gave golf historians many outlandish stories to tell.) 

Bob relates that during the hustle round of 9 holes in 3 1/2 hours he was required to keep score 11111,1111.  In the end Jackie Myers owed Ky $9.00

One year when Ky was visiting Miami course, he carried a MacGregor set of irons and copper plated inset on the grooves of each iron. 

Bob Hill retells caddying for Harvey Ward during the 1958 U.S. Open at Southern Hills. Ken Venturi also played in the practice  round group. (This is the same pairing from The Match by Frost.) Mike Souchak and Frank Stranahan were in the foursome with Ward and Venturi. Bob was 16 years old in 1958. *Stranahan was a very wealthy young man, who turned pro just so he could play with the pro's. He liked that level of golf. (read in a golf story.)

In order to learn how to caddy for a pro in the US Open, Bob and other men were required to go to caddy school for 6 weeks on a Monday in Tulsa. Bob's folks took him out of school and drove him to Tulsa to learn the rules that caddy's needed to know.

It seems that Harvey Ward and Ken Venturi were on the rolls as working for Eddie Lowry in his California car dealership, when in essence they never worked a lick, but Eddie paid for their amateur tournaments. Because this was illegal Harvey was forced to turn pro in 1958, Venturi had already turned pro. 

In the 1958 US Open Bob caddied for Ward on the practice round (Wednesday), then 18 on Thursday, 18 on Friday, and 36 on Saturday. $35,000 was the entire purse with the winner Tommy Bolt taking home $8000, and unknown man named Gary Player, placed 2nd.

 

Tommy Bolt, celebrating the win on hole #18. There is a skinny little kid in the background, Bob Hill. (pic posted on Facebook 3/30/22) Tommy Bolt, US Open Champion 1958

In the late 1950's Bob often traveled to Springdale, Arkansas for a big Pro-am with Doc Jackson, Johnie Stapp, Jackie Meyers, who was the gambler.

Charlie Dawson writes I worked in the golf shop with Johnie Stapp in the late 1950's and early 1960's. In my last event, Bob Dickson who went on to play the tour was in my threesome. Johnie arranged for me to caddy for Mickey Mantle and George Coleman, Jr. when they played at Miami CC. When Coleman left Miami to live in California he was connected with the celebrities out there. I think he was an investor in the Ben Hogan company. 

If it weren't for the role of caddying in the 1920's my father, the next professional to come to Miami, would never have learned the game of golf, nor learned a profession other than janitor, as his hands were twisted and scarred from serious burns he received in his early teens, while working on a car.  The doctor and nurse suggested that dad learn to hold a golf club as therapy, which then opened the door to golf courses and caddying. 

On a personal note:

 I recall caddies being regular hands at the golf course in Independence, Kansas when I would have been 3,4,5 (1951, 52, 53).  There were no gasoline golf carts, so the caddies carried one or two bags and perhaps used a push cart if the player requested. They were there from sunup to sundown and many an afternoon I played out back in the sand pile where the caddies sat around when they weren't working. I remember that they each had cigar boxes, some painted, most just labeled. Inside they kept their cash or other belongings. The cigar boxes were stored at the Bowling Alley when the caddy was working.  I watched them play marbles and tried my best to sit on pop bottles like they did.

My most fascinating memory was from the snakes and fishes in the big lake on the golf course, not far from our home or the putting green.  The boys, dad, and some of the members often fished in the lake. One day the caddies raked out a great long black snake and cut it open. In all of their excitement I left my home and ran down to the lake. There I discovered with own my own eyes a number of rotten golf balls in the snake's belly. The balls don't digest, they just lay in the belly and rot! Ack.

*Note: As I finish this story on the role of the caddy, The Master's golf tournament is 'live on television' this week. The role of the caddy is immeasurable as we watch these men walk the six miles daily up and down the lush hills of Georgia. I hope some of our readers have had the opportunity to watch The Master's in person or another women's or men's professional golf tournament. Being in the crowd and watching this game live is incredible. 

**The story of Pappy Stokes, Grandfather of Caddies explains all of the roles that a caddy carries on his/her shoulders. 

 

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