1962 STORIES AND TIMELINE of MGCC

 *My sincere thanks to the Dodson Museum, Orrick Sparlin collection, for sharing these black and white photos of activities at the Miami Golf and Country Club.

62.4.24 mdnr  Stapp is No.1 in Muskogee Golf 

John F. Stapp of the Miami Country club was the No. 1 shooter Monday in the PGA's sectional pro-amateur tournament at the Muskogee Country club for entries from Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas,

Stapp carded a two-under par 68 on the muddy course following rain of nearly two inches. Next best score was a 73 by a Wichita pro.

Amateur honors went to Dr.W.D. Jackson of Miami, who played in the local foursome that included amateurs G.R. White and Pat Campbell.

Stapp's shooting in combination with Jackson resulted in a low pro-am score of 63. The second low-net was also won by Stapp and G.R. White with a 64. The 67 with Campbell was fourth lowest.

 

  62.4.25  "Miami Girls State Golf Champions"

For the second straight year, Miami high school girls have won the 27 hole State Oklahoma High School Tournament. The four-ball team champions are Letty Stapp 55-53-46=155; Diana Oliver, 53-48-54=155; Carole Luttrell, 58-54-54=166; Pam Smallwood, 60-59-57=176. Sherry Taylor of N.E. High School OKC was the tourney medalist with 47-46-40=133. Miami's Stapp and Oliver placed second and third.   

Miss Oliver was the only member of the Miami foursome that swept medalist, two-ball and four-ball honors last year. Other members of that team were Suzanne Stephenson, Phyllis Propper, and Gaye Phillips.  Mrs. Johnie Stapp was in charge of the girls team.

Scores by Miami War Dogs for the two days 54 hole tourney were Phil Ulmer 285;

Charles Dawson 268; Jim Williams 289; and Billy Oliver 286. The team did not place this year. Coach Bill Watkins was in charge of the boys team. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

62.6.1  "Winners Named in Golf Event"

Winners in Scotch foursome golf competition at the Miami Country club on Memorial Day were: Low net--Don Curlee and Pat Horner, First; Bill Carter and Norma Jackson, Second; Bill Oliver and Melba Cordell, third

Low Gross: Corbin Shouse and Helen Jones, first;  Phillip Temple and Leaetta Jackson, second; Ted Vernon and Florence Dawson, third.

Low Putts: Harry Whitaker and Hattie Wall, first; Dick Varley and Lois Cowles, second; Tom Cordell and Claire Oliver, third 

There were 54  contestants in the holiday meet.  

62.6.20 mdnr "Junior Girls to Compete in Tournament Here Friday"

Eighty girls have entered the third annual Miami Junior Girls Invitational. Last year's tournament drew 67 contestants, with Kay Van Valkenburgh of Tulsa the trophy winner in the championship fight. The winner of the first meet in 1960 was Jeannie Thompson. She will be here this year in the adult capacity of scorer. 

One of the favorites in the championship fight is Donna Fox of Clinton, Missouri. While residing at Seneca last year, she won runner-up honors in the championship.

Susan Basolo of Muskogee, who reached the semi-finals last week in the women's state amateur tournament in Tulsa, should be one of the strongest contenders here. Another top contender from Tulsa is Suzie Friels. Deanna Jackson of Coffeyville served notice when she carded a 46 in the nine-hole practice round here Wednesday. 

Four Miami girls who won the State High School girls team championships in April with compete. They are Letty Stapp, Diana Oliver, Carole Luttrell, and Pam Smallwood. Another Miami girl due to gain a berth in the championship flight is C.Ann Richards. 

The tournament is sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf Association. Co-chairmen of the meet are Mrs. Johnie Stapp and Mrs. Woodrow Painter. 

Heading the Tulsa delegation of 49 girls is Mrs. Mabel Hotz. They will arrive by chartered bus. Mrs. Hotz, wife of Dr. Carl Hotz, is heading the State Junior Girls golf program for the 13th straight year. She will yield the leadership at the conclusion of the July 10-13 tournament at Tulsa's Southern Hills and Meadowbrook clubs.  Adult leaders of the Miami tournament said they were inspired by Mrs. Hotz to start the successful local meet. 

Entries by other cities follow: Ann Travis, Bartlesville, Marilyn Mabry and Louise Stokell, Okmulgee; Susan and Nancy Basolo, Muskogee. Miami entries: C.Ann Richards, Karen Jeffries, Jonya Stapp, Patsy Riddling, Kathy Gilmore, June Reniker, Susan Russell, Barbara Bomford, Lee Dell Snyder, Nancy Cordell, Jenee Kenreigh, Janie Berentz, Carole Luttrell, Cathy Olson, Letty Stapp, Sally Meyer, Dianna Oliver, Pam Smallwood, Carole Searle, Clara Searle, and Gayla Dale.

 

 Susan Russell 

I vividly recall young Ellen Robinson as a scorer, smoking and drinking a coke and wearing a very cute pair of  short shorts. Mothers complained about how she looked and the example it set for others. 

In essence, I thought that they were just downright jealous biddies, and I, too, at age 16 even recognized that I'd never be that cute. Women wouldn't look at me like that. 

**PERSONAL NOTE: Often times, in the humid heat of the summer, when I bend over and pull weeds from my garden,  I recall pulling grab grass at the country club. In the late 50's and early 60's my dad, and board of officers would host one or two "Crab Grass Picking Parties" at the club during the year.  My most vivid memory was on No.2, one year, when the Sam Fullerton family arrived and sat down on their row with mats, towels, and tools. Mother, dad, Jonya and I also worked that hole. Dad and his team marked off rows on every green and families were assigned a green and could pick any row. In the evening we would all gather, go to our greens, and pick crab grass together.  Most tools were simply pocket knives or pairing knives. The men made sure to show their wives and kids how to dig in around the grass and pull.  

