A Collection of Personal Stories--Part 2

 

1970-1980 Sandy, Billy and Debbie Jackson share their personal memories and hysterical antics. (If only Johnie Stapp knew this.)

Sandy Jackson’s memories  

There was a huge cedar tree on the circle of the clubhouse where you turned into the club. Four or five of us would sneak into that thick tree and smoke cigarettes. I’m sure people knew because there was smoke floating out of the cedar tree. Worst of all, we would even hide our bikes in the tree so no one could see us.

   Several of us used to run down to hole # 1 by Elm Street. We would hook up the water hose, that was there for watering the green, and spray cars going by on Elm Street. Then we’d run to the woods and creek and hide. Some of the cars turned around and came back looking for us. They even drove to the club and told them, but we were sneaky and never got caught. (Billy and Tracy Bradshaw)

 

Billy’s stories:

 

1. John Mirjanich made up “Treasure Hunts” on the golf course for the neighborhood kids. He would even draw a map of the area with markings and distances in which we would find the treasures. Of course, all of this was done when there was no one on the golf course. 

 About 1973 John Mirjanich once dug, hand dug, a sand trap on the shag-bag practice range on the East side of the county club. Your dad (Johnie Stapp) even added sand to it so we could all practice. John then mowed an area down using his dad’s new Lawn Boy Mower. It was cool for us kids and the neighbors to practice on. It was located on the slight hill west of old #8 tee box and north of the Painter house on Yale Street.

 

3. Johnie Stapp put the fear of God in all of us, of any age. One time I got blamed for riding my motorcycle over the greens and destroying them. I was not guilty, and one of the club members even proved that I was at a high school golf tournament in Ada that day. My motorcycle never once touched the golf course. We were ornery not destructive. **We still don’t know who rode the motorcycles over the greens that spring night. Obviously, Dad’s presence made a difference in how we all behaved and knew our boundaries.  

 

4. We used to play Flash Light tag at night. Our boundary was on the east all along old hole #7 (16), north to old #6 (10) then west to the hump on that long hole, then down the low area of #9 (18) heading south to our houses. We did not get close to the country club, but I am sure those people sitting in the bar at night could see the flashlights shine and the kids running in and out of the trees and bushes.

 

5. I remember that old grumpy man who worked in the golf shop. (The Story of Old Bill The Story of Old Bill by Letty )

 I must have been about five years old (1967) I would walk up the window to the golf shop and ask for an Orange Coke. He would growl back at me and say, “Do you want an Orange, or do you want a Coke? We don’t have orange coke.” I didn’t understand. I only knew I wanted an orange coke, all drinks were cokes, I thought.  **When Billy shared this with me I wept, because that is exactly how Old Bill acted, but I learned that he was teasing us. His voice or tonality never shared that he was teasing. He always seemed deadly serious.)

 

6. One night Sandy and I were down on hole #1 playing with the water hoses and splashing cars as they drove by, and sometimes we threw water balloons at cars. But this night we splashed the car of ‘one of Mami’s finest’ and his window on his black and white car with a red light on top was rolled down. He felt the splash. He jumped out of his car and tried to get over the fence (Elm Street) to chase us, but he couldn’t get over the weeds and bushes.  As soon as possible he turned the car around and headed up the clubhouse. We knew it would take him a long time to go back down Elm and turn back toward the club.  We ran full speed ahead and climbed in the huge cedar tree on south side of the practice range, near the house where Kemper’s lived. It was a huge thick tree, the same one we smoked in. The police pulled in and shined their flashlights all over. Luckily, for us they did not find us that night, and eventually we made our way home.

 

7. When we were little, we loved to go up to the bar, knock on the door and order “Shirley Temples” to drink. The bartender was Bev Cox. Sometimes she let us into the bar to order and take out drinks back out. I can remember the colorful and bold eye shadow she wore like blues, greens, and bright reds or pinks. Bev was a good woman and people liked her and we felt like big people drinking our Shirley Temples.

8.  I must have been a teenager when “old Doug” a cook upstairs with Flo said, “See that Blue Maverick out there in the parking lot. It’s broke. If you can start it you can drive it.”  The challenge was set—I went out there and jiggled the broken ignition switch until I started the car. I took off and Doug came screaming out of the kitchen.

 

9. One time in a ‘horse race’ Joe Hankins on the first hole pulled a fifth of Jack Daniels and took a swig before he teed off. He then proceeded to take a swig before every shot. Much to our amazement he didn’t pass out and made it eight holes of the ‘horse race’ until someone yanked the bottle out of his hand and took a swig of the Jack Daniels. He discovered it was Iced Tea and not Jack that Joe had been drinking. We all had a good laugh over that.

 

1970-79

Debbie Jackson’s memories:

1. We often played flashlight tag at night on the golf course with the neighbors. We usually played behind the Wallace house, and we could go anywhere on the golf course to hide.

2. My friends and I love eating on the upstairs back porch after Jr. Golf on Friday’s. We ate grilled cheese sandwiches and onion rings. The best lunch was on a Friday.

