1966 Dickie Neel's Story From a Friend's Point of View

 1966 Dickie Neel's Story From Dick Lillard's Point of View

 

Some thoughts about my best friend Dick Neel. Dick was one of the finest men that I have ever met.  Dick had so many friends and I never knew a man, woman or child that did not like Dick Neel.  I moved to Miami and May 1963 and I met Dick that fall playing in a pickup basketball game, Dick, not being very tall was still good at that game as he was in all athletic endeavors. In that first meeting he found out that I liked golf, he said he played a “little” himself and we met a few days later to play our first round, of so many I cannot count, together at Miami Golf and Country Club.  Yes, he played a “little”! I was 24 at the time and Dick was 21, he was certainly the one best players I had played with or been around.  He was never one to brag about his accomplishments on the golf course even though there had been many before that time and many to come after as well.

I later found out that Dick along with his friend Bob Hill (an exceptional person and an exceptional golfer as well) had won the two-man high school state championship for Miami High School when they were seniors. It turned out that athletic state championship was the first state championship of any kind won by Miami High School.  Dick attributed his skills on the golf course to lessons learned from his father, brother and Miami Golf and Country Club Pro Johnny Stapp.  One of his proudest moments was being named the golf pro at Miami Golf and Country Club.

 

Thank you to Dickie Neel's family for sharing the photograph albums with me.

Dick and I played some winter golf that same year and, in the spring of 1964, Dick began to play “the circuit” of Invitational’s held by the country clubs in the four-state area. I had no idea that this occurred but it was a wonderful way to spend a weekend if you loved to play golf and if you love to have a great time. Dick won many of these tournaments that were usually just Saturday and Sunday events. I think Twin Hills country club in Joplin Missouri was a three-day event. He would usually sell the merchandise he won, that was an additional source of income at that time.  Another source was taking more than a few dollars gambling on golf games.

Dick won the Hickory Hills tournament in Springfield at least twice.  I know he won the Baxter Springs tournament two or three times and our local Miami Golf and Country Club Invitational.  He also won tournaments in northwest Arkansas as well as others here in Oklahoma. I believe it was 1966 or 1967 he talked me into playing the Baxter Springs invitational.  When my round was over in something like B Flight, I rushed to watch the conclusion of Championship Flight because I knew Dick was close to the top. Championship Flight ended in a tie between Dick and another gentleman forcing a sudden death playoff.  Dick asked me the caddy for him for the playoff.  His drive on number one was perfect, it ended up about 15 yards short of the green. The other gentleman was farther away and his next shot ended up about 20 feet from the pin. Dick pulled out a putter, I was a little shocked but he explained that the ground was smooth from his ball to the green and that the greens were mounded and he thought this was his best chance to get the ball close. He stroked the putt from off the green and it ran up the slope to within about 12 inches from the hole. The other gentleman missed his put.  Dick for a birdie for the win.  I shall never forget that day because Dick’s winning prize was a new set of Titleist irons.  He gave them to me. He knew my set was old and a mixed match.  He knew I could not afford them.  He had such a big heart.

I was in Dick’s wedding in 1966 and he was in mine in 1967. We played golf together almost every summer weekend until his death in 1994. He loved the game so much; I was always impressed that he never lost his temper he just tried to hit the next shot better.  In the early 1970s my golf game had improved. My uncle was a member at the Oaks Country Club in Tulsa and he invited Dick and me to play with him. I remember it well because I parred the first four holes and was four down because Dick had birdied them all.  I think he shot 67 and it was the first time he had seen the course.  Another very important golf story with Dick that shows his character and the kind of man he was happened years later when he and I were playing against two other gentlemen. We were up quite a bit and they pressed on the 18^th hole.  Our drives were both good and as we sat in the cart together, he said quietly they cannot afford to lose this amount.  I asked what he wanted to do and he said I’m going to miss the next shot on purpose, he did, we broke even for the day and our opponents were elated to have tied and they never knew how kind Dick Neel was to them that day. It was a teaching moment for me and another view into his soul.

It is been 28 years; I miss him and I shall never forget the kindness he showed to me. He was a fine golfer but an even better person. 

 

*This is part 1 of Dickie's story in golf. Part 2 will follow in the 1970's after Dickie earned his PGA card. 

Yours Truly,

Dick Lillard

(shared with Letty Stapp Watt 2023)

 

 

1965 TIMELINE AND STORIES MGCC

Ladies enjoying a drink at the club....Mary Lou Wickham on far right.

1965 February 16 Miami News Record  "Society Page"

This is an example of the social side of the country club and the affluent town of Miami in the 1960's.
Mrs. Timberlake, the former Miss Patricia Gibson of Miami, was honored at numerous prenuptial courtesies this winter. Mrs. John F. Robinson entertained a brunch, and Mrs. M.C. Bagby chose the Miami Country club as the setting for a dessert luncheon in honor of the bride.

 The home of Mrs. Vernon Sapp was the setting for a brunch and linen shower. Mrs. Paul Wilson, Mrs. Tom Bomford and Mrs. Stanley Ulmer were co-hostesses. 

A kitchen shower at the Miami Country club was given by Mrs. Dewey Sims, Mrs. Robert Nesbitt, and Mrs. Tom Cordell.

A recipe shower was held in the home of Mrs. John Wallace with Mrs. Ben T. Owens assisting. The bridesmaids' luncheon at the Miami Country club was hosted by Mrs. Frank Lacaff and Mrs. Frank Lasky (Jody Lacaff Lasky).  

1965 March 30 "Pryor Tigers Nip War Dog Golfers"

Pryor Tigers defeated the Miami War Dogs, 3 1/2 to 1 1/2 in a high school golf match Monday afternoon at the Miami Country club. Tom Howard of Pryor, medalist with a score of 41, edged Mark Wojcik, 42; Woody Painter, 45 defeated Schaeffer, 49; Stanley of Pryor, 47 beat Bill Oliver, 51; Emerson of Pryor, 42, defeated Jim Thompson. 