I remember how much I admired Ruth Fullerton. Her face always clean and never sweaty like mine, and her clothes stiffly ironed and proper. That evening she sat down on her towel, tucked her skirt up under her side bottom, leaned over and began to dig and pull. Her grace and beauty left a smiling heartfelt memory with this child. Later, when I was older, she enjoyed playing golf with me, usually just the two of us. She and Florence Dawson were the only two women to play with a full set of "woods" long before we had rescue clubs or hybrids.   

62.7.1 "Girls From Three States Share Top Honors"

Donna Fox, 16, who will be a junior next fall in Tipton, Mo captured top honors Friday in the Third Annual Girls Invitational Tourney. She carded 82, the lowest medal score in three years. Runner-up honors went to Deanna Jackson with an 86 and Susan Basolo, 14 year old from Muskogee with an 89. Miami's C.Ann Richards finished fourth with 94. 

Miamian's placing in the tourney were: Lee Dell Snyder putting in Class B; Barbara Bomford putting in Class C. Sally Meyer driving in Class D. Karen Jeffries Pee Wee division. 

The Miami Ladies Golf Association, sponsor of the tournament, voted to designate
the fourth annual meet next year as the "Mabel Hotz Miami Invitational" Mrs. Hotz had headed the state junior golf program the past 13 years and will retire from the presidency at the conclusion of the July 10-13 state Junior at Southern Hills.

62.7.2  "Fireworks Shows Are Set"

Miami will have "double feature" Independence Day firework shows Wednesday night. The first will be at the MCC just after dark about 8 o'clock. A professional crew will shift from the Country club to the Fairgrounds for the Miami American Legion's fireworks spectacular between 9 and 9:30 

The Legion program at the Fairgrounds will open at 8:30 and will include a Boy Scout flag ceremony and special music preceding the fireworks display. It is free to the public.

62.7.20 mdnr "Junior Boys Golf Meet Here Today"

Traffic on the nine-hole course of the Miami Country club was near an all-time high today with 133 boys ages 7-17, competing in the second annual one-day Miami Junior Boys Invitational golf tournament, sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf Association in co-operation with Johnie Stapp, club pro.

Stapp expressed regret today that it was necessary to turn down more than 40 late applicants during the week. Contestants are here from Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma

One of the favorites for top honors in the championship flight is Dick Orr of Okmulgee, runner-up to champion Mike Norman of Muskogee last year. Among entry rating support in the title race is L.C. Sikes of Fayetteville, Arkansas. His brother Dick Sikes of Springdale, Arkansas won last week's USGA Public Links tournament at Buffalo, NY.

Winners last year other than championship shooters were: President's flight--Mike Scimeca, Caney, Kansas and Mike Bennett, Wichita; A flight--Tom Weeks of Bartlesville and Brad Smallwood, Miami; B flight--John Huron of Ponca City; C flight--Paul Kempa, Okmulgee, and Mike Adkisson, Wichita, and pee-wee flight--Time Schofield and Pat Callahan of Miami.

 

Junior Golfers are Clara Searle, Kathy Gilmore, and Carol Searle

62.7.11 "Miamians in Meet"

Letty Stapp led Miami's delegation in the State Girls Championship but missed the championship flight by just one stroke (that was the story of my life as a junior player). Her 101 was best in the first flight. She was paired today against Ann Masterson, 104 of OKC. C.Ann Richards of Miami, 105 will meet Peggy Gentry, OKC with a 103 in the first flight. 

Miamians in the other flights are:  Second flight Janie Berenz vs Rinda Kopptiz,of Alva; Third flight Diana Oliver vs Karen Pappen, Ponca City; Jenee Kenreigh vs Jan Goss of Tulsa; Pam Smallwood  vs Jane Snodgrass of OKC. 

Karen Jeffries of Miami was NO. 1 scorer among the pee-wees and top the A flight list with 41 for five holes. Also in A flight are Jonya Stapp, Clara Searle, Carol Searle. 

62.7.13  "Miamians in Finals at State Tournament"

Two Miami girls played in today's finals of the Junior Girls State Golf Championsip at Tulsa, and Karen Jeffries won the pee-wee flight. 

C.Ann Richards of Miami played Susan Willis today for First Flight championship. Diana Oliver of Miami played against Ann Sheets of Muskogee for the third flight trophy. 

In other results Miamians Letty Stapp lost to Suzanne Willis; Janie Berentz lost to Katherine McGraw; Jenee Kenreigh lost to Terry Yetman; Pam Smallwood lost to Becky Cooley.

In the pee-wee division, Clara Searle scored a 60-62-65=187 in A Flight and Carol Searle of Be flight finished with 58-52-56=166. 

62.7.15  "Annual Junior Boys Invitational Golf Tournament"

 A new champion will be crowned this year as Mike Norman, of Muskogee last year's champion, has aged out. The entry list has been filled with a total of 121 including 23 from Springfield, 25 from Bartlesville Sunset, 5 from Bartlesville Hillcrest, 2 from Pryor, 10 from Neosho, 15 from Fayetteville, 3 from Wichita, 6 from Okmulgee, and 32 Miamians. Last year's tournament had 77 entries. 

Co-chairs are Mrs. Woodrow Painter and Mrs. Johnie Stapp. Other members of the committee are Mrs. John Scholfield, Mrs. John F. Robinson, Mrs. Tom Cordell, Mrs. Al White, and Mrs. Vernon Sapp. Tournament assignments follow: Pat Campbell and Stapp, trophy awards; Stapp rules and pairings; starters Campbell and Bill Hirsch; scoring posters, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Claude Jones, and Mrs. John F. Robinson. 

