MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 1947 TIMELINE

photo by Orrick Sparlin, story on June 22, 1947

 

1947 TIMELINE AND STORIES MGCC

BY LETTY STAPP WATT

1947 January 11 mdnr "Miamian Competing in Crosby Tourney"

DEL MONTE, CALIFORNIA, JAN. 10 (AP) Playing in crooner Bing Crosby's $10,000 pro-amateur golf tourney, E. J. Dutch Harrison of Little Rock, Arkansas and his amateur partner, George L. Coleman, Jr. of Miami, Oklahoma. They posted a 36-hole total score of 137 (70-67). Coleman assisting the pro in the scoring for Harrison, in the pro lists alone, tallied 74-70 for 144. 

1947. January 19 mdnr

The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Miami Country Club, Inc, will be held in the office of said corporation at Miami, Ok on January 20, 1947, at 6:30 o'clock p.m. for the election of directors for the ensuing year and the transaction of such other business as may come before this meeting. --Joseph S. Thompson, President. 

1947 February 1  OKLAHOMA PGA TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD HERE IN MAY

Miami Country club with its nine-hole grass greens layout that has withstood par-shattering efforts of many top flight golfers in past years, will be host to the Oklahoma PGA tournament again this year. 

More than 25 professional swingers are expected to participate in the event, Jack Guild, local pro, said Saturday in announcing the selection of Miami. It will be the seventh time since 1929 that the PGA has chosen the course here. 

The dates were set for May 19, 20, 21, and 22 and an event 36-hole match play is observed to determine the new state champ, a fifth day may be added. Marion Askew, pro at the Tulsa Oaks club and chairman of the State PGA tournament committee, conferred with members of his committee before acting. The pros, who will be paired with local simon pures in a special 18-hole affair the second day of the tourney, will be firing for about $850 in cash prizes and the handsome silver trophy now held by Tex Consolver, Wichita, Kas., shotmaker. 

The Oklahoma PGA, with a membership that includes golfers in Arkansas and Wichita, has guaranteed that at least 25 men will participate. That total would assure places for 75 local amateurs in the 18-hole special event.

The nation's various professional districts will schedule qualifying play May 19 to determine which golfers will be eligible to compete in the U.S. tourney, held in early summer. This will be a 36-hole medalist test and perhaps two or three of the lowest scorers here will be eligible for national competition. The low 16 qualifiers here May 19 will collide two days later in the match play event. Besides Consolver, there are several other outstanding players, who never have previously shown their hitting prowess off the local tees.

These include Jimmy Gauntt, pro at Oklahoma City's Twin Hills club, and Mike Murra and Dave Trufelli both of Wichita. Among the old favorites to compete will  be Floyd Farley, who won two of the previous tourneys held in Miami. 

Meanwhile, it was announced that the PGA will hold a number of one-day pro-am meets are various Oklahoma clubs this year. Hugh Bancroft of the Tulsa highland club, president of the state PGA listed these single day affairs for the following cities, each one on the first Monday of the month: Tulsa Indian Hills, May; Ponca City, June; Wichita, July; Oklahoma City, August; Miami, September, and Okmulgee, October. 

In these events, pros will be permitted to take their own club amateurs along with them.

1947 February 9 mdnr "Stag Night"

The new board of the Miami Country club wishes to announce that regular stag night will be held Tuesday, February 11, at 6:30 o'clock. All members are urged to bring a prospective member. An important announcement of interest to the club will be made. 

***

"College Names Music Leader" 

Kenneth Richards, who has come from Waco, Texas where he was director of music in the high school will lead the music department of Northeastern Oklahoma A & M college.  Richards, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, with a degree in music, and graduate work at Northwestern University, taught several years in Pauls Valley and Durant school systems, prior to entering the service as a first lieutenant in 1941. 

Participating in the Normandy campaign as liaison officer with he second division, 38th Field Artillery, Captain Richards was wounded by mortar fire on the Trevieres route, June 9, 1944. He holds the Purple Heart and Silver Star, and was discharged receiving his majority of December 1946, after a total of five years service. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richards and son, Kenneth, Jr., temporarily reside at the the girls' dormitory with the instructor's mother, Mrs. Dora Richards, matron. (His wife, Marian, taught music in the Miami schools through the 1950's and 1960's. Their son, Kenneth, and daughter, C. Ann, were both graduates of MHS.)

**Kenny is an important figure in golf for the next three decades. He became the first golf coach for NEO and willingly took on one young woman, Letty Stapp,  who had to qualify for the team and for each tournament. In 1965 I qualified for the NEO Men's Golf Team and traveled with them to area tournaments for the next two years. I was at that time the only woman playing golf on a men's golf team, in the Midwest. When the team qualified for Nationals held in Florida, I was not allowed to travel with them nor play on the team. Ironically, they played in gale force winds from an approaching hurricane.

When my sister, Jonya Stapp, qualified for the men's team at NEO, she played one year and was not allowed a second year because Title IX was introduced. No woman's team was created, so Jonya did not play on the team that year. 

1947 March 3 mdnr  "Golf Day"

Wednesday will be ladies' golf day at the Miami Country club. Jack Guild, professional, will give a group golf lesson at 10 a.m.  Luncheon will be served at the clubhouse between noon and 1 o'clock 

1947 April 2 mdnr  "The Grist"

Four Tulsa pros are planning a trip to Miami Thursday to test the local golf course preliminary to the start of the annual Oklahoma PGA tourney, which starts at Miami Country club May 19...The visitors will include: Marion Askew, Oaks club pro and chairman of the State PGA tournament committee: Hugh Bancroft, Highland club, president of Oklahoma PGA; Joe Dahlman, Mohawk club, secretary, and George Whitehead, links instructor at Indian Hills and a former PGA champion...They will meet with the local tourney committee, headed by R.M. Schlemmer, and will stay over for dinner following their round of golf. 

1947 May 4 mdnr "City Amateurs Await Pros for Golf Tourney"

Sixteen members of the Oklahoma PGA had notified Jack Guild, Miami Country club pro, Saturday of their intentions to compete May 1922 in the annual state PGA tournament here. They include: Marion Askew, Hugh Bancroft, Tex Consolver, Joe Dahlman, Bob Dunning, Floyd Farley, Frank Higgins, Jack Higgins, Gene O'Brien, Bill Oliver, Georg Whitehead, and Charles Worley. 

Farley is the pro of Meridian golf club in Oklahoma City (now a housing development off NW Ann Arbor and 36th Northwest) while Weisner and Rawlinson are Muskogee golfers. Worley is pro at Okmulgee Country club. Oliver is links instructor at Ponca City Country club. O'Brien teaches golfers at Westlink club, Wichita. 

Guild said there will be more--some 25-30 in all--by the hour of the shotmakers tee off on opening day for at least two places in the national PGA tourney. Several Kansas and Arkansas golfers are members of the Oklahoma PGA and one of them, Tex Consolver of Wichita, is the defending champion at match play. He won last year at Muskogee and will be here to defend his laurels. 

Guild said that greens are "coming along in good shape" and reported that all fairways have been "mowed and rolled." With a break in the weather, he added, the course should be in excellent condition for the coming event. A new tee has been built on No. 9, extending the long par 5 hole approximately 55 yards. 

Members are being reminded that handicaps must be established if they wish to participate in the pro-amateur. These practice scores should be posted with the club pro.