Miami will meet OMA prep golfers here Thursday afternoon and will host the annual invitational high school boys tournament next week. 

**Personal note: Several of the high school boys and junior high boys who played golf at the country club were known to through clubs, break clubs, and have temper tantrums on the golf course.  By my father's values and rules, no one was allowed to exhibit such outburst.  There is no record of how many times several of the above boys were kicked off the golf course. I only recall that Dad would call home and ask their parents to come pick them up.  There was no argument from the parents, only a great deal of respect for my father.  

Since my father held that rule for young people, he was obliged on several occasions to ask grown men to leave the golf course. 

1965 April 4 "Schoolboy Golf Tourney Slated Monday in Miami" 

Twenty-five teams are scheduled to compete Monday in the eighth annual Miami high school invitational golf tournament at the Miami Country club.Back as defending champions in all three trophy divisions are the Tulsa Central Braves, who led the field of 15 teams last year. Hale is another strong entry. Among the 10 teams from Oklahoma City and suburbs if O.C. Hardin, two-time team champion of the local meet. 

Other O.C. teams are Southeast, Northeast, Northwest, Marshall, Classen, Grant and Capitol Hill. Midwest City and Del City are the other O.C. entries. Other teams include Stillwater, Claremore, OMA, Sand Springs, Muskogee, Nowata, Pryor, Okmulgee, Tahlequah, and Miami. Contenders will also be here from Coffeyville, Parsons, and Joplin. 

Mark Wojcik, Woody Painter and Bill Oliver will play with the Miami team. The fourth team member will be chosen from Jim Thompson, Gary West, and Jon Street. 

Ross Elder of Tulsa Central was medalist last year with a 39-36-75 card. Again, he is the No. 1 member of the Central team.

1965 April 6 "Tulsa Central in Golf Sweep Again"

For the second straight year Tulsa Central's Braves made a clean sweep of the top honors in the Miami High School invitational golf tournament. Coach Eddie Sutton's sharpshooting seniors captured three trophies. 

Medalist, Ross Elder shot a two-under par 37-33-70. Monday's score of 33 is the best nine hole score for the tournament. Two-ball honors went to Elder and Jim Arnold. Four-ball went to Central's 303 on the scores by Elder, Arnold, Roger Banzhof, and Larry Meason. The total was the lowest in tournament history, as were medalist and two-ball figures. Tulsa Hale took second, followed by Stillwater and Muskogee. 

The tournament was conducted under the direction of MHS coach Bill Watkins, in cooperation with the club pro, Johnie F. Stapp.

Picture on right: Miami High School golf coach Bill Watkins provided protection for three of his golfers while this picture was snapped during the rain immediately after Monday's tournament. From left are Mark Wojcik, Wood Painter, and Bill Oliver.

 1965 April 28 "Miami Jr. High School Golfers"

Miami junior high school golfers lost to Columbus, Kan., juniors by 11-6 score at the Columbus Country club. Richard Varley's 45 was the best score for the Miami team, but his opponent gained medalist honors with 43 for the nine holes.

Scores posted by other Miami team members were: Jim Painter 49, Charles Grayson 50, Scott Jackson 55, Mark Cordell 50, Rodney Street 52, Tim Schofield 52, Bob Gaines 54. Non contestant players were John Reynolds, David Adams, Jeff Butcher, and Andy Bailey. 

Miami junior girls shut out their Columbus opponents with these scores: Jonya Stapp 54, Karen Jeffries 60, Tammy Romick 64. Girls who did not compete were: Clara Searle,Carol Searle, Forrestette Turner, Simmy Peacock, Nancy Adams, Billie Bennett, Nancy Nesbitt and Nancy Cordell. 

The Miami juniors are coached by Mrs. Claire Oliver.  

1965 May 14  "Tri-City Golf Rounds at Miami Club Sunday" 

The Miami Country club will be host Sunday to men of Joplin and Springfield, Missouri, in the first matches of the 1965 inter-club golf tournament. Tee off will be at 11:30am. Eighty-eight golfers are expected. Joplin won the inter-club trophy last year. At the close of the golf rounds, there will be a buffet and dance from 6:00-8:00pm.

Miami players are: John Robinson, Dr. W.D. Jackson, Dick Neel, Dick Lillard, Dr. W.D. Neal, Bob Temple, C.Casky, Harry Gilmore, Al White, G.R. White, Ray Coburn, Stratton Henley, Kermit Lewis, Rex Painter, George Windham, Woodrow Painter, Charles Trussler, Marion Zajic, Tom Cordell, Buck Bagby, George Wojcik, Pat Campbell, Tom Forbes, and V.J. Orcutt, Dr. Richard Varley, George Meyers, Bill Oliver, Delmer Barnes, Lloyd Cowgill, Jack Brown.  Low scores from 20 players from each city will be counted in the official competition.   

1965 May 30 "Four-Ball Tournament Is Launched at Country Club"

First-round competition in the annual men's four-ball tournament at Miami Country club must be completed today. Pairings for next week: Stratton Henley and Clarence Caskey vs Bill carter and Delmer Barnes; K.C. Jeffries and Harry Kenreigh vs. Dr. Bill Neal and Dick Lillard; George Wojcik and Bernie Schaff vs Jack Schofield and Dr. Ray McKinney; Bill Neel and Joel Ridenour vs Jim Smallwood and Jack Brown. 

Tom Barton and Harry Gilmore vs Bob Temple and Dr. W.D. Jackson; Al Williams and Harry Whitaker vs Jim Richard and Art Goettel; Tom Forbes and Dick Neel, Jr., vs Woodrow Painter and Lloyd Cowgill; Lou Mirjanich and George Romick vs George Parker and John McLaughlin.

*Notice the language used in these times as referenced to the Space Race. 

1965 May 30 "Foursome Golf Play Today"

Scotch foursomes golf matches are scheduled today at the Miami Country club, beginning with a shotgun start at 4 p.m  (Shot gun starts were usually started by my father, when he would pull out an M-80, lite it, then toss it into the air.)

