1984 July 16-TIMELINE AND STORIES

The story begins,

 "These are the worst of times." 

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

   We wished the winds could bring back our home.

   Our memories of yesterday will last a lifetime.

   We'll take the best, forget the rest. 

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

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

1984 July 16  FIRE RAZES MIAMI CC CLUBHOUSE

 1986 July 16 "Fire Razes Miami CC Clubhouse"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The clubhouse was built in 1929 New Rockdale Clubhouse

 

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

1984 July 16 "Sad Day on MCC Hill"

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

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

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

1984 July 17

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

1984 July 29 "Ladies Golf Notes"

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

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

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

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

1984 August 5 "Youth Golf"

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

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

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

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

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

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

1984 August 8 "Lietzke to Hold Clinic Saturday"

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

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

Tickets are $5 per person. 

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

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

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

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

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

1984 August 12 "Youth Golfers Claim Honors"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1984 August 13 "Lietzke Fires 33 in Exhibition Here" 

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

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

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

1984 August 15 "Craig Captures 3rd MCC Championship"

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

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

1984 August 19 "Hattie Wall Handicap Tourney"

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

1984 August 19 "Foursome Captures Horserace"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1984 August 22 "Twilight League Title Claimed"

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

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

 1984 August 30 "Grayson Third in Golf Tourney"

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

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

1984 September 2 "Ladies Golf Notes"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1984 September 19 "A Proper Grip"

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

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

 1984 September 23 "Ladies Club Championship

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

 Our Tribute to those who loved the game.

 

 

 

1971 TIMELINE AND STORIES of the MGCC

 1971 Spring—Ladies Golf Event Held

The home of Mrs. R.O. Gibson, 602 Second avenue northwest, was the setting for the Miami Ladies Golf Association’s spring membership coffee. Hostess duties were shared by Mrs. Byron Hoffman, Mrs. Vernon Sapp, Mrs. Dick Lillard, and Mrs. Rose Pratt. An arrangement of spring flowers centered the refreshment table. Mrs. George Newman, association president, poured coffee.

During the business session, yearbooks were passed out and activities for the season were discussed. Several tournaments will be scheduled.

Also present were Mrs. Johnie Stapp, Mrs. Ben Moody, Mrs. Hance VanBeber, Mrs. Dan Heyburn, Mrs. William Hatfield, Mrs. Olen Moore, Mrs. Orville Dahl, Mrs. Kelso Berentz, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Jack Adams, Mrs. Don Johnson, Mrs. Harry Ford, Mrs. Vernon Lillard, Mrs. Claud Jones, Mrs. Henry Garwood, Mrs. Paul Wilson, Mrs. George Romick, Mrs. Richard Humes, Mrs. Jack Doan, Mrs. Charles Phillips, Mrs. Jack Burns, Mrs. Rex Painter, Mrs. L.A. Wetzel, Mrs. George Wojcik, Mrs. Doyle Monger, Mrs. Billy F Wilson, Mrs. Jack Elliott, Mrs. Wilton Taylor, Mrs. J. Owen Bradshaw, Mrs. Robert Rohwedder, Mrs. Jim Couch, Mrs. James Grant, Mrs. William Bennett, Mrs. L.C. Pace, Mrs. Kirby Martin, Mrs. John Weitz, Mrs. Max Blue, Mrs. Joe Ramsey, and Mrs. Ray Enyart.  Lessons for new members will start April 7.

1971 March 31 “Norse Golfers Trim Pirates”

NEO golfers opened their season with a smashing victory over the Independence, Kansas Pirates. The Norse golfers, coached by Al Moffat, will see their next competition against OMA Cadets of Claremore at April 8. All of the golfers are Freshman, including the sole girl on the team—Jonya Stapp of Miami, who is the 1968 Jr. Girls Champion. Four of the seven Norse golfers are 1970 graduates of Pryor High School.

The medalist of the meet was Brad Pullen of Bartlesville with a three-over par card of 75. He was entered as the Norse No. 3. Coach Moffat’s players were No.1. Mark Cullison, Pryor; 2. Sid Rieser, Pryor; 3. Medalist Pullen; 4. Miss Stapp; 5. Jack Wood, Pryor, and 7. Ben Martin, Pryor. 

