1961 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF MGCC

1961 Golf Shop Employees:

Westfall's a husband and wife team who opened the shop Tuesday-Saturday with Letty Stapp. Roger Scruggs, Brad Smallwood,and Roger Rollins worked from noon or 2:00 until dark.  Other boys worked off and on and some were caddies.

1961 January 22 "Country Club News"

A joint meeting of the Ladies Golf association and the Ladies Division of the Miami Country Club will begin with a 1:00 luncheon Wednesday, followed by bridge and canasta. For reservations phone 2-4429.  

1961 March 12 "Stag Night Tuesday"

The monthly stag night program (for men) at the Miami Country club will begin 6:30 Tuesday. (This was a monthly dinner and weekly team play. The men did not post pairings or results in the newspaper as the women did.)

1961 April 10 Prep Golfers View for Awards Here

The return of sunshine after a bleak weekend was greeted at Miami Country club this morning as members of 12 high school golf teams began play in the annual MHS Invitational tournament. Miami Pro Johnie Stapp is the starter for the 27-hole meet. Miami coach Jack Rusher is directing the tournament. 

61 Boys MHS Golf Team: Charles Dawson, Stephen Moore, Charlie Bill Hirsch, and Dick Neel. 

 

Other schools are Seminole, Midwest City, Del City, Coffeyville, Kansas, Capitol Hill, Harding, Grant, Southeast and Northeast in Oklahoma City. The host Wardogs are also competing. 

1961 April 11 "Muskogee Scores Golf Meet Sweep"

At the end of the 18-hole play the Roughers had cinched the four-ball and two-ball championships and Jim Buchanan was tied with David Rappe of OKC U.S. Grant for medalist honors. 

Host Miami wound up eighth in two-ball scoring and in a tie for sixth with Seminole in four-ball. Coach Jack Rusher said the Wardogs "should have shot several strokes better." Leading Miami scorer was Dick Neel with an 81, followed by Charles Hirsch with a 90. 

GIRLS GOLF: Rusher announced that the Miami High school girls' golf team would compete in a Tri-angular meet in Springfield, Mo. today. Miami's opponents will be Hillcrest and Central high schools, both of Springfield. 

1961 April 12 mdnr "Miami's Fem Foursome is Golf Winner"

Miami High School girls, playing in their first competitive golf rounds of the season, won a Tri-angular met at Springfield, Missouri Tuesday again the hometown Central and Parkview high school teams.

 

The meet ended after 9 holes due to rains. Miami 210, Parkview 226, and Central 230. Freshman Susan Stephenson of Miami was medalist with 50 strokes. Scores by the other Miamians were: Bobbi Baron, junior,52; Phyllis Propper, senior, 53, and Diana Oliver, sophomore, 55. Gaye Phillips, another member of the Miami team, did not make the trip because of last night's participation in the senior play. 

High school girls golf coach, Jack Rusher, hailed the victory as a tribute to the junior golf program that was inaugurate at the Miami Country club a few seasons ago by Professional Johnie Stapp. 

A return match will be held here Monday.   

1961 April 16 "Miami Ladies Will Play for Suggs Trophy"

Members of the Miami LGA will compete Wednesday in a "Louise Suggs" tournament at the Country club. A style show featuring Suggs designs will be held a week later following the association's luncheon at the club. Ramsay's of Miami is sponsoring the Suggs activities in co-operation with the association. 

Mrs. Dan Heyburn is chairman of the tournament and Mrs. Clarence Carselowey will be in charge of the style show. The highlight of the style show will come with presentation of the Louise Suggs trophy to the champion of the nine-hole handicap tournament. 

Miss Suggs has earned a niche in the golf Hall of Fame with numerous honors, including USGA Women's Amateur champion; winner of the British Women's tournament, and twice winner of the Women's National Open Championship. As a founding member of the Women's Professional Golf association (now the LPGA) she was elected President in 1955 of WPGA. 

Wednesday pairings will be from the white tees. 

Mrs. George Wojcik, Mrs. Bill Oliver, Mrs. Bob Temple, Mrs. Bill Hatfield; Mrs. Kelso Berentz, Mrs. Pat Callahan, Mrs. Georg Russell, Mrs. R.W. Varley; Mrs. Ray Coburn, Mrs. Tom Barton, Mrs. W.D. Jackson, Mrs. Bert Wall; Mrs. Claud Jones, Mrs. Lois Cowles, Mrs. Spencer Dawson; Mrs. George Lusk, Mrs. Ted Vernon, Mrs. Johnie Stapp; Mrs. Jack Schofield and Mrs. Loren Williams;  Mrs. Olin Moore, Mrs. Hazel Johnson, Mrs. Charles Trussler, Mrs. Bill Medcalf; Mrs. George Walbert, Mrs. Wayman Jackson, Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. L.A. Wetzel; Mrs. Don Johnson, Mrs. Rodney Boaz, Mrs. Al White; Mrs. Bill Carter, Mrs. Jim Smallwood, and Mrs. G.R. White. 

New comers this year include Mrs. Wayman (Beverly) Jackson, Mrs. Tom Wilson, Mrs. Sam Fullerton III,Mrs. George Windham, Mrs. Loren Williams, and Mrs. Rodney Boaz.

1961 April 17 mdnr  "Miami's Champion Girls Competing in Norman Meet"

The Miami high school girls golf team, winner of the three top honor in their division of the high school tournament Tuesday at Oklahoma City, are competing today in an invitational meet at Norman.

Members of the team are Suzanne Stephenson, Phyllis Propper, Diana Oliver, and Gaye Phillips. 