Breaking my arm was a dramatic memory.  My brother Billy was jumping off the diving board of the old pool and I got on to go jump off and he decided not to jump and told me to move back. So, I did. Then he said move more, so I did, and I didn’t see how close I was and fell off on the back of the diving board breaking my arm and getting a cast.

4. Having the nice Easter egg hunts in the grass area in front of the club is a fond memory. One time I found the golden egg and it was amazing.   

    Playing jr. golf early on Friday mornings and having to get up and walk on the grass with all the dew still on it will always be a special childhood feeling. 

6. What fun it was riding my lime green QA 50 minibike. I was racing someone on the golf cart to the tee box behind our house. I won the race, but I put my front handle brakes on and went flying over the front of my minibike landing flat on the tee box. I thought I was dead, but just knocked the wind out of me. I was so embarrassed laying on the ground after winning the race. (not telling who but it was a boy I was racing. He was a real nice boy who worked at the club.)

    We always had such fun playing Bingo night at the Country club.

 I I loved when our family ate in the dining room when we would pass the toppings for our baked potato. It was a silver serving item that had butter, sour cream, and bacon bits. (Can’t do that anymore in restaurants). I wanted to have my wedding reception in that dining room and loved the fancy steps to walk up and go in there, but they tore the old building down and built the new one and it wasn’t finished in time for our wedding.

   I really enjoyed visiting with all the people. Especially the older ones. Now I am older ones!  When my mother would go play cards with her friends it was nice to say hello to everyone and then go swimming.

One time my sister and I were on hole #7 and I was teeing off. I told her she better move. She said she wasn’t and there was no way I could hit her. Well, I sliced it to the right and right to her. After she was hit by me, she always got out of the way from then on.

The golf course was always our big backyard growing up! We live on 200 acres now and our back yard of 5 of those acres looks like a golf course. My sons and I go tee it up out our back door and see who can hit the ball the farthest and over the pond. I now have a piece of my growing up in my own backyard.

 **Dear Readers, if you have some personal stories to share please send them to me by June 15. 

1980 Timeline and Stories MGCC

 

1980 March 26 “Neosho tops MHS golfers”

In the season opener for the Wardogs, Neosho rolled over Miami 417-500 at the municipal course in Neosho. Steve Kelly recorded an 8-over par 80 to help Neosho win. Scott Collingsworth was Miami’s leader with a 44-43-87.

Rounding out the scores for the Wardogs were Darren Foster, 98; Danny Culley, 101; Chet Rogers 102, and J.D. Masters 113.

1980 March 30 “Memorial tips MHS golfers”

Loren Huff’s medalist score of 79 helped Joplin Memorial capture a 342-367 varsity golf victory over the Wardogs at the Miami Country club. Scott Collingsworth paced the efforts for MHS with an 84, while Chet Rogers and Meade Monger shot 91’s. Darren Foster and J.D. Masters shot scores of 101.

In the B team matches, Chuck Mueller shot a 98 for the low score while Danny Culley was low for the Wardogs with a 106.

1980 March 30 “China Painters annual show”

Opal Goettel and Claudine Arnold

The World Organization of China Painters has scheduled its 18^th annual hand-painted china show and convention Friday and Saturday, April 11-12, at the Miami Civic Center. A set-up dinner buffet will be held at 6:30 pm. Thursday for members at the Miami Country club. Rosalie Talley is the convention chair. A dance group from Evelyn’s Dance Studio will participate in the program. 

**Personal note: I can recall several times when the ladies who painted these lovely pieces displayed them at the country club for various luncheons and meetings.

1980 April 1 “MHS golfers net win over Baxter”

Paced by the efforts of a pair of freshmen and a sophomore, Miami High School’s golf team tasted victory for the first time this season on Monday when the Wardogs scored a 373-415 victory over Baxter Springs in a match at the Miami Country club.

Scott Collingsworth, a sophomore, and Meade Monger, a freshman, shred medalist honors with an 18-hole score of 90, while a third member of the group, Darren Foster, fired a 91. Chet Rogers and J.D. Masters rounded out the scoring with 102 and 105, respectively. 

1980 April 4 “Miami takes 4^th at SLC golf meet”

 

Bartlesville Sooner, which already has the Miami Invitational among its list of victories, racked up yet another here Monday as the Spartans ran off with the Six Lakes Conference championship. Led by medalist, Gary McDonald, the team scored 326. Following Sooner was Tahlequah at 343, Claremore at 345, and the Wardogs at 365.

Scott Collingsworth shot the best round for Miami, posting ana18-hole score of 89. Meade Monger was next with a 90 while Darren Foster recorded a 91. Chet Rogers and J.D. Masters rounded out the MHS scoring with 75 and 96.

1980 April 8 “Sooner tips Edison for MHS golf title”

Bartlesville Sooner turned back defending champion Tulsa Edison to capture the team championship in the Miami High School Invitational golf tournament. The Spartans, led by a 76 turned in by Gary McDonald, nosed out Edison by one stroke, 317-318.

