1984 July 16-TIMELINE AND STORIES

The story begins,

 "These are the worst of times." 

I do believe it was true. We felt so helpless like a boat against the tide.

   We wished the winds could bring back our home.

   Our memories of yesterday will last a lifetime.

   We'll take the best, forget the rest. 

   And some day we will find that these were "the best of times."  

(Lines scrambled from the song by Styx "The Best of Times" with lyrics by Dennis Deyoung.)

1984 July 16  FIRE RAZES MIAMI CC CLUBHOUSE

 1986 July 16 "Fire Razes Miami CC Clubhouse"

Weary and grim-faced, Fire Chief Bob Turner and assistant Chief Pete Cooper spent most of the morning sifting through the rubble of what once was the clubhouse of Miami Golf and Country Club. The two men pinpointed a faulty electrical wiring conduit as the probable cause of the fire which completely gutted the stately old landmark early Sunday morning. Cooper said that it was unlikely that the State Fire Marshal's Office would be asked to investigate the fire. "At this time, I don't think there is any reason for them to."

Meanwhile, club officials were huddling to make plans for the building's reconstruction and club manager, Bob Hill Jr., voiced that the calamity would not half the clubs operation. "This has always been a great country club," Hill said this morning. "It was the day before yesterday and it still is today. 

As if in affirmation of Hill's optimism, golfers (who did not store their clubs at the clubhouse) were seen on the club's 18-hole course late Sunday morning, teeing off as the smoke still rose from the ruins and tiny flames flickered in the rubble. 

All the club's 44 battery-operated golf carts, valued at $3,000 a piece, were destroyed in the fire. When not in use the golf carts were stored in the basement connected to the pro shop. The batteries in each had been hooked up to individual chargers that were plugged into a network of extension cords, according to Turner and Cooper. 

View of the blaze in the basement containing the electric golf carts.

Golf Pro Don Atchison said 200 sets of golf clubs belonging to members also were kept in the basement. They, too, were destroyed. Atchison said the replacement value of the clubs totals $150,000. The pro shop's $25,00 inventory and about $10,000 worth of supplies went up in the flames. 

Club officials were arranging the establishment of a temporary pro shop and club office, to be located in a mobile home near the old structure. Replacement golf carts were also being ordered. Because the club's records were destroyed in the fire, the 368 members are being asked to bring their accounts up to date. 

The clubhouse was built in 1929 New Rockdale Clubhouse

 

Onlookers on the north lawn and putting green, sadly survey the skeletal remains of the fire-ravaged clubhouse Sunday morning. *News-Record photos by Ed Howard and Gerald Breeden. 

1984 July 16 "Sad Day on MCC Hill"

There were a lot of jokes about the leaky roof, the musty locker rooms, the tiny pro shop. But the old matriarch of the hill had some classic memories. The Miami Golf and Country Club burned early Sunday and the shock of loss was great. You could see that on faces in cars pulling in for lunch Sunday. They hadn't heard. Some tears were shed. 

But with the first light Sunday, golfers were trudging past the smoldering remains of at least most of the golf clubs in Miami; they were on their to No. 1 tee. Wouldn't you know it? All members clubs and the carts were in the basement of the clubhouse. 

Already plans are underway to replace the huge 19,568-square-foot structure. But Miami and visitors will miss the sentinel on the hill. 

1984 July 17

Personal photograph of Johnie Stapp, former Pro Emeritus of the Miami Golf and Country Club.

 

After this photo was taken, Dad drove home and changed into his farm overalls. He then returned to the scene and began sifting through the rubble. I saw tears streaming down his face that afternoon. 

1984 July 18--23 Adds such as this one appeared daily in the Miami News-Record. The story was covered in detail through the state and four-state area.

 **Thirteen days later the club began to operate using the new mobile home parked on the practice tree grounds West of the clubhouse circle drive. 

**John Finley recalled that he had a set of Hogan irons that he enjoyed hitting and then a brand new-Hogan bag that he won at Baxter Springs, the week before the fire. " I lost it all. It was a sad day for all of us. The replacement clubs came in within a couple of weeks. The new Hogan tour irons were not forgiving. They had a sweet spot the size of a dime."