 

1961 April 28 mdnr "4 Miami Girls in Top 5 at Norman Meet"

Miami high school's girls golf team, winner of the state championship  in their division at Oklahoma City on Tuesday, were leaders again Thursday in an invitational girls meet at Norman. The four Miami girls were in the top five in medal play. At the end of the 18 holes, Suzanne Stephenson and Sherry Taylor of Oklahoma City Northeast were tied for medal honors with 95 totals. 

In the state meet Miss Stephenson edged Miss Taylor by one stroke for medalist honors!  (For several years our Wardog, Miami High school, girl golfers won state medalist and team trophies, then the state athletic association ended girls high school golf beginning in 1963 my sophomore year in high school.)

In a playoff, Miss Stephenson won by a stroke on the first extra hole. The 18-hole scores by the Miamians were: Stephenson, 52-43=95;Gaye Phillips, 49-42-101; Phyllis Propper, 52-50=102; Diana Oliver 55-50=105. 

UPDATE: Gaye Phillips one of the original team members died October 17, 2024. Her obituary shares the many contributions that Gaye made to women's golf: Gaye Phillips Lanford, 81, of Little Rock, Arkansas grew up in Miami, Ok...After a rewarding career in politics Gaye devoted her energies to her true passion--golf. She refined her skills and promoted the game for women, juniors, and senior golfers alike. She was a 12-time Women's Champion of Little Rock CC, runner-up in the Arkansas Women's Senior Championship. Gaye served as a USGA Regional Committee Woman and Director of the Arkansas State Golf Association. Additionally, she served on the Country Club of Little Rock golf committee for seven years and was one of the first female members invited to join the Alotian Club.

Personal Note: Johnie Stapp taught the golf swing rhythmically with junior golfers and beginners, as if he were keeping time to a 4/ 4 beat. When I turned 13 I began helping my father with junior golf lessons each week. He began teaching us in a circle facing outward and we counted to a rhythm of back 1,2, through 3, 4.  Dad would change the tempo by the speed of his count, allowing us to swing slowly or with dynamite speed.  **To this very day, I swing and sing with a very rhythmical beat. In order to keep my head focused on "one shot at a time" (thank you Harvey Penick), I sing quietly to myself. It keeps my head clear of all other thoughts.

The Golf Gypsy and The Sound of Silence 

1961 May 2 mdnr "Country Club's 4-Ball Tourney List Announced"

Match play pairings for the Men's 4-Ball has been announced. First matches must be played on or before Sunday each week. The pairings are:

Ed Olvey-Jess Fronterhouse vx. Ray Coburn-Kermit Lewis.

Marion Zajic-Charles Trussler vs Jack Schofield-Ray McKinney.

Brady Pipes-Glenn Scott vs O.W. Fox-Pat Callihan.

Harry Ford-Paul Wilson bye

Bob Hill Sr.-Bob Hill Jr. vs Bill Hatfield-Jerry Zeis.

Harry Gilmore-Tom Barton, bye.

G.R. White-Al White vx K.C. Jeffries-Hank Garwood

Harry Kenreigh-Grank Hansford, bye.

Bill Neel-P.J Stephenson vs Bernie Schaff-Dail West.

Rex Painter-George Beck vs Burton--Ralph Fulk.

Clarence Carselowey-Joe Thompson vs Bill Carter-Johnny Haralson.

W.D. Jackson-Spencer Dawson  bye.

Ken Richards-Ted Vernon vs Richard Varley-Stanley Ulmer.

W.C. Campbell-Woodrow Painter  vs George Wojcik-Bill Oliver.

Harry Whitaker-Dick Neel, bye.   

1961 May 7 mdnr "Miami Product to Aid Golfers"

..

A tiny Miami publication should help produce better scores on golf courses across the nation.

Entitled "Johnie Stapp's (P.G.A.) Stroke Saver" the first editions are just off the press at the Gosney Printing Company. They are being distributed to country club pro shops in a wide area and will be publicized nationally in golf magazines. 

Mrs. Smai Lusk of 832 B. Street Northwest, a member of the Miami Ladies Golf association, started compiling information for the pocket-sized publication last August and put it in final draft form through collaboration with Stapp, professional at the Miami Country club. 

Printed in ready-reference form are 15 cards that are stapled together like a small note book. with printing on both sides, there are 30 pages of facts in two divisions--trouble shots (and what to
do about them) and definitions.

Advice is given on sand traps, rough shots, wind shots, downhill-uphill-sidehill lies, the slice, the hook, topping and shanking.  

**Dad and Smai sold these pocket sized Stroke Savers through the 1960's.

1961 July 10 mdnr "Rolling Hills Golfers Win"

Rolling Hills golfers of Tulsa defeated Miami Country club linksmen, 105 to 63, in matches played Sunday on the local course. Eight-four men took part in the event, with 14 teams of three men each from the clubs.

Miami's No. 1 trios won their matches. Pro Johnie Stapp, Jack Myers and Bob Hill Jr., were winners over Pro Al Kozell, Bob Dirch, and J.D. Phillips.

Maimians W. D. Jackson, Jesse Fronterhouse and Ed Olvey smothered George Hines, Ray Southerland, and Don Eley, 11 to 1. Handicaps were used in the matches.The only other Miami trios that won consisted of Rex Painter, Joe Thompson, and Clarence Carselowey and Harry Dean, Al White, and David Robinson.