Other positions include: Jim Smallwood driving contest; Mrs. Harry Gilmore, Mrs. Bill Hirsch and Mrs. John Burford food; Mrs. W.D. Jackson, handicaps; Mrs. Henry Garwood scorers; Mrs. Scholfield, Mrs. Al White, Mrs. Tom Cordell and Mrs. John Robinson registration; Mrs. Clancy Pollock, entertainment in case of rains; Sally Meyer and Lee Dell Snyder, ball spotters, Mrs. Charles Trussler, Mrs. George Russell, and Mrs. John Meyer, club house. 

62.7.15  "Ladies Golf Notes"

Winners in competition of the past week for the Ladies Golf association were Claire Oliver, Championship, Millie Carter, Class A; Helen Jo Painter and Lottie Mae Russell in Flight B; and Sue Barnes in C. 

NOTE: This is the first time I have seen the ladies addressed by their first names.

Pairings for next Wednesday follow: 

Hattie Wall, Beverly Jackson, and Helen Jo Painter; Yvonne Temple, Eva Williams, and Pat Horner; Mary Varley, Claire Oliver and Barbara Shouse; Faye Berentz, Evelyn Hatfield, Florence Dawson and Beverly Smith.

Hattie White, Helen Moore, and Lois Cowles; Clara Barton, Ollie Longacre, Erin Wojcik; Sue Mason, Lottie Mae Russell, and Dottie Ridling; Carol Pollock, Louise Curlee, and Gladys Wetzel.

Ethel Carselowery, Helen Stapp, and Melba Cordell; Norma Lou Jackson, Inez Buzzard, Nancy Johnson; Elizabeth Hansford, Virginia Sapp and Glenna Vernon; Irne White, Jessie Walbert, and Sue Robinson.

Mary VanBeber, Dorothy Scholfield and Virginia Lee Wilson; Helen Jo Painter, Betty Kelly, and Lois Garwood, Ruth Fullerton, Margaret Coburn and Sue Barnes; Lillian White, Pauline Dykes, Milly Carter, and Opel Goettel.

  

62.6.21  "Trophy Winners"

Completion of the annual Miami Women's handicap golf tournament was climaxed Wednesday when Faye Berentz presented trophies to Clara Barton, (2nd from left), 18-hole flight champion and Louise Curlee, runner-up; Helen Moore, 9-hole champion, and Hattie White, runner-up.

62.7.22 mdnr "Okmulgee's Dick Orr is Champion"

 

Dick Orr, 17, Okmulgee, who has accepted a golf scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, captured top honors in Friday's second annuals Miami Junior boys invitational at the Miami Country club. 

Orr carded 36-37-71, one-over par score, for the 18-hole medal play. Tying for second place in the championship flight were David Hines, of Tulsa and Dan Holt of Bartlesville.

Miami boys who won are: Charles Dawson, Championship driving; Pat Wilson, A flight driving; Woody Painter, C flight putting. The tournament was sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf association and club pro John Stapp.  

62.7.29 "Junior Golfers End Season"

L-R: Jonya Stapp, Johnny Doty, Pat Wilson, Steve Moore, Jenee Kenreigh, Judy Berentz, ?, Bobby Wilson,? 2nd row:?, Jimmy Painter, John Robinson, Diana Oliver, Susan Russell, Jackie Mann, ?,  Tommy Cordell, Ann Cordell 

 

 

 Diana Oliver and John Robinson captured honors Friday in the annual Miami Junior handicap golf tournament by winning their respective divisions of the championship flight. John's 18-hole card showed a score of 44-45=89. With a 22 handicap his net score was 67. Stephen Moore won the runner-up trophy after a playoff with Pat Wilson. Each netted a 77. 

Diana's winning card showed 49-46=95 and an 18 handicap for a 77 net. Jenee Kenreigh was runner-up with a net 81. 

Woody Painter

A flight boys: Jimmy Painter, first with net 36; John Doty 2nd.

B flight boys: Jackie Mann first in playoff with Ray Coburn, both shot a net 37.

5 hole boys: Pete Whitaker, first; Bobby Wilson, 2nd

Pee-Wee boys: Tom Cordell, firs; Kenney Gibson, 2nd.

 

 

 

 

 

Susan Russell

A flight girls: Susan Russell, first; Judy Berentz 2nd

5-hole girls: Patsy Ridling, first; Jonya Stapp, 2nd.

2-hole girls: Ann Cordell, first. 

 

 

 

 

 

62. 8. 6 mdnr "Miami Golfers win in the Finale"

Miami Country club golfers handily outscored opponents from Joplin and Springfield here Sunday, 94 but the rally was not sufficient to bring the Miamians from the cellar position they've held in the triangular inter-club tournament begun last spring.

Miamians tallied 84 points Sunday while golfers from Joplin's Twin Hills and Springfield's Twin Oaks gathered 38. The tourney winner was Springfield with a total of 184, Joplin 181, Miami 175. 

Two Miamians took low score honors Sunday, John F. Robinson and Bob Hill, Jr., both shot 76.

62.8.12 mdnr "Ladies Golf Notes"

Last weeks winners at the MGCC were Championship: Faye Berentz; Class A. Hattie Wall; Class B Clara Barton; Class C Gladys Wetzel.

 Photo on the left: Pat Horner, Helen Moore, Clara Barton, Claire Oliver (who later became the Jr. High School golf coach).

Personal notes from Jody (Joanne) LaCaff Lasky:

I  had my wedding reception there in 1962. I gave Patti Gibson a bridesmaid luncheon there in 1965 and Mavis Ford gave me a party there as a graduation present in 1960.

