1967 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

1967 Wardog Golf Team

Richard Varley's personal secretary, wife Carol, took this dictation.

I played on the MHS golf team from 1966-67, my freshman and sophomore years. My teammates were Charlie Grayson, Mark "Bones" Wojick, and Woody Painter. They played the state tournament at the OU golf course.  Notables on Stillwater HS team included Mark and Larry Hayes!! The War Dogs were neck and neck with them the first day but couldn't keep up after that. Monk Campbell was the sponsor whose soul responsibility was to keep an eye on them.  Mark Hayes, Ok Hall of Fame

My Junior High School golf was comprised of the same group with Claire Oliver as their coach, chauffeur, and stand in Mom. They traveled all over NE Oklahoma from Nowata, Tahlequah, Pryor and across state lines to Parsons,Kansas. This group also played summer tournaments together.  

We lived in Miami from 1959-1967. I could write a book on my memories. Gambling started at an early age with hours on the putting clock. Winnings began with cokes, peanuts, candy bars, and eventually dollar bills. Numerous times we were thrown off the golf course for fighting, which included the future MHS golf team plus John Robinson, Jr. After reports of boys fighting on the course, your Dad would roar out there in a golf cart and send us to the pool. Sometimes we were sent back to the course by the lifeguard for horseplay. Also, many times your Dad would go to the practice tee and work with each one of them. Afterwards, the boys shagged the balls. 

I recall having the opportunity to caddy for Susan Basolo, a great girl golfer from Muskogee. I caddied two different times. She was very cute.  Susan Basolo, Herstory @ Literally Letty

1967 March 26 "MHS Golfers to Play"

Miami high school golfers will play Thursday in the Parsons, Kansas Invitational high school tournament. This will be the first competition of the season for the War Dog linksmen. The four Miamians who will compete at Parsons will be determined by best scores in nine-hole rounds Tuesday and Wednesday at the Miami Country club.

The top four in previous tests consisted of Mark Wojcik, senior; Charles Grayson, sophomore; Woody Painter, senior; and Craig Tetirick, senior newcomer to the golf squad from Camp LeJeun, N.C., where his father, Samuel C. Hudson, served in the Navy before retirement.

Sophomore Richard Varley and freshman Mark Cordell are other members of the golf squad. Pending assignment of a regular coach for the MHS golfers, pre-season workouts have been in the charge of Jack Leake, head football coach. 

1967 March 26 "Country Club Bunny"

The Easter Bunny is bigger than she, but Amy Robinson's big, dark eyes rival her cuddly playmates. The bunny is at Miami Country club, where members children--those 10 and under--will attend an Easter party this afternoon. They will search for 500 candy eggs, and marshmallow bunnies under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Pat Patterson, who also will award prizes. Among the hunters will be 18-month-old Amy, daughter of Mr and Mrs David Robinson, 706 Sixth Avenue Northeast. 

1967 April  "Stillwater High Golfers Capture Honors"

Stillwater high school golfers paced by senior Mark Hayes, swept all honors in the ninth annual Miami High School invitational golf tournament Monday, at the Miami Country Club. Eighteen high schools had teams in the meet. Temperatures of 51-52 degrees and gust winds prevailed. 

Stillwater's four-man total for the 18 holes was 321, five better than the 326 total score for runner-up Tulsa Edison. Hayes won medalist honors with 77.Two other members of the champion Stillwater foursome were senior, Dough Tewell, and sophomore Denny Tewell, who carded 81 and 83 respectfully. Medalist Hayes transferred to Stillwater from Okc Northeast last year. 

The meet was launched in 1958 and has been held here each year since then except in 1966, when authorization was not cleared in time from the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association.

Miami high school golfers finished 11th in the 18-team field with a total of 363.

1967 April 6  " 'Lot Easier Than I Thought,' Says Mantle of Switch to First Base"

1967 April 9  "For High School Golf"

1967 April 9  "Ladies Golf Notes"

Winners in Miami Ladies Golf the past week were: Beverly Jackson, championship; Lottie Mae Russell, Class A; Marge Smith, B; Pat Parker, C; and Joanne Burgess in beginners

Wednesday's play will be for low gross from the red tees. The pairings follow:

Championship: LaRue Gaines, Pat Horner, Letty Stapp, and Lib Lillard; Melba Cordell, Evelyn Hatfield and Yvonne Temple; Martha Campbell, Beverly Jackson, and Eva Williams; Cora Wilson, Sue Barnes, and Faye Berentz

Class A: Lottie Mae Russell, Clara Barton, Marylyn Adams; Joyce Rutter, Vera Elmburg, Mae Farrier; Dollie Humes, Hattie White, Noma Newman; Helen Moore, Lois Cowles, Erin Wojcik; Helen Jones, Hattie Wall, Elizabeth Hansford; Louise Whitney, Val Dale, Lois Garwood, and Mary VanBeber.

Class B: Gladys Wetzel, Virginia Romick, Sara Mirjanich; Barbara Gust, Gladyce Hirsch, Mavis Ford; Pauline Adkinson, Roma Dahl, Wanda Doan; Mayne Munson, Betty Ketcher, and Nancy Johnson.

1967 March 4  "Norse Third in 8-Team Rounds"

Northeastern A&M golfers finished third in an eight-team weekend golf tournament in Coffeyville.

Coffeyville was first and Hutchinson second. Coffeyville's Red Ravens were playing today in a dual meet at the Miami Country club. The Norse golfers will play OM and Oral Roberts U. golfers in the meet Tuesday at Tulsa's Rolling Hills club.

In the meet at Coffeyville, teams played 27 holes during intermittent rain the first day and 18 (long, author's memory) holes the final day. The f45-hole scores for NEO were: Steve Conatser 108, Ron Robinson 210; George Billows 214;  Letty Stapp 248.   

1967 Norsemen Golf Team: Letty Stapp, Steve Conatser, George Billows, Ron Robinson

 

1967 April 19  "Norse Golfers Post Victories"

Northeastern A&M golfers posted victories over Oral Roberts University and Oklahoma Military Academy in a triangular matches Tuesday on the Rolling Hills course in Tulsa. George Billows as medalist scored the decisive point as the Norsemen edged ORU 7-6, Billows shot a 77, best round of the day.

Results:  NEO 7, ORU 6--Ron Robinson (83) def. Martin (85) 3-0:  George Billows (77) def. Vandruff (84), 3-0; Steve Canaster (88) lost to Hickok (85), 0-3; Letty Stapp (94) lost to McAllister (82) 0-3.

NEO 8 1/2, OMA 3 1/2--Robinson (83) def. Jacobs, (84), 2-1; Billows (77) def. Davis (85) 3-0; Conaster (88) lost to Brown (79) 1/2 to 2 1/2; Stapp (94) def. Sasewich (110) 3-0.  **Keep in mind we walked and carried our golf bags and I played from the men's tees at all tournaments. 

