1961 Golf Shop Employees:
Westfall's a husband and wife team who opened the shop Tuesday-Saturday with Letty Stapp. Roger Scruggs, Brad Smallwood,and Roger Rollins worked from noon or 2:00 until dark. Other boys worked off and on and some were caddies.1961 January 22 "Country Club News"
A joint meeting of the Ladies Golf association and the Ladies Division of the Miami Country Club will begin with a 1:00 luncheon Wednesday, followed by bridge and canasta. For reservations phone 2-4429.
1961 March 12 "Stag Night Tuesday"
The monthly stag night program (for men) at the Miami Country club will begin 6:30 Tuesday. (This was a monthly dinner and weekly team play. The men did not post pairings or results in the newspaper as the women did.)
1961 April 10 Prep Golfers View for Awards Here
The return of sunshine after a bleak weekend was greeted at Miami Country club this morning as members of 12 high school golf teams began play in the annual MHS Invitational tournament. Miami Pro Johnie Stapp is the starter for the 27-hole meet. Miami coach Jack Rusher is directing the tournament.
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| 61 Boys MHS Golf Team: Charles Dawson, Stephen Moore, Charlie Bill Hirsch, and Dick Neel. |
Other schools are Seminole, Midwest City, Del City, Coffeyville, Kansas, Capitol Hill, Harding, Grant, Southeast and Northeast in Oklahoma City. The host Wardogs are also competing.
1961 April 11 "Muskogee Scores Golf Meet Sweep"
At the end of the 18-hole play the Roughers had cinched the four-ball and two-ball championships and Jim Buchanan was tied with David Rappe of OKC U.S. Grant for medalist honors.
Host Miami wound up eighth in two-ball scoring and in a tie for sixth with Seminole in four-ball. Coach Jack Rusher said the Wardogs "should have shot several strokes better." Leading Miami scorer was Dick Neel with an 81, followed by Charles Hirsch with a 90.
GIRLS GOLF: Rusher announced that the Miami High school girls' golf team would compete in a Tri-angular meet in Springfield, Mo. today. Miami's opponents will be Hillcrest and Central high schools, both of Springfield.
1961 April 12 mdnr "Miami's Fem Foursome is Golf Winner"
Miami High School girls, playing in their first competitive golf rounds of the season, won a Tri-angular met at Springfield, Missouri Tuesday again the hometown Central and Parkview high school teams.
The meet ended after 9 holes due to rains. Miami 210, Parkview 226, and Central 230. Freshman Susan Stephenson of Miami was medalist with 50 strokes. Scores by the other Miamians were: Bobbi Baron, junior,52; Phyllis Propper, senior, 53, and Diana Oliver, sophomore, 55. Gaye Phillips, another member of the Miami team, did not make the trip because of last night's participation in the senior play.
High school girls golf coach, Jack Rusher, hailed the victory as a tribute to the junior golf program that was inaugurate at the Miami Country club a few seasons ago by Professional Johnie Stapp.
A return match will be held here Monday.
1961 April 16 "Miami Ladies Will Play for Suggs Trophy"
Members of the Miami LGA will compete Wednesday in a "Louise Suggs" tournament at the Country club. A style show featuring Suggs designs will be held a week later following the association's luncheon at the club. Ramsay's of Miami is sponsoring the Suggs activities in co-operation with the association.
Mrs. Dan Heyburn is chairman of the tournament and Mrs. Clarence Carselowey will be in charge of the style show. The highlight of the style show will come with presentation of the Louise Suggs trophy to the champion of the nine-hole handicap tournament.
Miss Suggs has earned a niche in the golf Hall of Fame with numerous honors, including USGA Women's Amateur champion; winner of the British Women's tournament, and twice winner of the Women's National Open Championship. As a founding member of the Women's Professional Golf association (now the LPGA) she was elected President in 1955 of WPGA.
Wednesday pairings will be from the white tees.