62.9.2 "Karen Kay Williams Bride"

Miss Karen Kay Williams daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Loren Williams, 919 B NW and William C. Harsch Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. William Harsch Sr, C Harsch of Catasauqua, Pa. were united in marriage in a double-ring ceremony Friday, August 17, at 3 p.m.  NOTE: Sunday upon Sunday the newspaper is filled with wedding pictures of brides from all over the county. Most often the decorations take paragraphs to describe. "The altar was decorated with bouquets of white gladioli and pink asters entwined with greenery and white satin bows. Pews were marked by white satin bows......

62.9.2  "Record Field Due Next Weekend for 7th Annuals Miami Golf Invitational"

A record field of 72 out-of-towners from 20 cities in four states and 28 local contestants will begin the tournament this Saturday. Percy Pipes previous winner is expected to defend his title this year.

1956 Jack Myers, Miami

1957 Jack Myers, Miami

1958 Podge Ferguson, Kansas City

1959  Dr. W.D. Jackson, Miami

1960 Percy Pipes, Mt. Vernon, Illinois

1961 Percy Pipes, Mt. Vernon, Illinois

1962  7th annual  up for bid

W.D. Jackson (and his wife Norma Lou, who goes on to chair this tournament for decades) is the general chairman of the event. Robinson is in charge of invitations and finance Pairings will be supervised by Robert Temple, Harry Whitaker; Vernon Sapp will be starter; Club  pro Johnie Stapp, will be in charge of rules.  

NOTE: This tournament brought in a lot of money to Miami over the years since men drove to Miami to get in practice rounds through out the summer months. The course was consider fair but extremely difficult and placement of the tee shot mattered. The women came on Friday with their husbands and shopped downtown. The unmentionable is that this tournament was considered a Calcutta during which men could place bets on their team or others to see who won. This form of gambling took place nationwide until the 1980's, but all along it was considered against the law, so people did not speak openly of the dealings.  Women in Oklahoma had their own tournaments during the 1960's, 70's, and 80's that were Calcuttas, again the unmentionable, but most certainly gambling payoffs.   

62.9.10 mdnr "Hatfield Wins Tourney Title"

Missouri golfers dominated  top honors in the seventh annuals Miami Country club invitational tourney which ended a two-day run Sunday evening in cold, rainy weather. Jim Hatfield of Neosho, a Rocketdyne machinist, captured the crown with a 36-hole score of 146. His one-under par 71 on Saturday took medalist honors. He scored 75 on Sunday.

Runner-up with 74-74=148 was Bill Stewart of Springfield, winner of the Missouri state amateur championship 1953 and 1957 (father of the PGA pro Payne Stewart, who also played golf at the country club before turning pro.) Miami banker John F. Robinson won third place with a 150 total. This marks the fifth straight year that Robinson has finished in the top four of the invitational. 

Jim Hatfield, champion, Bill Stewart, 2nd

The championship flight was limited to the 13 who scored 79 or under on Saturday. Those included Jack Myers, Miami 79-80=159 and Marshall Smith, Quapaw, 78-84=162. 

Of the 109 golfers from four states who had signed up for the tournament, 104 posted qualifying scores on Saturday despite heavy rains throughout the area early in the day. Rainfall here for the two tournament days totaled 2.41 inches. 

62.10.4 "Ladies Trophy Winners"

The Ladies Golf association voted to name its annual fall golf event the "Virginia Campbell Memorial Tournament" in honor of the late Mrs. Pat Campbell, an enthusiastic golfer and member of the association. Trophies, donated by Country club President Pat Campbell, were present to the medalist, Claire Oliver; championship Faye Berentz, Class A Hattie Wall, Class B Helen Stapp, and Class C Helen Moore. 

62.11.11 The annual meeting of the Miami Golf and Country club stockholders will be held on a regular Stagg night this Tuesday. Dinner will be served beginning at 7 o'clock prior to the meeting.

1962 Golf Shop Employees:

Ed and Cora Westfahl, Bobby Ballenger, Warren Harkins.

Figuring Handicaps: I made $15.00 a month when I helped mom compute all of the handicaps for the members. We used an ancient black adding machine to put in the numbers. When I had a total, I then used a slide rule designed for golf handicaps and figured an average score, and then a handicap. Mom and I took turns with this job until I was older and put in charge.  Jonya and I both agree that the fun part was using the old adding machine and pulling down the handle. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teaching tips from the Pro:

 

He also built a short demo club about 12-15" long with a full grip. The grip he used over and over to teach everyone of his students how to properly hold the club  

He believed in the effectiveness of the Vardon grip and consistently shared that information with people who came into the golf shop whining and complaining about the round he/she just had.  

 

1962 Junior Golfers

 

1960 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Fifty Nifty United States

 

 Charlie Dawson shared his memories:

I worked in the Pro Shop for your dad one summer and caddied for Doc Jackson in the late 50s and early 60s when he competed in tournaments in the area and those famous Miami/Joplin/Springfield events and the Miami Invitational.  Doc usually was paired against Payne Stewart’s dad Jim in those events.  I was also on the Miami High School golf team for two years.  In my last event, Bob Dickson who went on to play the tour was in my threesome. That was thrilling to be a part of his life in golf.

One time your dad arranged for me to caddy for Mickey Mantle and George Coleman when they played at the country club. That was a true honor for me.

My mother was in the group that played with Mickey Wright and your dad when she was in town (1958).   I still have the golf ball given to Florence by Mickey Wright that my dad Spencer Dawson bronzed.  Like you and Jonya, I lived at the club during the summers, until I left in 1962.