1961 June 15 Pairings Announced for Miami Golf Tournament

Bob Hill Jr., 1960 schoolboy golf champion of Oklahoma and a freshman the past year at the University of Tulsa, shot a two-under-par 70 to capture medalist honors in qualifying rounds for the annual Men's club tournament.  Sixty-four men will fill the field of this championship for the men. 

1961 June 15 Snead Favorite as Open Begins

Snead has to beat defending champion Arnold Palmer, leading PGA money-winner Gary Player, four-tie Open champion Ben Hogan, but most of all he has to whip the Open whammy against himself.  

1961 June 15  Twilight Golf Pairings

Winners in the latest mixed twilight golf competition at the Miami Country club were: Lillian White and Bob Temple, low net; Claire Oliver and Charles Trussler, low gross; Hattie White and Tom Barton, low putts; Erin Wojcik and Bill Medcalf, high net. 

Wilma Medcalf-Bob Nunn vs Joan Smallwood-Bob Temple; Melba Cordell-Bill Oliver vs Dorothy Schofield-Claud Jones; Mary Varley-Don Johnson vs Mar VanBeber-Jack Schofield; Gladyce Hirsch-Bill Carter vs Jan Trussler-Don Curlee; Claire Oliver-Bob Hill Sr vs Nancy Johnson-Bob Hill, Jr.; Florence Dawson-Dr. Jackson vs Phyllis Propper-George Wojcik; Hattie White-Dr. Varley vs Marian Richards-Charles Turssler; Evelyn Hatfiled-Wayland Kelly vs Smai Lusk-Kenneth Richards; Hattie Wall-Bill Medcalf vs Louise Curlee-Bill Hatfield; Millie Carter-Jim Smallwood vs Erin Wojcik-Bert Wall; Norma Nunn-Tom Cordell vs Virginia Sapp-Al White; Norma Lous Jackson-Spencer Dawson vs Yvonne Temple-Hance VanBeber; Gay Phillips-Bill Hirsch vs Helen Jones-George Lusk. 

**Personal Note: 1961 was my first year to work at the country club. My father set my hours for Tuesday-Saturday sunrise (6:30-7:00 am) until 2:00 each day. In the beginning I worked with other adults who opened the shop. In 1961 I worked with Mr. and Mrs. Westfall, an older couple. Mr. Westfall and I did all of the heavy lifting of golf bags. Lunch was NOT provided by the club, so we all took turns eating lunch from our sacks or metal containers. We brought our own drinks or snacks.

Tuesday began at sunrise as the women made the earliest tee times (Hattie Wall and Evelyn Hatfield come to mind.) Following them were the men getting off the midnight shift from Goodrich and other plants. Twilight league didn't begin until 5pm but it was my job to answer the phone calls and keep track of all changes in pairings. I also called various members who put their names on the substitute list to show up when needed. 

Wednesday was extremely busy with ladies day. They began play at 9:00 or earlier. Most all of the women walked and pushed their golf bags in rented carts from my father. It costs $.25 to rent a handle. My young hands were needed to help put handles on the golf carts. Dad arrived before the ladies teed-off and then often drove to the post office and bank about 10 o'clock each morning. 

Thursday afternoon originally was called a professional men's  afternoon referring to doctors, lawyers, BFG management, Eagle-Picher management, etc. By about 1962 that title was no longer used and the men formed regular golfing groups that were nicknamed "the C.S. Club" by Frankie, our bartender. Most of the men relaxed over lunch at the club, changed into their golf clothes and played golf until dark. Some stayed over and gambled or played cards till late into the night.

On long winter days one group of 8-16 men came to our house after dinner for ping pong. Their cigarette smoked filled our garage with a heavy haze. Over the years the evening activity changed from ping-pong to dad's fascination with trains. 

Fridays were Junior Golf days and by age thirteen I was helping Dad teach the youngsters how to swing the club and putt. I joined in and played with everyone and mother's and dad's helped with the junior program by walking with a group of golfers and keeping score. This taught us the rules and reinforced over and over the penalty for having temper tantrums on the golf course. (Refer to Woody Painter for more elaborate stories on this.) Yes, my father would kick the club members off the course for several weeks at a time for their behavior. Every parent appreciated this discipline.  

Saturday's were extremely busy if the weather allowed. Our tee sheet was full from sunrise until dark. Many an evening I spent back at the club chipping golf balls up the signs for dad to pick up easier with the hand held ball retriever bags--one ball at a time. It was a long slow process but probably my most favorite memory of all because nature surrounded me and I was helping my dad. To this day chipping (or short game) is my strongest ability and in my heart I would much rather play a round of golf near sunset. 

Sunday morning mother, Jonya and I often attended church. From the late 1950's through the 1960's my parents went to Grand Lake all day Monday, Dad's only day off, to get away. For a half-dozen years or more we shared a house-boat with the Jackson's, Dahl's, and Temple's.  We all loved to fish and a house-boat offered a heated room with a fishing hole in the middle of winter. 

 

1961 mdnr July 2 "Tri-State Results"

1961 mdnr July 7  "Tulsa Girl Takes Junior Golf Title"

Kay Van Valkenburgh, 17, of Tulsa won the Championship of the second annual Miami Invitational Jr. Girls Golf Tournament. Miss Van Valkenburgh who will be a senior this year at Edison High School, carded an 18-hole total of 93 on rounds of 43-50. Donna Fox of Seneca, Mo, a member of Miami's junior golf organization, was runner-up this year with a score of 44-50=94. 

The tournament sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf association drew 68 contestants. Mrs. Stanley Ulmer was tournament chairman.  