Mrs. George Wojcik, Mrs. Bill Oliver, Mrs. Bob Temple, Mrs. Bill Hatfield; Mrs. Kelso Berentz, Mrs. Pat Callahan, Mrs. Georg Russell, Mrs. R.W. Varley; Mrs. Ray Coburn, Mrs. Tom Barton, Mrs. W.D. Jackson, Mrs. Bert Wall; Mrs. Claud Jones, Mrs. Lois Cowles, Mrs. Spencer Dawson; Mrs. George Lusk, Mrs. Ted Vernon, Mrs. Johnie Stapp; Mrs. Jack Schofield and Mrs. Loren Williams; Mrs. Olin Moore, Mrs. Hazel Johnson, Mrs. Charles Trussler, Mrs. Bill Medcalf; Mrs. George Walbert, Mrs. Wayman Jackson, Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. L.A. Wetzel; Mrs. Don Johnson, Mrs. Rodney Boaz, Mrs. Al White; Mrs. Bill Carter, Mrs. Jim Smallwood, and Mrs. G.R. White.
New comers this year include Mrs. Wayman (Beverly) Jackson, Mrs. Tom Wilson, Mrs. Sam Fullerton III,Mrs. George Windham, Mrs. Loren Williams, and Mrs. Rodney Boaz.
1961 April 17 mdnr "Miami's Champion Girls Competing in Norman Meet"
The Miami high school girls golf team, winner of the three top honor in their division of the high school tournament Tuesday at Oklahoma City, are competing today in an invitational meet at Norman.
Members of the team are Suzanne Stephenson, Phyllis Propper, Diana Oliver, and Gaye Phillips.
1961 April 28 mdnr "4 Miami Girls in Top 5 at Norman Meet"
Miami high school's girls golf team, winner of the state championship in their division at Oklahoma City on Tuesday, were leaders again Thursday in an invitational girls meet at Norman. The four Miami girls were in the top five in medal play. At the end of the 18 holes, Suzanne Stephenson and Sherry Taylor of Oklahoma City Northeast were tied for medal honors with 95 totals.
In the state meet Miss Stephenson edged Miss Taylor by one stroke for medalist honors! (For several years our Wardog, Miami High school, girl golfers won state medalist and team trophies, then the state athletic association ended girls high school golf beginning in 1963 my sophomore year in high school.)
In a playoff, Miss Stephenson won by a stroke on the first extra hole. The 18-hole scores by the Miamians were: Stephenson, 52-43=95;Gaye Phillips, 49-42-101; Phyllis Propper, 52-50=102; Diana Oliver 55-50=105.
UPDATE: Gaye Phillips one of the original team members died October 17, 2024. Her obituary shares the many contributions that Gaye made to women's golf: Gaye Phillips Lanford, 81, of Little Rock, Arkansas grew up in Miami, Ok...After a rewarding career in politics Gaye devoted her energies to her true passion--golf. She refined her skills and promoted the game for women, juniors, and senior golfers alike. She was a 12-time Women's Champion of Little Rock CC, runner-up in the Arkansas Women's Senior Championship. Gaye served as a USGA Regional Committee Woman and Director of the Arkansas State Golf Association. Additionally, she served on the Country Club of Little Rock golf committee for seven years and was one of the first female members invited to join the Alotian Club.
Personal Note: Johnie Stapp taught the golf swing rhythmically with junior golfers and beginners, as if he were keeping time to a 4/ 4 beat. When I turned 13 I began helping my father with junior golf lessons each week. He began teaching us in a circle facing outward and we counted to a rhythm of back 1,2, through 3, 4. Dad would change the tempo by the speed of his count, allowing us to swing slowly or with dynamite speed. **To this very day, I swing and sing with a very rhythmical beat. In order to keep my head focused on "one shot at a time" (thank you Harvey Penick), I sing quietly to myself. It keeps my head clear of all other thoughts.
The Golf Gypsy and The Sound of Silence
1961 May 2 mdnr "Country Club's 4-Ball Tourney List Announced"
Match play pairings for the Men's 4-Ball has been announced. First matches must be played on or before Sunday each week. The pairings are:
Ed Olvey-Jess Fronterhouse vx. Ray Coburn-Kermit Lewis.
Marion Zajic-Charles Trussler vs Jack Schofield-Ray McKinney.
Brady Pipes-Glenn Scott vs O.W. Fox-Pat Callihan.
Harry Ford-Paul Wilson bye
Bob Hill Sr.-Bob Hill Jr. vs Bill Hatfield-Jerry Zeis.
Harry Gilmore-Tom Barton, bye.