***

Wilbur J. Worley pitched a sizzling display of "off the greens" shots at a a group of links pals the other day. The victims were Russ Hawk, Ivan Fisher and Schlemmer. Worley holed out three shots from off the green in nine holes, an unusual feat on the fairways...He chipped in on Numbers 1, 3, and 8 holes for two birdies and a par. "As far as I'm concerned," Guild said, "I've never heard of anyone holing out three approach shots on nine holes." 

Some of the lowest scores at the club have been turned in recently by George Coleman, Jr, Oklahoma amateur champion in 1946; John F. Robinson, C F (Charley) Lewis, Jr., and Jack Myers. Coleman, who plans to compete in the pro-amateur tournament is 7 under par, it was reported, for all rounds he has played over the nine-hole layout this year.

*** 

The team of Lewis and Bud May, which has reached the quarter-finals of the Tulsa World PGA four-ball tourney, will play today at the Tulsa Mohawk course. Last Sunday Lewis was 6 under regulation figures for the first 14 holes. This dazzling performance knocked out the opposition quickly...Lewis and May have now captured three matches. 

1947 May 11 mdnr 

1947 May 14 mdnr  "Golfers Told to Report"

A large number of Miami Country club amateurs with handicaps of 18 or less will compete May 20 in the Oklahoma PGA pro-amateur here.

 

1947 May 18  mdnr "Ladies Golf Association"

Mrs. Cecil Coop was hostess Wednesday for the activities of the Ladies Golf Association of Miami Country Club. The class lesson was given by Jack Guild, pro, at 10 a.m. Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Denver Seals, and Mrs. L.R. Bressie won prizes for the low putts on three holes in the beginners class. The prize for low putts on nine holes was won by Mrs. Bert Wall. 

Others attending the meeting were: Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, Mrs. Gayle Pickens, Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. D.E. McIntire, Mrs. Frank Pauly, Mrs. James Campbell, Mrs. Elver Frye, Mrs. Rogert Pfau, Mrs. MG. Morgan, Mrs. Lloyd DeVoe, Mrs. John King, Mrs. N.J. Emery, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, Miss Diana Ander, Mrs. Rex Graham, Mrs. Stewart Gammon, Mrs. R. M. Schlemmer, Mrs. F.E. Farrier, Mrs. Claud R. Jones, and Mrs. Ted Lowry. 

1947 May 18 mdnr "Stag Party

A stag party for the Miami Country club membership will be held at 7 o'clock Monday night at the clubhouse. At this time, members will meet the visiting professional golfers and make final pans for the club's pro-amateur event, an 18-hole affair scheduled for Tuesday. 

Jack Guild, host pro, said it was urgent that he be notified at once as to how many members will attend. This may be done by mailing in cards recently mailed out or by phoning at the clubhouse. 

1947 May 19 mdnr "Simon Pures Paired with Pros"

(The Merriam Webster dictionary defines as 'simon pure' as one of untainted purity or integrity; also, pretentiously pure. However, it appears from the last twenty years of reading this term that the newspaper writers sometimes use the term to mock the fact that some men don't know how to add properly or perhaps they don't always post the correct scores for handicaps."

A dazzling array of linksmen, who hail from major cities of Oklahoma and parts of Kansas and Arkansas, will tee off at 9am in a battle for the two places allotted to the state association for participation in the National PGA tournament, to be held in June at Plum Hollow course at Detroit.

Pairings for the pro-amateur will be:

Pros and                        Simon Pure amateurs

T.Consolver                    C. Hilliard(16), 

B. Schlemmer,                J. Campbell

R. Dahlman                    D. Matthews, Dr. Alquist, G.L. Coleman(0)

C. Weisner                     B. Wal, Dr. Graham

G. Whitehead                 L. Cowgill, C.J. Carselowey

J. Gauntt                        Fuzz Swanson, W.Bullock, D. West

Frank Higgins                 Jim Moore, MC Bagby

J. Gullane                       C. Trussler, N. Wyatt, F. Pauly

J. Durham                       Dr. Barton, R. Warner, R. Pfau

B. Witherspoon                B. Watts, A. Witzansky, Dr. Connell

J. Guild                          C. Jones, J. Burford, D. Wright

UC Ferguson                   G. Speer, G. Scott, R.D. Painter

Bill Oliver                        Paul Wilson, G.R. White

Tom Manley                    MK Hutts, Gob Taylor, Leo Scott

G. Getchell                     B. Hughes, A. Thompson, I Fisher

Jack Higgins                   JF Robinson, Ted Lowry

Marion Askew                 D. Sandmire, B. Longacre, H. Wright

Gene O'Brien                  Ken Richards, J. Eagle, EW McCuskey

H. Bancroft                    Cecil Coop, Jack Myers, L.R. Bressie

Don Wilkie                     Luther Sheldon, F. Wall

Chuck Worley                 Joe Spencer, M. Caldwell, T. Stith

Morris Gravatt                Dick Neel, C.F. Lewis Jr.(2)

 

1947 May 20 mdnr "Gravatt's 141 Best Score"

Morrie Gravatt, smooth-swinging Tulsa Country club linksman, proved himself the "best mudder' in the annual State PGA golf tourney held here. Gravatt, who started out with 21 other pros in 36-hole medalist play for three national PGA places, turned in a sparkling 72-69--141, three strokes under par. It was the finest performance ever posted here in seven PGA tourneys and shone even brighter considering weather conditions, including a torrential rain that halted play for 20 minutes.

The Tulsan's sub-par feat gave him the first of three places in the national meet in June, with Jimmy Gauntt of Oklahoma City Twin Hills, taking second honors after recording a 73-71--144, even par. While U.C. Ferguson, Oklahoma City Lincoln Park, registered 75-71--146 with a sizzling 32 on his third nine-hole tour being the lowest for a day single round. 

The day was marked by one heart-breaking incident, the tough luck guy of this meet is Joe Durham, a six-foot-four Ft. Smith shotmaker who was disqualified for playing the wrong ball on the 24th hole. Durham led the field in the morning round, scoring a one-under par 71. Then over a course that was softened by a terrific downpour shortly before noon, he twice stroked a muddy pellet toward the 24th green from the edge of the rough. Later this ball was discovered as that played by George Whitehead in swinging down the adjoining fairway. 

The 16 low scorers qualified for the match play division of the tourney Wednesday and Thursday. This will be held over 18 holes with a new state champion to be decided Thursday. 

1947 May 20 mdnr  "Golf Tourney Rained Out"

Rains totaling nearly 1.5 inches washed out the annual PGA pro-amateur at the Miami Country club today, but the 18-hole play will be held tomorrow starting at noon, if weather allows. 

1. Match play for the 16 low scorers will begin at 9am tomorrow.

2. The pro-amateur will be held tomorrow afternoon. 

3. The second round match play for the pros will begin at 9am Thursday and the third round will be played that afternoon. 

1947 May 21 mdnr "Tournament Visitors Entertained"

The Ladies Golf association of Miami Country club entertained with a dinner party Monday evening at the Green Shutters tea room in honor of the wives of visiting professionals participating in the PGA tournament at the Country club. Guests of honor for the affair were: Mrs. Bob Dunning and Mrs. Hugh Bancroft of Tulsa, Mrs. Gene O'Brien of Wichita, Kas., Mrs. Bill Oliver of Ponca City and Mrs. Floyd Farley of Oklahoma city.

The women played card after dinner. The small tables for four at which the meal was served, were decorated with bouquets of iris. 