The champions and runner-up in the five other flights were:

A flight, Nancy Shelby, Tulsa, and Sally Ulmer, Miami.  

B flight, Letty Stapp, Miami, and Debbie Kinkade, Broken Arrow.

C flight, Missy Lowe, Springfield, Mo., and Sandy Stephenson, Miami.

Pee Wees, Sharon Sumpter, Tulsa, and Jonya Stapp Miami.

1961 July 

 

Junior Golfers end season with trophies: L-R Tommy Cordell, Tim Scholfield, Danny Kruithof, Billy Oliver; Karen Jeffries, Lee Dell Snyder, Kathy Olson, Susie Stephenson, missing from photo Brad Smallwood.

 1961 September 8  "Proper Takes Top Title in Ladies Golf Tournament"

Admiring trophies presented Thursday to the Ladies Club Championship: Mrs. Spencer Dawson (18 hole medalist); Mrs. George Wojcik (from right) medalist and winner of the 9 hole championship; Phyllis Propper, Club Champion 18 holes, Mrs. Richard Varley, 18 hole A Flight Champion, Mrs. Olin Moore, 9 hole A flight winner.

1961 "Shell's Wonderful World of Golf

In 1961 Shell produced it's first World of Golf one hour show with a match between Billy Casper and Mario Gonzales. In 1962 they produced 10 matches world wide, from Hong Kong to London, and Melbourne to St. Andrews. 

Television was now playing a bigger role in the game of golf and it's promotion At the same time the top players were Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino.

1961 September "Ladies' Golf Notes"

Winners in the week's regular play for the Miami Ladies Golf Assoc. were: Phyllis Propper, Championship; Mrs. Loren Williams, Class A; Mrs. Lillian White, B; Pauline Dykes and Dorothy Schofield, C.  

Forty four women have signed up to play this Wednesday. 

1961 September 17  "Todd Takes Lead in Miami Golf Tourney"

 Dave Todd, veteran golfer from Nevada, Mo., was the only entry from a field of 107 in Miami's sixth annual invitational golf tournament to break even with par in 18-hole qualifying rounds Saturday n the beautiful but difficult course at the Miami Country club. The tournament will end late this afternoon with champions in five flights being determined on 36-hole scores-including the qualifying round

Todd carded a 36-36 for medalist honors. Runner-up was Jim Hatfield of Neosho, Missouri, 38-35=73. Defending champion Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Illinois was third with a 37-37=74.

Others who made the championship flight were: Bob Smith and Joe McKenzie of Joplin, 75; Ed Olvey, Afton, 76; Max Marsh, Webb City, 77; Dr. W.D. Jackson of Miami, tournament chair, 78; Roger Kelly, Kansas City, 78; John F. Robinson, Miami, 79; 80's by Jess Fronterhouse of Picher, Marshall Smith of Quapaw, Merlin Kirk, Pittsburgh, and Walter Williams, Bristow; 81's by Dick Clary of Tulsa and Ted Vernon and Harry Gilmore, Miami

Rounds were to begin at 7:30 am today, with players in the championship flight due to begin their tours about 1 pm. Presentation of trophies probably will take place between 6 and 6:30 pm. 

The tournament list, larger than ever before, consists of golfers from 27 cities in five states. There are 73 out-of-town entries.

 1961 September 18 "Pipes Repeats as Golf Champion" by Mack Boswell

Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill., repeated Sunday as champion of the Miami Invitational Golf Tournament. He carded a 2-over par 74 in Saturday round and a 76 on Sunday. Only one stroke behind for runner-up was Ed Olvey, superintendent of Afton schools, with a 76-75=151.

Tied for third were two Miamians--Dr. W.D. Jackson winner of the 1959 tourney, 78-76=154, and John F. Robinson 79-75-154. Darkness prevented a playoff to break the third-place tie. 

Other Miamians who placed in the tourney were:

B flight: G.R. White, 87-82=169

D flight: Bill Hirsch, 95-92=187

 1961 October 26 mdnr  "Turkey Shoot Winner"

Mrs. Wayman Jackson is shown with the 'turkey' she won Wednesday in the Miami Ladies Golf association in the October "turkey shoot." She netted 35 in the nine-hole golf event with a score of 53, less 18 handicap. Mrs. Robert Temple, was runner-up a net of 39.

 

 1961 December 10 mdnr "Notice! notice!"

Stockholders of the Miami Country club are reminded that the annual stockholder's meeting will be held December 12, 1961 for the purpose of acting on a plan of reorganization. If members are unable to be present, the officers request proxy be filed with the secretary.  G.P. Campbell, President

 

 Tidbits:

April 1961 at The Miami Theater

 

1961-62 Candy store across from MHS on A st NE and 2nd NE 

 

October 1961

 Miami Quarter Horse breeder, L.K. Newell, has purchased a half-interest  (with Rowland Stanfield nationally prominent Broken Arrow breeder) in one of the nation's most distinguished stallions. Newell predicts the horse, Johnny Dial, will prove an important contributor to the Quarter Horse industry in Oklahoma as well as to development of his own breeding program at Sky Farm, east of Miami,

 

1956 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF MGCC

This was the country club when my parents moved to Miami in 1954. From this point until about 1975, I vividly recall names, events, funny stories only, and secrets the club will never share. This building and all who passed through it in those years impacted my life and that of my sister, Jonya. We would not be the strong determined women we are now, if it weren't for the community around us, and I would not be able to tell the stories that I've shared about the club over these last 45 years as a professional storyteller. Thank you Miami for the memories.