We rented a trailer and turned the back bedroom into a card room for and a bar for the men. It was a 15x60 foot trailer with inside bathrooms and air-conditioning.  

1984 July 29 "Ladies Golf Notes"

Wednesday's Ladies Golf Association will resume play with an 8:00 shotgun start. They will play for points. 

Tee #: 1--Faye Berentz, Jean Ann Blue, Gail Beck, Millie Burford; 2--Melba Cordell, Neeta Couch, Ruth Heyburn, Marian Richards; 3--Geneva Ramsay, Janie Clay, Ruie Lucas, Virginia Sapp; 4-- Beverly Jackson, Noma Newman, Pattye Moores, Jerry Ramsey; 5--Claire Oliver, Carla Roller, Penny Ramsey, Rosie Womastek; 6--Billie Pace, Fern Toye, Pat Platt, Ann Chancellor; 7-Lavon Young, Yvonne Temple, Laverne Munson, Pauline Taylor; 8--Aileen Bradshaw, Lottie Mae Russell, Dorothy Hester; 9--Carol Jones, Virginia Heydt, Joanie Jones. 

Afternoon pairings will be made at the tee. Those players include Candy Couch, Dede Martin, Ann Foster, Marji Grayson, Judy Grissom, Marilyn Hill, Judy Kemper, Sue Riley, Coweta Scoggins, Carolyn Anderson, Liz Follis, and Nadine Paul. 

A business meeting will be held at 1:00 at the Continental Restaurant. 

1984 August 5 "Youth Golf"

The Miami Country club Junior Championship will be held Friday beginning at 8:00 with the 18-hole players:

18-holers--Steve Becker, Matt Brady, Marshall Smith; Richie Lillard, Steve Hill; Ron Coker, Robert Elmburg, Scott Kreeger; Steven Long, B.J. Mann, Howard Condren; Jeff Goodrich, John Molinar, Sherri Atchison, Christy Smith. 

9-holers (9:00am) Kevin Collingsworth, Michael Fitzgibbon, Richard Stewart; Jimmy Rutter, Allen Douthitt, Eric Elmburg; Brandon Farris, Erin Fitzgibbon, Jimmy Green; Daryle Gee, John West, Bobby Homer; Chad Davis, Scott Mann, Donald Wilson; Bobby Seybolt, Chris Bourne, Robin Orcutt, Paige Parrott, Lori Lillard, Melissa Molinar; Kari Swogger, Shauna Fitzgibbon, Peggy Shelton.

2-holers (9:30)--Shawn Delmer, Aaron Sedberry, Charlie Haney; Shadd Delmer, Tony Atchison, Greg Smith; Shane Fitzgibbon, Ryan Gatewood, Bobby Green; Drew Austin, Jeff Gullett; Shane Delmez, Haley Finley, Chelsea Levo, Meagan Winters; Mary Rutter, Angela Barr; Linda Gray, Leslie Harmon, Shannon Kerr.

4-holers (10:00) Scott Spetich, Jason Winters, Adam Jones; Ray Shelton, Alex Edwards; Chris Paul, Greg Painter, Ben Brady; Evan Eatman, Greg Fitzgibbon, Larry Heard; Jason Hill, Frank Spetich, Corbin West; Gavin Finley, Tom Wilson, Cindy Shelton, Kasie Sly, Amanda Long; Jennifer Gatewood, Julie Jeffries; Jera Wyrick, Amy Smith, Michele Jones. 

Persons unable to play should call Connie Swogger, 540-1667 or Sandy Hunt, 542-6270. Scorers will be notified by phone.

1984 August 8 "Lietzke to Hold Clinic Saturday"

Professional golfer Bruce Lietzke will present an exhibition and golf clinic Saturday at the Miami Country club, 1915 Cleveland, as a fund-raising benefit for a new clubhouse. 

Lietzke's clinic is scheduled from 4:30-5:15. A nine-hole exhibition is scheduled from 5:35 to 7:30pm. Playing with him will be his brother, Brian Lietzke, club pro Don Atchison, and club champion Mike Craig.

Tickets are $5 per person. 

1984 August 8 "MCC Handicap Title Claimed by Jim Riley"

 Firing rounds of 63 and 62, Jim Riley captured the MCC handicap championship. Riley's two-round score of 125 was seven strokes better than second place finisher Mike Glasman, who had rounds of 63-69. 