 This is the second time for a girl to be a member of the NEO golf squad. A few years ago, Jonya’s sister, Letty, was a valuable member of the Norse team. Their father, Johnie F. Stapp, is the pro at the Miami Country club.

1971 April 2 (NEO Student Writer—Gayla Crosby) “Fem Charm With NEO 6-Man Golf Team”

Although signs of Women’s Lib may be present on Northeastern A&M’s six-man golf team, the single girl member claims she is not swinging for equality. Jonya Stapp simply enjoys outdoor sport with its five-to-one odds.

“The competition and exceptional skill of my teammates has definitely improved my score, “she told us.” And perhaps I haven’t hurt their game either.”

Holding Miami’s women course record with a 77, the dark-eyed miss has participated in both state and national junior girls’ tournament, the girl’s Western, the US Open, and Tri-State meet. Her excellence was rewarded when she won first place in the 1968 Jr. Girls State Championship and last August when she won the Tri-State Tournament.

Following in her dad’s footsteps, Jonya takes lessons from her father, Johnie Stapp. Describing his help as “invaluable,” Jonya gleefully commented. “I’m so lucky to have a father who can give tips on improving my game.”

Even though devoted to golf with four hours daily practice, Jonya displays talent in several campus activities. Majoring in music, she has participated in NEO’s chorus, and two stage productions. Other activities include gymnastics, Dean’s honor roll, and Phi Theta Kappa. She is currently entered Oklahoma’s Miss Grand Lake Pageant.

Thoughts of a pro-golf career do not appeal to Jonya. When watching the next NEO golf meet, notice the delightful young lady with an excellent swing—that’s Jonya.

1971 Spring--Jonya and the Muntz

In the spring of 1971 Jonya was driving the Muntz home to the country house.  She hit a hole in the road too hard and something big and heavy fell out and she couldn't drive the car.

She found an old country house with two people quietly living alone. Called dad and he came to the rescue but of course, couldn't drive the car.  I think that is called an engine block that fell out. 

After that last episode with the Muntz, dad bought Jonya a used red Ford Mustang.

1971 April 13 “Four Miami Girls Entered in Preliminary Grove Event”

A preliminary judging of the 17 entrants in the seventh annual Miss Grand Lake pageant will be held Saturday at 7 p.m. Four Miami girls, Denis Robinson, who sings and imitates Barbra Streisand; Becky Wilson and Jonya Stapp, vocalists, and Tammy Romick, who gives a monologue and dances are entered in the pageant sponsored by the Grand Lake Association.

1971 April 16 “Baxter Springs Captures 3 Top Trophies in High School Golf Meet"

Baxter Springs high school golfers surprised nearly everyone except their coach by sweeping all top honors Monday in the 13^th annual Miami high school Invitational Golf Tournament at the Miami Country club.

16 teams entered Baxter won with 328 Tulsa Edison 332; Parkwood 344; Columbus, Kan. 345; Tulsa Cassia Hall, 350; Sand Springs 353, Miami 363. Other teams were Clinton, Nowata, Joplin Memorial, Claremore, Coffeyville, Pryor, Wagoner, and Sequoyah Tahlequah.

Columbus, Kansas was second in the two-ball with a 79 by Mark Winter and 82 by Vic Winter. Miami players were Bill Giffhorn, 363; Tom Cordell, 87; Kenny Gibson, 95; John Mills, 100.

1971 April 18 “War Dogs Take Medalist, 2-Ball Trophies in Six Lakes Tourney”

(story too faded for me to read and type)

1971 April 22 “Regional Golf Meet Set at Bartlesville”

Miami high school golfers, coached by Don Overton, will compete Tuesday in the Class AAA regional tournament on the Adams State Park course in Bartlesville.

Foursomes from 10 other northeast Oklahoma high schools will participate in the 36-hole rounds, beginning at 8 a.m.

1971 April 28 "Miami 3rd in Regional Golf"

Bill Giffhorn of Miami high school was among the top five golfers in regional competition Tuesday on the Adams golf course in Bartlesville. He carded 82-83-165 for the 36 holes. Team totals were Sooner 644, Tulsa Kelly 691, Wardogs 692, Tahlequah 695, and Pryor 715. 

Scores for Don Overton's Miamians, in addition to Giffhorn, were: Tom Cordell, Jr., 173; Kenny Gibson, 175; John Mills 179, and Rick Adams, 184.