1967 May 1  "Joplin Golfers Win Here"

Twin Hills golfers of Joplin totaled 66 1/2 points in the Tri-Club matches Sunday afternoon at the Miami Country club. Springfield's Twin Oaks delegation totaled 62 and Miami 51 1/2.

After two rounds of play, including the first two weeks ago at Springfield, Joplin leads with 137; Springfield ha 121 point and Miami 99.  

Stiff winds and slick greens handicapped the performances here Sunday, with only six out of 60 contestants bettering 80 on the par 72 course. Joe Brown of Springfield was medalist with 75 on nine-hole rounds of 37-38.

Dr. W. D. Jackson, who is in charge of the Miami team, was next with 39-39=78. Marvin Porter, Max Buchanan, Paul Carlson and Harry Robeson, all of Joplin, carded 79 each. 

The 18-hole scores for Miamians were:

Bob Klein 81, John Robinson 82, Dr. W.D. Jackson 78, Dr. W.D. Neal 91, Tom Cordell 86, Ron Robinson 82, Dick Lillard 81, Tom Forbes 88, Lloyd Tate 87, Bob Temple 88, Clarence Caskey 86, Jack Doan 93, Al White 96, Rex Painter 84, George Parker 89, Kermit Lewis 89, Charles Trussler 86, Marion Zajic 88, Woodrow Painter 97, and Bill Hirsch 90.

 1967 May 11  "NEO Golfers Bi-State Champions"

 

Sharing the spotlight at the Wednesday night NEO A&M sports banquet were Coach Kenneth Richards and members of the Norse golf team who won the Bi-State Conference golf championship a day earlier in Shawnee. From left are George Billows, Ron Robinson, Coach Richards, Letty Stapp, Steve Conatser. 

**Personal note: The summer of 1967 was my last full summer in Miami. I left for LSU in August and a year later July of 1968 I married, Don Rains.

As a child of a WWII veteran, I grew up with the reckoning that war kills, but I learned that war kills even people my age, even people I know. The summer of 1967 Ron Robinson's younger brother, Tommy, bought a new set of golf clubs. Ron being the older was humorously jealous. The two brothers and other kids our age often spent time on the practice tee in the heat of days. Dad often checked on us and our games.  Sometime during that summer or fall of 1967 Tommy Robinson, son of H.D. and Mary Robinson was drafted and sent to Vietnam. 

Before Tommy left Miami, a bunch of us were on the practice tee when Ron turned to his little brother and said, "Hey, if you don't make it back from Nam, I want your new clubs." We didn't think anything of it.  A few months later, during the school year 1967-68 my parents notified me that Tommy Robinson had been killed in Vietnam. 

I don't think we ever forget those moments.  

1967 May 21  "Ladies Sunrise Golf League Begins"

Competition in the Sunrise League will begin Tuesday. Pairings are posted on the bulletin boards and all groups must tee off before 10:00 am.

1967 June 16  "In the News"

Miami high school football coach Jack Leake, who was a sharpshooting passer with the 1957-58 MHS War Dogs, displayed rare marksmanship Thursday on the Miami Country club golf course.

Playing in a "fivesome" with Letty Stapp, Dick Lillard, John Doty and Paul Patterson, Leake holed out for birdie on No.8 with a 35-yard wedge shot from of the green.

Then on the par 5 hole No.9, Leake carded an eagle 3 by sinking a shot of more than 150 yards with a seven iron.

1967 June 18  "Ladies Golf Notes"

Winners in the past week's competition for the Miami Ladies Golf association were:Beverly Jackson, championship; Mary Van Beber, Class A; Mary Louise Klein, B, and Dorothy Jones, C.

Next week's competition will be from the red tees, taking par on 3 and 8. The pairings follow:

Championship--Yvonne Temple, Martha Campbell, LaRue Gaines; Faye Berentz, Evelyn Hatfield, Lib Lillard; Pat Horner, Claire Oliver, Beverly Jackson; Cora Wilson, Ruth Heyburn, Sue Barnes; Melba Cordell and Barbara Shouse.

Class A--Virginia Lee Wilson, Joyce Rutter, Lois Cowles; Vera Elmberg, Hattie Wall, Helen Moore; Eva Williams, Helen Jones, Elizabeth Hansford; Marylyn Adams, Mae Farrier, Sue Robinson; Erin Wojcik, Clara Barton, Virginia Sapp; Lois Garwood, Maxine Jeffries, Hattie White; Mary Van Beber and Dollie Humes.

Class B--Louise Whitney, Wanda Jo Brown, Roma Dahl; Noma Newman, Lottie Mae Russell, Virginia Romick; Mary Louise Klein, Sara Mirjanich, Barbara Gust; Mavis Ford, Marj Smith, Gladys Wetzel; Gladyce Hirsch, Nancy Johnson, Betty Ketcher; Helen Stapp, Val Dale, Carrie Graham.

Class C--Wanda Doan, Dorothy Ulmer, Joann Burgess; Virginia Woods, Rose Pratt, Pauline Adkinson; Geraldine Matthews, Mamie Munson, Elaine Page. 

1967 June 18  "Another Record for Mantle"

Mickey Mantle, the magnificent Yankee, went into the books when he played in his 2,166th to top old team mark of 2,165 held by Lou Gehrig. 

1967 June 20  "Thunderbird Tournament"

Bob Garwood, with a low net of 132 for 36 holes, won a television set and a trophy for taking first place in the Thunderbird Handicap Golf tournament that was completed Sunday at the Miami Country club. Rex Painter was second with 141 and was awarded a transistor radio and trophy. Kent Jeffries won third with 142 and received a trophy and a set of glasses.

Charles Trussler, 143, Ed Dudgeon, 144, won fourth and fifty-lace trophies. Men and women competed on an equal basis in the handicap tourney that was played. 

Letty Stapp led the ladies with a low gross score of 179. Mrs. V.W. Lillard was second with 199. Bob Temple won an umbrella trophy for coming closest to a hole-in-one on the par 3 153 yard No. 12 hole. On the first 18-hole round, Temple's shot lipped the cup and stopped 23 inches away. 

No one came close to winning the Thunderbird sports car offered by the Ford Motor Co. to anyone getting a hole-in-one on No. 12 during the tournament. 