The chase for the team championship was one of the tightest in years as only nine strokes separated the top six teams. On top of that, six of the first seven were Tulsa metro area schools.

Miami’s young team finished 10 in the competition with a team score of 357. The Wardogs, led by Scott Collingsworth and Darren Foster each shooting 86. Meade Monger was next with an 89 and Chet Rogers rounded out the Miami quartet with a 96. 

**Leroy Collins -- Collins Construction Co. were a major part of the construction of the new nine holes. This is a memory that Leroy shared:

When we were building the new 18 we were hauling sand to the back sand trap of number 13, when my truck driver who didn’t even know what a golf club was, let alone a green, decided to back across the green to the sand trap before your dad stopped him. You can imagine what kind of tracks a two ton truck makes.

When I arrived on the scene I asked your dad how we could fix it. He said, “Don’t worry.” Then he took a shovel and fixed the tracks like you would repair a divot. After a few days you could hardly see it.(From Leroy's notes it is clear that Dad played a major role in the construction of the greens on the new nine. He dearly loved that part of the golf course and game itself.)

1980 April 13 “Robinson, Leisure share 1^st in county golf tourney”

John Robinson, Jr., was halfway home in his bid to become the only three-time champion of the Ottawa County Golf Championship as he shares the first-round lead with Dan Leisure. They each completed the play with carbon-copy rounds of 39-39-78.

Only one stroke off the pace were Mike Craig, Bob Hill, Jr., and Dick Lillard. All three turned in 79’s.

There was a logjam for the No. 6 position between Bill Harsch, Doug Bond, Carl Ballew, and Jim Halderman. With 81’s while Phil Trussler, Dr. W.D. Jackson and George Foster toured the course in 82’s.

1980 April 14 “BALLESTEROS MASTER-FUL WINNER”

A potential rout turned into a test of character and courage for Seve Ballesteros. “This was my toughest week in golf,” the dashing young Spaniard said Sunday after losing eight shots of a 10-shot advantage before recovering to win the 44^th Masters golf tournament.

“I have a lot of heart,” he said. “you must have a lot of heart to stand up under the pressure I have had this week.”

1980 April 14 “Bond weathers conditions to take county golf title”

Although the weather conditions made it more conducive to sitting in front of the television watching golf rather than being outdoors, Quapaw’s Doug Bond made the most of the situation and wound up capturing the Ottawa County Golf Championship Sunday at the Miami Country club.

Bond, who had been medalist in two tournaments this year as a member of the Missouri Southern State College golf squad, improved his opening round score by five strokes to cinch the MCC title with an 81-76-157.

He had been in a four-way tie for sixth after the opening round, but the leaders, Robinson and Leisure had their scores balloon during Sunday’s play and had to settle for fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Bob Hill, Jr., and Dick Lillard share the No. 2 spot with 79-80-159’s. Bond a two-year golf letterman at NEO was used to Sunday’s weather—his two previous wins this season had come in similar conditions.

Winners of other flights included Charlie Bill Hirsch in President’s flight with a 168, and Joe Asbedo in the B flight with 195. Don Yarger and Greg Kirkendoll shared the title in A flight.

Gary Boatwright 168 finished behind Hirsch, while Steve Ragsdale took third with a 173. Tom Rodgers fourth at 175 and Ed Schmidt fifth at 176.

Yarger and Kirkendoll carded identical 96-89-185’s to finish in a tie for first in A flight. Bill Melton had third place all tohis own with a 186 while Gary West, Steve Cherry, and John Doty wound up in logjam for fourth with 187’s.

Asbedo pared nine strokes off his opening day’s score to capture the B flight. He had a 102-93-195 compared to Jack Stephens, who bettered his sco0re by 11 shots to card a 104-93-197. Corbee Meeks was third at 200 while Hank Garwood, John Finley III and Jack Ragsdale tied for fourth with 203’s.

1980 April 17 “Ladies Golf Notes”

Winners in last Wednesday’s MLGA blind hole play were championship, Ruth Heyburn; A flight, Juanita King; B flight, Sue Riley, and 9-hole, Jean Phillips. This week’s play will be for the point tournament. Parings include:

9:00am—Sue Riley, Pat Platt, Yvonne Temple, Ann Chancellor; Marion Richards, Evelyn Hatfield, Geneva Ramsey, Lib Lillard; Billie Pace, Juanita King, LaVon Young, LaVerne Munson; Margaret Hadley, Pauline Taylor, Martha Bayless, Virginia Sapp; Barabara Shouse, Noma Newman, Claire Oliver, Gail Beck; Faye Berentz, Marylyn Adams, Helen Moore, Ann Foster; Jean Ann Blue, Pattye Moores, Ruth Heyburn, Virginia Kerr; Mary VanBeber, Rosalee Patterson, Nadine Hoffman.

9-holes: Jean Phillips, Aileen Bradshaw, Rose Pratt; Frances McKinney, Mary Hunt, Dorothy Hester; Fern Toye, Glady Wetzel, Mavis Ford; Virginia Heydt, Maria Heydt, Virginia Gaines, Rachel Horner.