1971 May “Schlitz Golf Tournament Winners”

L-R bottom row: Al Williams, unknown, unknown. Row 2: George Meyers,  Straton Henley, Doc Jackson, John Robinson, Jr., Mark Wojcik. Row 3 L-R: unknown, Joe Whipple, unknown, Charles Trussler, and Lou Mirjanich.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following two pictures are of the Schlitz Golf event which was held beginning in May of 1970 through 1974. I could not find newspaper articles on 1970 and 1971. However, Joyce Rutter sent these photographs she had saved from those years. The dates will be determined when someone recalls who won which year.

1971 May 4 “MHS Is Winner in Girls Golf”

Miami high school girls remained undefeated in golf competition by blanking Joplin Memorial, 5-0 in matches Monday at the Miami Country club. Mrs. Mary Louise Klein is the Miami girls golf coach.

Rebecca Mirjanich of Miami gave her team an extra point by winning medalist honor with a score of 51 for the nine-hole competition. She defeated Garoutte who scored 64. The other Miami victories were: Suzy Wickham, 52 over Kasab, 64; Ann Cordell, 64 over Eberhard, 85; Melissa Landers, 63, over Browne, 83.

·11971 May 23 “Jonya Medalist in Golf Event at Muskogee”

Miami’s Jonya Stapp, who will be on NEO’s “five-man” team in the NJCAA tournament June 8-11 at Flint, Michigan was No. 1 Friday among 97 contestants in the Tulsa District Women’s Golf association at the Muskogee Country Club.

Miss Stapp won medalist honors with a score of 78 on the par 73 golf course. Mrs. Bill Hatfield of Miami competed in another flight and carded a 91.

Jonya and other members of the NEO golf team will participate in regular practice for the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament beginning June 8 in Flint, Michigan.

She will then compete June 14 in the Oklahoma Women’s State Championship at Quail Creek in Oklahoma City.

1971 June 3 “Mason City Globe by Tom Murray—One Gal, 124 Boys in JC Golf”

 

Jonya Stapp, well-tanned and sporting yellow golf shoes and glove, is about to cross a threshold never approached by a girl…and probably never again.

“I am really excited about playing in the Junior College Athletic Assoc. Golf Championship in Flint,” she concedes rather boldly. The NCJAA has passed a rule, effective in September 1971 which would prohibit girls from competing alongside boys in sanctioned sports. (What it doesn’t mention is that Title IX goes into effect. That change took Jonya off the 1971-72 NEO Golf Team.)

Jonya will be the only girl among the 125 golfers. Such a situation might make a lot of girls uneasy, but Jonya likely won’t be. She has played in every match for the Golden Norsemen this spring and always against boys.

“Gee,” says Jonya, “I hope I am the only girl at Flint. I’d hate to have another girl there beat me.” She can relax. Don Jarrard, director of the tourney to be played over the Warwick Hills layout confirms that Jonya is definitely the only girl in the field.

Jonya is no newcomer to the golfing world. She first picked up a club when she was 3 or 4, but really didn’t take it seriously until a few years ago. She now shoots in the 70’s. Her father is the golf pro at the Miami Country club and her older sister, Letty, carved quite a name for herself in the amateur ranks.

Jonya played on the boys’ high school team her junior year before a girl’s program was started her senior year. (This is important because the Secondary Athletic Assoc. of Oklahoma withdrew girls golf from the state association after our high school team of 1960 won the last State High School Girls title. If you attend the reunion July 27 Miami, Ok at the Dobson Museum, I will share a story of three strong women who beat two proud men one day in a challenge match.)

1971 June 9 “Norse Golfers Led by Martin”

Flint, Mich—Ben Martin led the NEO golf team competing in the NJCAA tournament with a 79 for the first-round of play Tuesday.

Brad Pullin was second with an 81, Ron Bishop turned in an 85, Jim Callison 87 and Jonya Stapp shot a 90 for the day.  The team teed off at 10 a.m. today at the 7,200-yard Warwick Hills golf course (where Jonya played the men’s tees.)

1971 June 10 “NEO Golfers Climb to 15^th”

The Northeastern A&M golf team was ranked 15 in a field of 32 going int the third round of the National Junior College Athletic Association golf tournament today in Flint, Michigan.