Local women who enjoyed the occasion were: Mrs. Ted Lowry, Mrs. M.A. Connell, Mrs. Denver Seals, Mrs. Frank Pauly, Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer, Mrs. M.G. Morgan, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Claud R. Jones, Mrs. L.R. Bessie,  Miss Deana Anders, Mrs. Dee G. Watters, Mrs. Faye Thompson, Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Wylie G. Chesnut and Mrs. Clarence Carselowey.

*This seems to be the first time that women have organized to host guests for their husbands golf events. Their support will help the Miami Country Club become one of the recognized golf clubs in Oklahoma for tournaments. 

1947 May 22  mdnr "Pro-Amateur Crown Goes to Gravatt and Charley Lewis"

While you wouldn't exactly say he dominates such things or that he can't keep his hands out of the melon, Charley Lewis has a way of reaching into the money bags when Miami Country club offers its 18-hole pro-amateur.

Yesterday's victory for the combination of Morrie Gravatt, Tulsa Country club pro who led the 36-hole medalist event Monday, and Lewis, willowy amateur with a sizzling hot putter, came on a lowball 65. It was two strokes better than the nearest competitors in a field of 24 pros and more than 50 simon pures. 

The triumph marked Lewis' second such victory in a like event. Back in 1940 he teamed with the loquacious Gib Sellers, formerly of Hot Springs, Ark., to fire at 63 at the opposition. That score paid off, just as yesterday's did. 

There was quite a scramble for the runner-up honors in the Wednesday play. There were four combinations deadlocked for second, third, fourth and fifth places with 67's and still another group of five, with scores of 68, tied for sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth places. 

Frank Higgins, unattached Tulsa pro and 1940 Oklahoma PGA champion, and two of his simon pure associates Jim Moore, with 8-stroke handicap, and Joe Thompson with a 9-stroke "spot", tallied lowball counts of 67. U.C. Ferguson of OKC Lincoln Park and Raymond Warner, a 7 handicap, and George Whitehead, Tulsa Indian Hills, and Lloyd Cowgill (14) were other combinations posting 67's.  

1947 May 22 mdnr "PGA Matches Run True to Form at Local Golf Club"

Miami Country club's rugged nine-hole layout, together with a stiff south-breeze, made it doubly tough for the quarter-finalist match play of the Oklahoma PGA tourney this morning, with general scores of the eight shotmakers soaring to above-par averages.

No amazing upsets nor any of the established favorites went out via the casualty list in this mornings play as George Whitehead, Jimmy Gaunt and pacesetter among Monday qualifiers, Morrie Gravatt, came through with victories.  

However, soft-spoken Bill Oliver of Ponca City pulled a mild surprise with a 1-up verdict over U.C. Ferguson of Oklahoma City Lincoln Park. Ferguson and Oliver matched shot for shot until the 17th when Ferguson's tee shot was trapped and he took a bogey 4 while the steady playing Oliver rammed home a par 3. Both halved the 18th with par 5's to give Oliver the 1-up decision. Oliver's 18-hole morning tour was a four over 76. 

Whitehead, of Tulsa Indian Hills and four-time PGA winner, staged a fine comeback after trailing George Getchell 1 up at the turn to coast to a 3-1 triumph. 

This afternoon the four semi-finalists collided, in 18-hole match play, Whitehead meeting Gauntt and Gravatt tangling with Oliver. The finalist will tee off tomorrow.  

1947 May 25 mdnr "Gauntt's Sparkling Approaches Decide Golf Titular Play" 

Thirty-three year old Jimmy Gauntt of Oklahoma City Twin Hills becomes the 1947 Oklahoma PGA titlist at Miami Country club links Friday as he decisively trimmed dark-horse Bill Oliver of Ponca City, 4 and 3, in the abbreviated 18-hole match play finals.

The rangy Gauntt was even par over the rain-soaked, lengthy Miami course as he annexed the championship by eliminating Oliver on the 565-yard No. 15. He halved the hole with a part 5 to close out the match. The former three-time Texas PGA champ held the upper hand throughout with his faultless putting and deadly, almost uncanny short approaches. Gauntt one-putted seven of the 15 holes and never had a three-putt green during the contest.

A former Longview, Texas, professional who saw service in the air forces, Gauntt held only a 1-up lead at the 9-hole turn, as the Ponca Citian doggedly clung to within striking distance of the Twin Hill artist, but Gauntt finally shook the determined Oliver off on the 131-yard No. 12 by laying his tee shot within six feet of the flag and sinking for a birdie 2. At that point Oliver suddenly broke and Gauntt captured the 13th and 14th with par 4's to go dormie off the 15th tee.

The visiting pros lauded Jack Guild, Miami pro, whose untiring efforts as host and tourney director made the PGA meet one of the most successful in recent years.

1947 May 29 mdnr "Golf Program for Juniors"

To promote golfing interest among local junior links enthusiasts, Miami Country club professional, Jack Guild, announced today the opening of a six-week summer links instruction period for children and local club members. The free lessons, beginning Saturday, May 31, will run concurrently on successive Saturdays 9:30 to 10:30 am for six weeks.

1947 June 16 mdnr "Flag Tourney"

 Wednesday's weekly women's golf play at the Miami Country club layout will be in a flag tournament with the tee-off starting at 9am.

Prize-winners in last week's low new play were Mrs. Claud Jones, Mrs. John King and Mrs. Denver Seals, while awards in the May ringer tournament went to Mrs. Gayle Pickens in Class !; Mrs. John King in Class B; and Mrs. Denver Seals in Class C.

Pairings announced for Wednesday's-flag meet are:

Mrs. Lloyd DeVoe, Mrs. S.E. Hamilton, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Denver Seals, Mrs. M.A. Connell, Mrs. F.E. Farrier, Mrs. G.W. McCollum, Mrs. M.C. Morgan, Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. Rex Graham, Mrs. Cecil Coop, Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, Mrs. Roger Pfau, Mrs. Bob Lawson, Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer.

Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Claud Jones, Miss Diana Anders, Mrs. Ted Lowry, Mrs. Nat Emery, Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. D.E. McIntire, Mrs. J.S. gammon, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, Mrs Frank Pauly, Mrs. K.C. Jeffries, Mrs. John King, Mrs. Jimmy Campbell, Mrs. L.R. Bressie, Mrs. Gayle Pickens.  

1947 June 16 mdnr "Snead Blows Short Putt"

The up-and-comer golf folks have been talking about for several years --Lew Worsham of Washington, DC--thunderously has arrived, with the National open crown perched jauntily on  a fast-thinking head. Some say it was Sam Snead's school boyish putting on the 18th green of their title playoff at St. Louis County club yesterday that gave the 29-year-old Worsham a dramatic one-stroke victory and a ticket into golfdom's big money bracket.

Lew, a newly appointed professional at Oakmont, Pa., collected $2,500 for his triumph and figures to grab some $20,000 more in testimonials and attendant rewards lured by an open titlist.

But when Sammy from Hot Springs, Va., blew a 30 1/2 inch putt for his losing 70, it was second after Worsham pulled a psychological swifty--demanding that U.S.G.A. officials measure both balls to see who had the outside lie in the payoff taps for both. 

Snead had judged he was a fraction outside of where Worsham's ball had squirted after nicking the cup in a magnificent chip shot from the rim of the green; and stepped up to address the ball.

Worsham coolly interrupted him and waved in the officials, armed with a tape measure, who took several minutes to confirm what Snead had guessed--he was a half inch outside Worsham's ball on the opposite side of the cup and had the first play. 