1960 March 13  Ladies Begin Golf Lessons

Golf lessons for members of the Miami Ladies Golf association will begin Wednesday--"rain, snow, sleet or sunshine"--at the Country club. Plans for the 1960 golf activities were made at the annual membership coffee at the home of Mrs. Henry Garwood. 

1960 April 10  "Schoolboy Golfers of 3 States in Golf Tournament Here" 

Schoolboy golfers from Oklahoma City, and other distant points will arrive in Miami today for practice rounds before the third annual Miami High School Invitational tournament Monday at the Miami Country club. One third of the 15 teams that accepted invitations to play in the meet are from the state capital. They are Harding, champion of the first meet in 1958; Northeast, Capitol Hill, Southeast, and Grant. Other entries are Tulsa Edison, defending champions; Midwest City, Tulsa Cascia Hall, Muskogee, Miami, Joplin, Coffeyville, and three Springfield, Missouri teams--Parkview, Hillcrest, and Central. 

Miami also has three players back from the foursome that won fifth in last year's field. They are Dick Neel, Bob Hill, and Stephen Moore. Roger Scruggs is a new member of the team. 

Jack Rucker, Miami golf coach is general director of the tournament. Johnie Stapp, will instruct the contestants early Monday morning and serve as starter. Members of the high school student council will serve sandwiches and milk. 

1960's Golf Shop Employees: These names are all listed in my mother's ledger, but with no years or dates beside them. Dickie Joe Badger, Cora May Westfahl, Steve Hollerback, Roger C. Scruggs, Don Wiley Parker, Russel Horner, Larry Parker, Charlie Dawson, Roger Lee Rollins, James Brad Smallwood, Bob Darrel Ballenger, Warren Harkins, Dale Mahurin, Pat Yost, and David Helms. 

Another list shows: William Viles, Gregory James Dale, Charles Bullock,  Steve Allen Willey, Frank Jacobs, Bob Christianson, Richard Neel, Thomas Charles Dean,

1960 April 10  "Ladies Golf Notes" 

Winners in low gross competition for members of the Miami Ladies Golf Assn. Wednesday at the Country club were:  Mrs. Bill Oliver, championship; Mrs. Ed Badger, Class !; Mrs. Frank Hansford, B; Mrs. Jack Kemp, C; and Mrs. George Walbert, class D.

Winter ringer winners were: Mrs. Oliver, Mrs. Bill Hatfield, Mrs. George Wojcik, and Mrs. Don Curlee. Awards for winners will be made at the regular Wednesday luncheon and business meeting. Group lessons for beginners will be discontinued. 

Competition Wednesday will be for low putts from the red tees. Pairings are:

Mrs. Bill Oliver, Mrs. Al White, Mrs. George Lusk, Mrs. Orville Dahl.  

Mrs. W.D. Jackson, Mrs. Roy Cundiff, Mrs. Bob Temple, Mrs. Claude Jones.  

Mrs. G.P. Campbell, Mrs. R.W. Varley, Mrs. Dan Heyburn, Mrs. Henry Garwood.

Mrs. Dick Lyman, Mrs. Bill Carter, Mrs. Jim Smallwood, Mrs. Ed Badger.

Mrs. Paul Wilson, Mrs. Dale Nefziger, Mrs. Hance Van Beber.

Mrs. Bill Hatfield, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. Spencer Dawson.

Mrs. Wayland Kelly, Mrs. Vernon Cry, Mrs. John Robinson, Mrs. Jack Scholfield.

Mrs. George Russell, Mrs. Frank Reniker, Mrs. Ted Vernon, Mrs. Don Curlee.

Mrs. Bob Nunn, Mrs. Olin Moore, Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, Mrs. Lois Cowles.

Mrs. Hazel Johnson, Mrs. Jack Kemp, Mrs. George Wojcik, Mrs. Don Johnson.

Mrs. Frank Hansford, Mrs. Bill Medcalf,  Mrs. Woodrow Painter.

Mrs. George Walbert, Mrs. Charles Trussler, Mrs. Stanley Ulmer.

Mrs. L.A. Wetzel, Mrs. Tom Barton, Mrs. Wayman Jackson, Mrs. Johnie Stapp. 

 

**There were approximately 40-60 active women golfers in this generation. Many of the women had held various jobs during and after World War II, but their careers were never mentioned. Hattie White as a P.E. teacher. My mother, Helen Stapp, worked at Boeing in Wichita as a librarian. 

1960 April 29  Miami High Golfers Win New Honors

The local girls foursome finished second in medalist, two-girl and four-girl competition Thursday in the state meet at Oklahoma City's Lincoln Park.

Phyllis Proper carded a 50-55-48- 153 for 27 holes to finish second to Patty David Tulsa Central and medalist race. Miss David had the winning total of 136.

Patti Gibson's 173, combined with Miss Proper's 153 gave Miami a total of 326 for second place in two-girl scores.

Miami was runner-up to Duncan in the four-girl scoring with a total of 709 with the cards of Diana Oliver and Bobbi Baron added to the Propper, Gibson total. 

The Miami players have received instruction the past few years from Johnie Stapp, Miami Country club golf professional.

Coach Jack Rucker's Miami high boys, who also have had the benefit of instructions from Stapp, bettered the winning totals posted in the three divisions of the Class AA boys meet at the Lincoln Park north course. 

Bob Dickson of Muskogee, medalist in the April 11 Miami invitational schoolboy tourney, was the No. 1 player of the AA meet with a card of 77,76,78=231.