G.R. White-Al White vx K.C. Jeffries-Hank Garwood
Harry Kenreigh-Grank Hansford, bye.
Bill Neel-P.J Stephenson vs Bernie Schaff-Dail West.
Rex Painter-George Beck vs Burton--Ralph Fulk.
Clarence Carselowey-Joe Thompson vs Bill Carter-Johnny Haralson.
W.D. Jackson-Spencer Dawson bye.
Ken Richards-Ted Vernon vs Richard Varley-Stanley Ulmer.
W.C. Campbell-Woodrow Painter vs George Wojcik-Bill Oliver.
Harry Whitaker-Dick Neel, bye.
1961 May 7 mdnr "Miami Product to Aid Golfers"
A tiny Miami publication should help produce better scores on golf courses across the nation.
Entitled "Johnie Stapp's (P.G.A.) Stroke Saver" the first editions are just off the press at the Gosney Printing Company. They are being distributed to country club pro shops in a wide area and will be publicized nationally in golf magazines.
Mrs. Smai Lusk of 832 B. Street Northwest, a member of the Miami Ladies Golf association, started compiling information for the pocket-sized publication last August and put it in final draft form through collaboration with Stapp, professional at the Miami Country club.
do about them) and definitions.
Advice is given on sand traps, rough shots, wind shots, downhill-uphill-sidehill lies, the slice, the hook, topping and shanking.
**Dad and Smai sold these pocket sized Stroke Savers through the 1960's.
1961 July 10 mdnr "Rolling Hills Golfers Win"
Rolling Hills golfers of Tulsa defeated Miami Country club linksmen, 105 to 63, in matches played Sunday on the local course. Eight-four men took part in the event, with 14 teams of three men each from the clubs.
Miami's No. 1 trios won their matches. Pro Johnie Stapp, Jack Myers and Bob Hill Jr., were winners over Pro Al Kozell, Bob Dirch, and J.D. Phillips.
Maimians W. D. Jackson, Jesse Fronterhouse and Ed Olvey smothered George Hines, Ray Southerland, and Don Eley, 11 to 1. Handicaps were used in the matches.The only other Miami trios that won consisted of Rex Painter, Joe Thompson, and Clarence Carselowey and Harry Dean, Al White, and David Robinson.
1961 June 15 Pairings Announced for Miami Golf Tournament
Bob Hill Jr., 1960 schoolboy golf champion of Oklahoma and a freshman the past year at the University of Tulsa, shot a two-under-par 70 to capture medalist honors in qualifying rounds for the annual Men's club tournament. Sixty-four men will fill the field of this championship for the men.
1961 June 15 Snead Favorite as Open Begins
Snead has to beat defending champion Arnold Palmer, leading PGA money-winner Gary Player, four-tie Open champion Ben Hogan, but most of all he has to whip the Open whammy against himself.
1961 June 15 Twilight Golf Pairings
Winners in the latest mixed twilight golf competition at the Miami Country club were: Lillian White and Bob Temple, low net; Claire Oliver and Charles Trussler, low gross; Hattie White and Tom Barton, low putts; Erin Wojcik and Bill Medcalf, high net.
Wilma Medcalf-Bob Nunn vs Joan Smallwood-Bob Temple; Melba Cordell-Bill Oliver vs Dorothy Schofield-Claud Jones; Mary Varley-Don Johnson vs Mar VanBeber-Jack Schofield; Gladyce Hirsch-Bill Carter vs Jan Trussler-Don Curlee; Claire Oliver-Bob Hill Sr vs Nancy Johnson-Bob Hill, Jr.; Florence Dawson-Dr. Jackson vs Phyllis Propper-George Wojcik; Hattie White-Dr. Varley vs Marian Richards-Charles Turssler; Evelyn Hatfiled-Wayland Kelly vs Smai Lusk-Kenneth Richards; Hattie Wall-Bill Medcalf vs Louise Curlee-Bill Hatfield; Millie Carter-Jim Smallwood vs Erin Wojcik-Bert Wall; Norma Nunn-Tom Cordell vs Virginia Sapp-Al White; Norma Lous Jackson-Spencer Dawson vs Yvonne Temple-Hance VanBeber; Gay Phillips-Bill Hirsch vs Helen Jones-George Lusk.