But the interruption obviously nettled already-harassed Snead, who was anxious to follow up his failing first putt from 15 feet, a straggly short tap that left him the fatal 30 1/2 inches shy. Like Worsham, he was anxious to get his putt in first and put the pressure on the last player. 

 

1947 June 22 mdnr  "Coleman Defends State Championship"

Defending the Oklahoma amateur golf championship he won last summer at Tulsa, George Coleman, Jr., of Miami will compete this week at Oklahoma City Twin Hills Country club in the annual state tourney.

Coleman, who has won the Miami Country club title several times, will be one of 32 golfers eligible to battle it out for the state crown. Qualifying play will be held Monday and Tuesday and the match play will begin Wednesday. By virtue of being the 1946 winner Coleman is not required to qualify. A large field is anticipated in the scramble for the 31 open places. The Miamian will go to the capital links today to participate in a pro-amateur tourney. (For the story on his winning please refer to 1946 post. This is new information 1/31/2022)

***

Ky Laffoon Into the Quarterfinals of the PGA

Lew Worsham of Pittsburgh, Pa., today was a definite threat to become the first man in a quarter-century to capture both the National open and PGA golf championships the same year. Back in 1922 as a 20-year-old, Gene Sarazen won both the open and the PGA, but he's the only one who ever turned the trick. That same Sarazen, his putter refusing to work, bowed out of the running today, ending his quest for a fourth PGA championship. 

Ky Laffoon of St. Andrews, Ill., and former Miami, Okla., golfer, put an end to Sarazen's bid. Sarazen had a three-hole edge at the end of nine, but faded over the rest of the long route as he missed five club-length putts which would have won holes. Laffoon won it, 4 and 3. Laffoon reach the third round Friday by eliminating Tony Penna, conqueror of Ben Hogan, 1 up. 

1947 

First Tournament on TV: 1947 U.S. Open

In 1947, St. Louis, Mo., television station KSD-TV broadcast the U.S. Open, played at St. Louis Country Club. But the broadcast was only within the station's local area. The tournament winner was Lew Worsham, who defeated Sam Snead in a playoff. First Televised Golf Match

 

1947 July 8 mdnr "Women's Fairways Tourney"

Common scene at MGCC

The weekly women's golf tourney at the Miami Country club Wednesday morning, will be for low score on No.'s 1, 6,and 9 holes in three divisions, Class A, B, and C.

Awards last week in low net meet were Mrs. Gayle Pickens, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, and Mrs. Gordon Anderson.

June's Ringer Tournament winners were Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. John King and Mrs. Woodrow Painter.

Tee off will be at 9am followed by a covered -dish luncheon. Pairing for Wednesday's play are as follows:

Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. Robert Schlemmer, Mrs. Clarence Carselowey.

Mrs Floyd Newton, Mrs. James Campbell and Mrs. Cecil Coop.
Mrs John King, Mrs. L.R. Bressie and Mrs. F.E. Farrier.
Mrs. Gayle Pickens, Mrs. Elbert Frye and Mrs. Nate Emery.
Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Kenneth Jeffries and Mrs. D.E. McIntire.
Mrs. Lloyd Devee, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, and Mrs. Rex Graham.
Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. MA Connell, Mrs. Claud Jones.

1947 July 14 mdnr "Women Paired in Golf Joust" 

The weekly women's golf tournament at the Miami Country club on Wednesday morning will be for low net play on nine holes in all three divisions. 

Awards last week went to Mrs Bert Wall and Mrs. Floyd Newton in Class A, Mrs Joe Thompson in Class B, and Mrs. Roger Pfau in the Class C bracket. 

1947 July 21 mdnr "Women Golfers in Tilts at Country Club"

Tee off for the weekly women's golf tournament at the Miami Country club links is set for Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock. This week's event will be for low putts play in three divisions. 

Winner of the low net meet held last week were Mrs. Nate Emery, Mrs. Jack Horner, and Mrs. Joe Thompson.  Pairings follow:

Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. Joe Thompson, and Mrs. James Campbell.

Mrs Elvert Frye, Mrs. Vernon Sapp, and Mrs F.E. Farrier.

Mrs. D.E. McIntire, Mrs. Gayle Pickens, and Mrs. Jack Horner.

Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Bob Lawson, and Mrs. Cecil Coop.

Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer, Mrs. K. C. Jeffries, and Mrs. H.F. Myers.

Mrs. L.R. Bressie, Mrs. Claud Jones, and Mrs. Gordon Anderson.

Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, and Mrs. Lloyd Devoe.

Mrs. Denver Seals, Mrs. John King, and Mrs. G.W. McCollum.

Mrs Nate Emery, Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, and Miss Diana Anders. 

**The women continue to play regular Wednesday golf through late Fall.

**The men continue to Stag Night every Tuesday nearly year round. 

1947 July 30 "personal papers"

My father, Johnie Stapp, kept only the papers that truly mattered in his life; newspaper clippings in the form of complete scrapbooks that his mother and sister made for him were among his most cherished; he managed to keep a several scrapbooks of his time in New Guinea and the Philippines; most important was his early correspondence with the PGA.

He a applied for PGA status in the late 1930's, but the war changed his plans. After the war he stayed in Santa Anita, California and became the pro at the Santa Anita Golf Course, near the racetrack. (I will write a new story about his early golf career at another time.)

Click on this link to read his story posted in Literally Letty The Pro.

1947 August 29 mdnr "300 at Traffic Club Meet--Golf Prizes Awarded"

In his address, entitled "Alone on a Honeymoon," R.Elmo Thompson, vice-president of the First National Bank of Tulsa, appealed for serious thinking on our present day economic situation at a dinner attended by more than 300 members of the Tri-State Traffic club at Miami Country club last night.  

 

Attending the session were representatives
of some of the nation's largest railroad and transportation men and shippers from the Tri-State area and other points. In the afternoon, members toured the B.F.Goodrich company's tire manufacturing plant.

 

The golf events staged through the day at Miami Country club the visiting rail men and shippers competed for a series of prizes. 

 

1947 September 2 mdnr "New Caterers at Miami Country club"

With today's announcement that Ira Frisbie and his wife, Lena, have been assigned as caterers at Miami Country club, Ted Lowry, and officer of the social and sports center, said it is no possible to take care of banquets and other activities which include the serving of food. Arrangements for meals at the club may be made by calling Mr. and Mrs. Frisbie or Lowry. 

The Frisbies for several years have operated the Sailboat Inn at Groveport. 

1947 September 7 mdnr "Pairing for Golfing Test"

A two ball mixed foursome tournament will get underway at the Miami Country club this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Any player not entered will be paired at the first tee before the start of the tournament. Pairings are as follows:

Mrs. Joe Thompson and John F. Robinson.

Mrs. H.F. Myers and Bert Wall.

Mrs. Gordan Anderson and Joe Thompson.  

Mrs. Gayle Pickens and Dr. Robert E. Baron

Mrs. Bert Wall and Bob Hill.

Mrs. E.W. McCuskey and C.F. Lewis, Jr.

Mrs. K.C. Jeffries and Carl Hilliard.

Mrs. Dick Wright and Bob Lawson.

1947  September 21 mdnr "Radio Station for Miami Sanctioned"

Barring unforeseen obstacles, Miami will have a radio broadcasting station in operation sometime next spring. Present plans call for location of the station on the mezzanine floor of hotel Miami. The transmitting tower is to be located on a hill, four miles east of the city. Work on installation of equipment is expected to begin immediately. 