Miami Country club appearance in the 1950's, swimming pool is behind the trees on the far right. On the left the No. 9/18 green would be facing the cedar trees and clubhouse.

GOLF LESSONS by Johnie Stapp

Personal story by James Taylor: I recall Johnie teaching me how to hit down on an iron shot. This happened in the mid-1950's when I was 14 on the practice range left of No 9/18 fairway from the players perspective. I used to caddy for Johnie and he would comment on my golf game periodically. I was hitting 5 irons and he was trying to get me to hit down on the golf ball, and I was continually hitting it on the upswing. After 20 minutes or so, Johnie popped me with the butt end of a club he was holding and said in an elevated voice, "Hit down on the ball." He moved the ball back on my right foot and I hit down on it for the first time. It flew like a shot out to the dust laden range and when it hit a puff of dust shot up and he said, "Now that's backspin." I never forgot that and all of my golfing life I hit irons better than any other club and relatively very well to other players. Johnie refined my golf swing from 1954-59 and helped me to develop a good swing, one that drew compliments from Labron Harris Sr and Jr., the golf coach at OSU and his son, a National Amateur Champion. I just wish he had worked on my putting as I never could putt worth a nickel. 

1956 April 20  "Country Club Golf Team Plays Independence"

A 10-man team from the Miami Country club will journey to Independence, Kas, Sunday to play a golf team from the Independence club. Representing Miami will be Johnie Stapp (former Professional at the Independence Country club), Jack Myers, Bill Neel, Bob W., Dick Lowry, Bob Temple, Dr. W.D. Jackson, G.R. White, Jess Fronterhouse and Charles Trussler.

Named alternates for the match were Walter Williams, Jim Nowlin, Harry Dean, Rex Painter, George Beck, Jack Buzzard, Spencer Dawson, Howard Owens, and Jack Doan. 

 1956 April 23 "Independence Golfers Clip Miami Team"

The host Independence Country club golfers turned on Miami Country club's 10-man team to grab a 29-16 dual-match victory on Sunday. Scores soared on the cool, overcast day with only Miami professional touring in the layout in less than par. Stapp who wasn't entirely a stranger to the course, shot a one-under 71.

The feature match, which parred Stapp and Jack Myers against Dave Dennis and Independence pro Marshall Smith, ended in a dead heat with each team getting six and a half points. 

The Independence golfers will play in Miami at a future date. 

1956 April 23  "Stengel Crying, Says Mickey Hits the Ball Too Far" 

1956 May 3  "Instruction for Young Golfers Slated Here"

Club pro, Johnie Stapp, said all children of club members interested in learning more about golf are invited to participate in the free sessions beginning Saturday at 10:30 o'clock. Instructions will be given in both boys and girls sunder 18 years of age.  

In other club news, Stapp said cards have been mailed to men club members concerning formation of teams for the summer Twi-Light league. The league was introduced here last year and Stapp said he expects a large field this season. Four-man teams play different foes each week. The league has been set up to give club members a chance to become better acquainted.

1956 May 3 "Miami Golfer Tied for Lead in State Meet"

Larry Parker, a junior in Miami high school, and Johnnie Jacobson Midwest City, shot 69's at the Green Hills course in OC Wednesday to grab the lead in sand green competition in the state high school golf tournament.  

1956 May 4  MDNR (Oklahoma City special)  "Miami Golf Squad Snares All Honors in State Meet"

Miami High School's four-man golf team put on a brilliant performance and carried off all the honors in the state high school golf tournament completed here. Dick Lowry, Miami senior, battled teammate Larry Parker all the way before nabbing the individual championship. Parker had led through the first 36 holes in the meet before Lowry rallied on the final 36 to take the crown by five strokes.

Lowry had a 54 hole total of 213. Parker, a junior, tied with Sid Terry of Edmond, for second play with 218. Lowry and Parker and teammates James Emery and Phillip Temple also won the team title. The Miami squad beast out U.S. Grant of O.C, for the four-ball crown.

The two-ball championship also went to Miami with Lowry and Parker nosing out the No.1 and No.2 men of the Midwest City team. In all, the Miami Wardogs crew brought home two trophies and several medals. The team is coached by Delbert Wolf. Matches were played on the Green Hills Sand Greens layout.

Miami high school's foursome golf team Thursday became the second school group to take a state title this year. The other state champions were the high school's driving team.

Personal story from James Taylor: Larry Parker and his older brother Dick both worked in the pro shop. I knew Larry well and he and I were playing together when I almost made my first hole-in-one, on old #3 a 150 yard par 3 over water and through trees. I had a terrible duck hook and was 13 years old. I aimed 45 degrees to the right and hit it solid. It hit in the cup and bounced out to 1 foot. I missed my putt and Larry never let me forget.  

Personal story from Bob Hill, Jr:

1955-56 won the HS State Championship on sand greens. Bill Smith (High School coach) signed us up to play sand greens because he knew we couldn’t compete on grass greens.  We practiced on the sand greens courses in S.E. Kansas.

One time our high school team of Emery, Temple, Hill, D. Neel play in OKC. We stayed at the Schirvin Hotel. Somehow we managed to lose the car keys. We were leading the tournament by four strokes but were DQ, disqualified,  because we didn’t show up in time to tee off. 

1956 May 7  "Country club Golfers Trip Independence Team, 29-16"

A 29-16 victory for the Miami Country Club golf-team here Sunday left the Miamians deadlocked with the Independence, Ks, golf team in their home-and-home series.

