1969 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MGCC

1969 January 3  "Vacancy on Club Board is Filled"

Bill Hirsch was elected to fill out the unexpired term of Ray Enyart, who resigned because of conflicting duties. Officers are: George Wojcik, president; John C. Elmburg, vice president; Charles Heywood, secretary-treasurer

Wendell Gentry, former chef at the local club, resumed these duties Wednesday. He succeeds Paul Eaton, who resigned to open a cafe at the former Smokehouse location on North Main. Gentry, who was in business in Arkansas after leaving Miami, was head chef at the Tulsa Country clubs for the past two years. 

1969.2.6 "Golf Events Listed for Miami Country Club"

The 1969 golf calendar for the Miami Country club has been announced by Lou Mirjanich, tournament chairman and George Wojcik, club president.

The first round of the four-ball tournament is set for April 27. Lloyd Cowgill is chairman. Pro-am competition has been set for April 28 and will be limited to the first 50 who sign up. April 29 will be the first day of play for the Twilight League wit further rounds each Tuesday for 15 weeks. Gerald Ketcher is chairman. May 17 is the date for Miami to host the Tri-club competition. Dr. W. D. Jackson is chairman.

Parent-child competition is set for June 15, with George and Noma Newman as co-chairs. The Fall Festival will be on August 16-17 with Lou Mirjanich, Georg Romick, and John Garrett as co-chairmen. The giant club invitational will be held Sept. 5,6.7 with Bill Hirsch chairman. Club championship rounds will be held Sept. 14 to Oct. 5 under the direction of Harold Barnes, chairman. Sue Barnes is the handicap chairman. The above schedule does not include Junior Golf events.

1969 March 7 "Ladies Golf"

 Mrs. Jim Rutter, president, announced the April 2 at 9:30 a.m. will be the first four golf lessons by Johnie Stapp, club pro. Hostesses were Mrs. Robert Temple, and Mrs. Kelso Berentz. The table laid with a green net cloth, was centered with an arrangement of yellow mums.

1969 March 18 Retired Gentleman needed to work in golf shop at Miami Country club, see Mr. Stapp. 

1969 March 19 "MHS Golfers Trim Memorial"

Miami high school's golf team, coached by Jack Leake, blanked Joplin Memorial golfers 13 to 0, Tuesday afternoon at the Miami Country club as the War Dogs opened their schedule.

Charles Grayson of Miami was the medalist of the competition here Tuesday. He had a card of 37-36-72, one over men's par, to give MHS four points--one as medalist and three for his 3-0 victory over Tom Fahrig. The other members of the Miami quartet also gained 3-0 victories with these scores: Mark Cordell, 41-39-80 over Dave Woolridge; Randy James, 42-42-84 over Robby Clay; Scotty Jackson 39-47-86 over Kent Blanchard.

1969 March 30  "15 Teams Enter MHS Golf Meet"

Thirteen high schools from three states will have four-man teams here March 31 for the 11th annual Miami High school Invitational golf tournament. Jack Leake, MHS golf coach said the lineup of team contenders consists of Baxter Springs, Parsons, Independence, and Coffeyville, Kan., Memorial and Parkwood of Joplin, Edison and Rogers of Tulsa, Muskogee, Pryor, Tahlequah, Nowata, Sequoyah, Oklahoma City Marshall, and Miami. 

Last year Tulsa Hale won the four-ball trophy. The two-ball trophy went to Tulsa Hale. Fred Morgan of Rogers and Richard Maril of O.C. Harding shared the medalist honors. (Rich Maril later became the PGA pro at Ponca City Country Club.)

Three members of Miami's 1968 foursome are back. They are Charles Grayson, Mark Cordell and Randy James. Senior Jack Mann was the other member of the 1968 quartet. Others available for the Miami High team includes: Scotty Jackson, Gary Neel, and Jonya Stapp, the first girl in MHS history to be a members of the Miami team. She was the winner of her matches in MHS competition with Parkwood and Memorial teams of Joplin, 

1969 March 30  "Miami Golfers Trim Memorial"

Miami high school golfers warmed up for the invitational tournament by defeating Joplin Memorial, 17-2, Friday afternoon on the local course. All six members of Coach Jack Leake's War Dog team won their matches. 

Mark Cordell won medalist honors with an 18-hole total of 78 for a 3-0 victory of Leo Quigg. Miami gained an extra point for have the medalist. The other results: Charles Grayson 86 defeated Dave Woolridge 3-0; Randy James, 84 beat Robbie Clay 3-0; Scotty Jackson 100, defeated Tom Hutchinson 2-1; Gary Neel 108 beat Larry Stewart 3-0; Jonya Stapp 109 defeated Chris DeWelt 2-1. 

1969 April "Cordell Takes Top Honors in Six Lakes Golf"

Mark Cordell of MHS was the top individual of the Six Lakes Conference golf tournaments at the Sand Springs Country club. Cordell shot a 270hole total of 37, 38, 37=112. Other War Dog scores: Charles Grayson, 125; Randy James, 127; Scotty Jackson, 134. 

1969 April 6 "Ladies' Golf Notes"

Winners in Ladies Golf flag tournament were: Evelyn Hatfield, championship; LaRue Gaines, Class A; Noma Newman, Class B; Louise Whitney, Class C. Next Wednesday's play will be from the red tees. Pairings follow:

No.1 tee--9:00 Faye Berentz, Lib Lillard, Beverly Jackson; 9:07 Yvonne Temple, Evelyn Hatfield, Ruth Heyburn; 9:14 Erin Wojcik, and Hattie Wall; 9:21 Noma Newman, Marylyn Adams, Peg Murphy; 9.28 Pauline Adkinson, Louise Whitney, Wanda Doan; 9:35 Gladyce Hirsch, Helen Stapp, Sarah Mirjanich; 9:42 Gladys Wetzel, JoAnn Burgess, Vera Elmburg, Mary Lou Wickham; 9:48 Grace Painter, Dorothy Gibson, Loraine Chumley; 9:55 Norma Nunn, Sue Enyart.

No. 6 tee-9:00 Barbara Shouse, Virginia Sapp, LaRue Gains; 9:07 Helen Jones, Joyce Rutter, Sue Barnes; 9:14 LaVon Young, Mary VanBeber, Helen Moore; 9:21 Lottie Mae Russell, Liz Hansford, Maxine Jeffries, Lois Garwood; 9:28 Mary Robinson, Mavis Ford, Rose Pratt; 9:35 Virginia Romick, Dolly Humes, Jean Phillips; 9:42 Wanda Jo Brown, Clara Barton, Nancy Johnson; 9:48 Pat Parker, Delores Renegar and Grace Burns.

1969 April 30 "James and Cordell Qualify for State Golf Tournament"

Okmulgee, Miami, Pryor and Nowata had the leading teams in the regional golf tourney Tuesday at Nowata in preparation for the state high school tournament next Tuesday in Stillwater. Okmulgee won the four-ball title with a total of 603. Pryor was second with 621. Next were Miami and Nowata, 624 each, followed by Pawhuska, Tahlequah, Jenks, Tulsa Webster, Sequoyah of Tahlequah. 