 

 BRAGGING RIGHTS GO TO THE WARDOGS

Miami's Bob Hill was Class A medalist with a 73, 79, 67=216 fifteen under Dickson's total. Dick Neel of Miami, who shot a 73,79, 71=223 was eight strokes better than the AA champion. 

Hill and Neel won the Class A two-man title with a total of 439, which was 31 strokes under the winning 470 total posted in Class AA by Tulsa Edison's Jim Ingram and Charles Kothe.

Although the Miami four-man team of Hill, Neel, Stephen Moore, and Roger Scruggs finished third in Class A with a total score of 920, this mark would have won the AA meet. Edison (always the big competition in golf) won the four-man trophy in AA with 959.  

 

1960 May 1 Ladies Golf Notes

Winners in last week's competition for the Ladies Golf Association were: Mrs. Corbin Shouse, championship; Mrs. Dick Lycan, Class A; Mrs. Bob Nunn, Class C; Mrs. Johnie Stapp, Class D. 

1960 May 8  Twilight League Golf Play Begins Tuesday

First competition in Miami's Twlight Golf league for the 1960 season will begin Tuesday with the following team pairings:

#1 John F. Robinson, Hoot Gibson, Wayland Kelly, and David Robinson vs #2 G.R. White, Bernie Schaff, Al White, and Dick Lycan.

#14 Charlie Burtrum, Ralph Fulp, Alex Hecksher, and Charlie Phillips vs #3 W.D. Jackson, Bob Temple, Harry Whitaker, Spencer Dawson.

#13 George Barker, Dale West,Jack Brown, and Richard Varley vs #4 Rex Painter, Charlie Trussler, George Beck and Marion Zajic.

#12 Stanley Ulmer, John McLaughlin, Paul McIntosh and Bill Plumlee vs #5 Bob Hill, Pat Campbell, Bob Hill Jr., and OW. Fox.

#11 Ted Vernon, Vernon Cray, Ed Wade, and David Ray vs  #6 Joe Thompson, Clarence Carselowey, Tom Barton, and Dick (Hub) Neel.

#10 Orville Dahl, Harry Kenreigh, Frank Hansford, and Don Curlee vs #7 P.J. Stephenson, Bill ?, J.D. Gentry, Bill Oliver.

#9 Glenn Scott, George Wojcik, Jack Schofield and Jeremy Zeis vs. #8 Woodrow Painter, Harry Ford, Bill Campbell, Lloyd Cowgill.

Round-robin matches will be held each Tuesday for the next 14 weeks. Tournament chairman Harry Whitaker should be notified about substitutions of players.

 

1960 June 24  "Miami Junior Girls Tourney Title Won by Jeannie Thompson of Tulsa"

Jeanne Thompson of Tulsa became the premier young female golfer in Oklahoma during the early 1960's. She won this event with a 42-42=84 over Suzie Marks with a 94.  We were proud that she came from OKC to our Miami Invitational that Johnie Stapp and the Ladies Golf Association began and hosted yearly for over a ten year period. A bus load of girls from OKC and Tulsa would come to Miami for the day. Most of them stayed in host homes over night. Sixty-three young girls came from the tri-state area for this event. 

Other Miamians to participated in the local tournament:

First flight 18 holes: Diana Oliver 120; Bethanne Badger, 153. 

 A flight 9 holes: Donna Fox, 55; Susanne Stephenson, 59; Susie Nunn, 63; Carol Luttrell, 72; Katrina White, 78; Cathy Olson, 84.  

 B flight 9 holes: Sally Ulmer, 64; Letty Stapp 68; Sandy Thompson 72; Ann Habeger, 74; Janee Kenreigh, 81; Peggy Sapp, 85.

C flight: C.Ann Richards 59; Mary Dahl, 63; Kay Nunn 67; Vicki Newell, 72.  

 Pee-Wee (4 holes) Nancy Nesbitt, 50; Barbara Bomford 60.       

1960 July 5 "Winners Named in Holiday Golf"

Winners among Scotch foursomes on Independence Day golf competition ate the Miami Country club were:

Low net--Dr. and Mrs. R.W. Varley, first; Mrs. and Mrs. Dan Heyburn, second. 

Low gross--Mr. and Mrs. Bob Temple, first;Mrs. and Mrs. Al White, second

Low putts (9 holes) Mr. and Mrs. Hance Van Beber, first; G. R. White and Suzie Stephenson, second. 

1960 July 5  "Junior Golf"

Latest winners in Miami Junior Golf competition, low blind holes, were Jonya Stapp and Pete Stephenson, two holes; Barbara Bomford and Jay Reniker, 5 holes; and Kae Nunn and Mark Wojcik, 9 holes. 

Thursday's play at the club will be for low putts. Pairings and adult leaders follow: 

Senior High, 9 holes: Barbara Dahl, Charles Dawson, and Bobby Zeis; David Kruithof and Carol Cowles; Phil Ulmer, Johnny Burford and Diana Oliver; Peggy Sapp, Donna Fox and Pam Smallwood.

Katrina White, Phyllis Propper and Sandi Thompson; Carol Ann Colburn, Janee Kenreigh, and Cathy Olson; Jean Burford and Suzie Stephenson; Carole Luttrell and Suzie Nunn.

Junior High, 9 holes: Sally Ulmer, Mary Dahl, and Mark Wojcik; Mrs. Al White scorer; Cathy Cowles, Kae Nunn, and Letty Stapp, Mrs. Dick Varley, scorer;  Ann Habeger, Bill Fullerton, and Pat Wilson, Mrs. William Oliver, scorer; John Robinson, Susan Russell and Jim Burford, Mrs. Joe Thompson, scorer; C.Ann Richards and Sandy Stephenson, Mrs. George Wojcik, scorer. 