Officers of the Miami Broadcasting company include: C.M. Barlett, general manager of the Miami News Record, vice-president; M.K. Hutts, secretary and treasurer.

Besides the Miami New-Record Publishing company, stock holders include George L. Coleman, Jr., and John F. Robinson, both of Miami, and Kenyon Brown and C.B. Akers, both of Oklahoma City. 

1947 October 10 mdnr "Coleman's Return Home"

Mr. and Mrs. George L. Coleman, Jr., and daughter, Ann, have returned to Miami from Pebble Beach, California, where they spent the summer. 

**George's long time friendship with Bing Crosby will continue to thrive with their home in California. George will become one of the celebrities of the "Clam Bake" Golf Tournaments, a friendly tournament begun in 1937 to help out the struggling professional tour. To learn more about this celebrity event read THE MATCH: THE DAY THE GAME OF GOLF CHANGE FOREVER by Mark Frost. It is the story of millionaire, Eddie Lowery's bet to fellow millionaire, George Coleman, that two amateurs he employed could beat any two professionals of Coleman's choice. 

1947 October 26 mdnr "Country Club Golf Tourney Planned" 

Jack Guild, pro at Miami Country club, announced Saturday that a match play tournament with handicap is scheduled to get underway at the Country club soon. All players will be bracketed in flights according to their handicaps.A meeting will be held at the Country club Monday night, to make the pairings. First round  matches will be completed by November 2. 

1947 November 9 mdnr "Stag Party

The regular monthly stag party will be held at Miami Country club at 6:30 o'clock Tuesday evening, Ted Lowry, club official, announced Saturday.

1947 November 11 mdnr "Harrison Leading Pro Swingers in Honolulu"

Dutch Harrison still was the man to beat today as some of the country's best professional and amateur golfers teed off in the final round of the $10,000 Hawaiian Open. Harrison was three strokes ahead of the pack with a 206 for 54 hole--10 strokes under par as he finished up yesterday's round of 71. 

Over the weekend Harrison paired with George L. Coleman,Jr., of Miami, Oklahoma, to capture the pro-amateur event with a scorching 63 round.

1947 November 11 mdnr "Women Set to Play Wednesday"

Last week's ladies golf tournament for low putts held at Miami Country club ended up in one big deadlock, with a tie for first in every class except one. In the championship flight, Mrs. Floyd Myers, Mrs. John King, and Mrs. Gayle Pickens ended n a three-way tie for top spot, which Mrs. Jack Horner and Mrs. Cecil Coop were deadlocked in A class. Only in B class was there a clear-cut winner, Mrs. G.W. McCullum.

Play for this Wednesday's meeting will be for low net score on No. 3 and No. 8 holes Pairings for the play, which will start at 9am are as follows:

Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Gordon Anderson, and Mrs. Gayle Pickens.

Mrs. Lloyd Newton, Mrs. Floyd Myers, and Mrs. Mutt Farrier.

Mrs. John King, Mrs. Joe Thompson, and Mrs. Nate Emery.

Mrs. Cecil Coop, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, and Mrs. Clarence Carselowey.

Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. K.C. Jeffries, and Mrs. Claud Jones.

Mrs. M.J McIntire, Mrs. Roger Pfau, and Mrs. N. Berger.

Mrs. Robert N. Lawson, Mrs. Lloyd DeVoe, and Mrs G.W. McCullum.

Mrs. L.R. Bressie, Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer, and Mrs. E.W. McCuskey. 

*It was announced that the last event for the year will be held December 9. 

1947 December 30 mdnr "Young People Enjoy Holiday Dance"

Approximately 150 young people of high school and college age enjoyed a holiday dance Saturday evening at Miami Country club for which Miss Betty Wagoner and Miss Jean and Miss Joan Newton were hostesses. The three who entertained are cousins, all granddaughters of Mrs. S.C. Fullerton

Basil Baker and his orchestra provided music for dancing. Punch was served throughout the evening. Attractive yuletide decorations trimmed the lounge and ballroom of the clubhouse.

Chaperoning the party were Mrs. John Newton and Mr and Mrs. Gene Wagoner, parents of the hostesses. Many parents and older friends dropped in during the evening to watch the dancing and to visit with students home for Christmas. 

 

* The book Miami Forever in our Hearts is available for purchase if you click on the blue link. 

** If you are interested in pictures of Miami in the 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's consider purchasing one of Ron Enderland's Hand Drawn Miami, Ok. Calendars.  2022 Historic Miami, Ok. Calendar

MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 1940 TIMELINE

The Miami Daily News Record (mdnr) is my major source of information. When I cannot locate area golf news I may also use the Joplin Herald (jh)  as a source.  For the sake of the "Timeline of the Miami Golf and Country Club" I have chosen to use the exact words from the newspaper writers because of the times, and language of golf, and the cultural standards from the war and depression years.

The tide is turning on the economy and Miami is still a boom town. With war in Europe raging the newspapers carry photos and vivid descriptions of the battles.  For the time, the home front is safe and life goes on with zest. 

The layout below is the first one I have discovered in print. 

In the above drawing, made for the News-Record by John H. Speer, University of Oklahoma graduate and son of County Surveyor John L. Speer, an accurate picture of each hole is depicted. Even the trees are designated by Speer. The sand traps, which loom especially large to many of the local players, are shown clearly at the fringes of each green. The layout of this nine-hole course has been extended by club officials to 3,353 yards for a total of 6,706 yards.

1940 January 3 mdnr First National Bank Statement

This statement shows how banks began dealing with public mistrust after the crash of 1929. 

 1940 February 26 mdnr  "Plans for Golf Activities"

Pro Jack Guild is leaving for Tulsa and Oklahoma City tomorrow to arrange for some team matches, which probably will be set in May. The Miami club, which captured the Tri-State Title last season, will compete mostly with Oklahoma outfits for the spring and summer. 

Although a stiff wind and unfit conditions of the greens combined as a serious deterrent, seven local golfers played into the traps at the club yesterday afternoon. At one time or another, Jack James, W.E. Taylor, Carl Britt, E.K. Scott, Hoot Gibson, and War Settle tested their luck. Four or five other local players went to the Baxter Springs course, but decided latter they should have played here in the first place.

Among club improvement:

Locker rooms, shower room, pro's shop and equipment headquarters are wearing new faces. April green has been smoothed over the walls, the floors are done up in battleship grey and the lockers are wearing a bright green coat.

The garage, formerly to the southeast of the clubhouse, has been moved over to the shed and will be utilized as a storage for greens fertilizer. Guild will look for some top dressing while in Tulsa and O.C. this week. After numerous periods of thawing and freezing, the greens are not in the best of shape, but if weather conditions moderate it will be ready for play around April 1.

Team projects:

There are many who might be listed. Just to mention a few--Charley Lewis, defending club champion; George Coleman, Jr., twice former titlist; John F. Robinson, Buck Bagby, Glenn Scott, Sam (Angus) Fullerton, Fed Newton and Jimmy Bowers. Joy Cole, the Welch stylist, probably won't play with Miami this season. Reports here say that Joy recently returned to Tulsa.  