Evening group; Candy Couch, Judy Grissom, Judi Kemper, Judi Long, Cincy Hill, Nadine Paul, Marji Grayson, Millie Carter, and Mary Haney.

1980 April 17 “MHS golfers upend Columbus”

Miami warmed up for Monday’s Class 3A regional golf tournament with an easy victory over Columbus, Kansas, here Friday. The Wardogs outdistanced the Kansans 360-388.

1980 April 17 “MHS golfers top Joplin”

Scott Collingsworth’s 40 fueled Miami to a 171-176 golf victory over Joplin Parkwood in a dual match at Joplin’s Schifferdecker golf course. The two teams played only nine holes with the best four scores counting in the team totals.

Following Collingsworth was J.D. Masters with a 42, Darren Foster at 43, Chet Rogers with a 46 and Meade Monger at 48. Parkwood’s Bob Parker captured individual medalist honors with a 39.

1980 April 24 “Tourney eases pain of turning 50”

Professional golf’s millionaires find an invitation to the prestigious Legends of Golf tournament eases the pain of turning 50. Arnold Palmer got his invitation this year and will be shooting for the $76,000 first-place prize. Asked what he thought about being a legend, Palmer said, “I think it is fine. I think the potential for this type of golf is tremendous, and the future of a tournament like this is unlimited.”

1980 April 28 “Miami wins first interclub golf meet”

Miami Country club captured a six-stroke victory over host Shangri-la and the Elk River Country club in the first interclub golf tournament Sunday. The match was the first in a series of five between MCC, Shangri-la, Cherokee Grove Golf club, Elk River of Noel, Missouri, and the Neosho, Missouri Golf Club.

A traveling trophy will be awarded to the team champion at the end of the series with individual prizes at each tournament. Miami, bolstered by Kent Jeffries who shot a 79, turned in a score of 301. Other members of the team were Bob Paul, Phil Trussler, and Jim Moore. The next match in the series will be held May 29 at Cherokee Grove.

1980 April 29 “MHS linksters fifth at regional tourney”

Bartlesville Sooner took a commanding lead in the Class 3A tourney held at the Pryor Golf Course with a team score of 316. Miami finished fifth with a 369. Scott Collingsworth shot the best opening day for the Wardogs, with an 87. J.D. Masters was next with a 93 and was followed by Meade Monger at 94, Darren Foster at 96 and Chet Rogers at 99. The top three teams and top four individuals will advance to the state tournament next week. 

**I could not find any references to girls golf at Miami High school for the spring of 1980.

1980 April 30 “Men’s golf play begins at MCC

The team of Tom Cordell, John Doty, Phil Trussler and Hank Garwood turned in the low net score during the Tuesday’s night’s first round of the men’s twilight league at MCC. Taking second were Bob Hill Jr., Brent Bollinger, John Robinson Jr., and Jim Thompson.

Hill and Charlie Bill Hirsch tied for low score with 36’s; individual low net was a 32 by Jake Fuller; low putts, Al Moffatt and Jim Thompson.

1980 May 2 “Tar Creek flows red; what can be done?

1980 May 11 “Ladies golf notes”

Winners in the April Ringers competition included: championship, Evelyn Hatfield; A flight, Juanita King; B flight, Ann Foster, and Sue Riley; 9 hole, Mavis Ford.

1980 May 20 “Lopez not used to embarrassing herself”

Nancy Lopez is not in the habit of embarrassing herself on the golf course. But her astronomical 10-over-par 83 in the second round of last weekend’s $125,000 LPGA Classic was a humbling experience. “I don’t remember the last time I shot an 83, it must have been when I was 14 or 15,” she said. “I can’t explain it, I just played poorly. I kept telling myself I had to finish and do the best I can.”

1980 May 25 “Ladies golf notes”

Winners in last Wednesday’s MLGA play included: championship, Evelyn Hatfield and Beverly Jackson; Class A, Sue Riley and Ann Foster; Class B Millie Carter and Judy Kemper and 9-hole, Aileen Bradshaw. 

1977-1979 Kary Cooper's stories:

Several memories are while serving as an esteemed employee of Don Atchison in the pro shop off/on from 1977-79.

Don clearly misinterpreted the purpose of OSHA laws as each afternoon I was sent to the driving range armed with a ball-stagger in each hand to hand-pick the range. The underlying problem was that Don wouldn't close the range! His understanding of OSHA was clearly Overt Shankers & High Achievers. Thankfully, no harm occurred.

That lovely sound that softly serenaded anyone trying to enjoy a nice meal upstairs was me washing the range balls in a vintage washing machine directly below the dining room!  **Personal note, I think that was the same washer I used in mid-1960's.  Yes, it would rattle and roll. Billy Jackson shares the same hysterical memories of that ringer washing machine.

After closing one evening, another esteemed pro shop employee had a 'Hey, watch this' moment as he confidently took control of an unattended motorcycle and proceeded up the #6 fairway in a failed attempt to 'jump' that berm that crossed the fairway. His initials are Kelly Green. Again, no harm occurred.