Two weeks ago the Kansans bested Miami by and identical 29-16 score on the Independence course. Miami professional Johnie Stapp and Jack Myers teamed to take eight points in a contest against Marshall Smith (Quapaw native) and Dave Dennis (former Kansas amateur champion). 

Once again Stapp turned in the best score among the 30 golfers, a one-under par 71. His effort was good for three points. Smith who hails from Quapaw fired a 73, his teammate shot a 75. The only other golfer in the 70's was Dr. W.D. Jackson. 

 

1956 May 6  "Junior Golfers"

1956 June 10  "Bob Hill Leads Young Qualifiers"

These Miami boys will represent the Miami  area in the state Junior Chamber of Commerce golf tourney at Muskogee.  Left to right: Dickie Neel, Phillip Temple, Bob Hill and Larry Parker.

Bob Hill fired a 42-37--79 to lead the qualifiers here Friday who were shooting for berths in the state Junior Chamber of Commerce golf tourney. Joining Hill will be Dickie Neel who shot an 84, Parker carded an 85 and Temple an 88. Young Hill's score is creditable for the tough Miami Country club course. The competitors were not allowed to improve their "lie" in any manner. 

Both Parker and Temple were members of the Miami High school team this year which won first place in the state sand greens tournament at Oklahoma City. 

Young Neal will be a sophomore this year and is being counted upon to help keep the local golf team among the best in the state.  Parker, with 33 putts, won a putting contest. Temple was winner of the a driving contest. Hill was awarded a trophy for his low-qualifying score. Other prizes included: Neal, gift certificate from B&K Men's store; Parker, sports shirt from Penney's, and Temple, sports shirt from The Hub. Parker also won three golf balls from Barkett's Sport Shop and Temple received a sports shirt from Milliner-Berkey's. Each entrant in the qualifier was given a golf ball from the Coca-Cola company, co-sponsored by the local Jaycees.

 "Ladies Golf Notes"

Members of the Miami Women's Golf Assn will hold competition for low putts in their regular play day at the Country club on Wednesday.Winners of the May Ringer competition were Mrs. Spencer Dawson, 37 in championship flight; Mrs. Bob Temple, 41, class A; Mrs. Burt Hollerbach, 45, class B; and Mrs. Chester Blair, 48, class C.

Pairings this week are as follows:

Mrs. Don Young, Mrs. Spencer Dawson, Mrs. Howard Owens, Mrs. Jack Horner.

Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. James Moore, Mrs. Bob Temple.

Mrs. H.H. Hollenbach, Mrs. Joe Ramsay, Mrs. John Reese, Mrs. Hank Garwood.

Mrs. George Murphy, Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. Jim Smallwood, Mrs. Vernon Sapp.

Mrs. Joe Thompson, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Ed Badger, Mrs. Oral Westfahl.

Mrs. Glenn McCollum, Mrs. Sam Fullerton, Mrs. Walter Patterson, Mrs. Lillian White.

Mrs. Bill Oliver, Mrs. Bob Nunn, Mrs. Kelso Berentz, Mrs. Frank Hansford.

Mrs. Wayman Jackson, Mrs. William Whatley, Mrs. Earl Gaines, Jr., Mrs. Dick Wright.

Mrs. Lee Adkison, Mrs. Chester Blair, Mrs. Orville Dahl, Mr.s Hance VanBeber.

Mrs. Lois Cowles, Mildred Gibson, Mrs. Charles Harvey, Jr., Mrs. George Russell.

Mrs. Lou Newell, Mrs. Tom Smith, Mrs. Don Johnson, Pauline Dykes.

Mrs. Bob Kreihagen, Mrs. Sam Brown, Mrs. Jim Nowlin.

Mrs. David Ray, Mrs. Alec Sharpe, Mrs. Glen Stripling. 

 

1956 July 1  "Harris Wins Junior Golf Crown"

Mike Wilson and Bob Hill

James Harris, smooth-stroking golfer from Stillwater, nabbed championship honors and Miami had two titlists in the Oklahoma Jr. Golf tournament completed here Friday. Harris, 17-year-old son of Stillwater professional and Aggie golf coach, Labron Harris, carded a 4 and 3 victory in the championship finals over Wallace tucker of McAlester. 

Miami's winners were Bob Hill, C flight kingpin, and Mike Wilson, D flight champion. Hill had to go an extra hole in his finals match before besting Bristow's Gerld Schmidt, 1 up. Wilson nipped Tulsa's Forney Hutchinson, 1-up when Hutchinson missed an 18-inch putt on the 18th hole.

1956 July 1  "Tourney Sidelights: Joy of Victory, Losers' Heartbreak"

Much of the interest of spectators in the Oklahoma Jr. Golf meet here was centered in the play of the tiny golfers in the Pee-Wee flight. The week golfers took the game with all of the seriousness of professional competitors and joy at winning and heartbreak of losing were extreme.

Little David Warwick of Nowata chipped in from off the green on the 18th hole to win a semifinals match. His leap of joy may have set some sort of high-jump record. On the other side of the fence, a youngster from Tulsa lost his match on the 16th green. All the heartbroken, disappointed lad could do was slump on a bench and let the tears flow.

Even in losses like that, however, the value of such competition stands out. Many a young competitor will learn to take the discouragement of losing just as stolidly as he takes the joy of winning.    ***

Competitors, spectators and just casual visitors at the Miami Country club last week all were highly pleases with the condition of the Miami course. Thanks to Johnie Stapp, club pro, and his maintenance crew--and big thanks to some rainy weather which has produced fine growing conditions--the greens and fairways are "slick as glass." One club members remarked it had been several years since he had seen the course in such fine shape.