1940 March 13mdnr  COUNTRY CLUB LUNCHEON

St. Patrick's decorations, spring violets and an abundance of good food, together with the hospitality extended by the three hostesses, Mesdames H.B. Coban, Carl Britt and Lloyd Newton, made the ladies' day at Miami Country club one of the outstanding of this season. Potted Shamrocks, green tapers and crepe paper were used on the luncheon tables. High score at the bridge was won by Mrs. A.C. Wallace. The sewing prize was awarded to Mrs. Roy Green. The next luncheon will be served by the club cateress and the hostesses on the occasion will be Mrs. L.A. Wetzel and Mrs. Matt Connell.  Members playing in foursomes are urged to have lunch with the group and play at reserved tables afterwards. There will be no additional charge for such reservations. Those in attendance were: Mesdames M.C. Bagby, C.M. Bartlett, John Giffin, R.O. Gibson, J.B. Dyer, M.M. DeArman, Melvin Hutts, Talbot Wright, Clarence Carselowey, Wiley G. Chesnut, Homer E. Willim, B.Wright Shelton, Carl Peck, Paul Campbell, S.E. Long, A.J. Polette, Gail Hutts, A.C. Wallace, R.S. Doenges, Roy Green, C.A. Beck, C.W. Nicolson, Elmer Isern, W.I. Cooper, L.P Hetherington, Clyde Lodge, C.N. Harrell, A.L. Commons, R. D. Dawson, W. L Williams, and George L. Stein.

(Many of the names listed above were still active members through the 1950's and 1960's.)

*Note: through the 1930's and early 1940's the society page posted articles on various women's groups. These groups appeared regularly: Girl Scouts, Eastern Star, White Shrine, various 'Study Clubs' and Sunday School Socials, Circle club, Townsend Auxiliary, Scissorette Club, Child Study Club, Business and Professional Women's club. One full page of society news was very common.  

1940. March 13 mdnr Stag Dinner

A stag night dinner will be held at Miami Country club next Monday. W.L. Bert Coleman, chairman of the entertainment  committee, said dinner will be served at 6:30 o'clock.

*During the last 1930's and early 1940's the Miami Daily News Record and the Miami News Record covered professional golf, state golfers from the PGA and amateurs, national women golfers, plus local and area golfers both men and women. I am proud that the newspaper covered such a wide range of golf, baseball, football, track, boxing, wrestling, and fishing, not to mention the Wardogs, area high school teams in football, basketball, and track. Wrestling was also a major sport in our area at this time.

1940 March 25 mdnr  Weather phenomenon

"Northern Lights" the Aurora Borealis, were reported to be visible by some over Miami last night. H.W. Winkle, wire chief for the SW Bell Telephone company said there was a "static phenomenon," which created some disturbance in the reception over the wires.

Jack Guild, reported that lightning struck the caddy house at the Miami Country Club Saturday night and damaged the frame of the structure. (This is the first reference to a caddy house. I have been told it stood to the right side of hole No. 1 after players cross the gravel road leading to the sheds for equipment storage. It was big enough for caddy's to store belongings. Benches were inside and out. As a child of the early 1950's I only remember one caddy. His name was Ernie. He had a small frame and rather hunched, as my mother described like the jockey's in California. He spent a lot of time around the golf shop in those days.)

1940 March The Grand River Dam authority opened Grand Lake of the Cherokee's. This boost in Northeastern Oklahoma can be seen in new advertisements for motor boats. The lake also brought more people who followed Route 66 and enjoyed playing golf as well.

1940 April 18 mdnr "Sport-o-Grams" With a north wind whipping over the course, some forty golfers from Tulsa and Miami teed off here this afternoon in the Tulsa District Golf Association's first meet of the season.

Professional Jack Guild said twenty Tulsa golfers had arrived here at 1:30 o'clock and as many or more local players were scheduled to compete sometime during the afternoon. Visiting professionals included Harold Nenninger, Buddy Poteet, the State PGA champion; Joe Dahlman, state PGA President, and Jimmy Gullane of Bartlesville. The course was in tip-top playing condition. 

1940 April 18 mdnr Notices:

Attention is called to all ladies of the Miami Country Club who are playing golf, to meet at 9:00 Tuesday morning at the clubhouse. 

1940 April 18 mdnr advertisement 

1940 May 26 mdnr "Grist" by Mac Bartlett

At the Oklahoma City Country club tomorrow, George L. Coleman, Jr., and John F. Robinson will be among 33 state golfers seeking qualifying berths in the National Open, scheduled at the Canterbury club, near Cleveland on June 6...Last year Robinson won one of the three places with a fine qualifying score at Tulsa's Southern Hills course...Jack Guild, local pro, had planned to enter the sectional test, but later gave it up because of the approach of the State P.G.A. tournament here on June 4 and 5...Sam Fullerton, one of the local club amateurs, will be too buy selling bulls to compete in the pro-amateur event June 4. That day some of the prize cows and bulls in the Fullerton Aberdeen-Angus herd will be sold at auction at the fairgrounds.

1940 May 26 mdnr (Clips like this can be found throughout the newspapers. They were used as fillers and quite interesting to the readers.) During March 1940, 76,935 motor cars were produced compared with 60,504 during March of 1939. 

War briefs from the global fighting were found between the front pages and as fillers. 

1940 May 29 mdnr "Spring Formal for Dance Pupils"

Virginia Lee Patrick, instructress of the Virginia Lee Patrick School of Dance, will entertain pupils of her ballroom classes and their invited guests at a spring formal tonight the Legion hall. Jimmy Ferguson and his orchestra of Joplin will play for the evening of dancing from 9 to 12 o'clock. This affair is by invitation only.  (Virginia Lee married Tom Wilson and along with their two sons, played golf.)

1940 May 29 mdnr "Miami Golfers Called to Register"  The board of directors for the Miami Country club decided at a luncheon meeting today that all club golfers planning to play in the pro-amateur 18-hole low ball event next Tuesday must register at the pro's shop by 5pm Sunday.

Pairings for the pro-am with two club members playing with each visiting linksman, will be made Sunday night. Jack Guild, club professional, believes about seventy-five local players will participate. The state PGA tournament coming to Miami for the second time in as many years, is the outstanding golf event scheduled here this season. Some twenty-five pros will compete for cash prizes totaling about $400.

1940 June 5mdnr  "Sellers-Lewis Combination Wins Pro-Am Event" by Mac Bartlett

His booming drives placing him on the carpet on virtually every second shot, stocky Gib Sellers of Hot Springs, Ark., turned on the heat Tuesday to capture shares of the both first and second places in the annual state PGA pro-amateur event at the Miami Country Club layout.

Although his amazing distance off the tee made him the day's biggest gallery attraction, Sellers did no better than his able amateur partner, Charley Lewis, who also roared in with a 69. Their low ball count gave them a 60.  Another Sellers' partner, George Windham, used a 10 stroke handicap to good advantage as they took second place with a low ball 63. 

The gallery got a big kick out of watching Sellers slam his ball over the No. 6 bunker and over the trees shielding the No. 2 pin. "I'll just keep on powdering that ball over those trees," Sellers said as e prepared for the 36-hole medalist event. It calls for a tremendous carry, but the prodigious wallops by the husky Sellers seemingly clear the grove nicely on almost every effort.

Lewis, by virtue of sharing first honors, will select $50 worth of equipment from Pro Jack Guild's shop. Windham will get supplies worth #30 while the five amateurs deadlocked for third and last money will divvy up $20 in prizes. 

1940 June 6 mdnr 'Sub-Par Round Here Makes Gib Sellers a Favorite in the State PGA Title Play'

In the locker room at the Miami Country club today there were carefully-guarded whispers saying that this may be Gib Sellers' year. The pudgy, loquacious Hot Springs, Arkansas professional, third place finisher in the Oklahoma PGA tournament here a year ago, loomed as a "people's choice" as twenty of this state's  and Arkansas' best linksmen awaited the annual 36-hole medalist play. 