 1967 June 25  "New Champion for Miami Girls Tournament"

1967 June 25  "Parent-Child Golf Tournament"

A unique parent-child golf tournament this afternoon at the Miami CC will find mothers paired with sons and daughters and fathers paired likewise in the competition beginning at all nine holes at 4 o'clock. A shotgun signal will launch the rounds. Some partnerships cross family lines. The pairings follow:

Hole No1--Don Johnson, and Tommy Jackson, Rex and Gail Painter, Hoot and Kenny Gibson, Bill and Billy Giffhorn, Tom and Mark Cordell

No.2--Bill Hirsch and Danny Heyburn, Tom and Barbara Bomford, JoAnn and Barbara Smallwood, Dan and Dan Mailath, Bob and Suzy Wickham, George and Mark Wojick. 

No.3--Virginia and Rhona Romick, Jack and Jimmy Doan, Virginia and Bobby Wilson, Jack and Steve Renegar, Jake and Mike Hester, Woodrow and Woody Painter.

No. 4--Harold and Kenny Barnes, Bernie Schaff and Melissa Landers, Mary and Ron Robinson, Ruth and Ann Heyburn, Maxine and Kent Jeffries, John and Jonya Stapp.

No. 5--Mayeme and Stephanie Munson, Wanda and Randy James, Wes and Tom Renegar, Helen and Letty Stapp, Don and Rodney Street, John and John Robinson.

No. 6--Mel and Pam Landers, Dick and Barby James, Sue Giffhorn and Dan Giffhorn, George and Tammy Romick, K.C. and Karen Jeffries, Dr. Bill Neel and Scotty Jackson.

No. 6--Grace and Dana Painter, John and Chip McLaughlin, Dick and Kevin Wadleigh, Fran and Carol McKinney.

No. 7--Paul Patterson and Jack Mann, Jim and Brad Smallwood, Joe and Jim Thompson, Sara Mirjanich and Rebecca Mirjanich, Harry and Diane Dean, Dan and Mark Heyburn. 

No. 8--Ed and Christi Dudgeon, Bob and Becky Nesbitt, Helen and Jimmy Painter, George and William Windham, Hank and Bob Garwood, Pat Campbell and Charles Grayson.

No. 9--Dick and Lib Lillard, Tom Forbes and Tommy Cordell, Lou and John Mirjanich, Noma and Billy Newman, Nancy Johnson and Matt Giffhorn, Ray and Theresa McKinney. 

1967 July 16  "Junior Girls State Golf Tournament"

1967 July 30  "Karlovich Captures Junior Golf Meet"

Bob Karlovich, left of Tulsa, champion of the Miami Boys Invitational, poses with Tom Lloyd of Carthage, Mo, and Vick Benson of Tulsa second and third-place trophies, and Mark Cordell, Miami, winner of the championship-consolation trophy. 

Other Miamians: Charles Grayson 80; Mark Wojcik 80; Jackie Mann 81, Richard Varley 88, Steve Renegar 94, Scotty Jackson 90, Randy James 99, Tommy Cordell 96, Bill Giffhorn 99, Louis Price 106, Richard Adams 122, Billy Newman 122 NINE HOLE divisions:  Kenney Gibson 53, William Wyndam 65, Tommy Jackson 91, Matt Giffhorn 63, Wayne Anderson 90.

Randy James writes:

My first clubs.

Oh, Letty, I do so wish I had pictures of those days. One memory I share often of your dad was when he would stand up by the practice green and shoot ground hogs with a .22.  Your dad would let a few of us high school players play golf on Mondays when the course was closed. That was very special. When I was first learning the game, your dad taught me a good grip, told me to lay play and play and would "let" me chip up the entire range into a small pile. I was never sure if he was trying to improve my short game or just make it easier to clean up the driving range.

 Roger McCollum wrote:

In the 1957 timeline you shared an add for Henry Garwood's Insurance Agency. That was part of the Big I, independent insurance agencies.

In 1967 the Independent Insurance agents sponsored a junior national championship. It followed the same format as the USGA's Open with local qualifiers, a State Qualifier then the National Championship which held in different cities all over the country.

1967 July 30  "Junior Golf Winners"

**If you use your browser to read this, then you will be able to enlarge this photo and read the names. You may also save it to your photos if you choose. 

1967 August 6  "Broadmoor Trophy for Miami Girl"

Letty Stapp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnie F. Stapp, won the second-flight trophy Saturday in the finals of the 25 annual Broadmoor Women's Invitational Golf Tournament at Colorado Springs. Miss Stapp, whose father is the Miami CC pro, was the only girl member of the NEO A&M golf team the past season. 

After trailing by three strokes at the end of the first nine holes on Saturday, Letty dominated the second nine to defeat Mrs. Doty Sullivan of San Antonio, Texas        2 and 1.  A year ago, Miss Stapp won second place in the first flight of the Broadmoor tournament, which annually draws entries from across the nation. 

1967 August 23  "Top Prospect Tag for Owens"

 Norman (Special)--Miami's Steve Owens is the top sophomore prospect among Chuck Fairbanks' Oklahoma ground-grinders this fall. The big, 192 pound tailback is as promising as a sunny day for the Sooners who will be returning with their backfield intact. 

Owens left a certified dent in the record books at Miami High School. Under coaches Max Buzzard and Bill Watkins, Steve started three years on the football team that finished 22-6-2. As a senior, he named co-back of the year by both the Tulsa World and Daily Oklahoman. He was a three-year letterman in basketball and nabbed four letters as a trackster. Perhaps Steve's greatest athletic achievement was as a cinder-man. In the 1966 state class A meet, Miami jumped to an early lead 'behind Owens' 19 points. He won the high hurdles, broad jump, high jump and placed second in the low hurdles. Not only did he excel in the brawn department, but also as a leader in the student body. 

1967 August 27  "Klein is City Golf Champion"

Bob Klein, a building  contractor who moved to Miami last year, has added the Miami Country club championship to the many honors he has won as a golfer. Klein defeated Dr. W.D. Jackson, Miami city champion the last two year, 4 and 3 in Saturday's 18-hole match that climaxed some two months of summer competition by local golfers. The same two met in the championship match a year ago with Jackson gaining a 1-up decision. 

Playing Saturday in the same foursome with two finalists were Dick Lillard and Bob Temple, with Lillard wining the consolation title. Other winners were:

President's flight--Tom Rogers, first and Bernie Schaff, second.

A flight--Dick Wadleigh, first and Dr. Ray McKinney, second.

B flight--Bob Wickham, first and George Romick, second.

1967 September 11  "Beck Repeats as Champion" 

Tommy Beck of Tulsa won the Miami Country Club Invitational golf tournament for the second straight year with a three-under par 141 for the 36 holes of the 12 Annuals meet that was played Saturday and Sunday. Runner-up for the second straight year was Dr. W.D. Jackson of Miami, champion of the local invitational in 1959 and 1964. 