Lost fortune? While most boys back in the day rode a bike that had an unknown value due to the priceless baseball cards we placed in the spokes, I also had multiple opportunities to create what could have been a valuable collection. Why I never asked Mickey Mantle to sign something each time he was at the club playing golf still haunts me to this day......

In the spring of 1979 while playing in a MHS golf tourney, I had a front row seat on the #1 tee box as a small guy from Jenks named Tracy Phillips drove the green! I've read articles over the years that he may be one of the best golfers the state has ever had.

My one and only hockey game took place on a frozen pond adjacent to the #3 tee box in the winter of 1979 or 80 with other notable players/accomplices Matt Monger and Kelly Green. A couple of minor injuries were sustained but what would you expect since Matt was involved!

My one and only 'unofficial' hole-in-one occurred in the summer of 1977 as I teed-off from the whites on #7 and watched my ball take two bounces and into the hole....of the red flag.

1980 June 1 “Youth golf competition”

Winners in Friday’s Junior Golf play at the MCC were:

2 holes: Kevin Collingsworth and Steve Hill; Lori Lillard and Darcy Gilpin.

4 holes: Ron Coker and Byron Butler; Laura Pendergrass, Leighann Hill, and Heather Schmidt.

9 holes: Tommy Rieger, and Mike Platt; Julie Rieger, and Kathy Jeffries.

18 holes: Scott Collingsworth, and Keith Neel.

Pairings and scorers for Friday’s play:

2 holes: Damon Mills, Kevin Collingsworth, Eric Elmburg, scorer-Ruth Ann Farris; Brandon Farris, John West, Bobby Seybolt, scorer-Sylvia Mills; Jason Winters, Steve Hill, scorer-Arlene Seybolt; Angie Adams, Lauri Schmidt, Darcy Gilpin, scorer-Sharyn Jeffries; Shawna Fitzgibbon, Julie Jeffries, scorer-Judy Adams; Lori Lillard, Paige Parrott, scorer-C.Ann Fitzgibbon.

4 holes: Laurie Adams, Jamie Garrett, Leighan Hill, scorer-Joanne Pendergrass; Laura Pendergrass, Heather Schmidt, scorer-Mary Garrett. Jeff Parrott, Bryon Butler, Steven Long, scorer—Joyce Gilpin; Ronnie Coker, Mathew Brady, Jimmy Rutter, scorer-Ruth Ann Butler; Trey Pendergrass, Robert Elmburg, Gary Collins, scorer-Kay Condren; Scott Trussler, Mitch Jones, Jeff Ramsay, scorer-Kelly Kramer; Billy Seybolt, Michael Fitzgibbon, Brad Jacobs, scorer—Bette Parrot; Howard Condren, Monty Gilpin, scorer—Joyce Rutter.

9 holes: Mike Platt, Colby Miller; David Kragt, Brad Craig, Todd Willard; Kevin Mills, Tommy Rieger, George Murphy; Sherri Atchinson, Kathy Jeffries, Christie Smith; Julie Rieger, Cathy Smith, Mary Kidd.

18 holes: Keith Neel, Darren Foster, J.D. Masters, Corinne Smith; Pat Youngberg, Marshall Smith, David Murphy; Scott Collingsworth, Rick Youngberg, Danny McKinney.

1980 June 1 “Men’s golf results”

Bob Hill Jr., and Dr. W.D. Neal turned back Dr. W.D. Jackson and Bill Harsch to capture honors in the men’s four ball finals.

Winning the President’s flight were George Foster and Phil Trussler over Bob Hunt and George Meyer while Jim Rutter and John Finley captured the A flight over Jim Hill and Jim Riley. Taking the B flight were John Becker Sr., and Bob Eifling turned in a 38 to capture first place in the men’s horse race golf competition Friday night at MCC. Jim Hill finished second and Harry Dean came in third. Taking fourth was Mike Long and rounding out the group were Bob Haney, Hank Garwood, John Kerr, Dr. Ray McKinney, Allen Spaur, and Joe Thompson.

Bob Eifling turned in a 38 to capture first place in the men’s horse race golf competition Friday night at MCC. Jim Hill finished second and Harry Dean came in third. Taking fourth was Mike Long and rounding out the group were Bob Haney, Hank Garwood, John Kerr, Dr. Ray McKinney, Allen Spaur, and Joe Thompson

1980 June 1 “Guest day Winners”

 Taking honors in the Miami Ladies’ Golf Association’s Guest Day competition include: from left, Martha Clanton, Vinita, gross; Retha Wyatt, Vinita, net; Betty Sanders, Carthage, Missouri net; Evelyn Kester, Carthage, gross; Faye Berentz, Miami gross; Claire Oliver, Miami, net; Geneva Ramsey, Shangri-la, gross; Jean Ann Blue, Shangri-la, net; Ruth Scott, Nowata, gross; Joyce Reid, Nowata, net; Nina Johnson, Neosho, net; R. Craig, Joplin, net.