The Oklahoma players jumped from 28^th after the first round to their present standing with Jim Callison shooting 81 to lead the team Wednesday. Ben Martin fired an 84, Brad Pullin carded an 85, Ron Bishop an 87 and Jonya Stapp shaved two strokes off her first-round score by totaling 89 for the day.

The team was three strokes over its first-round effort with a 426, bringing the two-round total to 850. Steve Mancino of the Oklahoma Military academy at Claremore was three strokes behind the leader for the individual medalist honors.

Jonya Stapp was given the key to the city by Flint Mayor Limmer in honor of her being the first girl to compete in the NJCAA tournament.

1971 June 15 “Jonya Shares Medal”

Miami’s Jonya Stapp tied with Lucy Beeler of Oklahoma City for the medalist honors in qualifying for the 53^rd Women’s State Championship on Monday. Both women shots 80. Jonya teed off this morning against Mrs. Bert Creeps of Oklahoma City, in match play with 16 players in Championship flight.

1971 June 20 “Junior Golf”

Winners of the boy’s championship flight in junior golf competition Friday at the Miami Country club were Bill Giffhorn, low gross; Kenny Gibson, second low gross and low putts. Play to determine the girl’s outcome was not completed.

There will be no regular junior golf play next Friday. The Girl’s Invitational Golf Tournament will be held. Mrs. Wayman Jackson and Mrs. Mel Landers oversee the arrangements.

Other junior golf winners follow: Class A boys and girls—Low gross, Bob Wallace; second, Charles Wilmoth; Low gross, Linda Wickham, second low gross, Kathy Brockie and Debbie Austin.  Class B boys and girls—Low gross, Mike Hylton; second, Jim Arndt; Low gross Sonya Austin, second low gross, Pam Landers. Four-hole boys and girls—David Wells and K. Parker and Debbie Jackson, tied. Two-hole low gross Steve Raymond and Cathy Harsch.

1971 June 21 “Jonya Earns 2 State Trophies”

Miss Stapp, who won the 1968 Junior Girls State Championship shared medalist honors with Lucy Beeler in the qualifying round, but both lost in the first round of match play. They met in the finals of the championship consolation flight with Jonya beating Mrs. Beeler 3 and 1 in the final match.

Mrs. Mary Alice Hines of Okc won the state championship by edging Linda Morse 1-up on the 38 holes. This equaled the longest championship match in the 53-year history of the championship. The other 38-hole match as when Mrs. Beeler won the 1967 championship in Enid.

1971 June 27 “Bartlesville Girl is Champ of Miami Junior Meet”

Karen Edwards, 16, won the championship of the 12^th annual Miami junior girls invitational golf tournament Friday at the Miami Country club. Miss Edwards was runner-up a year ago to Leslie Peck of Springfield. Miss Edwards scored an 86. Miami’s Suzy Wickham was the runner-up with an 89. Suzy, competing at the maximum age of 17, is a 1971 graduate of Miami high school. Fifty girls competed in four flights of Friday’s tournament. Other Miami girls playing were Sandy Jackson, winner of Class B, Sonya Austin 2^nd place; Debbie Jackson Pee-Wee playoff winner; Ann Cordell, Linda Wickham, Debbie Austin, Jenny Landers, Tracie Bradshaw.

1971 June 27 “Ladies Golf Notes”

Winners the past week in Miami Ladies Golf Association competition were: Championship—Ruth Heyburn; Class A—Helen Jones; Class B—Helen Moore; Class C—Aileen Bradshaw; Class D—Rose Pratt.

1971 June 29 “From the Clutter”

Jonya Stapp, recovering from a wrist fracture that will keep her out of the national amateur women’s golf tournament in Atlanta, George is ready to give up one-half of her dual role in sports and will part company with Sadie, her registered Quarter horse.  “Sadie simply was too much of a horse for a greenhorn to ride,” commented Mrs. Helen Stapp, mother of the attractive young golfer, who hopefully will continue to represent Miami in future golf competitions.

1971 July 11 “Gray of Bartlesville Golf Champ”

Tom Gray of Bartlesville, one of the few who have competed two straight years in the championship flight captured the top trophy Friday in the 11^th annual meet at the Miami Country club with a score of 74, just two above men’s par on the 6.682-yard nine-hole course. Record 71s for the local meet were scored a year ago by Chuck Coatney of Ponca City and Steve Thompson of Bartlesville. Coatney took top honors in a sudden-death playoff.