Miami's two-ball qualification for the state came on scores of 72-74-146 by Randy James and Mark Cordell for a total of 294. James won the third place medalist honor on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff. 

Scores of other three members: Charles Grayson, 155; Scotty Jackson 175; Gary Neel 189. 

1969 May 6 "Southern Hill Pro and Miami Man Win Here"

A team composed of Ken Tipton, assistant pro at Tulsa's Southern Hills, and amateur Paul Funk of the Grand Lake area, a member of the Miami Country club won first in the pro-am golf competition Monday at the Miami club with a net score of 63.

Participating in the annual event were 20 pros and 49 amateurs. Most of the pros were Oklahoman s, who are members of the Eastern chapter of the South Central Section of the PGA. Three teams tied for second with 64: Johnie F. Stapp and George Myers of Miami; Ken Carter pro at Hillcrest, Bartlesville and Joe Whipple a member of the Miami club; Jim Shelton, pro from McAlester, and Scott Myers of Miami.

The low individual pro score of 71 was shared by Stapp of Miami and Carter of Hillcrest. It was the second straight year for them to tie for low gross score with a 71. 

1969 May 14  "Lead Same in Twilight Golf"

The golf team captained by Dr. W.D. Jackson again was the leader in Tuesday competition at the Miami Country club with a net of 150. The team leads the league standings with 23 points. Other members of the top foursome are Bob Temple, Bill Oliver, and George Wojcik. Tuesday's leaders in low putts were George Romick, Harry Kenreigh, Frank Hansford, and Jerry Ketcher.

Individual leaders were: low net--David Robinson, George Myers and Ketcher, 34; low putts--Ketcher, 12 and low gross--Jackson, 36. Team leaders with designation by their captains were: M. Wojcik beat D. Mailath; K. Berentz beat D. West; G. Parker beat J. Doan; Jackson beat W. Raymond; A. Nikkel beat Al White; K. Jeffries beat D. Page; D. Neel beat E. Dudgeon.

Dana Painter Meyer shared these memories: My best and most vivid memory of my youth entered at MGC&C. I started playing golf at a very young age. I remember your dad, Johnie Stapp, made a very small set of clubs for me with wooden shafts. I can remember being in the baby end of the old pool splashing around. Dad was often on the course, but I remember him popping over and clinging to the chain link fence as he would transition from the front to the back nine ( red tees to the white tees).

Soon, I was big enough to run from my house just a few blocks away to the club, where I would spend all day with my friends including Brenda Brown and Linda Wickham. It would be golf, swim, and more golf. During the day, there would be many stops at the pro shop where your Dad was always there to get our snacks. Dr. Pepper was one of our favorites and he would ALWAYS call it prune juice. After a full day of swimming, we would play more golf or hit the putting green. We learned early not to go on the green with bare feet, as your Dad would tell us our toes would curl!  Many night were spent with Linda Wickham sitting at the bottom of the stairs to the bar waiting on our parents to walk down the steps and pick us up.  I am sure this would be considered terrible now, but it was never that long and--as all young girls do--we had plenty to chat about. 

 My mother always volunteered for the Junior Golf program. I remember making seemingly endless bagged lunches for the tournaments. Early on I would help her (at least I thought I was helping) for the boys tournaments. Later I would spot ball in the creeks or score for the events. All I now is that during that time my interests went from the cookies in the lunch bags to the cut guy golfers. 

I played in the girls tournaments. I don't remember how good I was, but I do remember my older sister, Gail, was much better. We did go to state a couple of times. I remember marveling at the course elevations-and drops in elevation--on the courses compared to our beloved nine hold course.  

1969 May 29  "Pairing Announced for Holiday Event"

Memorial Day Scotch foursomes are scheduled Friday at the Miami Country club beginning at 4:30 p.m. The charge is $1 per couple, with $2.15 for the buffet from 6:30--8:30 p.m.

Pairings: No. 1 tee--George Parker-LaRue Gaines and Bill Hatfield-Millie Carter; Charles Longenbaugh-Clara Barton and Tom Barton-Barbara Shouse.  No. 2--Don Young-Rose Pratt and Jack Doan-Claire Oliver; Don Grayson-Vera Elmburg and Jack Renegar-Stormy Lewis.  No. 3--Al White-Yvonne Temple and Jim Smallwood-Erin Wojcik. George Murphy- Mary Robinson.  No. 4--Olin Moore-Dena Anders and Hank Garwood-Marji Grayson and George Romick-Hattie Wall and Bob Temple-Lib Lillard and Dick Lillard-Grace Painter.  No. 5--John Elmburg-Marian Richards and Ray Lomax-Grace Burns. Bill Wilson-Pat Parker and Jack Burns-Hattie White. No.6--Bill Dunbar-Sarah Holmes and Chuck Chumbley-Gerry Dunbar and Bill Carteer-Evelyn Hatfield and Ken Richards-Lorraine Chumbley. Woodrow Painer-Laura Cowgill and Lloyd Cowgill-Helen Jo Painter. No.7--Tom Holmes-JoAnn Smallwood and Lou Mirjanich-Pam Lomax. H.D. Robinson-Lois Garwood and Bud Gaines-Wanda Doan.  No. 8--Bill Oliver-Helen Moore and Bernie Schaff-Cora Wilson and Corbin Shouse-Delores Renegar.  No. 9 Kermit Lewis-Virginia Romick and Bert Wall-Sara Mirjanich. Cy Elmburg-Karen Harsch and Bill Harsch-Linda Elmburg. 

 

 Randy James: I played at NEO in 1969--70.  Maybe with Jack Mann and a kid named Adkinson. The best part was, Mr. Hudspeth, the Dean of Men gave me permission to live off campus with a friend, who played football for NEO. I was given free books and tuition and played golf for the team.  Funny things you remember and don't.

1969 June 17 "The Big-I Boys Invitational" 

 1969 June 19  "Guest from Nowata Shoots Hole-in-One"

The vivid report below about one of the highlight's of Ladies Guest Day at the Miami Country club was written by one of the participants:

"When Joan Whitford of Nowata left home Wednesday morning, she didn't dream of what excitement the day would bring. The morning was gloomy--cold, and with promise of rain, and the thought of driving to Miami for the Women's guest day at the country club was less than thrilling."

"Tee-off was 9:00 am and the galaxy of gals of all ages were there to do their bit in conquering the well-known hazards of Miami Golf and Country club. The third hole, a par-three is a real challenge-through the trees and over the creek. Using her trusty five-wood she hit a sharp crisp shot--hit the pin, and wonder of all wonders--dropped in for a hole-in-one. The golfer's eternal dream of Shangri La."

"With over 100 gals in attendance, not another person even came close to such a record, but with the sun finally shining in the blue heavens, all seemed to enjoy the respite from the dreary days of the past few weeks."