Beck and Jackson were even at the turn of their final 18-hole round. Beck went one up on N. 16 with a par. The defending champion's putter was red hot on the final two holes. He holed out from the edge of the NO. 17 green to remain one stroke ahead. In true championship form before the big gallery at the final hole Beck sand a 25-foot putt for a birdie. Jackson's one-under-par 143 consisted of 72 on Saturday and 71 Sunday. 

Two other golfers matched par this year to tie for third place with 144. they were Persie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill., champion in 1960, 1961 and Warren Shireman of KC. 

Ideal weather and course conditions prevailed for the tournament, which was conducted under the leadership Johnie Stapp, club pro and of Dr. Jackson (The truth is that Norma Lou Jackson, Doc's wife was in charge of the tournaments, year after year. The assistance of the Miami Ladies Golf Association was the glue that held this event together. Lois Garwood for the first decade and her team always decorated the country club interior.)

 A three-way tie in President's flight was shared by Bob Hill Jr. of Wichita; Keith Cresap of Vinita and Ed Himes, Dewey. They shot 151 with round of 79, 75.

Other Miamians (and notables) in the event: John F. Robinson, 148; Dick Lillard 148; Bob Klein, Miami City champion and six-time Southern Hills champ 151; Bill Stewart of Springfield (Payne Stewart's father);  Chi Galloway, Joplin 159; Dr. Bill Neal, 160; Tom Forbes 163; G.r. White 163; Joe Whipple, Springfield 163; Bob Temple 166, Rex Painter 176; George Wojcik 171; George Myers 167; Al White 167, Delmer Barnes 168; Dick Lowry, Vinita 170; John Elmburg 173; Ed Dudgeon 174; Bill Harsch 177; Bill Hirsch 177, Woodrow Painter 178, Dick Wadleigh 183; George Parker 177; Dr. Harry Ford 179; Bob Wickham 180; Charles Post, Nacogdoches, Texas 182; Bob Garwood 182; George Windham 183; Ray Enyart 183; David Robinson 185; Bill Wilson 190; Lloyd Cowgill 193; V.W. Lillard 193;Brad Smallwood 181; Pat Campbell 182; Bill Oliver 197; Dan Mailath 199; Henry Garwood 199; Jerry Blevins 199; Gorge Romick 109; Dr. Ray McKinney 202; Georg Mayer 205; Jim Rutter 213; Mel Landers 213

 1967 October 6  "Ladies Club Championship"

Holding trophies they won in the Miami Ladies Golf association championship tournament are, front row from left: Evelyn Hatfield, second in championship, Susie Barnes, second in A flight, Helen Jo Painter, second in C flight. Back row, Martha Campbell, medalist and champion, Beverly Jackson, first in A flight, Hattie Wall, B flight winner, Marjorie Smith, first in C flight and Wanda Doan, second in C flight.

Other winners were: driving--Ruth Heyburn, championship, Beverly Jackson, A, Marylyn Adams, B, Betty Ketcher, C-1 and Aileen Bradshaw C-2. Pitch and putt--Pat Horner, championship, Beverly Jackson, A, Lois Cowles, B, Nancy Johnson C-1 and Rose Pratt, c-2.

1967 October 22  "Ladies Golf Notes"

The annual turkey shoot will be the main feature of Wednesday's competition, with play from the white tees for low net. Participants will make their own pairings and must tee off by 10:00 am. 

SAVE THE DATE:  July 26, 27, 2024 in Miami, Oklahoma at the Dobson Museum, Peoria Community Center, and Peoria Ridge Golf Course for the Reunion of the Miami Golf and Country club members and friends. It will have been 40 years since the old country club burned to the ground (July 16, 1984) and I will have finished the research and publishing of the history from 1916-1984.

 **Authors observation: I am beginning to see verbiage that reflects our interest in space, such as, launch an event.

1958--70 Ball Spotters

 

Esty shops sell these.

Starting in late 1950's, several junior golfers were asked to be "ball spotters" for various tournaments from spring until fall. "Ball spotters," teens with good eyes and agility were needed to work the creek and trees on holes #2 and #3. Occasionally, a "ball spotter" might be stationed on the dogleg on hole #9 or along with creek between holes #4 and #5.   

In my memory, I thought working outside in all kinds of weather was the best job ever.  

Sandy Stephenson and I became ball spotters for the men's tournaments in the late 1950's. When Sandy's family moved in the early '60's my new partner became C.Ann Richards. Our job was to sit in the shaded corner of the creek that ran through hole # 2 and watch where golf balls landed, then jump, run and put a towel down where the ball landed, if we could find it. When we couldn't find the ball, we assisted in the search as if our lives depended on it. If the ball landed in the water or rocks we did our best to retrieve the ball.

The creek zig-zagged through a wooded area creating hazards for players on holes #2 and #3.  Hole #2 was a wicked dogleg right that crossed the creek in the fairway, so that men and women alike needed to fly over the water to the landing zone that opened up for the dogleg. Like all nine hole courses MGCC had two tee boxes one red and one white to define each nine holes. One tee box held two sets of tee markers, one for the women in the forward position and one for the men toward the back of the tee box. (By the mid-sixties a woman's forward red tee box was built on the left side of the hole before the creek.)  

When the men played the white forward tees they tried to cut the dogleg, and most of them failed. Our job was to find the balls and put a marker down. The fence on the left side of the hole stood as an out-of-bounds maker, so doom often marked a player who could not hit a long straight ball. The red tees (placed back as far as possible from the creek) paid off as well, because some men couldn't hit the ball across the creek, and balls that didn't fly straight either went out of bounds on the left or into the creek or trees on the right.

Our eyes were young and bodies agile. As errant golf balls bounced off rocks, struck trees and bounced sideways, we ran though the wooded area, spotted balls in tall grass, under limbs and leaves, in the rocks surrounding the creek and in the water.  Snakes were never a concern. We wore "lake shoes" so the rocks in the creek did not hurt our feet. We showed no fear as we stuck our hands in the clear waters or between rocks because the men rewarded us with cash for our efforts. The men were not stingy with tips for finding their lost balls--any where from a quarter to fifty-cents, or better yet silver dollars. Sometimes they even handed over dollar bills and didn't ask for change. A few men  gave us money even when we couldn't find a ball, we could at least tell them where it crossed the creek.

My sister, Jonya and Suzy Wickham, were the next generation of "ball spotters" and Jonya recalls vividly the weather conditions under which we worked. In the spring we worked in the light rain, if lightning was not present. Those could be cold and windy days for us. The sweltering heat of July and August tournaments were sometimes exhausting. The most important tournament became the Invitational in September. That event  paid off financially. I think the men often felt sorry for us being out in the heat. 