The tournament will be under way about 9am tomorrow with the play-for-keeps blasters moving away from the first tee in foursomes. Sellers lent a touch of color to the pre-tournament talk yesterday afternoon by breezing around the 3,353 yard (nine hole) layout in a sub-par performance that saw him shave two strokes off the old man's standard figures in the last nine. He was out in 36, even par, and then lumbered in, his face beaming, with a polished 34. 

But Sellers isn't the only one who'll gain support from the golf enthusiasts of this and neighboring cities of the Tri-State district. They can't deal the cool, deadly consistent Buddy Poteet, the defending champion, out of the running. He's up there to stay with the best of 'em in Oklahoma. While he did no better than a 40-37--77 in a practice trail yesterday, the former Miami caddy wasn't particularly interested in scoring.

Floyd Farley of Oklahoma City is another popular choice for the crown. Floyd, who cupped the title back in 1937, is at the peak of his game again. John F. Robinson, local amateur, turned in a 71 for the afternoon in preparation for today's event. 

Sometime late today, the pros were to meet with Joe Dahlman of Tulsa, their PGA president, and Farley, secretary, to discuss how they'll divvy up the $400 pot tomorrow. The big end, no doubt, will go to the champion. 

1940 June 7 mdnr Dapper Floyd Farley of Oklahoma City, runner-up to Buddy Poteet for the 1939 PGA golf title, shot himself out of the running the first nine holes here this week.

The capital linksman, who paced state qualifiers for the National Open about ten days ago and then decided he wouldn't go to Cleveland after all, was disgusted with his game when he left Miami Wednesday night. He had finished the 36-hole medalist event at the Miami Country Club layout with an aggregate of 153.  

1940 June 9 mdnr 

Frank Higgins, holding the trophy, is one of the youngest players to ever win the State P.G.A. golf championship. At 21, the assistant pro at the Tulsa Oakhurst club won the plaudits of a big gallery at the Miami County Club on Thursday after he defeated Gib Sellers of Hot Springs, Arkansas by three strokes in an eighteen hole playoff. Sellers, at left, flashed a broad smile as he congratulated his conqueror. Jack Guild, Miami Country Club pro, served as referee and by the expression on his face as this photo was taken indicated that he was glad the 'best man had won.' 

1940 June 9 mdnr Tee Shots by Mac Bartlett

A few sidelights. John Swenski, who has held the world' junior heavyweight mat title, was an interested spectator at the 36-hole medalist event Wednesday, stopping off here en route to Tulsa from Springfield...Leroy McGuirk, popular Oklahoma wrestler, recently claimed Swenski's crown. 

Three Miami amateurs, George Coleman, Jr., Charley Lewis and John F. Robinson, plan to compete in the state amateur meet at Tulsa's Oakhurst club this week...Qualifying play will be Monday and Tuesday over the tricky course which features narrow fairways...And probably the trio will also participate in the Trans-Mississippi amateur tournament the following week to be held at Tulsa's beautiful Southern Hills layout, the toughest test for a golfer within Oklahoma. 

At the country club course Friday, the Women's Tri-State Golf association moved in for a day of competition with 61 feminine golfers participating.  Mrs. W.D. Mardick of Joplin and Mrs. Lucille Simion of Pittsburg, Kas, shot the day's lowest scores, both turning in 93's. Golf ball awards went to other competitors: Mrs. Vernon Ham of Miami, Mrs. P.L. Robeson of Galena and Mrs. Ray Cochran of Joplin won prizes for having the lowest number of putts on 18 holes. Each required only 31 putts. Miami Country Club women hold membership in the association, which promotes links interest through its monthly tourneys at various cities. 

 

1940 July 28 mdnr  Links Title to St. Paul Player

Robert Clark, a 31-year-old St. Paul salesman of Scottish-Irish descent and the father of two boys, today won the nineteenth annual national public links golf championship with a smashing 8 and 6 victory over Mike Dietz of Detroit, an unemployed automobile worker.  (This has nothing to do with Miami history, but it is a tell all for how sports writers garnered everyone's attention with their descriptions of the times.)

1940 July 28 mdnr   St. Paul Open

 

Two dark horse veterans who long have been prospecting golf's tournament money trail filed join claim today on medal honors of the rich St. Paul Open Golf Championship. They were the quiet, 37-year-old Jim Foulis and the 34-year-old, effervescent Willie Goggin. Each had 36 hole total of 136 strokes as the tournament hit the halfway point of its 72-hole route. Coming in at 143, Miami, Oklahoma pro, Ky Laffoon. (The Miami Daily News Record continued to follow the golf tour through our local player, Ky Laffoon.)

* I have been unable to find records for August and September 1940 at this point. If and when I locate more information I will add it to the timeline.

1940 September 22 mdnr  "Miamians Vie for State Link Title"

The Oklahoma State Golf association will stage its thirty-first annual open medal championship at Bartlesville next Sunday and several Miami linksmen are going to compete. Jack Guild, local professional, said any Miami Country club player is eligible to compete. The entry fee will be $5.00 and there will be around $400 for prizes.

Guild said John F. Robinson, and possibly Sam Fullerton and Buck Bagby will compete from Miami as amateurs. Guild also will play in the tourney. 

1940 October 4 mdnr "Par is Buffeted"

It was more like the qualifying scene for a State Open championship than just another good place for an afternoon of golf at the Miami Country Club course yesterday afternoon. 

Ky Laffoon, this city's best known golfer; George Coleman, Jr., Wood Laffoon, brother of Ky; Roy Klahr, assistance club pro; Buck Bagby and John F. Robinson made up the group. 

One of those who followed the swingers said Coleman's drives were getting terrific length, as evidenced by his 71 score and an eagle on the 565-yard, par five No. 6 hole. The club president's second shot was on the green and he sank a comparatively short putt for his eagle. 

Ky also was hitting his shots well, and Klahr was playing his usual good game. 

1940 October 17 mdnr  "Coleman to Meet Robinson for Golf Title of Eliminations in Country Club Championship Flight"

John F. Robinson and George Coleman, Jr, will meet in the 36-hole finals for the Miami Country club golf championship. No definite arrangements had been announced for the playing date this morning after the two swingers stroked their way to the finals by impressive victories Wednesday. 

Coleman, starting where he left off the previous day in rolling to a three-hole advantage over Charley Lewis, defending champion, shot par golf for the next 14 holes to close out the match, 6 and 4. Lewis required 40 strokes on the third nine holes, while the victor, who shot a sub-par 70 for his lead at the halfway point, turned in a 36. Finishing out the last five holes in regulation figures, Coleman was two under par for the 36 with an aggregate of 142.

Robinson, who was one stroke over for 29 holes, eliminated Glenn Scott (nick named Scotty), 8 and 7, in a match played off Wednesday afternoon. After taking a 75 for the first 18, Robinson stepped up the pace on his third nine to hang up a slick 34. Scott eagled the 516-yard hole No. 9 at the three-quarters turn, but it was of little help, still leaving him seven holes behind.

The finalists indicated they would play this week-end, probably 18 holes one afternoon and the remainder the following day. Meantime, four other matches in various tourney flights were completed, one player received a default and two help one-up advantages over opponents at the end of nine holes.

In Class D,  E.K. Scott, defeated John Speer, 3 and 2, and Ivan Fisher beat Eph Niday, 2up. Jim Campbell nosed Leon (Punk) Larimore, 1 up in a Class F duel.