1969 June 22  "Junior Golf"

Championship--Tom Cordell, low gross and low putts. Class A--Melissa Landers, low gross and low putts. Class B--Kim King and Tony Montgomery, low gross and Charles Wilmoth, Jim Arndt, and Tony Montgomery, low putts.  Girls--Dana Painter, low gross, and Karen Walters, low putts. 

Four-holes--Sandy Jackson, K Parker, Mike Hylton. Two-holes--Mary Ober and John Dick. 

1969 June 25 "Twilight Golf"

The low net score of 152 in Tuesday's Twilight league golf competition at the Miami Country club was posted by the tram consisting of G. Parker, P. Campbell, A. Williams, and Dr. McKinney. The team with the lowest putts, 60, consists of M. Wojcik, D.Barnes, Dr. Ford, and J. Ginn. 

Individual leaders were Bill Oliver, low net 33; Dr. W.D. Jackson, low gross 37 and M. Wojcik, D. Page, F. Remis and J. Hester, low putts (13 each).  The league's leading team now with 54 1/2 points, consists of Dr. Jackson, B. Temple, G. Wojcik, and B. Oliver. 

Tuesday's team results, with teams designated by their captains, follow: M. Wojcik beat D. Neel; T. Rogers beat D. Page; A. Nikkel beat Dr. Neal; W. Raymond beat E.Dudgeon; K. Jeffries beat J. Doan; A. White beat D. West; Dr. Jackson beat D. Mailath; G. Parker bet J. Mann, Jr. 

1969 June 29 "Ponca City Girl Wins Miami Golf Tourney"

Teresa Weinshilboum, 17, of Ponca City has added the championship of the Miami Junior Girls Invitational tournament to her golf honors--including the state junior girls championship in 1966 and 1967. Miss Weinshilboum carded a 43-40=83 for top honors in the 10th annual Miami Invitational Friday at the Miami Country club. This was her second appearance in the Miami meet. She finished sixth here last year, one position ahead of Miami's Jonya Stapp. Two weeks later Jonya and Teresa met in the state championship in Tulsa with Miss Stapp dethroning the two-time state champion. Jonya finished in a fourth place Friday and will defend her state title in the junior tournament July 5-11 at the Tulsa Country club. 

Diane Lukken, 17 of Tulsa Oaks club, winner of the Miami Championship the past two years, finished second this time. Suzy Wickham of Miami, whose mother--Mrs. Mary Lou Wickham served as tournament chair for the sponsoring of the Miami Ladies Golf Association--carded 47-49=96 for sixth place. Other Miami girls in A flight: Tammy Romick, 113;Nine-holes flights--Ann Cordell, 68, Dana Painter, 78, Janey Adams, 83, Jeri Dunbar, 87, Barbara Prewitt 91;  B-flight: Linda Wickham won third place  with 70; Anny Heyburn, 76, Pam Landers 77; and Debbie Austin, 83.

Personal Note: Teresa Weinshilboum (Ponca City) died in 2005 in a tragic car wreck. I thought these lines from her obituary told a beautiful story about her life and contributions to women's golf. 

 With an inviting smile, Teresa Weinshilboum began every lesson with a witty catchphrase. One of her favorites was "Tee it up and let it fly." Golf and family were Teresa's passions. A classic, classy blend of player and instructor—and loving daughter and sister—she lived up to her on-course nickname: "T-Bird."

 While a lion on the links, Teresa was always warm, gentle, and kind. These qualities, and her knowledge of the science and art of the game, made her an expert and in-demand instructor. For over 25 years, a majority of them with John Jacobs' Golf Schools in Mesa, AZ, Teresa taught both casual and seasoned golfers  Obituary

1969 July 9  "Jonya Fires Fine 82 in State Meet"

 

Oklahoma City's, Barbara Russell won the medalist honors Tuesday in the annual Oklahoma Junior Girl's golf tournament with a two-over 79. Defending champion Jonya Stapp of Miami w s runner-up with an 82. She will play Karen Edwards of Bartlesville who shot a 90. 

1969 July 11  "Jonya Stapp of Miami in State Semi-finals"

Jonya Stapp of Miami sank a 30-foot putt on the 21st hole this morning to defeat Louise Stekoll of Okmulgee and advance to the finals of the state Junior Girls Championship. 

1969 July 11  "Local Girls in Tourney"

Eight girls from Miami competed in the state Junior Golf Tournament at the Tulsa Country club this week. Defending champion, Jonya Stapp, lost to Bartlesville's Karen Edwards.
Miamian Ann Cordell won first in the nine hole B flight and Melissa Landers placed second in the nine hole A flight Gail Painter and Dana Painter also played in the nine-hole A flight competition.
Pam Landers won first in the PeeWee A flight defeating her sister, Jennifer. Suzy Wickham competed in the 18-hole A flight. 

1969 July 13 "Basolo of Muskogee Nips Oulds for Golf Title Here" 

In a sudden death playoff, John Basolo of Muskogee took championship honors Friday in the ninth annual Junior Boys Invitational Golf tournament at the Miami Country club. Basolo tied with Scott Oulds of Ponca City with a 74 before the playoff. 

Sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf Association, the tournament attracted 77 golfers from Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Other top finishers were David Jones of Columbus, Kansas, Dana DeWitt and Mike Magill of Tulsa, and Charles Grayson and Mark Cordell of Miami. 

Other Miami boys playing: President's flight--Tom Cordell; A flight--Kenny Gibson; B flight--John Mirjanich won Low Putts, Wayne Anderson, Randy Arndt, Charles Wilmoth, Mike Hylton, Jackie Brown, Tony Montgomery and John Prewitt; C flight--Roy Ober, Dan Heyburn won Low Putts,  Kevin Wadleigh, Jim Hall.

1969 July 20 "Junior Golf"

Junior golf winners Friday at the Miami Country club were: Championship--Scotty Jackson, low gross; tom Cordell, low putts; Class A--Rebecca Mirjanich, low gross and low putts, Janey Adams, low gross, Janey and Jeri Dunbar, low putts; Four-hole--Carol McKinney and John Prewitt; Two-hole--Kathleen McKinney and Jay Jackson.

 1969 July 27  "Junior Golf Results"

 Seventy-nine boys and girls took part in the summer program, with 40 trophies being awarded following a buffet luncheon. Jonya Stapp, competing for the last time in junior programs, won her tournament championship trophy by carding a 38 even par for women on the first nine-holes and 41 on the second nine for a total score of 79.

Bill Giffhorn, who will be eligible age to compete in the junior program again next season, carded a 41-47=89 to take the boys division championship. Seventy-nine boys and girls took part in the summer program, sponsored by the Ladies Golf Association. Other boys and girls winning trophies: Championship flight--Kenny Gibson, driving and runner-up; Tom Cordell and Jonya Stapp, driving; Louis Price and Suzy Wickham, putting. Class A--Rebecca Mirjanich, winner; Melissa Landers, runner-up; Ann Cordell, driving; Kathy Mountford, putting: Class B--Wayne Anderson and Linda Wickham, winners; John Mirjanich and Brenda Brown, runners-up; Tony Montgomery and Jeri Dunbar, driving; Jim Arndt and Barbara Prewitt, putting: Four-hole--John Prewitt and Pam Landers, winners; Mike Hylton and Sandy Jackson, runners-up; Chris Atkinson and Chandy Garrett, driving; Roy Ober and Sonya Austin, putting:  Two-hole--Bobby Garwood and Jenny Landers, winners; John Dick and Debbie Jackson, runners-up; Billy Jackson and Kathleen McKinney, driving; Brent Landers and Mary Ober, putting. 