 

We arrived with sack lunches and a thermos of Kool-aid (that often tasted like coffee) to hold us for the day. We could run over to hole #3 to drink out of the water fountain. Fresh water from the ground piped up through a round cement container filled with sand. It was quite tall for youngsters, who often had to pull a bench over to stand on, so we could reach the handle and turn on the water. From time to time someones' mother would walk down and check on us. 

We were reliable respectable young girls and boys, who learned more about life through our country club jobs than sitting home reading a book. 

 

The words read "Stolen from Johnie Stapp"

Range balls were often found in the creeks, as members did not want to lose a ball that might have cost $.75 -- $1.00.

*Now, as a more Senior golfer, I understand why "ball spotters" were so important. 

1950-1999 Ball, Golf Ball, Rubber Core Ball By Waters AdminMay 23, 2018

Object Name: Ball (B 181) , Golf Other Name: Ball, rubber—core Date: 1971 Description: This is a commemorative, Spalding golf ball in dimple pattern. It is painted white with blue, tan and black markings and features a person in a space suit hitting a golf ball. It was made to mark the first golf ball used in space. Maker: A.G. Spalding & Bros.,…

Golf Ball History--Archives This site contains some unique descriptions and pictures of a variety of old golf balls.

In the 1960's Titleist sold three different balls in the pro shop (red labeled, black labeled, and black with red numbers). It cost $1.25 each or a sleeve of three for $3.50. The Club Special was the cheapest ball at 50 cents. There was also Dunlap, Acushnet golf balls, and Hogan. The Spalding golf ball, Wilson Staff, and Top-Flight were very popular and usually sold at Miami Sales and other downtown stores.

**If you were a ball spotter and have a story to tell please post it under comments, or send it to me.   

Letty Stapp Watt, historian, The Golf Pro's Daughter

1963 STORIES AND TIMELINE of MGCC

 

 1963 March 10  "Lady Golfers Approaching New Season"

Mrs. Don Johnson hosted the annual lady golfers registration. Among the newcomers present were three who are looking forward to their first golf game: Mrs. Frank McAleer, Mrs. Bill Hirsch, and Mrs. Vern Schwertfeger. The novices' first game is scheduled for April 3. 

 1963 April 7 MNR  "Nowata Defeats Miami's Juniors in Golf Rounds"

*I did not remember that Claire Oliver coached Junior High boys golf during these years. 

Nowata scored a 17-3 victory over Miami in a junior high school golf match Saturday at the Nowata Country club. It was the first outside competition for each team, a new phase of athletic competition for the two schools.

Coach Claire Oliver's Miami juniors were without the services of their No. 1 player, John Robinson, a measles victim.  Mark Wojcik, playing the No 1 spot for Miami, carded an 86 for a 3-0 victory over David Lynn, 110.

Other junior high players were: Woody Painter, Larry LaCaff, Jim Thompson, Jay Reniker, Jim Painter, Richard Varley, and Bob Moody who was called into services when illness forced Robinson's absence. 

1963 April 7 "High School Golfers in Tourney Monday"

Sixteen schools will have teams here Monday for the sixth annual MHS golf tournament held at the Miami Country club. The largest representatives will be from OKC, with defending champion Harding, Capital Hill, Classen, Grant, and Northeast. Nearby, El Reno and Midwest City will attend. Other entries are from Parsons and Coffeyville, Kansas; Sand Springs, Muskogee, Edison, Central, McClain, and Hale from Tulsa, and Miami.  

Golf coach Bill Watkins of MHS will serve as general director of the meet, and is cooperating with Johnie Stapp, local golf pro and other members of the Miami Country club.  

Those who have volunteered to serve as walking scorers are asked to report at the club as follows:

8:30am--Mrs. John F. Robinson, Mrs. Elbert Munson, Mrs. Bud Gaines, Mrs. Loren Williams, Mrs. George Russell, Mrs. Tom Cordell, Mrs. Tom Barton, Mrs. Hance VanBeber, Mrs.  Don Curlee, Mrs. John Schofield and Delmer Barnes.

9:30--Mrs. Paul Wilson, Mrs. Olen Moore, Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Bill Hatfield, Mrs. George Wojcik, Mrs. John Stapp, Mrs. Robert Temple, Mrs. Stanley Ulmer and Glenn Scott.

1963 April 7 MNR "Ladies Golf"

Members of he Miami Ladies Golf association who are beginners were given the first a of series of lesson by Golf Pro Johnie Stapp last Wednesday. A business meeting followed the luncheon in the newly decorated dining room at the club house. Mrs. Claud Jones, president, introduced new members. There were 45 women present. 

Winners of the afternoon low gross competition were: Claire Oliver, championship; Millie Carte and Eva Williams, Class A; Helen Moore, B, and Sue Barnes, class C.  

1963 April 7 "Stag Night"

The Monthly Stag Night at the MCC will begin at 6:30 Tuesday and continue through the fall days. Please call the club for dinner reservations 2-8447. 

*Dad would make the pairings every week by teams. The men could call the golf shop to see who they were playing with or against. Most men confirmed with each other by phone as to when they could be off work to play.  

1963 April 9 "Tulsa Edison Captures Top Honors in Schoolboy Golf Tourney"

*Bill Kelter, a junior from Parsons, Ks. netted a hole-in-one on the par 3 200 yard No.3 hole during the Miami high school tournament. It was the first ace in the history of the six-year old golf meet. 

1963 April 26 "Country Club has Plush New Look"

The newly redecorated lounge at the Miami Country club. Photo by Orrick Sparlin.

Description of the construction & costs click on this link to read the full story of the redecorating and costs.
 

1963 May 3 "4-Ball Tourney Pairings Ready"

First round pairings for the four-ball men's match play tournament at MCC from Sunday until May 13 have been announced by Spencer Dawson, chairman. Handicaps will be used.

1963 May 5 MNR "Miami's Junior Golfers Defeats Nowata"

Miami junior high school golfers, coached by Mrs. Claire Oliver, defeated Nowata juniors 16-14 Saturday at the Miami Country club. The victory avenged a loss at Nowata last month. 

Mark Wojcik of Miami didn't let Saturday's gusty weather bother him. He was medalist with 43-41=84. Other Miami winners were: John Robinson, Jay Reniker, Jim Painter, Jackie Mann.

Splitting their matches were Woody Painter, and Richard Varley. Other players were Jim Thompson, George Parker, and John Riddling.

Front row: Gary West, David Kruitoff, Jim Williams; Back row: Pat Wilson, John Robinson, Phil Ulmer and Bill Oliver.

1963 MHS Wardog Boy's Golf Team: 

 

 

 

 1963 May 19 (Sunday) MDNR  A typical social page reads...Calendar:

 Miami Country club women's division will meet....

Maranatha's begin Tuesday at the First Baptist church....