**Personal Note: 1961 was my first year to work at the country club. My father set my hours for Tuesday-Saturday sunrise (6:30-7:00 am) until 2:00 each day. In the beginning I worked with other adults who opened the shop. In 1961 I worked with Mr. and Mrs. Westfall, an older couple. Mr. Westfall and I did all of the heavy lifting of golf bags. Lunch was NOT provided by the club, so we all took turns eating lunch from our sacks or metal containers. We brought our own drinks or snacks.
Tuesday began at sunrise as the women made the earliest tee times (Hattie Wall and Evelyn Hatfield come to mind.) Following them were the men getting off the midnight shift from Goodrich and other plants. Twilight league didn't begin until 5pm but it was my job to answer the phone calls and keep track of all changes in pairings. I also called various members who put their names on the substitute list to show up when needed.
Wednesday was extremely busy with ladies day. They began play at 9:00 or earlier. Most all of the women walked and pushed their golf bags in rented carts from my father. It costs $.25 to rent a handle. My young hands were needed to help put handles on the golf carts. Dad arrived before the ladies teed-off and then often drove to the post office and bank about 10 o'clock each morning.
Thursday afternoon originally was called a professional men's afternoon referring to doctors, lawyers, BFG management, Eagle-Picher management, etc. By about 1962 that title was no longer used and the men formed regular golfing groups that were nicknamed "the C.S. Club" by Frankie, our bartender. Most of the men relaxed over lunch at the club, changed into their golf clothes and played golf until dark. Some stayed over and gambled or played cards till late into the night.
On long winter days one group of 8-16 men came to our house after dinner for ping pong. Their cigarette smoked filled our garage with a heavy haze. Over the years the evening activity changed from ping-pong to dad's fascination with trains.
Fridays were Junior Golf days and by age thirteen I was helping Dad teach the youngsters how to swing the club and putt. I joined in and played with everyone and mother's and dad's helped with the junior program by walking with a group of golfers and keeping score. This taught us the rules and reinforced over and over the penalty for having temper tantrums on the golf course. (Refer to Woody Painter for more elaborate stories on this.) Yes, my father would kick the club members off the course for several weeks at a time for their behavior. Every parent appreciated this discipline.
Saturday's were extremely busy if the weather allowed. Our tee sheet was full from sunrise until dark. Many an evening I spent back at the club chipping golf balls up the signs for dad to pick up easier with the hand held ball retriever bags--one ball at a time. It was a long slow process but probably my most favorite memory of all because nature surrounded me and I was helping my dad. To this day chipping (or short game) is my strongest ability and in my heart I would much rather play a round of golf near sunset.
Sunday morning mother, Jonya and I often attended church. From the late 1950's through the 1960's my parents went to Grand Lake all day Monday, Dad's only day off, to get away. For a half-dozen years or more we shared a house-boat with the Jackson's, Dahl's, and Temple's. We all loved to fish and a house-boat offered a heated room with a fishing hole in the middle of winter.
1961 mdnr July 2 "Tri-State Results"
1961 mdnr July 7 "Tulsa Girl Takes Junior Golf Title"
Kay Van Valkenburgh, 17, of Tulsa won the Championship of the second annual Miami Invitational Jr. Girls Golf Tournament. Miss Van Valkenburgh who will be a senior this year at Edison High School, carded an 18-hole total of 93 on rounds of 43-50. Donna Fox of Seneca, Mo, a member of Miami's junior golf organization, was runner-up this year with a score of 44-50=94.
The tournament sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf association drew 68 contestants. Mrs. Stanley Ulmer was tournament chairman.
The champions and runner-up in the five other flights were:
A flight, Nancy Shelby, Tulsa, and Sally Ulmer, Miami.
B flight, Letty Stapp, Miami, and Debbie Kinkade, Broken Arrow.
C flight, Missy Lowe, Springfield, Mo., and Sandy Stephenson, Miami.
Pee Wees, Sharon Sumpter, Tulsa, and Jonya Stapp Miami.