No. 1 tee--Virginia Romick and Don Curlee; Millie Carter ad Joe Ridenour; Wanda Jo Brown and Kermit Lewis.

No. 2 tee--Marilyn Adams and Harry Whitaker; Lois Cowles  and Fuzz Lillard; Dona Ridenour and Jim Smallwood.

No. 3 tee--Lib Lillard and Les Whitney; Louise Curlee and Tom Housch; Sarah Mirjanich and Jack Schofield.

No. 4 tee--Jean Phillips and tom Wilson; Jo Ann Smallwood and Dan Heyburn; Sue Giffhorn and Charles Trussler. 

No. 5 tee--Stormy Lewis and Bill Carter; Dorothy Schofield and Jack Brown; Ruth Heyburn and Lou Mirjanich.

No. 6 tee--Louise Whitney and Charles Phillips; Virginia Wilson and Jack Adams; Elizabeth Hansford and George Romick.  

No. 7 tee--Jane Trussler and Doug Phillips; Erin Wojcik and Bill Giffhorn.

No. 8 tee--Mavis Ford and Frank Hansford; Lottie Mae Russell and George Wojcik.

 1965 May 30  "Sunrise League Play for Ladies Begins Tuesday"

The annual competition in the Miami Ladies Sunrise golf league will begin Tuesday at the Country club. Entry fee of $2.00 must be paid before teeing off. All matches must start no later than 10 a.m. with opponents arranging their own times. Pairings:

Evelyn Hatfield vs Fay Berentz;Erin Wojcik vs Hattie Wall; Lottie Russell vs Lois Cowles; Gladys Wetzel vs Val Dale; Lib Lillard vs Barbara Shouse; Helen Jones vs. Ruth Fullerton.

Lois Garwood vs Helen Stapp; Mavis Ford vs. Jean Phillips; Beverly Jackson vs Pat Horner; Virginia Sapp vs La Rue Gaines; Inez Blizzard vs Helen Moore; Mary Lou Wickham vs Dorothy Schofield. Players are responsible for substitutes, if necessary.

 1965 June "Personal Memory of Doug Phillips" I remember when the bus arrived from Tulsa each summer bringing the girls to play in our Girls Invitational.  My favorite was watching Susie Friels play golf. I also recall the lady who ran the Girls Junior Golf program in the state. Her name was Mabel Hotz. One time on the putting green at the country club she was giving a golf lesson on putting. This is what she said, "Never up. Never In." I have never forgotten that advice. 

1965 June 10 "Okmulgee Champions"

 Leaders in the Okmulgee Girls Jr. Invitational are: Susan Basolo, winner; Louise Stekoll, runner-up; Vicki Bell, A flight winner; Susan Russell, Miami, runner-up; Susan Silver, B flight winner; Karen Jeffries and Jonya Stapp of Miami, second and third place respectively  (the photo was too blurry to share).

1965 June 24 "Junior Girl Invitational Golf Tourney Here Friday"

 Susan Basolo of Muskogee, defending champion and more than 70 other girls will compete Friday in the Miami's sixth annual girls invitational. Sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf association, the local invitational is the largest in the state for junior girls. 

The majority of girls will be from Tulsa. They will make the trip by chartered bus and with them again this year will be Mrs. Mabel Hotz, state chairman for junior girls golf 14 years before retirement from the volunteer post in 1962. 

1965 June 27 "Susan Basolo of Muskogee Captures Title Third Time"

Susan Basolo, who may well be on her way to one of the greatest golfers in history for Oklahoma's feminine ranks, said farewell to Miami junior invitational tournament with her third straight win shooting an 84. Runner-up here was Louise Stekoll of Okmulgee with 92. Rita Albertson of Tulsa won third place in a sudden-death playoff with Pam Lloyd. Other Championship scores are: Janis Bell, 101; Diane Lukken, 103, Letty Stapp, 103, Ann Durand 104.  Letty Stapp was the low putts winner and Diane Lukken won the longest drive.

*Sadly, Susan passed away ten years ago. This is a tribute I wrote about her, as she was my nemesis and friend  Herstory: Susan Basolo

Other Miami girls playing: Barbara Bomford, Carol Brown, Jonya Stapp, Karen Jeffries, Sally Meyer, Judy Berentz, Tammy Romick, Nancy Nesbitt--first place C flight;Nancy Reese, 2nd place C flight; Suzy Wickham, Forestette Turner, Becky Nesbitt, Rebecca Mirjanich, Tanya Reese, Elaine Butcher, Renee Barnes,Kim Feronti, Ann Cordell, Diane Dean.  

1965 June 28  "Cowgill-Painter Take Title"

For the second straight year, Lloyd Cowgill and Woodrow Painter are champions of the annual four-ball golf tournament at the Miami Country club. In Sunday's finals, they defeated Harry Kenreigh and K.C. Jeffries. 

The champions reached the finals with victories over Dickie Neel-Tom Forbes, George Parker-John McLaughlin, and Art Goettel-Jim Richard. 

Kenreigh-Jeffries climbed with victories over Dick Lillard--Dr.Bill Neal, Stratton Henley--Clarence Caskey, and Bill Neel-Joel Ridenour.  

1965 July 4 "Fireworks to Follow Golf Competition Here Monday"

Scotch foursome golf competition is scheduled Monday evening at the Miami CC beginning at 4 o'clock. A buffet dinner and fireworks display will conclude the evening activities.

 

 

1965 July 7 "Miami Junior Golf"

Last week's winners in junior golf competition at the Miami Country club were:

Two holes--David Reese and Ann Heyburn

Five holes--Tommy Cordell and Rebecca Mirjanich

Championship--Jim Robinson, low gross and low putts; Woody Painter, second low gross, Jimmy Painter, second low putts; 

A Flight--Charles Grayson, low gross; Bobby Gaines, second; Mark Cordell and Scotty Jackson, tie for low putts; 

A Flight--Jonya Stapp, low gross; Billie Bennett, second low gross; Sally Meyer, low putts, four-way tie for second low putts by Barbara Bomford, Billie Bennett, Karen Jeffries, and Jonya Stapp.