There was a three-way tie for third between John Robinson Sr., Bob Haney and John Daugherty, all with scores of 133. 

The men's scratch championship phase of the tournament continues this weekend. The current leader is John Daugherty with gross rounds of 70-73. Dr. W.D. Jackson is second with 144, John Robinson Jr. holds down third with 147.

The men's horserace is scheduled for Friday at 5pm. The MCC long drive contest and club throwing contest will be held following the horserace. 

1984 August 12 "Youth Golfers Claim Honors"

Winners in nine divisions of play were decided Friday during the youth club championship at MCC. Claiming honors in each division were:

18-hole girls--1st Sherri Atchison; 2nd Christy Smith.

18-hole boys A Flight--1st Marshall Smith; 2nd Richie Lillard.

18-hole boys B Flight--1st Steven Long; 2nd Howard Condren.

9-hole girls--1st Kari Swogger; 2nd, Paige Parrott.

9-hole boys--1st Michael Fitzgibbon, 2nd Kevin Collingsworth.

4-hole girls--1st Jennifer Gatewood; 2nd, Cindy Shelton.

4-hole boys--1st Chris Paul; 2nd Jason Hill.

2-hole girls--1st Angela Barr; 2nd Mary Rutter.

2-hole boys--1st Shane Delmez; 2nd Jeff Gullett. 

1984 August 13 "Lietzke Fires 33 in Exhibition Here" 

 Bruce Lietzke capped off an outstanding evening of swing demonstration, close-up personal information and playing ability by firing a 3-under-par 33 at the back nine during a fundraising event for the Miami Country Club's new clubhouse.

Throughout the evening and especially during the swing demonstration, the personable 10-time tour winner furnished the crowd with interesting information regarding his tournament preparations, playing philosophy, future plans, favorite events and coping on the tour.

Lietzke, the playing pro from Shangri-la Resort, donated his time, for which he normally receives $3,000, to help raise money for the new clubhouse. 

1984 August 15 "Craig Captures 3rd MCC Championship"

Mike Craig parred the fourth hole of a sudden death playoff against John Robinson Jr. and captured his third straight MCC Championship. Craig shot rounds of 73,79, 77 and 73 while Robinson turned in scores of 73, 75, 75, 79. 

Third place went to John Daugherty with a 363 total. Ed Schmidt was fourth with a 308. There was a tie for fifth between Bill Harsch and Dr. W.D. Jackson, both finishing with 310s. 

1984 August 19 "Hattie Wall Handicap Tourney"

The annual Hattie Wall handicap tournament will be held Wednesday and Friday at the MCC. Twenty-two women have signed up to play. 

1984 August 19 "Foursome Captures Horserace"

Marshall Smith, Jim Rutter, George Couch, and Lloyd Cowgill combined to capture top honors in a four-man horserace in conjunction with the men's Fall Festival. 

George Foster, Pat Wilson, Jim Hill, and Dick Seybolt were second while Bob Thompson, Don Barr, Jim Thompson, and Jeff Smith placed-third.

1984 August 20 "Team No. 9 Uses Rally to Claim Fall Festival"

Team No. 9 consisting of Bill Harsch, George Myers, Frank Remiss and Ken Grissom, rallied to finish with 313 points on Sunday to capture the honors of the annual Fall Festival at MCC. Team #17 finished in second with 301 points. That team consisted of George Foster, Pat Wilson, Jim Hill and Dick Seybolt. 

Third went to team #13 which consisted of John Heyburn, Bob Temple, Lynn Davis, and Max Dull with 299 points.  

Individual point winners were George Myers and Jerry Mustain who tied with 85 points. Don Cherry took third with 84 points while fourth went to Schooner Schmidt at 83 points and Jim Hill was fifth with 82 points.

 Winning the Lame Duck consolation flight open to the bottom 10 teams was Team #14 of Jack Doan, Steve Cherry, Lou Mirjanich and Rick Wright with a one-day score of 153 points.

1984 August 22 "Twilight League Title Claimed"

The foursome Jim Riley, Jim Hill, George Couch, and Larry Gatewood finished with 23 point to nose past the team of Tim Eatman, Mike Sexton, John Finley, and Leroy Collins for first place. 