Five Holes: Woody Painter, Nancy Nesbitt, and Johnny Doty, Mrs. Tom Cordell, scorer; Larry LaCaff, Jim Thompson, and Lee Dell Snyder, Mrs. Johnie Stapp, scorer; Barbara Bomford, Richard Varley, and Carol Haralson, Mrs. Kenneth Richards, scorer; Jay Reniker, Jimmy Painter, and Richard Neel, Mrs. Robert Nesbit, scorer.

Two Holes: Karen Jefferies, and Terry Ford, Mrs. Orville Dahl, scorer; Scotty Jackson, Pete Stephenson and Becky Nesbitt, Mrs. H.C. Ford, scorer. Nancy Cordell, Gary Neel, and Bobby Wilson, Mrs. K.C. Jeffries, scorer; Mark Cordell, Tim Schofield and Jonya Stapp, Mrs. Paul Wilson, scorer.

1960 July 5  Winners Named for Holiday Golf Event

Winners among Scotch foursomes in the Independence Day golf competition at the Miami Golf Club were:

Low net--Dr. and Mrs. R.W. Varley, first; Mr. and Mrs. Dan Heyburn, second.

Low gross--Mr. and Mrs. Bob Temple, first; Mr. and Mrs. al White, secon.

Low putts--Mr. and Mrs. Hance Van Beber, first; G.R. white and Susie Stephenson, second.

1960 July 6  Junior Golf

Latest winner in the junior golf competition, low blind holes were: Jonya Stapp and Pete Stephenson, two holes; Barbara Bomford and Jay Reniker, five holes, and Kae Nunn and Mark Wojcik, nine holes.

 

1960 July 12 "Junior Golfers Entertain Players From Out of Town"  

Letty's personal thoughts:  During the years 1959--64 when I played in the state Girls Jr. Golf Championships in Tulsa we were guests of Tulsa families, so that our parents did not have to be out the cost of motels. What I never realized is that the Tulsa World carried a list of all junior girls and where they were staying during the week long event.

The 1960 Oklahoma State Girls' Junior Golf Tournament, which opened today at Rolling Hills Country club, provides the occasion for many young Tulsa golfers to serve as hostesses to out-of-town participants: 

Letty Stapp of Miami and Jeanne Heinrich of Bartlesville are the guests of Pam Anderson, daughter of C.H. Anderson.  *My personal memory of this home was the length layout of the ranch style home and the lavish living space. However, most memorable was having bowls of Hershey Kisses placed all around the house. We never had candy in bowls at our house, unless it was left over mints from Bridge club. 

 The video of Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

Letty's personal note: This was the MOST popular song of the summer and we sang it every chance we had, even on the golf course. Bikini's were not allowed in most pubic swimming pools.  However, on a personal note, I do not ever recall seeing this video. My image and the images we gossiped about were not of a little girl. It would have been Annette Funicello or Sandra Dee from the Gidget movies.

 

...Sandy Thompson of Miami is the guest of Virginia Bootz...Pam Smallwood is the guest of Ann Perkins...Diana Oliver is the guest of Sally Martin...The Donald Honn family is entertaining Gaye Phillips...C.Ann Richards is the guest of Sondra Benjamin...

1960 July 17 "Miami Girl is Among Winners in State Golf" 

Gaye Phillips of Miami won the third flight consolation trophy Friday in finals of the annuals state Jr. Girls Golf tournament in Tulsa. She defeated  Margaret Uhring of Enid, 4 and 3. 

Katherine McGraw of Tulsa, winner over Miami's Suzanne Stephenson in Thursday's semi-finals, n the first flight championship by defeating Marty Taylor, Henrietta, 3 and 1. Diana Oliver was defeated in first flight.

Medal play results for other Miamians: Katrina White, sixth place A flight; Pam Smallwood, seventh B flight; C.Ann Richards and Letty Stapp, tie for second in C flight; Sandra Stephenson, fourth in D flight.  

August 7, 1960  "17 Teams Announced for 4-Ball Golf Tourney"

Teams for the Miami Country club first annual four-ball tournament August 27-28 have been announced. There will be 17 teams of four men each and the foursome with the most points at the end of two days' play will be declared the champion.

Each team will start with points resulting from the total of individual handicaps. During tournament rounds, each man will receive one point for a bogey, two for a par, three for a birdie, four for an eagle, and five for a hole-in-one. The teams are:

1. Charlie Trussler 8, David Robinson 9, George Wojcik 11, Bill Plumlee 20;

2. James Emery 4, O.W. Fox 10, Bill Hirsch12, Ray McKinney 20; 

3. G.R. White 6, George Beck 10, Lloyd Cowgill 13, David Ray 20; 

4. Clarence Carselowey 7, Harry Kenreigh 11, Jerry Zeis 17, Alex Hecksher 20;

5. George Windham 8, Loren Williams 11, Bill Carter 13, Tom Wilson 20;

6. Hoot Gibson 8, Marion Zajic 9, Crab Grayson 13, Stan Ulmer 19;

7. Ken Richards 4, Wayland Kelly 10, Paul Wilson 13, Bill Medcalf 20;

8. Rex Painter 8, Harry Whitaker 11, Frank LaCaff 18, Don Curlee;

9.  Bob Temple 7, Al White 11, George Parker 12, George Walbert 19;

10. Bill Neel 2, Harry Ford 10, John Burford 13, John McLaughlin 17;

11. Woodrow Painter 7, Joe Thompson 9, Tom Barton 14, Hank Garwood 18;

12. John Robinson 0, Harry Dean 10, Ed Wade 10, Bill Oliver 20;

13. Bob Hill Jr. 0, Pat Campbell 11, Dick Lycan 14, Darrell Buzzard 19;

14. Phillip Temple 3, Bernie Schaff 11, Hance Van Beber 15, Ray Cundiff 18; 

15. P.J. Stephenson 6, Bob Hill Sr. 11, Orville Dahl 14, Paul McIntosh 18;

16. Corbin Shouse 7, Harry Gilmore 11, Vernon Cray 15, Ray Coburn 19;

17. W. D. Jackson 2, Dick Varley 10, Bob Nunn 13, Spencer Dawson 19.

 