B Flight--Joe Hankins, low gross and low net; Bob Wilson, second low gross and low putts.

B Flight--Nancy Adams, low gross and low putts; Nancy Nesbitt, second low gross; Tammy Romick, second low putts.

Boys and girls in the two and five-hole competition will play Thursday. Lesson from Johnie Stapp, club pro will begin at 8:30 am. Pairings will be made at the tee. Scorers will be Mrs. Jack Brown, Mrs. Bill Giffhorn, Mrs. Lou Mirjanick, Mrs. Charles Phillips, Mrs. Tony Prewitt, Mrs. Harry Gilmore, Mrs. John Reese, Mrs. Johnie Stapp, Nancy Adams, and Nancy Cordell.

Friday's pairing for championship and A Flight follow:

Championship--Mark Wojcik, John Robinson and Woody Painter; Richard Varley, Rodney Street, Jimmy Painter and Jim Thompson; Susan Russell and Letty Stapp.

A Flight--Tim Schofield, David Adams, and J.R. Coburn; Charles Grayson, Mark Cordell, Scotty Jackson and Bobby Gaines; Jonya Stapp, Karen Jeffries and Judy Berentz; Billie Bennett, Nancy Cordell, Sally Meyer and Barbara Bomford.  

Tee time is 8:30 from the red tees. Lessons from Johnie Stapp for beginners will start at 8:30. Scorers will be: Mr. and Mrs. Tom Wilson, Mrs. Claude Dale, Mrs. Rex Graham, Mrs. John Robinson, Mrs. Jack Schofield, Mrs. Robert Nesbitt, and Mrs. George Wojcik. 

1965 July 8 "Mixed Twilight Golfers Begin Rounds Friday"

1965 July 16

1965 July 15 Tulsa Tribune "Junior Aces Rout Golf Foes"

**Personal Note: This was my last junior girls state championship and we played it at Southern Hills Country club. 

Defending champion of the Jr Girls State Championship, Susan Basolo, and medalist Rinda Koppitz breezed to quarterfinal victories here his morning at the Southern Hills CC. Miss Basolo moved into the semifinals of the 16th annual tournament by discarding Christine Townsend of Tulsa 9 and 8. Miss Koppitz, who captured medal honors with a 4-over par 82 Tuesday, reached the Friday semifinals by tumbling Cheryl Crain, also of Tulsa, 7 and 6.

Rita Albertson, a Tulsa golfer and Letty Stapp of Miami were even up after 18 holes of match play and played the 455 yard par 5 first hole. Rita dropped a 15-foot putt for a birdie 4 to win the match. Miss Louise Stekoll of Okmulgee won her match on the 15th hole with a boggy 5 while Miss Gini Breene took a 6 losing the match 5 and 3. Miss Basolo and Miss Stekoll will tee off at 8:05 am Friday following the semifinals match between Miss Koppitz and Miss Albertson.  

**Personal Note: Times were much more formal when we played golf in the 1960's. We were expected to dress up like ladies for the awards banquet held on Wednesday nights of this week long event. Mabel Hotz wrote songs that all of the girls sang for entertainment, each and every year. 

Personal note from Barbara Bomford Newman:

I played my only Junior Girls state golf tournament at Southern Hills in 1965. What I remember the most was walking up the hill on the 18th green and seeing that huge clubhouse. The walk uphill was quite difficult and intimidating to me.  That was a time when the only way we communicated was by phone calls to the hotel room where we stayed or by reading the Tulsa World every night or morning to learn about our tee times the next day.  We relied on the newspaper for all of our news. This was a special trip for me. 

I also remember my favorite tournament at the country club was once a year when we got to play with caddies. I don't know who the caddies were by they were men and boys who carried our clubs and helped us make decisions. It was fun. 

1965 July 21 Miami News Record "Trophy Smiles"

1965 July 21 "Tri-State Winners"

  1965 JULY 25 MNR "Robinson and Stapp Local Champs"

John Robinson's golfing was hot as the weather Friday when he carded a sizzling 74 to capture the championship of the boys' division of the annual junior handicap tournament at the Miami Country club. He carded a 40 on the front nine and was two under on the second round to post a two-over 74. His handicap gave him a 68.

Letty Stapp won the championship of the girls' division with an 87 card and a 15 handicap for a net score of 72. Runners-up in the two divisions were Mark Wojcik and Susan Russell. Mark toured the 18 holes in 81 and netted 76 with his five handicap. Susan 's card showed 112. Her handicap was 27, giving her a net 85. 

Sixty-four boys and girls competed in the meet. Winners and runners-up in the other divisions were:

A flight, boys-Charles Grayson and Bobby Gaines

A flight, girls--Barbara Bomford and Billie Bennett. They were tied at the end with Barbara winning in a sudden death playoff.

B--Bob Graham and Bob Wilson;  Mary Lollar and Susie Wickham.

Five-hole flight: Ricky Adams and Bill Giffhorn; Tanya Reese and Elaine Butcher.

Two-hole flight: David Reese and Matt Giffhorn; Teresa McKinney and Dawn Feronti.

Putting winners were: Jimmy Painter and Letty Stapp, championship; J.R. Coburn and Nancy Cordell, A flight; Bruce Richardson and Nancy Adams, B flight; Tommy Cordell and Ann Cordell, five-hole flight; John Mirjanich and Linda Wickham, two-hole flight. 

Driving contest winners were: Woody Painter and Susan Russell, championship; Mark Cordell and Karen Jeffries, A flight; Pete Whitaker and Tammy Romick, B flight; Dan Giffhorn and Rebecca Mirjanich five-hole flight; and Jim Arndt and Christy Dudgeon, two-hole flight.