Chapter EJ members will picnic at the home of Mrs. Bill Follis...

Bellettes will meet 7:30 Tuesday at 1811 C Northeast...

Miami Garden Club is sponsoring a workshop at the home of Mrs. L.P Hetherington, 415 Second Ave. Northwest.

Miami OES (Order of Eastern Star) will meet 8 pm Thursday...

Miami Child club will be hosted by Mrs. Wayland Kelly

Chapter AJ, PEO will meet for a dessert luncheon 1:30 Monday

Historical Society will meet at 2:30 o'clock today in the Dodson building.

Other society events include: 

"Circle Day" for First Methodist; Mrs. Bill Landers Hostess to UCW; Mrs. M.F. Owens is Sorosis Speaker; Amy Schmidt, 4 in "Butterfly" Company; 

Brides and Engagements: the former Judy Ann Eby married Johnie Lee Schoenhals; Miss Carline Owen of Bartlesville will marry Tyron Witzel...The future bride's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Earl Benton;  Miss Carolyn Sue turner will marry Seaman Jerry Neal Hawk. 

College announcements in the spring and fall often take up two columns: 'Miamian To Get Grinnell Degree' Mary B. Shouse, daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Corbin E. Shouse will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree at commencement June 7. 

1963 June 17 mnr "Hail Hits Area"

Rainfall that accompanied damaging winds, and hail in Ottawa country shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday put a sizeable dent in the worst spring drought here in years. Miami's rain gauge show 1.63 inches. Golf ball sized hail hit the golf course causing extensive damage to the greens. The course will be closed to golfers until repairs are completed. 

1963 June 20 mdnr 

1963 June 20 mdnr "Friday Rounds for Junior Golfers"

Letty Stapp is the new president of the Miami Junior Golf Association. She was elected at the last meeting, along with John Robinson, vice president, and Janie Berentz, secretary-treasurer.

Pairings for Friday's competition follow: Championship flight--Bobby Ballenger, Woody Painter, Susan Russell and Carol Coburn; Mark Wojcik, Bill Fullerton, Jim Thompson and Letty Stapp; John Robinson, Jim Hutchins, Chuck Smith and Jenee Kenreigh; Richard Varley, Paul Pipes and Janie Berentz; Doug Phillips, George Parker and Cathy Olson. (All players in the championship flight must tee off at 8:30 am or earlier. First players named must contact others in the group.)

A flight--Judy Berentz, David Brodrick, Carol Brown, and Jimmy Painter; Sally Meyer, Jackie Nunn, Geoff Schofield and Lee Dell Snyder.

B flight--Bobby Gains, Mark Cordell and Ray Coburn (Ruth Fullerton, scorer); George Haralson, Bill Housman, and Frank Jacobs (Wanda Jo Brown, scorer), John Reynolds, Pete Whitaker and Bobby Wilson (Mavis Ford, scorer); Jonya Stapp, Clara Searle, Cathy Gilmore and Nancy Cordell (Maxine Jeffries, scorer).

Five-hole play--Terry Ford, Gene Feronti Richard Goodwin, and Tommy Cordell (Margaret Coburn, scorer); John Luttrell, Carl Renner, and David Reynolds (Wilma Housman, scorer); Sandy Dale, Karen Jeffries, Carol Kenreigh and Sherri Turner (Elizabeth Hansford, scorer); June Reniker, Forestette Turner, Terry Whitaker and Tammy Romick (LaRue Gaines, scorer)

Two-hole play--Greg Dale, Kenny Gibson and Craig Feronti (Betty Kelly, scorer); Jeff Hansford and Williams Windham (Virginia Wilson, scorer); Rhonda Romick, Kim Feronti, Ann Cordell and Cassie Kelly (Tanya Reese, scorer); Linda Neel, Gala Painter and Nancy Reese (Mary Mann, scorer); Dana Painter, Tanya Reese, Ruth Wills (Virginia Dale, scorer). 

*PERSONAL NOTE: I have no recall of every electing or serving a a Jr. Golf officer, however, I am sure my mother remembered and I added it to my list of accomplishment for college entry. I do recall how busy our mother's were during those years. Often after a round of golf our mothers stayed and went swimming, too. 

**Personal Story:  During the summer of 1963 Billy Fullerton and I played many rounds of golf together.  Since I worked until 2:00 my golf was in the afternoons or evenings when it was the hottest imaginable weather. The movie The Birds by Hitchcock came out in the summer of 1963 and scared many of us across the United States. Billy and I were two of the victims of the birds that summer. 

On hole No. 8 a par 3 going North, there was a tiny creek or drainage area in front of the tee box. Bushes were growing up from the creek water and made it difficult for us to tee off and get the ball up in the air soon enough to miss the trees. One day, one of us lost a ball in the creek or in the bushes. With our golf clubs on our shoulder we took out a club and began to swish through the grass and under the bushes looking for 25-50 cent golf ball. Suddenly, the Red-Winged Blackbirds that had a nest with chicks in the bushes began to attack us. They dive bombed us and one grabbed at my bushy hair. I screamed. Dropping my clubs, I began running toward the clubhouse. Billy came chasing after me. Imagine my father and the adults nearby the clubhouse when two teenagers came running and screaming across the golf course "The Birds"  "The Birds" ...

After receiving our explanation that birds attack people when people get close to a nest with chicks in it, we were humbled and embarrassed. Eventually, dad took us out in a golf cart to pick up our golf clubs and return us to the cool basement of the clubhouse. 

Billy was sent to a private school that summer and I never  played golf with him again.  The next year my good friend and explorer, who did her best to get us grounded, Vicki Newell, was also sent away to private school and I never again played in the pool or parks with her.  The next year C.Ann Richards turned her energies to singing and going to music camps. For me, these were some vivid years.
 

Family fun beside the pool. Jonya, Dad, Letty, Yvonne Temple.

  1963 June 25  MNR "Jackson Medalist in City Golf Meet"

Dr. W.D. Jackson, with a one-over par 73, was medalist as a record field of 91 qualified for the annual club golf tournament for men at the Miami Country Club. Jess Fronterhouse, Picher school Superintendent and 1961 city champion, was next to Jackson with 75. Defending champion Jack Myers did not qualify. 

Matches are to be played at the rate of one per week until champions of the six flights are determined. First round pairings and qualifying scores in the flights follow:

Championship:

Dr. W.D. Jackson 73 vs Ray Coburn, 80: G.R. White, 78 vs Harry Gilmore, 81; Bill Neel, 77, vs Joe Thompson 90: George Windham, 79 bye; Jess Fronterhouse, 75, vs Woodrow Painter 80: Ken Richards, 78 vs Bob Hill, Jr., John F. Robinson, 77 vs Charles Trussler, 81; Bill Ziego, 80, bye.