Miami’s Bill Giffhorn and Tommy Cordell finished second and third in the championship flight here. Giffhorn carded 76 and Cordell 77. Another Miamian Kenny Gibson shot a 78 third place for President’s flight (ages 15-16). 

 Other Miamian scores follow: John Wallace, John Weitz, Jim Arndt, Mike Hylton, Jack Brown, Chris Adkison, John Prewitt, Dan Heyburn, Tom Dean, David Weitz, Tom Kidd, John Paul Dick, Matthew Monger, Steve Cherry, Kevin Matthews.

1971 July 15, “Miamians Lose in Title Play of State Golf”

Miami’s Suzy Wickham, who a year ago won second place in the Oklahoma junior girls golf tournament, was eliminated for the championship in Wednesday’s opening rounds of match play on Hillcrest Country club in Oklahoma City. She was beaten by Brenda Moyers of Tulsa, 4 and 3. Karen Edwards of Bartlesville, who won the recent Miami junior girls’ tournament and was a favorite for the state crown, lost to Joanie Gardner, also of Bartlesville, 3 and 1.

In A flight, Mary Beth Frampton, Tulsa, defeated Ann Cordell of Miami, 6 and 3.

Linda Wickham, of Miami, playing in the nine-hole A flight carded a 56 for a two-day total of 114 and 8^th in the standings. Debbie Austin of Miami ranks 4^th in C flight with 71-62-133. Sandra Jackson is first in the three-hole flight with 17-17-34. Sandra, 11, was featured in a picture in Wednesday’s Daily Oklahoman, showing a dramatic follow-through on a drive.  

1971 July 16 “Good Day for Miami Girls in State Golf”

Sandra Jackson, 11, won the state title in the three-hole flight with a three-day score of 51 with rounds of 17 each day. She was 13 strokes ahead of runner up Adelle Lukken of Tulsa. Suzy Wickham of Miami reached today’s title final in the championship consolation with a 1-up victory on19 holes over Jonni Koppitz of Alva. She will play Friday for the Consolation flight winner. Ann Cordell lost her consolation flight match to Liz Suggs of Midwest City, 3 and 1.

1971 July 18 “Junior Golf Trophies Awarded”

Miami’s junior golf program for the summer was concluded with the weekend city tournament at the Miami Country club. Competition in all flights, except the boys championship, was conducted Friday. The older boys of the program were to compete here this afternoon. Earlier rounds were prevented because some of them were in the state Insurance meet.

Results in other division: Championship—Melissa Landers, first; Cheryl Enyart, driving; Ann Cordell, putting.

Class A—Charles Wilmoth, first; Sammy Cherry, second; Tom Jackson, driving; Kim King, putting. Linda Wickham, first; Deb Austin, driving; Janey Adams, putting.

 

 Class B—Mike Hylton, first, after sudden-death playoff with Matt Giffhorn; Chris Adkison, driving; Jim Arndt, putting. Pam Landers, first; Sonya Austin, putting.

Four-Hole—David Weitz, first; Tom Kidd, second; David Bennett, third; John Paul Dick, driving; Brian Humes, putting. Sandy Jackson, first; Jenny Landers, second; Debbie Jackson, driving; Lisa Giffhorn, putting.

Two-Hole—Billy Jackson, first; David Robinson, driving; Steve Raymond, putting. Tracy Enyart, first; Jenny Landers, second, Terri Garwood, driving; Cathy Harsch, putting.

1971 July 18 “Miami’s Suzy is Lose in State Finals”

Patting Livingston of Oklahoma City defeated Suzy Wickham of Miami, 3 and 2 for the championship consolation flight on the Hillcrest course in Oklahoma City.

1971 July 19 “Giffhorn is Boys’ Champ”

Bill Giffhorn won the boys championship in the annual city junior golf tournament that ended Sunday at the Miami Country club. Giffhorn scored 40-39-79. Tommy Cordell won the runner up trophy with 40-41-81. Kenny Gibson was third with 41-44-85.

Rick Adams won the putting trophy and Cordell took the driving trophy. All four leaders in the boys’ championship flight played on the Miami high school golf team last spring and will be back for the 1972 MHS competition.