1960 August 5  Notes From Your Town "The Mickey Mantle Special Train"

A special worship service between 7:30 and 8:00 am has been announced at the First Christian church for baseball fans who will board the Kansas City bound Mickey Mantle special train here Sunday morning. The train from Tulsa, is expected to arrive here between 8:30 and 9:00 am and return about 9 Sunday night following American league action between the New York Yankees and Athletics. 

The fifty local fans who have train tickets and their families are invited by Russ Martin, minister, to attend the 30-minute service in the prayer chapel. It is entered from the north door at street level. 

Tom Pendergraft memories of early 1960’s

I remember caddying a golf tournament at Miami Country Club. I was assigned a guy from Columbus, KS named Percy Pipes. It is strange but the thing I remember about him, other than his name, is the flop-flop-flop sound of the leather fringe flaps that covered the laces of his golf shoes.  Tom P. 

Letty, Percy was a real dapper dresser and gentleman,  if I remember correctly, or at least in my young eyes.

1960 August 7  "Miami Girls in National Tourney" 

Four of the 21  girls who will represent Oklahoma in the August 15-19 national junior girls golf tournament at Tulsa's Oaks Country club are members of the Miami Junior Golf association.

 

They are Phyllis Proper, Suzanne Stephenson, Gaye Phillips, and Donna Fox.  One of the highlights of the tournament will be a golf clinic conduced next Sunday afternoon August 14 by Barbara McIntyre, champion of the US. and British amateur women's championships. 

1960 August 7  "Ladies Golf Notes"

Winners of low blind holes competition the past week for the Miami Ladies Golf association were Mrs. Bob Temple, championship; Mrs. Bill Carter, Class A; Mrs. Bob Nunn, Class B; Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, class C. 

**Personal Note: Each week during the year from March until December the Ladies Golf Association shared their pairings with the Miami News Record. I doubt that they ever missed a week.  The other golf announcements were hand delivered by my mother or father weekly. When I was finally old enough to drive, I delivered the hand written or typed news to the Miami News Record. It was a real thrill for me, and I especially recall the aroma of the ink when I walked into the front lobby of the newspaper. Jonya and Suzy Wickham recall the same importance in delivering the golf announcements.  A few of those trips we were allowed to drive the Muntz to town. Far too many times, it was mother's station wagon that we drove.  

 

1960 September 15  "Mrs. Dawson Repeats as Golfing Champion"

Mrs. Spencer Dawson repeated as champion of the annual ladies golf tournament at the Miami Country club by defeating Mrs. Williams Oliver in the final match. Mrs. Dan Heyburn was the club medalist. Results:

President's flight--Mrs. George Lusk won over Mrs. Hance Van Beber.

A flight--Mrs. William Hatfield defeated Mrs. Dick Lycan.

B flight--Mrs. Don Curlee defeated Mrs. George Russell.

Winners of the approaching and putting contests were: Mrs. Bert Wall, championship; Mrs. Sam Fullerton, president's flight; Mrs. W.D. Jackson, A flight, and Mrs. Don Curlee, B flight.

 

 

 

In the "never-say-die" round Mrs.Dan Heyburn won the 18-hole prize and Mrs. Carselowey won the 9-hole prize. 

 

 

 

1960 September 23  Miami Invitational Golf Opens Saturday 

 The largest field of entries, 104, in the history of the Miami Country club's invitational tournament will be play Saturday morning with final rounds on Sunday. Champions in five or more flights will be determined by a 36 hole medal score. 

Defending his championship will be Dr. W.D. Jackson (better known to buddies as Jerky) of Miami. He succeeded Ray Ferguson of Kansas City, Missouri who did not compete last year. Jack Myers of Miami won the 1957 and 1958 tournaments. 

Other top contenders for the title are: Bill Stewart (Payne Stewart's father), winner of the Missouri amateur championship, qualifier for the National Amateur this year.

Miami's John Robinson, runner-up last year and third-place winner in 1957, 1958.

Percy Pipes, Mt. Vernon, Illinois winner of the southern Illinois championship four times and low qualifier in the St. Louis area for this year's National Amateur. 

Dave Dennis, Independence, Ks. a two-time winner of the Kansas State amateur tourney.

Bob Klein of Southern Hills, 1959 runner-up in the state amateur.

Ray Mantle of Commerce, who completed two years of Army service before his recent discharged, will compete before taking up duties at brother Mickey's big bowling center in Dallas.

Marshall Smith of Independence, Kansas and formerly of Quapaw, who has been reinstated as an amateur following duties as the pro at Independence Country club. 

The beautiful 9-hole course is in excellent condition for the tournament, according to pro Johnie Stapp.

Other News:

Even though we lived under Sundowner Laws, Russ Martin brought in this group of Negro singers from Parsons, Kansas.

July 1, 1960 Crane Corporation buys out Miami Products and brings in more jobs to Miami, Oklahoma.

Wilder's restaurant had stories of it's own to share with famous people like Mickey Mantle, and Bob Cummings living in the area, there were always rumors floating around. One fact is that in 1960 the Kansas City mafia bombed the second floor gambling room early one Sunday morning. No one was killed but the message was clear, Kansas City ruled.