President's Flight:

 Bob Nunn vs Bill Hatfield; Harry Kenreigh vs Corbin Shouse; Bob Temple vs George Wojick; Al White vs John LaFaller; Buck Bagby vs Tom Barton; Brady Pipes vs Don cherry; Marion Zajic vs Bob Hill Sr; Rex Painter vs. Jack Schofield. 

A Flight:

Bernie Schaff vs John Burford; Loren Williams vs Eldon Smith; Dr. Harry Ford vs Pat Campbell; Ted Vernon vs Dave Wasson; Bill Hirsch vs Bob Goodwin; Dr. Richard Varley vs Kermit Lewis; Harry Whitaker vs Wayland Kelly; Bill Essary, bye.

B Flight:

Don Johnson vs Al Williams; Ronnie Sparkman vs K.C. Jeffries, Frank Hansford vs Art Goettel; Oris Goodwin vs John McLaughlin; George Myers vs W.F. Patterson; Charles Hirsch vs Jack Brown; Dick Neel vs Lee Bearskin; Hank Garwood vs Bob Longacre. 

C Flight:

 John Haralson vs Harold (Delmar) Barnes; V.J. Orcutt Jr. vs Lloyd Cowgill; Dick Wadleigh vs Jim Smallwood; Tony Booth vs Bud Gaines; Bill Oliver vs Dr. Raymond McKinney; Harry Dean vs Kenny Scott; Ed Dudgeon vs E. Scott Myers; Bill Carter vs Norman Gaither.

D Flight

Otto Doty vs Jack Horner; Claude Dale vs Elvin Ridley; Spencer Dawson vs O.A. Rockwell; Alex Hecksher, bye; Roy Enjart vs Gene Feronti; Howard Essary vs George Mayer; Dail West vs Homer Kemper, Tom Wilson, bye.

"Four-ball Finalists"

Championship finals in the men's annual four-ball golf tournament will be played Sunday afternoon with Schofield and Dr. Raymond McKinney vs Spencer Dawson and Dr. W.D. Jackson.

**PERSONAL NOTE: When the Feronti family moved to town I learned about signatures for charges on the club.  I could read the children's names when they signed for their drinks or candy in the golf shop, but Mr. Feronti's name was never, never legible.  Mother, in her wise words, explained that often times men of his status and position did not have to have a signature that a person could read. Me, being a future teacher, had been writing his name correctly above or below his signature so that my mother would know who signed. I honestly wrote names of many of the men who signed for beverages in the golf shop.    

**Personal note from Becky Graham Edwards: My father, DR. Rex Graham, one night went out and cut down the limbs off a tree on the golf course that had been giving him fits.

1963 June 28 "Junior Girls Golf Tourney Here Today"

Some 70 girls from Oklahoma and Missouri were competing today in the fourth annual Miami Junior Girls golf meet-the Mabel Hotz tournament--at the Miami Country Club   Competition is in six flights. Donna Fox of Tipton, Missouri, defending champion, is playing in an 18-hole threesome with Susan Basolo of Muskogee, and Suzy Friels of Tulsa. Each is regarded as a top contender for the 1963 title.

HOLE-IN-ONE! 

Susan White, 17, of Tulsa's Rolling Hills club, scored a hole-in-one this morning on the 125 yard No.3 hole. It was the first ace in the history of Junior Girls tournament.

1963 June 30 mnr "Basolo Takes Honors"

Susan Basolo, 15 year old Muskogee girl who has been making an impressive record in women's golf competition this year, captured the championship of the 4th annual Miami "Mabel Hotz Invitational Tourney". Her score of 43, 39 matched the 82 posted by last year's winner.  2nd place went to Suzy Friels of Tulsa Oaks with an 87. Other Championship scores: Letty Stapp 42-48--90; Susanne Willis, 96; Ann Durand, 97.

Other Miami players:A flight-- Janie Berentz, 2nd; Cathy Olson,Janee Kenreigh; B flight--Susan Russell, Kae Nunn; C flight--Carol Brown, Sally Meyer; D flight--Jonya Stapp, Kathy Gilmore; Pee-Wee flight--Carol Searle 1st, Forrestette Turner, Tammy Romick, Karen Jeffries.

Susan Basolo: HerStory   Several years ago I found reason to write a full story about this remarkable young woman who beat me in every tournament we played in from the 1960's to qualifying for USGA Mid-Am in 1988.

1963 July 14 MNR "2nd Ace for Ken Richards"

Ken Richards' friendly old No. 4 wood did it again. A member of the Northeastern A&M faculty and choir director at the First Presbyterian church, used No 4 for a Saturday afternoon hole-in-one at the Miami Country club. 

The ace was made on No.8, a 200 yard par 3 hole. The ball hit short of the green and rolled straight to the cup. Richards used the same club for a 1955 hole-in-one, his first ace, on the 150-yard No.3 hole at the local club.   

1963 July 5 MNR  (Front Page News) "Jim Taylor Hurt in Fireworks Accident"

 Jim Taylor, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Gob Taylor, 14 B st Southwest, was seriously injured Thursday night while supervising a fireworks display at Marlow. An aerial bomb reportedly struck him in the face as it left the launching unit. He was taken to a Marlow hospital and was in surgery for two hours. 

Jim, former star athlete at Miami high school has assisted his father in past years in July 4 fireworks shows at the Miami Country club and Fairgrounds. He father, who was in charge of the displays here last night, was notified of the accident about 11pm. He and Mrs. Taylor left for Marlow in the southwest part of the state early this morning.  

BERENTZ AND PAINTER JR. GOLF WINNERS

1963 July 21 MNR "Janie Berentz, Woody Painter, Jr., Take Top Honors in Junior Golf"

Members of the Miami Junior Golf Assoc toured the course during Friday red hot weather for the annual handicap tournament. The winners:Championship flight--Girls: Janie Berentz, first; Jenee Kenreigh, second. Boys--Woody Painter Jr., firstr; John Robinson, Jr., second.

A flight--Girls: Kae Nunn, first; Lee Dell Snyder, second. Boys--Jay Reniker, first Jimmy Painter, second.

B flight--Girls: Jonya Stapp, first; Clara Searle, second.  Boys--Tim Schofield, first and Bobby Gaines, second.

5-hole flight--Girls: Carol Searle, first, and Forrestette Turner, second. Boys--David Reynolds, first and Richard Goodwin, second.

Richard Goodwin's 2nd place trophy. 

 

Pee-Wee, 2-hole--Girls: Tanya Reese, first and Rebeca Mirjanich, second. Boys--William Windham, first and Kenny Gibson, second.