1980 June 8 “Ladies golf notes”

Winners in last Wednesday’s Ladies Golf at MCC were May Ringers Championship, Beverly Jackson; A flight, Marj Grayson; B flight, Judi Kemper, and nine-hole winner Aileen Bradshaw.

Last week’s Scramble action ended in a three-way tie with teams consisting of Judy Long, Nadine Paul, Judy Grissom, Ruth Heyburn, Yvonne Temple, Ann Chancelor, Rose Pratt, Evelyn Hatfield, Martha Bayless, Peg Murphy, and Virginia Gaines sharing the honors.

Wednesday’s play will be best two-ball starting at 8:30 and the shot gun start, pairings will be made at the clubhouse. Afternoon golfers will play at their regular starting times.

1980 June 9 “Celebrity joins golf tournament”

Daredevil motorcyclist Evel Knievel, a visitor in Miami this weekend, is participating in the annual member-pro golf tournament at the Miami County club.

A total of 36 pros from the area clubs are playing in the tourney, which teed off at 1 o’clock.

Knievel went off the #1 tee at 1:00. MCC pro Don Atchison said the public was invited to view the action.

1980 June 10 “MCC member-pro title claimed”

Winners and Special Guest: L-R—Joe Boydston, George Glenn from Tulsa Country Club, Evel Knievel, motorcycle daredevil, and Butch Gaines of Miami.

Bolstered by a 6-under 66 by George Glenn of Tulsa’s Page Belcher Golf Course, the team of Glenn, Joe Boydston and Butch Gaines captured top honors in the annual Miami Country club member-pro golf tournament.

The winning squad turned in a 59 to escape with a one stroke margin of victory and avoid a massive logjam for second. Seven teams, including the squad with Evel Knievel, turned in 60’s to finish as runners-up.

The was the second straight year that Glenn had been on the winning team and marked a whopping 7-stroke improvement over last year’s score. Robert Lindsay, pro from Tulsa CC, turned in a 71 to finish second behind Glenn in the low pro race while Jim Hatfield of Elk River and Rick Reed of Cedar Ridge CC in Tulsa carded 72’s to finish in a tie for third.

Sharing second were the teams (with pro first) of Lindsay, Bill Jeffers, and Neel; Reed, Tommy Thompson and Robert Reavis; Paul Parker, Joe Womastek, and Tom Cordell; Richard Venus, Evel Knievel, Dickk Seybolt; Jay Brubaker, Steve Arnold, and Dr. Ray McKinney; Charles Collins, Gester Lentz, and Al Moffat; and Brad Pullin, Dean Cox, and Tom Kidd.

Cy Elmburg and Evel Knievel

Knievel, who has been in Miami the past few days on a business trip (to purchase a Newell Coach), complemented MCC pro Don Atchison, calling the local course “the finest nine-hole course” he has ever played on.

1980 June 15 “Youth golf competition”

Winners from Friday’s Youth Golf play at the Miami Country club are as follows:

2 holes: Eric and Kevin Collingsworth, John West; Lori Lillard and Paige Parrott.

4 holes: Mitch Jones, Robert Elmburg; Kim McCubbin, Leighan Hill, and Jen Robinson.

9 holes: Steve Becker, Todd Scoggins, Tom Rieger.

9 holes A flight: Cathy Smith, Mary Kidd; B flight: Julie Rieger, Kathy Jeffries.

18 holes: Scott Collingsworth, Marshall Smith, David Murphy; Corinne Smith.

1980 June 18 “Miami winner”

 

Robinson, Jr., winner of the First Howard Childress Invitational Tournament in Baxter Springs, is congratulated by Jim Williams, general manager chairman of the tourney. Robinson carded a 773-76-149 to finish one stroke ahead of defending champion Danny Endicott of Joplin.

 1980 June 22 “Ladies golf notes”

Wednesday’s competition for the “Play the Pro” is as follows. The playing will have a shotgun start at 8:30am. Pairings by starting hole:

#2 Marylyn Adams, Billie Pace, Marian Richards and Ann Foster; #3 Juanita King, Pauline Taylor, Peg Murphy and Pattye Moores; #4 LaVerne Munson, Joyce Rutter, Beverly Foster and Barbara Shouse; #5 Yvonne Temple, Virginia Kerr, Virginia Sapp and Claire Oliver; #6 Sue Riley, Ruth Heyburn, Martha Bayless and Helen Moore; #7 Pat Platt, Ann Chancellor, Geneva Ramsey and Noma Newman; #8 Nadine Hoffman, Rosalie Patterson, Evelyn Hatfield and Lib Lillard; #9 first—Faye Berentz, Jean Ann Blue, Beverly Jackson and Gail Beck; #9 second—Margaret Hadley, and LaVon Young.

9-hole players: #1 first—Dorothy Hester, Mary Ellen Hunt, Mavis Ford, Aileen Bradshaw; #1 second—Rose Pratt, Virginia Heydt, Virginia Gaines, and Jean Phillips. #1 third—Fern Toye, Frances Elder, Maria Heydt and Frances McKinney.