1961 July
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| Junior Golfers end season with trophies: L-R Tommy Cordell, Tim Scholfield, Danny Kruithof, Billy Oliver; Karen Jeffries, Lee Dell Snyder, Kathy Olson, Susie Stephenson, missing from photo Brad Smallwood. |
1961 September 8 "Proper Takes Top Title in Ladies Golf Tournament"
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| Admiring trophies presented Thursday to the Ladies Club Championship: Mrs. Spencer Dawson (18 hole medalist); Mrs. George Wojcik (from right) medalist and winner of the 9 hole championship; Phyllis Propper, Club Champion 18 holes, Mrs. Richard Varley, 18 hole A Flight Champion, Mrs. Olin Moore, 9 hole A flight winner. |
1961 "Shell's Wonderful World of Golf
In 1961 Shell produced it's first World of Golf one hour show with a match between Billy Casper and Mario Gonzales. In 1962 they produced 10 matches world wide, from Hong Kong to London, and Melbourne to St. Andrews.
Television was now playing a bigger role in the game of golf and it's promotion At the same time the top players were Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino.
1961 September "Ladies' Golf Notes"
Winners in the week's regular play for the Miami Ladies Golf Assoc. were: Phyllis Propper, Championship; Mrs. Loren Williams, Class A; Mrs. Lillian White, B; Pauline Dykes and Dorothy Schofield, C.
Forty four women have signed up to play this Wednesday.
1961 September 17 "Todd Takes Lead in Miami Golf Tourney"
Dave Todd, veteran golfer from Nevada, Mo., was the only entry from a field of 107 in Miami's sixth annual invitational golf tournament to break even with par in 18-hole qualifying rounds Saturday n the beautiful but difficult course at the Miami Country club. The tournament will end late this afternoon with champions in five flights being determined on 36-hole scores-including the qualifying round
Todd carded a 36-36 for medalist honors. Runner-up was Jim Hatfield of Neosho, Missouri, 38-35=73. Defending champion Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Illinois was third with a 37-37=74.
Others who made the championship flight were: Bob Smith and Joe McKenzie of Joplin, 75; Ed Olvey, Afton, 76; Max Marsh, Webb City, 77; Dr. W.D. Jackson of Miami, tournament chair, 78; Roger Kelly, Kansas City, 78; John F. Robinson, Miami, 79; 80's by Jess Fronterhouse of Picher, Marshall Smith of Quapaw, Merlin Kirk, Pittsburgh, and Walter Williams, Bristow; 81's by Dick Clary of Tulsa and Ted Vernon and Harry Gilmore, Miami
Rounds were to begin at 7:30 am today, with players in the championship flight due to begin their tours about 1 pm. Presentation of trophies probably will take place between 6 and 6:30 pm.
The tournament list, larger than ever before, consists of golfers from 27 cities in five states. There are 73 out-of-town entries.
Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill., repeated Sunday as champion of the Miami Invitational Golf Tournament. He carded a 2-over par 74 in Saturday round and a 76 on Sunday. Only one stroke behind for runner-up was Ed Olvey, superintendent of Afton schools, with a 76-75=151.
Tied for third were two Miamians--Dr. W.D. Jackson winner of the 1959 tourney, 78-76=154, and John F. Robinson 79-75-154. Darkness prevented a playoff to break the third-place tie.
Other Miamians who placed in the tourney were:
B flight: G.R. White, 87-82=169
D flight: Bill Hirsch, 95-92=187
1961 October 26 mdnr "Turkey Shoot Winner"
Mrs. Wayman Jackson is shown with the 'turkey' she won Wednesday in the Miami Ladies Golf association in the October "turkey shoot." She netted 35 in the nine-hole golf event with a score of 53, less 18 handicap. Mrs. Robert Temple, was runner-up a net of 39.
1961 December 10 mdnr "Notice! notice!"
Stockholders of the Miami Country club are reminded that the annual stockholder's meeting will be held December 12, 1961 for the purpose of acting on a plan of reorganization. If members are unable to be present, the officers request proxy be filed with the secretary. G.P. Campbell, President
Tidbits:
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| April 1961 at The Miami Theater |
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| 1961-62 Candy store across from MHS on A st NE and 2nd NE |
Miami Quarter Horse breeder, L.K. Newell, has purchased a half-interest (with Rowland Stanfield nationally prominent Broken Arrow breeder) in one of the nation's most distinguished stallions. Newell predicts the horse, Johnny Dial, will prove an important contributor to the Quarter Horse industry in Oklahoma as well as to development of his own breeding program at Sky Farm, east of Miami,
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