Continued hard work will be necessary to maintain the local course in its present condition. Nearly 100 golfers completed last Sunday in an inner-city match, the 73 contestants in the junior tournament gave the links quite a beating and another big golfing day in upcoming with the Fourth of July near. 

When it comes to passing out bouquets, however, Marion Askew, professional from the Oaks Golf and Country club in Tulsa, rates one of the biggest: Askew brought 13 boys to the tourney, watched over them every minutes and anxiously followed their progress throughout the meet. 

The Tulsa pro commented that he work with youngsters a lot but complained about not being able to spend as much time with them as he would like. It was evident, by watching the Tulsa boys, that Askew is no "square."

  OKLAHOMA TIRE AND SUPPLY , JUNE 1956                                                                               *Note, at this time the Miami Daily News Record ran from 10-43 pages depending on advertisements for groceries.

**PERSONAL NOTE 8/6/22

A young man named Richard Goodwin shared his story about these clubs: In 1958 or 1959 my mother took me to Otasco after I saw the add for the Wilson clubs shown in this blog. I had saved 50 Silver Dollars that my Great Grandfather had given  me since I was born. I played golf with those clubs for years. Sadly, I misplaced them in a move somewhere...I never felt bad for spending the 50 Silver Dollars because I got so much joy from the clubs. 

 1956 June, July, August

This is the swimming pool in about 1955--59 with the Haralson family sitting on the edge (Thank you George Haralson for sharing this family photo.) Please notice that there is no fence around the pool, and no filtration tanks. These would all go in later, and the fence has several of it's own stories to tell. This photo would have been taken from the outside steps leading up to the screened in porches that lined the north and East side of the building. In the top right hand corner would be tee box hole #1, the building in the background was used as the caddy shack. The road led to the house where the greens-keeper lived.

Personal Stories:

During the summers, Bob Hill, recalls childhood memories of the practice putting green past midnight on some nights.(The lights were added in 1955, as an improvement to the golf course. It was also cooler in the evening for practice, not to mention fun antics by children and adults.)  It cost a quarter to put in the light switch for one hour of light on the green. So often our parents were in the clubhouse till it closed, so kids, boys and girls, imitated their folks carrying cokes out to the practice green, sitting them down by the green, then putting for challenges that each one set up. 

**At some point as the summer passed it seems as though there were women in high heels walking on the putting green at night. I'm quite sure a drink was in hand. My father eventually put out a sign that read "No HIGH HEELS allowed on the putting greens." 

Those were the same kids who often went swimming in the pool after the club closed, where there was no gate around the pool. Of course, they were skinny dipping. Eventually, the club put a fence around the pool and lock on the gate to keep the kids out, but as Mary VanBeber explained it was really some of the adults who went skinny dipping and drinking past midnight on those hot summer nights. The kids (Phyllis Proper, Patty Lou Gibson, Bob Hill, Joe Thompson and ?), however, were blamed for the police calls.

1956 August 6 "Childress Wins Golfing Crown 1-Up"

Kenneth Childress, Webb City mining operator, is the new golf champion of the Miami Country Childress defeated Jack Myers in a see-saw match over the sun-backed local links. 

A hardy band of blistered fans saw Childress square the match on the 15th hole then take advantage of Myers' trap troubles to go ahead on the 17th. Myers, who plunked into no fewer than nine traps during the 18-hole affair, had to play out of the sand on both sides of the 17th while Childress was sinking a 12-foot putt to take the hole.  

Other club champions are Paul Wilson, Dr. Harry Ford, and Jack Doan. Wilson defeated Joe Thompson in the A flight finals; Dr. Ford downed Hugh Wright in B and Jack Doan won out over G. R. Stripling.  

1956 August 16 "Women Golfers form League"

Not to be outdone by the Men's Twilight golf League, the women of Miami Country club have formed what they are calling the Sunrise league. The women will hit the links bright and early each Friday morning in an eight team league designed to help "beat the heat." The first Sunrise event will be held Friday and Pro Johnie Stapp said there will be four players to each team and that different players will meet each week. 

Stapp also said a new women's course record was set over the nine-hole Mcc course layout when Mrs. Bert Wall (Hattie) carded even par 38. Mrs. Wall, playing in a three-some with Barbara Shouse and Pat Horner, went bogey on the sixth hole and carded a birdie on number five to card the record total. 

**Some of the top women golfers in the country, including Patty Berg and Betty McKennon have failed to equal Mrs. Wall's score. Later in the '60's and 70's my sister and I also tied the course record with Hattie. All walled trophies, of course, burned in the fire.

1956 September 9  "First Annual Miami Golf Invitational"

Frances Clayton (Joplin), Jackie Myers, John F. Robinson, Hal DeLongy (Joplin)

 

*I believe this annual invitational continued with the help and guidance of Norma Lou Jackson (Mrs. W.D. Jackson) until the 1990's.

Jack Myers, top Miami amateur, fired a blazing 3 under par 69 Saturday to take the first round lead in the first annual Miami Country club Invitational golf tournament. Myers' par busting output netted him a two-stroke advantage over his nearest rival John Robinson, also of the host club. Robinson carded a one-under-par 71. Trailing the leaders were two Missouri golfers, Ken Childers of Webb City and Hal Delogny of Joplin with three over pars 75's. 

Tournament officials have extended an open invitation to area golf fans to watch the play and added that there would be no gallery charge. A total of 50 golfers from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri registered for the two-day 36-hole affair which offers $450 in prizes, two prizes will be awarded in each of the four flights. 