Co-chairmen of the tournament were Mrs. Lou Mirjanich and Mrs. Wayman Jackson.

1969 August 5 "Jonya Stapp Among Best Shooters in National Golf"

Jonya Stapp, 17, of Miami was among the leading scorers Monday in the opening round of the National Junior Girls golf tournament in Dallas. Miss Stapp, whose father is the golf pro at Miami Country club, carded a 79 on her 18-hole round, just two strokes behind the best score of 77, shared by Nancy Hager of Dallas, Martha Jones of Decatur, Alabama, and Hollis Stacy of Savannah, Georgia. All have won top honors in their respective states. 

 1969 August 17 "Jonya Stapp in Western Meet"

Jonya Stapp, 17, who won Oklahoma's Junior Girls Golf Championship a year ago, will compete in the 43rd annual Western Junior Girls tournament that opens Monday with qualifying rounds on the Woodland Country club course in Carmel, Indiana. 

Miss Stapp, who will be a senior this year in Miami High School, was accompanied to Carmel by her mother, Mrs. Johnie F. Stapp. 

The defending champion of the Western tournament is Mary Jan Fassinger of Pennsylvania, who was a runner-up in the recent National Girls Junior Championship at Dallas. Miss Stapp was among top 32 from the field of more than 140 girls.  

Scores in qualifying rounds at Carmel will determine assignments to flight for match play that will continue through Friday. 

Personal note: In 1969 I lived in Killeen, Texas with my husband Don Rains. Jonya came to visit each summer and winter. In between we wrote letters to each other. This letter came after she failed to qualify at the Western. She wrote in the heart--Indiana was so wonderful, everyone was pulling for me. I wish I could have won. It would have been fabulous. I don't know if I'll ever have a chance again to be a favorite to win like I did in Indiana. 

The bottom left heart reads: I got to be pretty good friends with Nancy Hager. She is the cutest thing on earth. 

The bottom right heart reads: I sprang my ankle the night before we qualified. I was so mad at myself. It was really hard to walk and qualify. It still hurts. 

 

1969 September 7  "Golf Champion"

1969 September 5 "Record Field of 164 for Miami Invitational"

Can Tommy Beck of Tulsa match the record achieved by Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill, who has won the championship invitational three times? Will Pipes add a fourth trophy to his Miami Championship string? Or will some other golfer from the all-time record field of 164 for the 14 annual meet that opens here Saturday take the 1969 crown?

Many golfers from a wide area were on the Miami course today for a practice round. Their 18-hole qualifying scores Saturday will determine assignments to six flights.

1969 September 8  "Collins of Springdale Takes Miami Golf Championship"

Dwight Collins, a clothing merchant in Springdale, Ark., won the Miami Golf Invitational defeating champion, Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill. on the fourth hole of a sudden death playoff Sunday afternoon. The men tied at 148 for 36 holes. Collins, formerly of Okemah, Okla., was a shortstop on the University of Oklahoma baseball team in the mid-1940's and never played golf until leaving the university. He now has been the champion at Springdale a number of times. 

Charles Strahan, a senior at Kansas State college, was a stroke behind the top tow with a 147 for third place.In a three-way tie for fourth place here Sunday were former Miamian, Bob Hill, Jr., of Parsons, Kans., 148, Chi Galloway and Bob Klein of Miami each with a 148. Next in championship flight were Dick Neel, 150; Bill Harsch, 153; Dr. W.D. Jackson, 153; Bob Snook, 153; Lloyd Tate, 156; Kent Jeffries, 158; Woody Painter, Jr., 162.

Other Miamians playing: President's flight--2nd place John Robinson, Jr., 159; John Robinson, Sr., 161; Tom Cordell, 163; Tom Forbes, 163, Jack Doan, 163; Dick Lowry, 165; Joe Whipple, 166, Corbin Shouse, 169, Mark Wojcik, 177.

First Flight: 1st place, Steve Conatser, Bartlesville with a 164; Dr. W.D. Neal, 165; Dick Lillard, 168; Delmer Barnes, 169; Ed Dudgeon, 179; Bud May, 172; Maj. Gen. George G. Russell, Jr., Ft. Sill, 175; Bill Hirsch, 177; Scott Myers, 180.

Because of a late start the remaining flights only played 9 holes Sunday for a 27-hole round. Second Flight: 1st, Al White, Woodrow Painter, George Wojcik, Lou Mirjanich, David Robinson, John Elmburg, Bill Hatfield, Dr. R.R. McKinney.  Third Flight--1st, Jerry Blevins, Rex Painter, Dr. Harry Ford, Henry Garwood, Dan Mailath, John Garrett, George Romick, Jim Rutter, K.C. Jeffries. Fourth flight--John Burford, Bill Oliver, Bob Garwood, Jack Brown, H.D. Robinson, Dail West,

1969 September 21 "Best in Tournament"

 1969 October 19  "Jonya Rated No. 16 Among U.S. Junior Girl Golfers"

Jonya Stapp of Miami is ranked No. 16 among the nation's junior girl golfers by "Golf-USA," a national magazine for country clubs, amateur golfers and club professionals. Jonya, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnie F. Stapp, 209 H northeast.

The  cover page of the October issue features a picture of Janey Fassinger of New Wilmington, Pa., acclaimed the nation's No. 1 junior girl golfer Next in order of the magazine's ratings were Nancy Hager, Dallas; Hollis Stacy, Savannah, Ga.; Martha Jett, Little Rock; Martha Jones, Alabama; Suzanne Jackson, Georgia; Jane Renner, California; Sandra Baker, Ohio; Sue Dougherty, Washington; Paula Eger, Missouri; Debbie Grove, California; Teresa Weinshilboum, Ponca City (who regained the Oklahoma title last summer after losing to Jonya in the 1968 championship match); Debbie Skinner, California; Cindy Barnard, Missouri; Mary Budke, Oregon; Susie Long, Texas; Jonya Stapp; Laura Baugh, California. Diane Lukken of Tulsa, former champion of Miami Junior girls tournament, received honorable mention. 

1969 November 30  "Jaynes To Observe Anniversary at Tea"

 Miami Jaycee Jaynes will look fondly back at past achievements and look enthusiastically at the future as they observe their 20th anniversary at a tea on Sunday, December 7. A special invitation is extended to all local past presidents,state presidents, and vice-presidents to the tea set for 3:00-5:00 pm at the Miami Country club. 