Evening play: #2 Judy Long, Nadine Paul, Judy Grissom and Judy Kemper; #3 Cindy Hill, Candy Couch, Marilyn Hill and Marji Grayson, #1 Loretta Robinson and Mary Haney. 

 

1980 July 6 “Schools ponder heat decisions”

The state’s longest heat wave shows no sign of ending before the start of the school year……Sports have been affected by this heat wave, as well.

1980 July 7 “Win for Foster”

George Foster sand a 4-foot putt on the final hole to defeat Mike Sexton in a men’s “horse race” at the MCC. Don Barr finished third in the competition and Rex Painter was fourth. Rounding out the field were James Heyburn, Bob Hunt, Pat Wilson, Dr. Howard Condren, John Heyburn, and Bob Temple.

The men’s club championship begins Saturday at MCC and will run for two weeks. The final interclub golf match will be held Friday at 3:00pm at MCC.

1980 July 20 “Youth winners”

Collecting the most points throughout the youth season and taking honors during the end-of-season tournament Friday at MCC were, at front (the picture was too dark to share): Jen Robinson, 4-hole first; Kim Reece, second; Richie Lillard, 9-hole second; Mitch Jones, 4-hole first, Ron Coker, second; Kevin Collingsworth, 2-hole first; Steve Hill, second; Paige Parrott, 2-hole first; Shawna Fitzgibbon, second. At back, Scott Collingsworth, 18 holes first place in tourney; Darren Foster, second; Corrine Smith, 18-hole first place in tourney; Todd Willard, 9-hole first; Mary Kidd, 9-hole A flight first; Cathy Smith, 9-hole second ;Kathy Jeffries, 9-hole B flight winner; Sherri Atchison, second. Not pictured Steve Becker, 9-hole boys champion and Julie Rieger, 9-hole girls B flight champion.

Putting and Driving Leaders during the youth golf summer season were, at front from L-R: Laura Pendergrass, 4-hole putting; Kim McCubbin, driving; Michael Fitzgibbon, 4-hole putting; Steven Long, driving; Erik Elmburg, 2-hole putting; John West, driving; Lori Lillard, 2-hole putting; and Darcy Gilpin, driving. At back, Richie Lillard, 9-hole driving; Darren Foster 18-hole putting; Keith Neel, driving; Todd Willard, 9-hole putting; Cathy Smith, 9-hole A flight putting; Mary Kidd, driving; Sherri Atchison, 9-hole B flight putting and Missy Reece, driving.

1980 July 20 “MCC, Jaycees sponsor golf tournament”

The Miami Country club and the Miami Jaycees will sponsor a Muscular Dystrophy Benefit Golf Tournament on August 15. Don Atchison, club pro at MCC, will serve as club official and Alan Spaur and Pat Wilson as project chairmen.

The 18-hole (Callaway Method) tournament will begin with a 1:00 shotgun start and will be limited to the first 60 paid entrants.

Entry fee will be $25 (tax deductible) and covers the cost of green fees, rental of a golf cart, and a friend chicken buffet dinner for each entrant and their spouse or guest.

Entry information needed includes name, address, telephone number, golf handicap, and whether the entrants if a member of MCC and/or Jaycees or a a member of another area golf club. Entry deadline will be August 11. Checks made payable to “Miami Jaycees”, or cash and entry info should be sent to: Don Atchison, 2101 Harvard, Miami, Ok. 74354 or delivered to Atchison at the pro shop.

1980 July 28 “Hole-in-One by Henley”

Stratton Henley shot a hole-in-one Saturday at the MCC. Using a five iron, Stratton claimed a 160-yard par three hole. Also play with Stratton were Dick Neel, Brent Bollinger, Carrol Collingsworth, and Leroy Collins.

In the backwards scramble competition, which was played Friday Jim Haldeman, Judy Grissom, Dale Gilpin, and Rose Pratt took first place honors with a total of 31 on nine holes.

Second place went to Bollinger, Loretta Robinson, Ross Hartly and Sue Riley. Third place went to Ed Schmidt, Millie Carter, George Couch, and Carolyn Finley. Fourth place ended with a tie with Bob Hill Jr., Linda Elmburg, Jim Graham, and Margaret Hadley.

The next event will be a Crabgrass picking party Thursday night at 6 o’clock and Friday the events will include a "horse race" at 5 o’clock.

1980 August 17 “Golf Winners”

Taking honors in the Muscular Dystrophy Golf Event which was played Friday at the MCC included at front left, Pat Wilson, third low net and first in long drive; Bill Coons, high gross; Dr. W.D. Jackson, second low net. At back are Allan Spour, fourth low net and closest to the pin on #12; Sam Robinson, fifth low net; Bob Hill Jr., low gross, and Mike Craig, first low net. Craig and Hill logged net 72’s.

1980 August 18 “Hill nabs MCC title”

Logging a 2-over par score for 72 holes, Bob Hill Jr., breezed to the title in the Miami Country club championship Sunday afternoon. Hill had a four-round score of 74, 72, 72, 72—290 to take honors while runner-up Mike Craig turned in a 77,77, 74,68—296.