 

 

 

 

1971 July 21 “Miamians Gain Golf Awards in Tulsa Meet”

Miami girls made a fine record in the Tulsa District Golf Junior Girls tournament Tuesday at Tulsa’s Oaks Country club. Sandy Jackson, age 11, won first place in the nine-hole competition. Suzy Wickham, competing in her last time to play junior golf finished second to Joannie Gardner, who won the state girls championship last week.

Other players from Miami: Ann Cordell, 110 and Janey Adams and Melissa Landers, 115 each for 18 holes. In the nine-hole flight Sandy Jackson scored an 84.

 

 

1971 July 25 “Joplin Twin Hills Host Women’s Tri-State”

Miami ladies planning to compete in this annual event are Helen Moore, the local club’s Tri-State representative; Marylyn Adams, Faye Berentz, Melba Cordell, LaRue Gaines, Evelyn Hatfield, Ruth Heyburn, Beverly Jackson, Lib Lillard, Claire Oliver, Billie Pace, Marian Richards, Joyce Rutter, Barbara Shouse, Mae Tate, Yvonne Temple, LaVon Young and Rose Pratt.

1971 July 25 “Ladies Golf Notes”

Winners the past week in Miami Ladies Golf are championship—Evelyn Hatfield; Class A—Barbara Shouse; Class B—Peg Murphy; Class C—Louise Whitney; Class D—Gladys Wetzel.

1971 August 9 “Hollowell Takes Title in Joplin Golf”

Bruce Hollowell of “Springfield, Mo., barely beat Bob Klein of Miami for the championship of the Twin Hills Country club’s19th annual invitational golf tournament held Sunday. Each carded a three-under par 69 for the final 18-holes. Hollowell’s total for 54 holes was 207, one stroke better than Klein’s 108.

Other Miamians playing were Kermit Lewis first in Fourth flight with a 244, and Lou Mirjanich fourth with a 251. Henry Garwood won Sixth flight with 269.

1971 September 7 “Bob Klein Wins City Golf Title”

Bob Klein regained the Miami Country club’s golf championship for the men Monday afternoon when he carded even par 72 to go with rounds of 76 and 73 for a total score of 221 during the Labor Day weekend.

Klein was runner-up a year ago, losing to Dick Neel in a sudden-death playoff. Neel was runner-up this time with a three-day score of 227.

Klein was city champion in 1969, the first year for the title to be determined by medal play, instead of match play competition. It took a playoff to settle the 1969 crown. Klein birdied the first hole of the playoff with Dr. W.D. Jackson, who had won the 1968 city championship in the last of the match-play series.

John F. Robinson and son John F. Jr., tied for third place in the competition that ended Monday with totals of 232. They were followed by Kent Jeffries 235, Dr. W.D. Jackson 239, Bill Harsch 241, Tom Cordell 242, Bob Temple 243, Dr. W.D. Neal 244, Dick Lillard 245, Stratton Henley 246, Brad Smallwood 250, Bob Snook 253, George Myers 255, Earl Crews 256.

Four-man team competition coincided with the individual team. The winning foursome was composed of Klein, Jeffries, Temple, and Lillard. Their total was 944. Second with 964 were the two Robinson’s, Neal, and Crews. Next were Neel, Snook, Harsch, and Myers with 976 and Jackson, Smallwood, Henley and Cordell with 977.

Dr. Jackson (and his wife Norma Lou) served a chairman of the meet.

1971 September 10 “Golf Meet Will Open Saturday”

Out-of-towners started signing up at the Miami Country club this morning for practice preparatory to the 16^th annual Miami invitational golf tournament that opens a two-day run Saturday morning. The field of 140, including 94 visitors, is described by tournament chairman, Kent Jeffries and Johnie F. Stapp, club pro, as the strongest in the history of the meet.

Contenders include defending champion Jim Scaletty of Parsons; Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill, the only three-time champ; Tommy Beck of Tulsa an Dr. W.D. Jackson, the two-time champions; Miami’s Dick Neel, whose winning score of 136 in 1965 was the best of the 15 previous meets.

Chairman Jeffries’ tournament assignments include Jack Elliott, coordinator; Mrs. George Wojcik, registration; Mrs. Bill Carter, composite scoring results; Mrs. W.D. Jackson, pairings; Mrs. Henry Garwood, hospitality, and Mrs. Rex Painter, breakfast.