Trophies will be on display as well as scrapbooks and dresses of the 1950 period, the organization date. Ottawa County's new Junior Miss, talented Debbie Ginn, and two runners-up, Debbie Hudspeth and Starr Erwin, will appear on the program. 

Mrs. L.J. Bamberl, Jr. is current Jayne president. Lois Weston (KI 2-6291) and Jud Trenery (KI 2-6848) will take reservations. 

Ottawa County Sports Heroes 

 

 

 

1968 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MGCC

 

 

 **Thank you Ed Craig and Orick Sparlin for your dynamic photography that has kept the memories alive for so many of us. 

1968 March 3  "Ladies Golf Association"

The Ladies Golf Association of the Miami Country club will hold its spring membership coffee at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the home of Mrs. G. P. Campbell, 1230 Johnson Drive. Mrs. Dan Heyburn, president, said an invitation is extended to all women interested in playing golf who have membership in the Miami Country club 

1968 March 8  "Help Wanted"

2 Boys--Golf minded, ages 15-16, Miami Country club, Golf Shop, see Mr. Stapp. 

 

1968 March 31  "High School Golf Tournament Here Monday"

1968 MHS golfers: Charlie Grayson, a junior; Randy James, junior; Coach Jack Leake; Mark Cordell, sophomore; and Jack Mann, senior. 

 

1968 April 2 "Tulsa Hale Leads 18 Teams in Miami Tourney"

Tulsa Hale's Rangers, coached by Walter Knapp, won the team championship of the 10th annual MHS Invitational golf tournament at the Miami Country club with a four-ball total of 339.  The champion foursome, consisted of Doug Brecht with an 18-hole total of 81; Mike Hearn, 84; Bill Woodley, 87, and Stan Wilkinson, 87. Fred Morgan of Tulsa Rogers and Richard Maril of OKC Harding shared medalist honors with 80's. Next were Brecht of Hale and Eddie Vossler of OKC Marshall, with 81's. Vossler is the son of PGA Pro Ernie Vossler.

The Miami War Dogs finished ninth among the 18 teams with a four-man total of 354. Coach Jack Leake was the general director of the tournament, Miami club pro John F. Stapp serving as starter. **Doug Brecht spent his career in golf. After being Asst. Pro at OU golf course, Doug went on to become one of the lead USGA Rules Official for the LPGA. 

 

Memory from Randy James: The Hogan clubs that my parents bought for me in 1967 took me to the State High School tournament in 1968 and 1969.  In 1968 the team qualified (I think the team was Jack Mann, Charles Grayson, Mark Cordell, Mark Wojcik and me) and in ‘69 I qualified by placing 2nd in both individually and two ball with Mark Cordell.  

 

1968 April 10  MHS Golfers Tip Tahlequah

Miami high school golfers defeated Tahlequah, 9 to 4, in matches Tuesday afternoon at the Miami Country club. Coach Jack Leake and his War Dogs were in Tahlequah this afternoon for a return match on the college course. Miami stands 3-1 for the season. 

Randy James gave the War Dogs an extra point Tuesday by taking medalist honors with an 18-hole score of 84. Other results: Charles Grayson 86, tied his match; Mark Cordell 91 tied his match; Jack Mann 85 defeated Steve Stierwalt 3-0; Randy James 84 defeated Gene Pittman 3 and 1.

 

1968 April 24  Miami Golfers Place Second in Pryor Meet

 

Miami high school's boys golf team finished second to Okmulgee, in the state class A regional. Both teams qualified for the state finals. Jack Mann of Miami, first day co-medalist blew to a 92 yesterday for a 168 total; Mark Cordell's 166 paced the team followed by Charles Grayson, 167, Mann, Randy James, 171, and Steve Renegar 175.  

 1968 Miami Ladies Golf Association Officers

 

 

 1968 May 20  "Miami Golfers 2nd in Springfield Play"

 Twin Oaks golfers at Springfield, Missouri, won Tri-club matches Saturday which also involved golfers from Twin Hills, Joplin and Miami Country club.  Twin Oaks complied a 184 1/2 points to 179 for Miami and 177 1/2 for Twin Hills. The event was held at Springfield. Dick Luke, Springfield was medalist. 

 

 

1968 June 9 "City Junior Golf Program"

The summer junior golf program at the Miami Country club will begin Friday under the sponsorship of the Miami Ladies Golf association. The program is for boys and girls from age 7-17 whose parents are members of the country club. 

Registration will begin at 7L45 a.m. Friday, at which time the entry fee of $2.00 per person may be paid. Junior golf activities will be conducted each Friday through July, except on days of tournaments. Johnie Stapp, club pro, will give lessons each Friday preceding play. 

Championship and A flights will start their weekly rounds at 8 a.m. followed by othr flights. The pairings this week will be made at the tee. Parents who can help scorers are urged to be present. Mrs. George Wojcik, chairman and Mrs. Tom Cordell, co-chair are leaders of the junior golf program. 

 

 1968 June 16  "Ladies Golf Notes"

The Miami Ladies Golf Association competition for Wednesday will be for "low hazards" from the Red Tees. 

 

Pairings off No. 1--8:30 Virginia Snook, Helen Jones, Jun Jenkins; 8:37 Lois Cowles, Barbara Gust, Claire Oliver; 8:44--Martha Campbell, Lib Lillard, Bev Jackson; 8:51  Ruth Heyburn, Melba Cordell, Lottie Mae Russell; 8:58 Barbara Shouse, Erin Wojcik, Fay Berentz; 9:05 Sue Barnes, Lois Garwood, Peg Murphy.

9:12  Hattie Wall, Pat Horner, Joyce Rutter; 9:19 Mae Farrier, Yvonne Temple, Hattie Wall; 9:26  Evelyn Hatfield, LaRue Gaines, Helen Moore; 9L33  Cora Wilson, Maxine Jeffries, Mary Van Beber;  9:40  Elizabeth Hansford, Marylyn Adams; 9:47  Sarah Mirjanich, Bonnie Moody, Gladys Wetzel.

 

Pairings off No. 6--8:30  Helen Jo Painter, Vera Elmburg, Helen Post; 8:37  Phyllis Brockie, Mary Frances Mann, Virginia Romick; 8:44  Barbara Blevins, Nancy Johnson, Sue Enyart; 8:51  Val Dale, Mary Robinson, Jerrie Matthews;  8:58  Rose Pratt, Betty Ketcher, Gladyce Hirsch;  9)05  Noma Newman, Elaine Page, Mavis Ford.

9:12 Jean Phillips, Bunny Starcher, Pauline Taylor; 9:19 Mary Lou Wickham, Wanda Doan, Linda Elmburg; 9:26 Roma Dahl, Caryl Rohwedder, LaVon Young; 9:33 Louise Whitney, Aileen Bradshaw, Charlene Walker; 9:40 Grace Burns, Helen Stapp, Delores Renegar; 9:47 Pauline Atkinson, Pat Parker, Clara Barton. 