Pairings for the second round:

9:00 Bud May, Dee Tourtelot, Harold Childres, Ken Tredway.

9:30 Lee Adkinson, Dave Todd, Jr., Harry Whitaker, Jack Brown.

10:00 Hal Delongy, G.r. White, Jess Fronterhouse, Dr. W.D. Jackson.

10:10 Bill Hirsch, Lloyd Cowgill, Bob Sims, Claude Jones.

10:20  Lewis Jolley, John Burford, Bob Kock, Howard Owens.

1030   J.D. Hill, Al White, Dr. Harry Ford, Joe Whipple.

10:40  Hank Garwood, Charles Kenny, E.A. Richardson, Charles Carselowey

10:50 Pat Campbell, Dee Patrick, Ralph Warwick, R. McDonald.

11:00 P.J. Stevenson, Ken Richards, Charles Trussler, George Beck.

11:10 J.C. Taylor, Max Peacock, Dick Wright, Rex Painter.

11:20 Woody Painter, Kelso Berentz, Bill Neel, Howard Lambdin.

11:30 Sonny Peacock, Dick Wilson, Joe Thompson, Walter Williams.

11:40 Buck Bagby, Bill Davis, Jim Moore.

11:50  Dave Todd, Sr., G. L. Meyers, F. C. Clayton.

12:00 Jack Myers, John Robinson, Ken Childers.

 2:00  Don Orell, G. Lentz  (Please notice the accommodations made for men going to church or work on weekends, at this time period.) 

"Deadline Announced for Tourney Entries"

Next Sunday is the deadline for entering the fall handicap golf tournament at the Miami Country club, Dick Wright announced.  Details for the annual autumn feature, including plans for a Calcutta sidelight, will be worked out at a stag night dinner. Tuesday at the club, Dinner will be served at 6:30 o'clock in the clubhouse. 

"Ladies Golf Notes"

Winners of this week's ladies golf play were announced. The weekly event was for low putts and Mrs. Glenn McCollum was declared the winner. 

1956 September 10  "Myers Captures MCC Invitational"

Miami's Jack Myers cooled off somewhat Sunday but still fired an even par 72 over the nine-hole Miami Country club course to take top honors n the club's fist annual invitational golf tourney. Myers coupled his even par round Sunday with a torrid three under par 69 Saturday to finish six strokes ahead of his nearest rival, Hal Delogny of Joplin. Robinson, after shooting a 71 in the Saturday r0und, lost control of his game Sunday and was forced to settle for  37-44=81. Childers, who shot a 75 on Saturday, also ran into trouble in the Sunday round and was forced to card a 38-37=75. 

 Winners of the four flights were: Championship flight: Myers; Delogny, runner-up; Class A: Kelso Berentz, Walter Williams runner-up; Class B  J. L. Tredway, Joplin, Ray Wammick, runner-up; Class C  Joe Whipple, Springfield, Dave Todd, Jr. Nevada, runner-up. 

**Personal story from James Emery 7/7/24 

Jack Myers played golf more than anyone else at the club and his mother loved to play the slot machines, down in the basement of the old clubhouse. His mother also hand knitted all of his head covers. She could make them in any color available at that time. We were all envious of his fancy head covers and when tired of them we wanted his old ones. 

 

 

 

 

1956 October 31  "Patty Berg Exhibition and Clinic"

Dave Marsh, Wilson rep, Mickey Mantle, Patty Berg, Johnie Stapp

 

One of the  top women golfers in the United States will be in Miami Thursday for what may be one of the finest golf clinics ever presented in Miami. 

Miss Patty Berg will arrive in Miami this evening. She faces a full afternoon of clinics and golfing tomorrow. Miss Berg's famous clinic will get underway at 1 p.m. at the Miami Country club and that following the clinic she will play a nine-hole exhibition match with Jack Myers, Mickey Mantle, and either one of the club's better woman golfers or club pro Johnie Stapp.  

**In my notes from Charlie Dawson, class of 1963, Florence Dawson, his mother and wife of Spencer Dawson was selected to play in the foursome. One of Charlie's fondest memories of living in Miami was that day, as he caddied for his mother. 

Miss Berg is labeled "the epitome of all a great champion should be" and is called the dean of women's golf.

Patty holds some of golf's greatest honors among which includes the women's world 18 hole record of 64 established in 1952 in the Richmond Open; she is the three-time winner of the Associated Press Woman Athlete of the Year award; six-time winner of the Titleholders, and the only woman golfer to be leading money winner and Vare Trophy winner in the same year. 

For more than 15 years Patty has toured the nation for Wilson Sporting Goods giving clinics and exhibitions. Patty's travel averages out to more than 50,000 miles per year. She will stay in the Hotel Miami. 

 

*Women pros at this time traveled in caravans across the country driving from tournament to tournament.  

 1956 November 9  "Youngsters Share Birthdays"

Terry Ford, son of Dr. and Mrs. Harry Ford, 210 B st Southwest, and Bobby Paine, son of Mrs. Elizabeth Pains, Virginia Apartments, will share birthday honors from 2:00--4:00 Saturday at the Miami Country club. 

Thanksgiving and birthday motifs will combine to lend a festive air to the refreshment table which will center at large cake. Four candles will be lighted for Terry and four for Bobby. Ice cream and pop will also be served. The mothers will take moving pictures of the youngsters. 

The guest list includes K.C. Kelly, Ruth Wills, Ricky Adams, Bobby Wilson, Ricky Wright, Chuck Chestnut, Bobby Graham, and Kirk Francis.