Play in the President and A flight have not been completed yet. Glen Conway won the B flight, outdistancing George Couch, while John Becker Sr. won the C flight with Don Coppedge finishing as runner-up.

The annual MCC Invitational will be held Saturday and Sunday with a “horse race” on Friday. The MCC Fall Festival will be played September 6-7, which will be a week earlier than originally scheduled.

1980 August 17 “Ladies club champion”

Taking honors in the Miami Ladies Golf Association club championship held this week were, from left, Rose Pratt, second 9-hole flight; Mary Helen Hunt, first, 9-hole; Pattye Moores, first in B flight; Ann Foster, second, A flight; Juanita King, first in A flight; Ruth Heyburn, second in Championship flight, and Beverly Jackson, medalist and first in Championship flight.

1980 August 17 “Ladies golf notes”

Beverly Jackson was medalist and captured first place in the Championship flight for the MLGA Club Championship last week. Winners in other flights were Juanita King, A; Pattye Moores, B, and Mary Helen Hunt, 9-hole.

Additional winners in each flight included: Championship runner-up Ruth Heyburn; longest drive Billie Pace; pitch and putt, Faye Berentz; A flight: runner-up, Ann Foster; longest drive, Judy Kemper; pitch and putt, Noma Newman; B flight: runner-up, Judy Grissom; longest ddrive, Sammy Hoffman; pitch and putt, Jane Wooley. 9-hole flight: runner-up, Rose Pratt; longest drive, Marla Heydt; pitch and putt, Mavis Ford.

A swimming party was held at the home of Jean Ann and Max Blue following the tournament play.

Winners in last Wednesday’s regular competition, which was blind holes, included: Championship, Geneva Ramsay; A flight Marian Richars; B flight, Beverly Foster; 9-hole Mary Helen Hunt; Evening group, Cindy Hill.

1980 August 24 “Warren paces Miami Invitational”

A hole-in-one on the par 3, #8 hole technically proved the margin of difference as H.B. Warren Jr., nursed a one-stroke lead following the first round of play at the MCC Invitational on Saturday.

Cy Elmburg shot out of bunker

Warren playing with the foursome of Bill Harsch, Romie Holder, and Mike Craig used a 4-iron to log his second-ever ace. Holder and Dick Lillard were tied for second with 69’s while two strokes off the pace were Will Neel and K.C. Jeffries.

Neel was runner-up last year and won the 1978 tourney title. Last year’s champ, Terry Key of Joplin, was nine strokes back with a 77.

A total of 127 players were registered for the action with concludes today.

1980 August 25 “Holder nabs invitational”

 

 Tulsan, Romie Holder (second from Right) accepts his trophy for winning the Miami Country Club Invitational Golf Tournament from 1980 Miss Teen Age Oklahoma, Diana Smallwood. Looking on are MCC pro Don Atchison, left and John Robinson Jr., tournament director. Holder nosed out H.B. Warren II on the second hole of sudden death Sunday afternoon for the title.

A two-foot putt on the second hole of sudden death boosted Romie Holder pas H.B Warren II for the title of the silver anniversary edition of the MCC Invitational. This was the first Miami title victory for Holder, who finished as runner-up to Neel two years ago.

Following Warren was Will Neel 142, Gary Risner 145, Bob Hill Jr. 146, and K.C. Jeffries 147.

Chris Coyle set the pace in the President’s flight with a victory over Mark Cordell. Coyle logged a 153 to Cordell’s 155. Michael Perryman was third with 155 while Dr. W.D. Jackson shot a 155. Dick Neel nailed down fifth with 155 and Cy Elmburg took sixth at 155 in a scorecard playoff.

Phil Fidler nosed out Kenny Gibson for the top spot in the A flight with both logging in 156’s. Scott Jackson followed with a 162, Paul Davis 163, Tom Cordell 163 and Nusal Hobbs 163.

Tom Forbes walked off with B flight shooting a 164. Quinn Rinehart followed with a167, Wood Harlan Jr. took third 1ith 167, Tom Liljegren 167, Stan Ballew 169, and Gene Holt 171.

Max Martin slipped past J.R. Pete Nichols, Phil Ninman and George Matetich Jr., for the C flight crown. Martin shot a 181 while Nichols followed with 182, Ninman 182, Matetich 182.

D flight was won by Don Crain with a 184 followed by Jim Hill 186, Bill Gaines 188, V.W. Lillard 194, and Ken Grissom 101. 

1980 October 6 "Hirsch snares a win"

Charlie Bill Hirsch scored a three on the final hole to turn back Bob Hill Jr. in a men's "horse race" at the Miami Country Club. 

Third place went to Mike Craig and he was followed by Marshall Smith in fourth, Bill Harsch fifth; John Robinson Jr. sixth; Dr. W.D. Jackson, seventh; Jack Doan, eighth; Dr. W.D. Neal, ninth; and Kent Jeffries 10th. A mixed event is scheduled for Friday night at MCC.