1968 June 17  "Parent-Child Competition At Club Here"

Trophies went to Dr. W.D. Jackson and son, Scotty, and Mrs. George Newman and son B.J. in the parent-child golf tournament Sunday at the Miami Country club.  Ninety-two entries competed in the nine-hole event.

The Jackson's won the low gross with a 38. John F. Robinson and John Jr., were second, 40; Tom and Tommy Cordell, third, 44; Rex and Dana Painter, fourth, 46, and Don and Charles Grayson, fifth, 46.

The Newman's were the low net winners with a 33. Also scoring well were Jim Rutter and Ricky Adams, second, 35; Sue and Renee Barnes, third, 36; Bill Hirsch and Kenny Gibson, fifth 37.  

 

Dana Painter Meyer shared many memories. These are her special memories about her parents: My parents, Rex and Grace
Painter, so it isn't surprising Mom's name would pop up the following month. I know both of my parents were playing golf before they were married. 

Certainly, my first twelve years of life were built around golf and the country club. I remember handing on my Mom's pull cart while she played. It wasn't surprising that at some point while we were still you that she quit playing.

Dad, on the other hand, continued to play as much as he could which was a lot. I doubt if anyone ever actually said it, but I think we all knew that certainly golf was an important to Dad as his family and business. I  do not know if he ever played as a child but all of his siblings and cousins seemed to be big golfers. His niece, Martha Mahan, even played in the LPGA for a few years.

When people expressed their sympathies in 1997 when Dad passed away, I said more than once that he actually died about six months earlier when he could no longer play golf. (Dad had osteosarcoma. The tumor wrapped around nerves making it difficult and then impossible to walk.) 

Long before "The Council of Dads" was written, I felt I had just that. My Dad's golfing buddies, Marion Zajic, Kenny Richards, Charlie Trussler, Lou Mirjanich, Bill Carter, and George Beck, to name a few. Your parents were part of it, too. I thought your Dad was God and your Mother was so very beautiful and sweet. Everyone was always kind and supportive. For a least ten years after my Dad passed away, Marion would periodically call just to check in and say how much he missed my parents. I still cry thinking of him. 

1968 June 19  "Miami Junior Golf"

Winners in Miami youth golf competition the past week were: Championship--Scotty Jackson, Susie Wickham; A flight--Bill Giffhorn, Rebecca Mirjanich; B flight--John Mirjanich, Gail Painter; Five holes--Matt Giffhorn, Pam Landers; Two holes--Chipper McLaughlin, Sandy Jackson. 

Thursday, 8 a.m. is tee-off time this week for those who compete in 18-hole play. Lessons for this group will be on Friday morning as usual.

The Thursday pairings: Mark Cordell, Scotty Jackson; Pam Bradley, Jonya Stapp, Susie Wickham.

Friday pairings follow:

A flight: Kenny Gibson, Tommy Cordell, B.J. Newman, and Bill Giffhorn; Sheryl Enyart and Rebecca Mirjanich; Robin Matthews, Stephanie Pruitt, and Sheri Gorley. 

B flight:  John Mirjanich and Tony. 

68.6.27 Top Talent Due in Miami for Junior Girls Golf Tourney

Diane Lukken, 16, of the Oaks Country club in Tulsa, will defend her Championship title in the annual Miami Girls Invitational beginning at 9 a.m. this Friday. Back again is last year’s third place winner, Karen Edwards of Bartlesville Hillcrest CC. Carrying hometown prestige into the championship flight are Jonya Stapp and Karen Jefferies winners of fourth and fifth place places last year.

Another Miamian in the top flight is Suzy Wickham, 14, who chose to bypass the A flight for championship. Suzy won first in A flight last year and was eligible to compete at the group again.

Teresa Weinshilbaum of Ponca City, the state junior girls champion of the last two years and medalist in last year’s state women’s tournament, may be deserving of the role as favorite for the 1968 Miami championship.

Another top contender is Louise Stekoll of Okmulgee, runner-up to Miss Weinshilbaum in the state junior girls competition. Louise will be competing in the Miami meet for the last time. She won second place in 1965, fourth in 1966, and faded to seventh in last year’s local invitational. Paula Eger, 15, of St. Louis, who last year won the Missouri state junior girls crown at the age of 14, will be competing in the Miami meet for the first time.

 

1968 June 30  Diane Lukken Repeats as Champion of Miami Girls Tourney

Diane Lukken, 16 year-old from Tulsa Edison, repeated as champion of the ninth annual Miami Invitational junior girls tournament. Miss Lukken carded a 42-42=84 with stiff winds out the southwest. A year ago, calm conditions prevailed but extra soft conditions on the course caused scores to be high than usual.

Louise Stekoll of Okmulgee, finished second with 45-41=86. Her afternoon score of 41 was the best nine-hole round of the tournament. Marsha Elder of Tulsa won third place with 47-42=89. Barbara Russell of Oklahoma City placed fourth with 90. Teresa Weinshilboum of Ponca City finished sixth with a 92. One stroke behind but out of the trophy group were Jonya Stapp of Miami and Linda Dickey of Tulsa with 93’s.

Winners of other flight were Rebecca Mirjanich, A flight, Mary Lou Karlovich, Tulsa, B flight, and Ann Heyburn, pee-wees. Other Miamians in the tournament were: Suzy Wickham, Karen Jeffries, Gail Painter, Linda Wickham, Dana Painter, Melissa Landers, Deborah Austin, Janey Adams, Theresa McKinney, Ann Heyburn, Pam Landers, Sonya Austin, Chandia Garrett, and Carol McKinney. 

 

 

1968 July 11 "Miamians in State Jr. Girls Golf Meet"

In addition to Jonya Stapp's advance to the semi-finals of the championship flight other Wednesday results for Miami entries included:

Suzy Wickham lost to Shelly Koppitz, 1 up on the 19th hole in B flight. Tamara Romick lost to Linda Dickey of Tulsa, 8 and 6 in C flight. In the nine-hole B flight, Gail Painter of Miami was the leader with 62-60=122. Pam Landers of Miami was third in the pee-wee A flight with 40-52=92.

 

 1968 July 14  Jonya Stapp Reigns as State Jr. Girls Golf Champion"

Jonya Stapp, 16-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnie F. Stapp of Miami, is Oklahoma's new junior girl's golf champion. She achieved the honor Friday afternoon at the Oaks Country Club, Tulsa, by dethroning Teresa Weinshilboum of Ponca City, state champion the past two years. Jonya finished the 18-hole round with a 2-up victory. 

 

Playing by far the finest golf of her career, the pretty Miamian who stands 4-4 and weights 106, was sharp throughout the four-day tournament. The quality of the competition in this year's tourney was considerably above average, in the opinion of veteran observers.

 

This year Jonya qualified for championship flight with a score of 88. Three girls shot 82 each in a tie for medalist honors and Jonya defeated two of the trio in route to the championship. 

 

In Thursday's semi-finals Jonya sank a 30-foot putt on the third extra (21st) hole to eliminate Louise Stekoll of Okmulgee, second-place winner in the two previous state tournaments and winner of the second place in the recent Miami tournament.