 

Advertisement in local news. 

1965 August 1  "Trophy Time"

 1965 August 8 "Best in Tournament"

1965 August 11  "Letty Stapp in National Girls Golf Tourney"

Letty Stapp, 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnie F. Stapp, will compete in the national junior girls golf tournament, beginning Monday at Evergreen, Colorado. The top 32 scores among some 140 entries in  two-day qualifying rounds will be assigned to championship play. Contestants from the across the nation will include Susan Basolo, of Muskogee, champion of the Miami Girls Invitational for three straight years.
 

1965 September 12 "Neel Tops Golf Meet Shooters"

Dickie Neel of Miami fired a five-under par 67 Saturday to capture medalist honors in the two-day annual Miami Invitational Golf Tournament. More than 130 golfers from several states toured the par-72 Miami Country club Saturday. Their 18-hole scores determined assignments to five flights and will be added to the 18-hole Sunday scores in determining winners.

Dr. W.D. Jackson, tournament chairman, is the defending champion. He won with 74-77=151 last year. Neel finished fourth in the 1964 with 77-79=156.

1965 September 13  "Dick Neel Shots Record Score for Golf Tourney Title" by Mack Boswell

Dick Neel of Miami, carding the best 36-hole tournament score in the history of the Miami Country club, captured the championship of the club's 10th annual invitational golf tournament Sunday afternoon. 

Dick Neel of Miami, carding the best 36-hole tournament score in the history of the Miami Country club, captured the Championship of the club's 10th annual Invitational Golf tournament. He was eight under par with a 67-69=136. The lowest total in the previous invitationals was 69-72-141 by Jack Myers of Miami, in 1956. 

Ideal weather prevailed for this year's meet and the 6,682 yard course was in excellent condition. "That was the best shooting we've ever had in a tournament here," said Johnie F. Stapp, club pro. 

Champion Neel teamed with Bob Hill, Jr., in 1960 to capture the two-ball state championship for MHS. This may have been Neel's last time to compete in the Miami invitational. He is planning to become a professional and accept full-time employment at a nearby country club. 

 Finishing in the top six behind Neel were Ed McKay, 148; Robert Klein 150; Kenny Childress 150; Jim Conatser 152; and Gene Witzel 152.

Other Miami players and recognized names: Bob Temple, Chi Galloway, Lloyd Tate, Joe Whipple, David Robinson, Stratton Hensley, Harry Gilmore, Dr. Bill Neal, Woodrow Painter, George Parker, Dick Lillard, Joe Thompson, Charles Trussler, Kent Jeffries, Delmar Barnes, George Windham, Rex Painter, Dr. R.W. Varley, Ray Coburn, George Wojcik, Harry Whitaker, Kermit Lewis, Harry Ford, Bill Hirsch, Max Martin, V.W. Lillard, Harry Dean, Henry Garwood, Lloyd Cowgill, Lou Mirjanich, Dan Heyburn, Bob Garwood, George Romick, Charles Phillips, Dan Mailath.

**While setting an all-time record for 36 holes on the Miami Country club course, Dick Neel missed the 18-hole record by one stroke with his 67 on Saturday. Six-under par 66's have been shot on the current 9-hole layout by John F. Robinson, Jack Myers when he shot a 66 the opening day of the invitational in 1957.   

1964 STORIES AND TIMELINE OF THE MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Spring 1964. A note of gratitude to all of our ladies and parents at the country club who spent many long hot days helping junior golfers around the golf course.
 

 

1964 The social page showed monthly "Mixed-Bridge Club"; monthly 'town and country' dances at the club; numerous organizations holding parties through out the year, and men's and women's various social clubs meeting regularly at the country club, not to mention wedding receptions, birthday parties, and family reunions all held at the club. It was an active social club in the 1960's.

1964 March 6 "Instead of Golf Practice"

The practice golf session at Miami Country club was cancelled by the Ladies Golf Association when snow began to fall Wednesday, but a membership coffee was held as planned in the home of Mrs. Jack Brown in Rockdale. The season's first pairings will be April 1. Among the 47 women attending the coffee were Mrs. Stan Ulmer, Mrs. Delmar Barnes, Mrs. Hance VanBeber, Mrs. Bob Temple, and Mrs. George Russell. 

1964 April 5 "Schoolboy Golfers Play Here Monday"

Golfers from 15 school are scheduled to compete in the seventh annual Miami High School Invitational tournament.Tee off time is set for 8:00am in the 18-hole rounds to determine the winners of the four-man, two-ball, and medalist trophies. Coach Bill Watkins of the Miami high school will serve as the general director of the meet in co-operation with Johnie Stapp, club pro. Members of the Miami Ladies Golf association will assist as scorers and with other tournament details. 

Team champions since the tournament was launched here were Harding, 1958 and 1962; Edison 1959, 1960, 1963, and Muskogee in 1962.

The Miami War Dog teams for the tournament will consist of John Robinson, Pat Wilson, Woody Painter, and Mark Wojcik.

1964 April 5 "Pup Golfers Play Nowata"

Miami War Pup golfers will begin their second season at Nowata juniors at the Miami Country club this Tuesday.  Coach for the Miami Pups again this year is Mrs. William (Claire) Oliver, a member of the Will Rogers junior high faculty.

Woody Painter, a freshman will play the No.1 spot. Other members of the team are Richard Varley, Jim Painter, Jim Thompson, Jackie Mann, and George Parker. Playing for the squad for the first time are Tim Schofield, Scott Jackson, Bob Gaines, Gary Neel, and Steve Patterson. 

1964 April 5 "Ladies Golf Notes"

Winners of the Miami Ladies Golf association "million dollar" tournament the past week were Hattie Wall, championship; Lottie Mae Russell, Class A; Ethel Carselowery, class B; Doris Wilson, C, and Mary Whitaker 5-hole. 

Winter ringer winners were Evelyn Hatfield, Lottie Mae Russell, Gladyce Hirsch, and Jean Phillips. 