Pat Wilson took individual low gross honors with 37. He and Jerry Gullett shared low net kudos with 36 strokes. Low putts went to Gary West. Highest score on a hole went to Al Goforth, who scored an eight on #1.

 1984 August 30 "Grayson Third in Golf Tourney"

Marj Grayson competed in a statewide golf tournament for employees of the Oklahoma State Employment Service. The tournament, which was for both men and women, was held last weened in Shawnee, Ok. 

Mrs. Grayson placed third in her flight and was awarded a trophy. Mrs. Grayson is an interviewer in the Miami office. 

1984 September 2 "Ladies Golf Notes"

Claire Oliver breezed to the title of the Hattie Wall Handicap golf tournament which wrapped up earlier this week. Oliver had a 54-hole score of 297 to outdistance runner-up Faye Berentz who carded a 212. 

Placing third was Ruie Lucas, Melba Cordell claimed fourth and Millie Carter was fifth. Aileen Bradshaw was first in the nine-hole division. Wednesday's play will be an 18-hole "Upside Down Clubs" scramble. Tee time will be at 8 a.m. with pairings made at 7:45. 

The monthly MLGA meeting will be held at the home of Mrs. George Newman. All morning and afternoon players are encouraged to attend.

Winners of last week's play for low gross were Faye Berentz, championship flight; Ann Chancellor, A flight; Ruie Lucas, B flight; and Carol Jones, 9-hole flight. 

1984 September 11 "2-Man, 4-Man Best Ball Competition"

 Mark and Greg Riley won two-man honors and there was a tie for first for the four-man honors Sunday during the competition at the MCC. The Riley's shot a 19-under 53 (net) to win the title over John and James Heyburn with a 55. There was a tie for third at 56 between Phil Follis and Tim Eatman, and Greg Riley with Steve Sly. Sharing fifth at 57 were the teams of Don Barr-Al Moffatt, John Heyburn-Steve Cherry, James Heyburn-Don Cherry.

In the 4-man best ball the teams of Eatman, Renegar, Follis and Schliep tied with Greg Riley, Mark Riley, Dull, and Sly by shooting 51s. Dull won the horserace Friday night at MCC. Renegar was second while Bill Sommerfield claimed third.  

1984 September 19 "A Proper Grip"

A proper grip on the golf club is vital, MCC pro Don Atchison tells Miami High School Shelly Kraus. Atchison is volunteering his time and talents to teach golfing fundamentals to members of Kris Morgan's P.E. classes. 

Morgan said that Atchison's participation is on of the multi-faceted concept designed to give students an insight to so-called "lifetime sports." Classes in archery and rifle shooting will be taught by other experienced volunteers, Mrs. Morgan said.

 1984 September 23 "Ladies Club Championship

Taking honors in the MCC women's club championship were from left, Ruth Heyburn, second in the championship flight; Pat Platt Championship Flight winner; Rosemary Womastek, first in A flight; Ruie Lucas, first in B flight, and Carol Jones, 9-hole flight winner. Not shown are Laverne Munson, second in A flight, and Neeta Couch, second in B flight. 

 Our Tribute to those who loved the game.

 

 

 

1960 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Fifty Nifty United States

 

 Charlie Dawson shared his memories:

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

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

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

1960 March 13  Ladies Begin Golf Lessons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1960 April 10  "Ladies Golf Notes" 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

1960 April 29  Miami High Golfers Win New Honors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 BRAGGING RIGHTS GO TO THE WARDOGS

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

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

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

 

1960 May 1 Ladies Golf Notes

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

1960 May 8  Twilight League Golf Play Begins Tuesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Other Miamians to participated in the local tournament:

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

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

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

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

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

1960 July 5 "Winners Named in Holiday Golf"

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

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

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

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

1960 July 5  "Junior Golf"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1960 July 5  Winners Named for Holiday Golf Event

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

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

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

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

1960 July 6  Junior Golf

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

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

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

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

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

 The video of Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Tom Pendergraft memories of early 1960’s

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

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

1960 August 7  "Miami Girls in National Tourney" 

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

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

1960 August 7  "Ladies Golf Notes"

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

1960 September 23  Miami Invitational Golf Opens Saturday 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other News:

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

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

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