Jonya has been swinging golf clubs most of her young life, but never settled down to taking the game deadly serious until the last eight months. She participated in various stages of the local junior golf program, from the pee-wee class to the top flight.

1968 July 15 "State Champion Jonya Honored"

Jonya Stapp, Oklahoma's new junior girls golf champion, was honored by the Miami Country club Sunday afternoon with a large turnout for a reception at the club. She was joined by members of the junior golf brigade--Suzy Wickham, Karen Jeffries, and Tamara Romick. 

Tamara Romick, Karen Jeffries, Suzy Wickham, Jonya Stapp, Grace Painter.

Mrs. Wayman Jackson and Mrs. Rex Painter were in charge of the reception arrangements. Rex Painter in a brief talk, paid tribute to Jonya's achievement and present a gift card from the club members to the champion's mother, Mrs. Helen Stapp.

Memory from Rebecca Mirjanich Davis:  When I was in the pro shop one of my favorite things was looking at the all of the clubs that were for sale. If you remember sets of irons and woods were displayed along the south wall of the pro shop. One day, in probably 1966, I saw a set of Ben Hogan Princess irons that were used. If I recall correctly they had previously belonged to Dr. Bill Neal’s sister.  The set was a 3 iron through 9 iron and they were ladies clubs not junior clubs. The cost of the set was $25.00. I desperately wanted my parents to buy the irons for me. Each time I went in the pro shop I would look at them longingly. My parents eventually bought the irons for me and I was so proud of them.  My previous set of junior clubs only included a 3,5 and 7 iron.  I was excited to have so many more irons to play golf with. I continued to use those irons until the head of the nine iron flew off, going farther than the ball, when I hit out of a fairway bunker at Indian Springs Country club in 1981.  I would say that $25.00 was money well spent. Thanks dad and mom for giving me such a lasting gift.

1968 July 21  Leaders in Miami Junior Golf

The annual tournament Friday at the MCC concluded the season’s junior golf program. Point trophies were awarded to the following players for weekly play--Championship winners are Scotty Jackson and Suzy Wickham; Class A winners are Bill Giffhorn and Rebecca Mirjanich; Class B John Mirjanich and Gail Painter.

 1968 July 21  "Trophy Winners"

1968 July 28 "Boy's Invitational Winners"

 Danny Tewell, 17, whose athletic talents include regular service as a split end on the football team and forward on the basketball team at Stillwater high school, is the 1068 Champion of the Miami Invitations Junior Boys Golf tournament. He carded men's par, 36-36=72 to win the eighth annual meet Friday at the Miami Country club. 

Other Miamians playing the event: Charles Grayson 43-43-85; Randy James 45-42-87: President's flight--Bill Giffhorn 43-48-91, Tom Cordell 48-44-92, B.J. Newman48-54-102:  A flight--Wayne Anderson 70, Mike Haywood 96: B flight--Matt Giffhorn 64, Jim Arndt 67, Jackie Brown 82.

The tournament sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf Association had 115 entries and was played under hot and relative calm conditions. Mrs. W.J. Hatfield was tournament chairman. Assisting her with various details were Bill Hirsch, starter; Letty Stapp and Helen Moore, pairings; Maxine Jeffries and Helen Moore, registration, Hattie Wall, Gracie Burns, Clara Barton, Mary Louise Klein and Maxine Jeffries, scoreboard. Grace Painter, Pauline Taylor, Shirley Ober, Mae Farrier, Betty Schwertfeger, Myrtle Shepler, and Pat Landers, food, Johnie Stapp and Helen Stapp, trophies. 

1968 August 2  From the Clutter

Whose local family has the most participants in a competitive sports program?

Golf honors go to the Heyburn red-heads, including the parents. Dan and Ruth have five children--Mark, 11; Ann, 10; Danny, 9; and twins James and John, 7; Mary Ruth, 3 will join the golfing brigade in a few years.

Next with six golfers in each family are:

Jack and Marylyn Adams and children—Nancy, 18; David, 16; Ricky, 15; and Janey, who will be 13 on Saturday.

Tom and Melba Cordell and children—Nancy, 18; Mark 16; Tommy; 14; and Ann, 13.

Bill and Sue Giffhorn and children—Bill, 14; Dan, 12; Matt, 10; and Lisa,7.

1968 August 18  Ladies Golf Notes

Winners in last Wednesday’s competition for least fairway shots were: Championship, Evelyn Hatfield; Class A, Stormy Lewis; Class B, Lottie Mae Russell; Class C I, Pauline Taylor; Class CII, Jerrie Matthews.

This week’s play will be for “point play” (3 par, 2 bogey, 1 double bogey) from the white tees. Pairings:

No. 1 tee:  Virginia Sapp, Helen Jones, Lois Cowles; June Jenkions, Lottie Mae Russell, Beverly Jackson; Faye Berentz, Mary VanBeber, Yvonne Temple; Lib Lillard, Pat Horner, Melba Cordell; Cora Wilson, Mae Farrier, LaRue Gaines; Virginia Snook, Erin Wojcik, Hattie White; Ruth Heyburn, Peg Murphy, Mary Louise Klein; Sue Barnes, Evelyn Hatfield, Lois Garwood; Elizabeth Hansford, Barbara Shouse, Martha Campbell; Hattie Wall, Barbara Gust, Noma Newman; Joyce Rutter, Helen Moore, Stormy Lewis; Virginia Lee Wilson, Maxine Jeffries; Mary Robinson, Caryl Rohwedder, Vera Elmburg.

No. 6 tee: Nancy Johnson, Bonnie Moody, Pauline Atkinson; Val Dale, Delores Renegar, Roma Dahl; Mary Lou Wickham, Elaine Page, Sarah Mirjanich; Sue Robinson, Wanda Doan, Phyllis Brockie; Sue Enyart, Pat Parker, Pauline Taylor; Helen Stapp, Gladyce Hirsch, Helen Jo Painter; Mary Heywood, Dollie Humes, Aileen Bradshaw; Mary Frances Mann, Clara Barton, Rose Pratt; Bunny Starcher, Virginia Romick, Jean Phillips; Gladys Wetzel, Jerrie Matthews, Barbara Blevins; LaVon Young, Charlene Walker, Barbara Anderson; Wanda Jo Brown, Helen Post, Mavis Ford, Louise Whitney.

 

1968 September 9   160 GOLFERS IN WEEKEND TOURNEY HERE

The 13th annual invitational golf tournament at the Miami Country club will open a two-day run Saturday with an all-time record field of 160 contestants from six states. The previous record was 139 last year. 
 

1968 September 9

 1968 September 9  "Miami Title Trophy to Pipes Third Time"

Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill., became the first three-time champion of the Miami Country club annual invitational golf tournament when he captured the top trophy Sunday. Pipes and R.C. Harvey, Jr. of Shawnee Mission, Kansas carded identical 75-75--150 scores. Rather than remain for a playoff, Harvey forfeited the championship to Pipes and accepted second place honors. Tommy Beck of Tulsa, champion of the past two years finished third with 75-76--151. His score last year was 70-71--141. Stiff wind both tournament day figured in the higher scores for most of the contestants this time. Another two-time champion of the Miami tourney, Dr. W.D. Jackson, was sidelined after 13 holes Saturday by bursitis. He won the 1959 and 1964 meets and finished second to Beck the past two years. 