Pairings for this week:

18 hole: Helen Jones, Faye Berentz, and Virginia Sapp; Hattie Wall, Pat Horner, Tanya Reese and Martha Campbell; Lib Lillard Yvonne Temple, and Mary Varley; Eva Williams, Beverly Jackson, and Cora Wilson; Claire Oliver and Joan Smallwood.

9 hole: Mary Kay Nesbitt, LaRue Gsines, and Pat Parker; Wanda Jo Brown, Lottie Russell, Dorothy Schofield and Gladyce Hirsch; Margaret Coburn, Clara Barton and Kay Kilthou; Gladys Wetzel, Lois Garwood and Sarah Mirjanich, Mavis Ford; Irene White, Nancy Johnson; Norma Lou Jackson, Erin Wojcik, Liz Hansford, and Dorothy Ulmer. Melba Cordell, Louise Curlee, Christine Carroll, and Maxine Jeffries; Mary Ann Hecksher, Dottie Ridling, Virginia Lee Wilson, and Doris Wilson; Sue Barnes, Val Dale, and Helen Stapp; Mae Farrier, Millie Carter and Jean Phillips. 

5-hole: Claire Butcher, Bea Gilmore, and Mary Lou Wickham; Marilyn Adams, Betty Smith, and Loretta Hankins; Pauline Mayer, Virginia Romick, and LaVon Young; Mary Whitaker and Beverly Ewing; Kate McAleer, and Betty Schwertfeger.

1964 April 5 "OSU Golfers Win College Meet Title"

Oklahoma State's Cowboys turned in a trim 864 to capture the fifth annual Oklahoma Intercollegiate Golf tournament. *These are the years of the OSU golf team dynasty. 

1964 April 7 "Miami's O Club Tournament"

An 18-hole golf tournament will begin 9 am Saturday at the Miami Country club for members of the O club. Leaders of athletic discussions at the coaching clinics will include: Bill Pace, Arkansas U, offensive coach; Leon Fuller and Tom Turvey of OSU; Benny Lee and Ken Tiger of KU; S.A. Red Robertson and Max Buzzard, NEO; and Bob Palmer and Jack Wallace of Miami schools, and others, 

1964 April 8 MNR "Nowata Juniors Win Golf Match"

Nowata junior high school golfers defeated Miami juniors 10 to 8, Tuesday afternoon at the Miami Country club. Because of cold weather, play was limited to nine holes.

Medalist of the meet was Woody Painter of Miami with a score of 42. By virtue of his victory over the No 1 Nowata player, Bob Berry (44), Miami gained 2 points for the win and one point for the medalist achievement. Other junior players were: Jack Mann, Richard Varley, Jim Painter, George Parker, David Broderick, Tim Schofield and Scotty Jackson.  

 

The 1964 Miami High School Golf Team:  Mark Wojcik, Pat Wilson, Johnnie Robinson, and Woody Painter

*PERSONAL NOTE FROM JIM BALDWIN: In 1964 Jim Thompson and I worked in the golf shop one summer. I think I road a motor scooter. At 14 years old, I had transportation from home to the club.  

Little story, I was to lock up the shop one night and hide the money in a golf bag. I went upstairs to the dinning room and told your dad I was leaving for the night, then I blurted out that  I'd hidden the money in Mr. So-So's bag. Don't know why he didn't fire me on the spot.

"Yes, my father hide the cash in one of his older golf bags with a fake name on it."

I also recall Johnie's pistol that he kept at work. One day he took the pistol out and killed a squirrel then took it to the kitchen. After some elaborate work they placed the squirrel standing on it's hind legs in the middle of a table. It was a joke for someone...

I also remember that special car that your dad drove.

** PERSONAL NOTE FROM TOM FORBES:  

What a delight to hear from you....certainly goes back many years! I have fond memories of your dad, and you and Jonya. I moved back to Miami after college and was  new to golf. Dick Lillard and Dick Neel would let me play with them but didn't cut me much slack, as they were better than I was. You would play with us sometimes, and of course also beat me like a drum. From time to time Johnie would join us and I was grateful for the help and encouragement he gave me. I always felt he liked to help everyone enjoy the game better. He was quick-witted, funny, and had many stories to share. 

One evening towards dark I was on the practice green and I heard this voice say, "move away from the cup." I wasn't sure what that meant so kept putting and shortly he appeared and showed me what he meant. Never have forgotten and taught my sons the same.

Wish I could remember other incidents. Mostly I remember the laughter, the pointers that you all gave me to be a better player, and how much it helped improve my game to play with such good players. While it was frustrating to constantly get beat it hastened the learning process and I'm grateful for the experience.

Hope you are well and always in the fairway!

 

1964 June 14 "Miami Juniors in Tulsa Meet"

Miami will have four entries in the Jay Myers Memorial Junior Golf Tournament at Meadowbrook Country club in Tulsa. Flights will be by age group.

Mark Wojcik, Woody Painter, Jackie Mann, and Richard Varley will all be entered in the 13-14 age group. The boys are products of golf pro Johnie Stapp and sponsored each year by the Ladies Golf association.

1964 June 14 "Mick Stars as Yanks Beat White Sox, 6-3"

1964 June 28 "Basolo Repeats as Jr. Girls Winner" by Gary Garton

Susan Basolo, 16, of Muskogee, turned in an 18-hole score of 83 at the Miami Country club Friday to become the first girl to win the Miami Junior Girls Invitational two years in a row. The tournament, sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf Association, in co-operation with the Country club, drew a total of 64 contestants. 

Susan was only one-point off her winning score from last year of 82. She has displayed potential to become one of the best women golfers in Oklahoma. Sherri Taylor of OKC, state junior champion the past two years, on third place with an 88. Other championship scores: Suanne Willis, Tulsa 100, Cheryl Crain, Tulsa, 100, Letty Stapp, 103, Sondra Benjamin, Tulsa 110, Loni Sumpter, Tulsa 115. 