W.E. Pilgrin shaded Noel Wyatt, 1 up, on the nineteenth hole of their Class E match.  J.C. (Gob) Taylor advanced via the default route in Class B.  (Writers note: many who remember the fireworks at the country club during the 1950's and 1960's will recall that Gob Taylor was our fireworks expert, and into the late 1960's a young boy named Jim Thompson would become his apprentice.)

Ted Stith held a one-up advantage over Dr. Robert E. Barron and Cecil Coop held the same lead over Bert Wall at the end of nine holes of play in a couple of Class B matches.

1940 October 17 mdnr  "Women's Texas Open"

Medalist Elizabeth Hicks of Pasadena, Cal. and Mrs. Ernest Blanton of Enid, Okla, square off today in the opening match of the quarter-finals of the Texas Women's Open golf Tournament. Mrs. Helen Hicks of Long Island, N.Y. and Miss Helen Dettweiller of Washington, D.C., top the lower bracket matches. Mrs. George Zaharias (the Babe) of Los Angeles is pitted against Mrs. I.G. Pray of Washington.  (*Note that the Helen Hicks and Babe Zaharias will go on to be part of the original players on the Women's Professional Golf Tour, to become the LPGA in the 1950's.)

*Note: Mrs. E.S. (Ernest) Blanton won the Oklahoma Women's State Amateur in 1931, 1932, 1947, 1948.  

1940 October 21 mdnr  "George Coleman, Jr., Wins Country Club Golf Title for Third time with Par-Shattering Round" 

Shattering par by five strokes on the last 18 holes, George Coleman, Jr., won possession of the Miami Country Club golf trophy for the third time, defeating John F. Robinson after a spirited rally of 3 and 2. The match ended on the 34th hole, after Coleman, two down at the start of the final half of the match, had overtaken Robinson at the three-quarters turn with a sub-par 34.He went on to blister the course with one shot below par going into No 7 for the last nine, where both took part 4's to terminate the duel. 

Robinson, who had taken a two-hole advantage during the 18 holes played Friday, was having trouble with his tee shots and his approaches yesterday. He was hooking his drives and shanking his iron shots. Despite this handicap, Robinson proved himself a "scrambler" coming in with a one-over par 73. 

Meanwhile, the remaining six flight of the annual tournament saw some upsets and close matches, all played over the 18-hole route. Jack Myers, shooting a 76, ousted Jim Bowers, 3 and 2 in a Class A event. Sam Fullerton entered the semi-finals of the same division by eliminating M.C Buck Bagby. Fullerton's next opponent, outstroked Clarence Carselowey, 2 and 1.  Myers will play Paul Wilson, victor over Luther Sheldon, in second round play, and the winner will meet Alderson Thompson, advancing by two forfeits, in the lower semi-final bracket.

 

J.C. Gob Taylor pulled the biggest upset of the day in Class B, defeating Carl Britt, 3 and 2 with a brand of par golf during the first 13 holes. Britt, who had driven all of "Sunday shots" in the morning while he negotiated 14 holes in par figures during a practice affair, couldn't get started in the afternoon tourney clash.  R.C. Hoot Gibson blasted Joe Thompson, 7 and 6, in another Class B contest and next will meet Ted Stith, who got a second round default. 

In Flight C, Lewis Bushner and H.E. McPhail are carded in a second round match, with Dee Watters bracketed with W.M. Williams in another. Dr. Matt Connell, recipient of the two forfeits, will meet the winner of the Ivan Estus-R. L. Longacre match in the lower half of the semi-final brackets.

Ward Settle pushed to the semi-finals of Class D with a 2-up victory over E.K. Scott and will meet the winner of the M.R. Flody-Frank Spencer battle.  C.S. Whitney will meet Ivan Fisher and Paul Stauffer will collide with W.L. Cooper in other Class D jousts.

Joe Payton advanced to the semi-finals in class E, eliminating Wesley Bullock 1 up in a stirring 19-hole scrap. Lloyd Staton nipped L.A. Wetzel, 2 and 1, in another Class E affair.  In Class F, Jim Campbell, four down at the halfway mark, came back strongly to defeat Nate Emery, 2 up.

1940 October 25 mdnr " Pairing in Golf Play"

Pro Jack Guild, urged that linksmen take advantage of favorable weather conditions and complete their rounds by Sunday. 

In a Class A match yesterday, Jack Myers shot a 76 for a 4 and 2 triumph over Paul Wilson. Myers next will meet Alderson Thompson in the semi-finals. 

Following are the pairing for the consolation events, only players who competed in the regular tourney being bracketed:

Class A:  C.L. Crab Grayson vs George Windham; Horace Payne vs Jim Bowers; Luther Sheldon, bye.

Class B:  Dr. Robert E. Baron vs Bert Wall; W.L. Williams vs Bill Neel; Wilton Taylor, bye, and Al White, bye.

Class C: M.K. Newell vs R.T. White; Phillip Peacock, bye.

Class D: W.J. Worley, bye; John Speer vs G.C. Niday; Eph Niday, bye.

Class E:  J.H. Simon, bye; Noel Wyatt vx Rusty Bullock; L.A. Wetzel, bye. 

40 October 30 mdnr  "Women Golfers Play Here"

In a women's tournament at Miami Country club Tuesday, Mrs. Floyd Newton had the fewest putts, 14, for nine holes. Mrs. C.E. Stover had low putts in Class B with 17. Fifteen participated in yesterday's tourney. Prizes were awarded the winners of the two flights. 

Next Tuesday the ladies will have another competitive event and the pairing will be announced in Sunday's issue of this newspaper. 

40 November 17 mdnr "Awards Night will be Observed at the Country club with Stag Dinner"

The Championship trophy, offered by Hotel Miami, was taken again by George Coleman, Jr.  His opponent in the finals, John F. Robinson, will get a pen set given by Simon's jewelry company. Other flight winners, runners-up and consolation claimants are :

Class A--Alderson Thompson, wrist watch from Simon's jewelry company; Sam Fullerton, a case of beer from Brown Stansell.

Class B--Ted Stith, radio from Settle's hardware;  J.C. Gob Taylor, sweater from B&K store.

Class C--Lewis Bushner, prize to be given by Coleman-Hutts drug store; Bob Longacre, $5 worth of car washes from Neosho Motor Company; Phillip Peacock, case of soft drinks from Carl Hilliard.  

Class D--Ivan Fisher, desk set from Dawson jewelry story; Frank Spencer, case of beer from Brown Stansell; Wilbur Worley, case of soft drinks from Carl Hilliard.

Class E--(Winner yet to be determined, probably today.) a travel set by Hub Clothing store to be awarded to titlist; three pair of hose from Charles Carselowey for runner-up.

Class F--Otto Witzansky, $5 cleaning credit from Grayson's Cleaners; Sam Long, runner-up a year's subscription of golf magazine, offered by City News Stand. 

Norton-Elliott Motor Company has offered several consolation awards, but in several divisions no winners were determined. 

1940 December 22 mdnr Social News

The young people of the Miami Country club are invited to the clubhouse at 3 o'clock this afternoon to help decorate the club and make arrangements for holiday festivities. Each person is asked to bring sandwiches and potato chips. 

 

*For the sake of the “Timeline of the Miami Golf and Country Club” I have chosen to use the exact words from the newspaper writers because they date the times and the language of golf, and the cultural standards from the war and depression years.