Other Miamians in the tourney were: Bob Klein 75-83--156; Jack Doan 80-80--160; Bob Hill, Jr. Parsons,  82-80--162; Dick Lowry, Vinita, 79-87--166; Chi Galloway, Joplin, one of six to share medalist honors with a 75 score Saturday, withdrew as a contestant because of a lat arrival for Sunday's play. Gift certificates were awarded to the top six players of six flights. First-place winners in other flights were: President's flight--Delmer Barnes, 83-78--161; First flight-- Mark Wojcik 88-81-167; Third flight--Henry Garwood 95-87--182; Fourth flight--tie Dean Haines and Jim Rutter with a 196. Rutter lost in a coin toss. 

President's flight: John F. Robinson Sr, Kent Jeffries, Joe Whipple, Woody Painter, Jr., George Parker, Frankie Jacobs, Dr. W.D. Neal, George Myers, G.R. White, Rex Painter, Bill Hirsch, Brad Smallwood, Norman, John Robinson Jr., Bob Hill, Sr., David Robinson, John Burford, David Page, Bill Wilson, Woodrow Painter, Sr., Ted Lowry, Dr. Harry Ford, Don Young, John Elmburg, George Wojcik, Pat Campbell, Al White,  George Romick, Ray Enyart, Lou Mirjanich, Bob Garwood, Dr. Raymond McKinney, Henry Garwood, Jerry Blevins, Bill Oliver, Dick Wadleigh, Dan Mailath, Frank Remis Jim Rutter.

 1968 September 9 "From the Clutter"

Mahlon Craig of Baxter Springs, competing in the weekend Miami Invitational golf tournament, fired a 199-yard hole-in-one but it didn't count as an ace on his scorecard. The ball rolled into the wrong hole on the No. 3 green which becomes No. 16 when the nine-hole course is played the second time around in an 18-hole competition.  Each green has two holes--one with a red flag and the other with a whit flag to correspond with the tee shots. Craig was  aiming for the white flag but the red hole gobbled his fine shot. The green is a par 3, whether played as No. 3 or No. 16.

Tom Pendergraft shared a memory of caddying during the invitational: I caddied for a man named Percy Pipes from Illinois. 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. 

1968 September 15  "Twilight League Champions"

1968 September 20  "Women's Winners"

 1968 September 25  "Club Championship"

Pairings for the annual Miami Country club's championship for men have been announced, with assignments to flights based on qualifying scores in recent rounds.

Bob Klein was medalist with a two-under-par 72, Runner-up was Dr. W.D. (Bill) Neal with 74.

First round matches must be played on or before Sunday, Sept.29. Fires-round losers in the 16-man championship flight will continue play in the president's flight, with four weeks of play required to determine the champions in these two top groups.

the other flight have eight men each and the winners can be determined in three weeks. First-round pairings and qualifying scores:

Championship: Bob Klein, 70 vs Bill Harsch, 77; John F. Robinson Sr., 76 vs Bud May 81; John F. Robinson, Jr. 75 vs Kent Jeffries, 79; Chi Galloway, 76 vs Bob Temple, 81. Dr. Bill Neal, 74 vs Jack Doan, 78; Bob Snook, 76 vs Mark Wojcik, 81; Woody Painter, Jr. 76 vs Lloyd Tate, 80; Dr. W.D. Jackson, 77 vs Don Young, 82.  

A flight: Stratton Henley, 83 vs Delmer Barnes 85; Corbin Shouse, 83 vs George Meyer, 86; Lloyd Cowgill, 83 vs Dale Osborn, 85; John Sheppard, 83 vs Bill Hirsch, 86. 

B flight: Bill Hatfield, 86 vs Bob Hunt, 88; Bob Nunn, 87 vs Paul Wilson, 89; Delbert Wolf, 87 vs Lou Mirjanich, 89; John Elmburg, 87 vs. Dr. Harry Ford, 89.

C flight: Woody Painter, Sr., 89 vs Hank Garwood, 91; David Page, 90, vs Clifford Gust, 92; John Burford, 89 vs Dan Mailath, 92; Frank Hansford, 90 vs Dick Wadleigh, 92.

D flight: Bill Oliver, 92 vs Don Wiley, 94; Mike Craig, 93 vs Dail West, 95; Jerry Ketcher, 93 vs R.O. Neel, 94; B.F. Wilson, 93 vs Bob Wickham, 95.

E flight: Robert Burgess, 95 vs Cy Elmburg, 100; Tom Prewitt, 99 vs O.M Douglas, 100; Dr. J.O. Bradshaw, 100 vs Robert Rohwedder, 100; Jim Rutter, 99 vs Vernon Allen, 102. 

F flight: Dick James, 102 vs George Romick, 105; Jack Brown, 104 vs Jack Renegar, 108; Dave Stewart, 103 vs Bill Dunbar, 107; Wes Renegar, 104 vs Jack Robinson, 113. 

**Sadly, no matter how I searched I could not find the results. Perhaps in 1969 I will find results with a note as to last year's winner.

1968 September 29  "Lighter Golf Clubs Gain in Popularity"

Golfers who avidly seek new aids for their game, now are turning to aluminum-shafted clubs. "Aluminum shafts have caused the greatest flurry in the pro shops in the past few decades. Everyone seems to want one," says Mark Cox, President of the PGA. The shafts are 1/2 ounce lighter than the steel shafts that placed hickory shafts. One-quarter ounce is added to the weight of the club head, so that the total club is 1/4 ounce lighter than previous clubs. 

1968 November 3  "Ladies Golf"

Mrs. Dan Heyburn, 1220 McKinley, president of the Ladies Golf Association of the Miami Country club, will be hostess to members at a fall coffee at 10a.m. Wednesday. Officers for the ensuing year will be introduced.  

1968 November 21  "From the Clutter"

Thirty years ago: Defending titlist George Coleman, Jr., won the golf championship at the Miami Country club by defeating Glenn Scott, 5 and 4, in a 36-hole match. 

SAVE THE DATE AND MAKE PLANS TO RETURN TO MIAMI ON JULY  25, 26, 27, 2024. WE HOPE TO BE PLAYING GOLF AT SHANGRI-LA ON JULY 25 AND PEORIA RIDGE JULY 26 FOLLOWED BY MHS CLASS REUNION PLANS AND SATURDAY THE 27 AT THE DOBSON MUSEUM. IT WILL BE A COME AND GO GREETING AND SHARING WITH JONYA AND LETTY PLUS SO MANY MORE OF YOU.  

MAKE YOU AREA ROOM RESERVATIONS NOW. REPLY TO ME HERE OR MESSAGE ME ON FACEBOOK.