Winners in other flights: A flight-- Rita Albertson, first; Louise Stekoll, second. B--Suzanne Sherman,first; Sally Meyer, Miami, second; C--Signe Brown, first; Debbie Banfield, second. Pee-Wee--Tanya Reese, Miami; and Cindy Putnam, Tulsa. 

 

Other Miamians: A flight--Susan Russell; B flight--Barbara Bomford, Clara Searle, Gayla Dale, Susie Goettel, Nancy Cordell, Nancy Adams, Janet Weldon. C flight--Jonya Stapp, Karen Jeffries, Billie Bennett, Carol Searle. Pee-Wee flight--Tanya Reese, Nancy Reese, Susie Wickham.

1964 July 2 "Twilight Golf Begins Friday"

Twilight Scotch foursome golf matches will begin Friday at the Miami Country club and will continue for six weeks. Tee-off time is not later than 5:30. Players should contact their partners and opponents for tee-off time. 

1964 July 2 "Fireworks Slated Saturday"

Spectacular fireworks displays Saturday night will climax Independence Day. The fireworks show at the Miami Country club will begin at 8:30 and at the Fairgrounds between 9 and 9:15. Both shows are free to the public. 

The Fairgrounds program, sponsored by Miami's Floyd L. Perry post of the American Legion will open at 7:00 with the raising of the American flag by Boy Scouts at 8:30. A.R. Tyner of Oklahoma City, state adjutant of the Legion will be the principal speaker. Commander Jack Brown of the Miami Legion will be master of ceremonies

 1964 July 12 "Junior Girls State Golf"

Letty Stapp of Miami won first place in A flight competition Friday as the week-long Junior Girls State Golf Tournament ended at the Oaks country club in Tulsa. She defeated Ann Durand, Bartlesville, 1-up for the title.

Other Miami girls placing in the tourney were Karen Jeffries, third in C flight, and Clara Searle, fourth in D flight. Also participating were Barbara Bomford, Susan Russell, Carol Searle, and Jonya Stapp.

1964 July 12 "Muskogee Youth is Miami Golf Winner"

 Muskogee has good reason to be proud of its junior golfers. Scott Robinson, a Muskogee junior player, won the Miami Junior Boys Golf Invitational here Friday. The win came a couple of weeks after Susan Basolo of Muskogee walked off with the Junior Girls Invitations tourney, and only hours after Susan won the Junior Girls State Championship title in Tulsa. 

Robinson took the championship here with a 75 score. Runner-up, Jon Axton from Bartlesville turned in a 77. Other Miami players were John Robinson, Jack Mann, Mark Wojcik, Woody Painter, Frank Jacobs, Richard Varley, Dough Phillips, George Parker, Jon Street, Jimmie Painter, Bob Gaines, Scotty Jackson, Mark Cordell, Bobby Wilson, David Adams, Jeff Butcher, Gene Feronti, Pete Smith, and Kenny Gibson.  

1964 July   "Mark Wojcik, Letty Stapp Champions of Junior Meet"

First-place winner of their divisions in the annual Miami Junior handicap golf tournament. In the front row from left are Letty Stapp, championship, Jonya Stapp, B flight; Susie Wickham, 5-hole and Elaine Butcher, 2 hole. Back row, Mark Wojcik, championship, Jackie Mann, A flight; Bobby Gaines, B flight; Tommy Cordell, 5-hole and Tommy Jackson 2-hole. 

There were 76 boys and girls competing in the Junior club championship. Runners up in championship flight were Woody Painter and Susan Russell.

A flight, boys Jack Mann, and Ray Coburn

B flight, Bob Gaines, Mark Cordell, and Jonya Stapp, Clara Searle

5-hole flight, Tommy Cordell, Kenny Gibson, and Susie Wickham, Rebecca Mirjanich

2-hole flight, Tommy Jackson, Bruce Norton, and Elaine Butcher and Janie Adams.

Putting winners were Richard Varley and Nancy Cordell. 

1964 August Tri-State Women's Tournament

1964  September 3 MNR  " Mrs. Wayman Jackson Wins Tourney Title"

 Mrs. Wayman Jackson won the Virginia Campbell Memorial Championship when she defeated Mrs. Bill Hatfield in a sudden death playoff when their title match. In the championship match Mrs. Jackson was down  four at the end of 14 holes, with four holes to to. She won the last four to tie the match and go into sudden-death.

Mrs. Kelso Berentz defending champion was eliminated in the semi-finals by Mrs. Hatfield. Mrs. Jackson gained the finals with a victory of Mrs. Bob Temple. Mrs. Hatfield was tournament medalist. 

Results of other flights were:

Class A--Mrs. Derrel Buzzard defeated Mrs. Bud Gaines

Class B--Mrs. Bill Hirsch defeated Mrs. Walter Patterson

Class C--Mrs. Jack Adams beat Mrs. George Romick

Mrs Henry Garwood was tournament chairman.   

1964 September 10 "The Local Scene"

Four men who will take part in the invitational golf tournament this weekend at the Miami Country club and their wives will be house guests of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Garwood, 100 McKinley. The visitors will be Mr. and Mrs. Aubry Davis of OKC, Mr. and Mrs. John Overton of Bartlesville, and Mrs. and Mrs. Harry Teel and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Kenney of Tulsa. 

 Mrs. Sue Nell DeHart, formerly of Miami, and her husband, Blake DeHart, have moved from Chickasha to Wichita, KS where Mrs. DeHart will be a speech therapist in the public schools. DeHart will continue his education at the University of Wichita. Mrs. DeHart received a BS Degree in speech therapy last May from Oklahoma College for Women at Chickasha. 

1964 September 10 "New TV Season is Near'

Analyst, James Cornell, predicts that for still another year the two top programs will be CBS "Beverly hillbillies and NBC's "Bonanza". The only new show that he expects to climb into the top 10 ratings is CBS's "Cara Williams Show", which just happens to follow "Beverly Hillbillies" and the top rated "Dick Van Dyke Show" on Wednesday nights.