Results by flights:

Championship: Wood Painter won playoff with John Robinson; Bill Fullerton, Richard Varley, Paul Pipes, Chuck Smith, Mark Wojcik, Doug Phillips, Jim Hutchins, George Parker.

A flight (9-holes) Jay Reniker, Jimmy Painter, Geoff Schofield, Frank Jacobs, David Brodrick, Jackie Mann.  Girls--Kae Nunn, Lee Dell Snyder, Nancy Cordell, Judy Berentz, Sally Meyer, Carol Brown.

B flight (9 holes) Tim Schofield, Bobby Gaines, Gary Neel, Bobby Wilson, Ray Coburn, Mark Cordell, Georg Haralson, Pete Whitaker, Scotty Jackson, Wes Munson, Bill Houseman.  Girls: Jonya Stapp, Clara Searle, Cathy Munson.

Five holes: Boys--David Reynolds, Richard Goodwin, Terry Ford, Gene Feronti, Karl Renner.  Girls--Carol Searle, Forrestette Turner, Tammy Romick, Linda Neel, Terri Whitaker, Sherri Turner, Carol Kenreigh. 

Two-holes: William Windham, Kenny Gibson, Greg Dale, Tommy Jackson, Pete Smith, Craig Feronti.  Girls--Tanya Reese, Rebecca Mirjanich, Nancy Reese, Rhonda Romick, Ann Cordell, Ruth Wills, Kim Feronti. 

1963 July 28 MNR "Fischer Captures Junior Boys Golf Invitational"

Forrest Fischer of Tulsa's Edison high school shot a one-over-par 73 for the top honors in medal play. Fischer, who will enroll at OSU in September shot a 35-38.Sponsored and efficiently conducted by the Miami Ladies Golf association, the one-day tournament had a record of 138 entries, including 28 in championship flight.  

Other Miami players: President's flight--Paul Pipes, Jim Hutchins; 2nd place A flight Bill Fullerton, John Robinson, Woody Painter, Mark Wojcik, George Parker; B flight--Richard Varley, Jim Thompson, Bob Ballenger, Doug Phillips, Frank Jacobs, Jimmy Painter; C flight--2nd David Broderick, Scotty Jackson, Jack Mann, Ray Coburn, Fred Ripley, Bobby Gaines, Bobby Wilson, Mark Cordell, Tim Schofield, Billy Houseman, George Haralson, David  Reynolds.   

1963 August 12 MNR "Unusual Golf Event Is Set Here Tuesday"

Teams captained by Harry Whitaker and Bill Hirsch will complete in a novelty golf tournament Tuesday afternoon at the Miami Country Club. The losing team will be host to the winners at dinner Tuesday evening.

On the Whitaker squad are John Stapp, Dr. W.D. Jackson, Bill Neel, G.R White, Bob Temple, Ted Vernon, Hoot Gibson, Loren Williams, Wayland Kelly, George Parker, Harry Kenreigh, Bill Ziego, Dick Neel, Spencer Dawson, Al Williams, Harold Barnes, Hank Garwood, Bill Oliver, Bill Jergens, and John Haralson.

Hirsch's team includes Jim Hatfield, Bob Hill, Jr. Ken Richards, Al White, Bob Hill, Sr., Ray Coburn, Dr. Harry Ford, Kermit Lewis, Bill Hatfield, George Wojcik, G.P. Campbell, Dr. Richard Varley, Frank Hansford, Dr. Raymond McKinney, Lloyd Cowgill, Bill Carter, Jack Horner, C.M. Phillips, Elvin Riding, and Marion Zajic.

Scores for nine holes will be compared to determine the dinner host. Following the dinner, a drawing for the men's fall tournament will be conducted and a film, "Race to Live" will be shown, courtesy of Standard Auto Parts. Men not playing in the golf event will be expected to make reservations for the Stag Night dinner.   

1963 September 3 MNR  ""Winners at Miami Country club Announced"

Winner in Mixed-Twilight league for the past six weeks have been announced as follows: Men--Bill Carter, first with 10 points; Harry Whitaker, Al White and Frank LaCaff (tie) for second with 9 1/2 points.

Women--Louise Curlee, first with 11 points; Helen Moore, 10 1/2 points, Stormy Lewis, 10 points. 

1963 September 5, MNR  "Faye Berentz is Tourney Champ"

Trophies were presented Wednesday to winners of the annual Virginia Campbell memorial tournament for members of the Miami Ladies Golf (*note: Virginia was the wife of G.P. Pat Campbell. She was an avid golfer and bridge player. She was one of the first ladies to die of cancer and have the local club memorialize her. It has been a positive tradition in many clubs since the 1960's.) The trophies were furnished by Pat Campbell.

Front row: Melba Cordell, Louise Curlee, Lavern Munson, first, second and third in A flight--Jean Phillips, second, and Mavis Ford, third in C flight (winner Mary Ann Hecksher was absent). Top row--Faye Berentz, tournament champion, Yvonne Temple, runner-up; Sue Barnes, first and Helen Stapp, second in B flight.

 

1963 September 8, MNR "Miami, Missouri Golfers in Tie for Tournament Lead"

Miami businessman John F. Robinson and Bill Stewart, former Missouri state amateur champion from Springfield shared medalist honors Saturday as a record field of 119 posted qualifying scores in the eight annual invitational golf tournament at the Miami Country club. Each shot even par rounds of 72.

1963 September 9, MNR "Joplin Golfer Champ Here"

Robert Smith of Joplin, a telephone installer for SW Bell, won the championship of the eighth annual Miami CC Invitational. Smith's three-under-par 69 Sunday was the best 18-hole round of the tournament. With a 76 score in Saturday's qualifying rounds, his two-day total was 145.

Invitational Champion Robert Smith shakes hands with runner-up Jim Hatfield with John F. Robinson in the middle taking 3rd place in the Invitational Tournament.

1963   Match Between Men and Women

The LPGA first gained national television coverage during the 1963 U.S. Women’s Open Championship final round, won by 23 year-old Mary Mills. That same championship retired tennis pro, Althea Gibson, age 35, became the first African American to play in a U.S. Women's Open.

1963 Golf Shop Employees:

Ed and Cora Westfahl, Bobby Ballenger, and Letty Stapp (June, July, August 7am--2:00 unless at a golf tournament.)We also had full time afternoon help, but I could not find a record of who worked those shifts

I have found of record of some of the sales from the golf shop. In 1963 the shop sold on average 43 cartoons of cigarettes a month. A single cartoon from Botts Wholesale costs $2.70  Beer and liquor, now legal in Oklahoma, was purchased from Brown/Stansell which later became Wilson/Stansell.

**The resources I use call the Miami News-Record the Miami Daily News. Since the newspaper title reads Miami New-Record, I will use MNR in the future for my source.