1971 September 13 “Arkansas’ Collins Golf Champ Here”

Dwight Collins, clothing merchant of Springdale, Ark., won the championship of the 16^th annual Miami Country club invitational. After sharing medalist honors Saturday at one-under-par 71 with 1970 Kansas Amateur champion Chris Strahan of Pittsburg, Collins blistered the course Sunday with a 66, six under par.

This was the best 18-hole round in the history of the club invitational, but left Collins one stroke short of matching the 36-hole record of 136 that was carded by Miami’s Dick Neel when he won the tournament in 1965. Collins won the Miami tournament in 1969.

Bob Klein won second place, with a two-day score of 72-69=141. Bill Stewart of Springfield, Mo., who has never won the Miami meet but has finished in the top three several times, took third this time with 74-70-144.Tied for fourth were Pittsburg’s Chris Strahan, 71-74-145, and Skip Talley of Springfield, Mo.,72-73-145.

Next in the16-man championship flight from the field of 140 golfers were: Dick Neel, 147; Jim Scaletty of Parsons, Kansas, defending champion, 147; John Robinson, Sr., 148; Pursie Pipes, 149; Bob Hill, Jr., 151, John Robinson, Jr., 152; Jim Walker, 152; Dr. W.D. Jackson, 153; Gordon Elliott, 157; Bill Cowan, 159; George Goetz, 161.

 Miamians in other flights:

President’s flight: Bill Harsch 156 (fourth); Dick Lowry, Vinita 157;Kent Jeffries, 159; Charles (Charlie Bill) Hirsch, 160; Al White, 165; Tom Cordell, 166. Miami’s Al White carded the best individual hole of the tournament. He shot an eagle three on the par-five No. 14 hole (old #5) while scoring a 79 in Saturday’s round.

A flight: Straton Henley, 160 (tied for second place), Delmer Barnes, Lloyd Tate, Bill Hatfield, Dr. W.D. Neal.

B flight: Joe Whipple (first), Wayland Kelly, Billl Hirsch, George Russell, Jr.

C flight: Lou Mirjanich (fourth), George Wojcik, John Elmburg, Bud Gaines, Bill Wilson, H.D. Robinson, Harry Dean, Jack Brown.

D flight: Bill Oliver, Hans Lutjens, K.C. Jeffries, Cy Elmburg, Jack Burns.

1971 September 19 “Ladies Golf Notes”

Winners the past week in Miami Ladies Golf competition were: Championship— Beverly Jackson; Class A—Helen Moore; Class B—Noma Newman; Class C—Aileen Bradshaw; Class D—Grace Burns.

The fourth and last round in the Ladies championship medal play tournament will be on Wednesday. Members not playing in the tournament will make their own pairings for the least hazards (sand traps and ditches) from the white tees. All players are eligible for the pitch, putt and driving contest after Wednesday’s play.

1071 September 22 “From the Clutter”

Kenneth E. Richards, head of the music department at NEO is Miami’s hole-in-one golf champion. He carded his third ace on the Miami Country club Tuesday afternoon while playing with Marion Zajic, Charlie Trussler, Rex Painter, Phil Thompson and Bud May.

Using a No.6 iron, Richards aced the par-three No. 12 hole, 151 yards from the point of his drive. His first ace was made on the same hole in 1952 and his second on No. 8 in 1963.

1971 October 1 “Ruth Heyburn Sweeps Honors in Ladies Golf”

Mrs. Dan (Ruth) Heyburn swept all honors in the championship flight of the annual championship golf tournament that ended this Friday. Rainy September weather had caused delays in the tournament, which consisted of four rounds.

In addition to winning first in the championship flight, she was the tournament medalist and first-place winner in the driving, chipping/putting contest in her flight. Evelyn Hatfield was runner-up.

Winners in other flights:

A—Sue Barnes, first; Helen Moore, runner-up.

B—Mae Pate, first; LaVon Young, runner-up

C—Aileen Bradshaw, first; Roma Dahl, runner-up.

D—Jean Phillips, first; Loretta Weitz, runner-up.

Driving winners included: Helen Moore, A; Val Dale, B; Aileen Bradshaw,C, and Gracie Burns, D.

Chipping/putting winners included: Sue Barnes, A; LaVon Young, B; Roma Dahl, C and Dorothy Hester, D.

The tournament was under the direction of Yvonne Temple and Louise Whitney.

 

 **Times were different in September 10, 1971