1964 September 11 MNR "AREA HIGH SCHOOL OPENERS TONIGHT"

Miami at Jenks; Picher, Quapaw, Wyandotte Play on Home Fields. 

 1964 September 11 "Miami's Invitational Golf Tourney Opens Saturday"

he field of entries is 115 with five more expected today. Defending champion Robert Smith of Joplin will be unable to play in this year's meet, but other former champions will be back--and this might be the year for Miami's John F Robinson to take the title. He has finished among the top four in the last five tournaments. Two time winners of the meet are Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill., 1961-62; Jack Myers 56,58 and Jim Hatfield of Neosho won in 1962.

1964 October 4 MNR "Golf Course Addition is Slated Here"

Land has been acquired and preliminary plans approved by the Miami Country club board of directors for addition of a second nine-hole golf course west of the present nine-hole layout. Club officials said the new addition may be opened to the public. For special golf events, it could be used in forming an 18-hole course.

Dr. W.D. Jackson, club president, Johnie F. Stapp, club pro and John F. Robinson are committeemen in charge of the proposed expansion.

1964 October 11 "Handicap Golf Tourney for Couples Here Today"

The annual handicap tournament for couples will be held this afternoon with a shotgun start at 1:00. Prizes will be awarded in a celebration beginning at 6:15. 

Tee No. 1: George Wojcik, Lib Lillard, Tom Barton and Sue Barnes; Fuzz Lillard, Mary Varley, Bill Hirsch, and Martha Campbell.

Tee No. 2: Bill Neel, Claire Oliver, Roy McKinney and Delmar Barnes; Hank Garwood, Evelyn Hatfield, Pat Campbell and Gladyce Hirsch

Tee No. 3: Dickie Neel, Marylyn Adams, Harry Gilmore, and Val Dale; George Romick, Eva Williams, Bill, Williams, and Clara Barton.

Tee No. 5: Woody Painter, Virginia Romick, Dick Varley, Tanya Reese; Lou Mirjanich, Wanda Jo Brown, Jim Smallwood and Yvonne Temple.

Tee No. 6: W.D. Jackson, Erin Wojcik, Rex Painter, and Sarah Mirjanich; Don Young, Mavis Ford, Bob Hill Sr., and Cora Williams.

Tee No. 7: Joel Ridenour, LaVon Young, Bill Oliver, and Dorothy Schofield; Don Curlee, Warren Viers, Pauline Mayer, and Helen Jo Painter.

Tee No 8: George Mayer, Etta Viers, Loren Williams, and Jo An Smallwood; Jack Brown, Louise Curlee, Frances McKinney and Claude Dale.

Tee. No. 9: Harry Ford, Bob Temple, Dora Ridenour; Jack Schofield, Bea Gilmore, Jack Adams, and Pat Parker.

1964 October 12   "Dickie Neel Winner of Golf Crown Here" 

The Neel Brothers--Dickie and Bill-finished 1-2 in the top division of the annual Miami Country club golf championship tournament, which ended Sunday. Dickie, the new championship flight king, posted a 149 score to succeed Robert Hill Jr., who did not defend his title. Dick's older brother, Bill, was runner-up with a 153 for 36 holes.

Sixty-five men competed in the event, which opened two ago. Other flight winners:

President" Harry Gilmore, champion; Charles Hirsch, runner-up.

A flight--Kermit Lewis, Neosho, champion; Daniel Shaeffer and George Myers, tie for runner-up.

B flight--Eldon Smith, champion and Bill Oliver runner-up. 

C flight--Jack C. Brown, champion and Tom Logan, runner-up.

Trophies will be presented during a stag night dinner Tuesday night at the club. 

1964 October 13 "Handicap Golf Winners Here"

 Two golfing honors were won during the weekend by Dickie Neel at the Miami Country club after capturing first place in the annual men's championship tournament, he shot a 71 for the lowest gross score in Sunday afternoon's couples handicap tournament. Evelyn Hatfield's 96 was the low gross score for women.

Prizes were awarded on the basis of net scores after subtracting handicaps. This left Neel, Fuzz Lillard, and George Wojcik in a three-way tie for first with 67 scores. In a draw, Lillard won the first prize, Wojcik second and Neel third

JoAnn Smallwood was the women's champion with a net score of 79. Other leaders were Val Dale 72, Louise Curlee 73, Evelyn Hatfield 74, Gladyce Hirsch 74, Martha Campbell 76, and Sue Barnes 77.

Leaders, below the top three men were Jack Brown,Joe Ridenour, Harry Gilmore, and Dr. W.D. Jackson. Dr. Raymond McKinney and Mrs. George Mayer won high gross prizes.

1964 October 20 "Country Club is Scene of Dinner"

The Miami Country club was the setting for the October dinner of the Miami Business and Professional Women's club Friday evening. Tables were colorful with autumn leaves, and an arrangement of fall flowers graced the head table. In charge of arrangements was the personal relations committee composed of Grace Broyles, chairman; Myrtle Stivers, Sylvia Bingham, Clare Malone, and Agnes Collins. 

Dinner music was furnished by Barbara Foust. Other program features were humorous readings by Jesse Haley and a personality demonstration, "A More Attractive You," by Cheryl Nixon.

 

 

 

1964 December 11 "Golfers Merchandise"  

This is the first golf shop advertisement I have noticed in the News Record. Sadly, the print is nearly too light to read. This is what I've been able to read and guess: 

             USED WOODS

MacGregor MT....1,2,3,4 woods  $43.00                                                             MacGregor TP.....1,3,4,5 woods $65.00                                                              Haig Ultra 1,2,3,4.........  woods $48.00                                                            

 

   

 

 Popular Movies in 1964

The Unsinkable Molly Brown

The Carpetbaggers

Goldfinger

Fistfull of Dollars

Mary Poppins

A Hard Day's Night