1967 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

1967 Wardog Golf Team

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

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

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

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

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

1967 March 26 "MHS Golfers to Play"

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

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

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

1967 March 26 "Country Club Bunny"

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

1967 April  "Stillwater High Golfers Capture Honors"

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

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

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

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

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

1967 April 9  "For High School Golf"

1967 April 9  "Ladies Golf Notes"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

1967 April 19  "Norse Golfers Post Victories"

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

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

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

1967 May 1  "Joplin Golfers Win Here"

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

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

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

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

The 18-hole scores for Miamians were:

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

 1967 May 11  "NEO Golfers Bi-State Champions"

 

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

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

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

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

I don't think we ever forget those moments.  

1967 May 21  "Ladies Sunrise Golf League Begins"

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

1967 June 16  "In the News"

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

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

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

1967 June 18  "Ladies Golf Notes"

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

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

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

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

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

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

1967 June 18  "Another Record for Mantle"

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

1967 June 20  "Thunderbird Tournament"

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

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

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

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

 1967 June 25  "New Champion for Miami Girls Tournament"

1967 June 25  "Parent-Child Golf Tournament"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1967 July 16  "Junior Girls State Golf Tournament"

1967 July 30  "Karlovich Captures Junior Golf Meet"

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

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

Randy James writes:

My first clubs.

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

 Roger McCollum wrote:

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

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

1967 July 30  "Junior Golf Winners"

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

1967 August 6  "Broadmoor Trophy for Miami Girl"

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

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

1967 August 23  "Top Prospect Tag for Owens"

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

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

1967 August 27  "Klein is City Golf Champion"

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

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

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

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

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

1967 September 11  "Beck Repeats as Champion" 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 1967 October 6  "Ladies Club Championship"

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

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

1967 October 22  "Ladies Golf Notes"

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

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

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

1965 TIMELINE AND STORIES MGCC

Ladies enjoying a drink at the club....Mary Lou Wickham on far right.

1965 February 16 Miami News Record  "Society Page"

This is an example of the social side of the country club and the affluent town of Miami in the 1960's.
Mrs. Timberlake, the former Miss Patricia Gibson of Miami, was honored at numerous prenuptial courtesies this winter. Mrs. John F. Robinson entertained a brunch, and Mrs. M.C. Bagby chose the Miami Country club as the setting for a dessert luncheon in honor of the bride.

 The home of Mrs. Vernon Sapp was the setting for a brunch and linen shower. Mrs. Paul Wilson, Mrs. Tom Bomford and Mrs. Stanley Ulmer were co-hostesses. 

A kitchen shower at the Miami Country club was given by Mrs. Dewey Sims, Mrs. Robert Nesbitt, and Mrs. Tom Cordell.

A recipe shower was held in the home of Mrs. John Wallace with Mrs. Ben T. Owens assisting. The bridesmaids' luncheon at the Miami Country club was hosted by Mrs. Frank Lacaff and Mrs. Frank Lasky (Jody Lacaff Lasky).  

1965 March 30 "Pryor Tigers Nip War Dog Golfers"

Pryor Tigers defeated the Miami War Dogs, 3 1/2 to 1 1/2 in a high school golf match Monday afternoon at the Miami Country club. Tom Howard of Pryor, medalist with a score of 41, edged Mark Wojcik, 42; Woody Painter, 45 defeated Schaeffer, 49; Stanley of Pryor, 47 beat Bill Oliver, 51; Emerson of Pryor, 42, defeated Jim Thompson. 

Miami will meet OMA prep golfers here Thursday afternoon and will host the annual invitational high school boys tournament next week. 

**Personal note: Several of the high school boys and junior high boys who played golf at the country club were known to through clubs, break clubs, and have temper tantrums on the golf course.  By my father's values and rules, no one was allowed to exhibit such outburst.  There is no record of how many times several of the above boys were kicked off the golf course. I only recall that Dad would call home and ask their parents to come pick them up.  There was no argument from the parents, only a great deal of respect for my father.  

Since my father held that rule for young people, he was obliged on several occasions to ask grown men to leave the golf course. 

1965 April 4 "Schoolboy Golf Tourney Slated Monday in Miami" 

Twenty-five teams are scheduled to compete Monday in the eighth annual Miami high school invitational golf tournament at the Miami Country club.Back as defending champions in all three trophy divisions are the Tulsa Central Braves, who led the field of 15 teams last year. Hale is another strong entry. Among the 10 teams from Oklahoma City and suburbs if O.C. Hardin, two-time team champion of the local meet. 

Other O.C. teams are Southeast, Northeast, Northwest, Marshall, Classen, Grant and Capitol Hill. Midwest City and Del City are the other O.C. entries. Other teams include Stillwater, Claremore, OMA, Sand Springs, Muskogee, Nowata, Pryor, Okmulgee, Tahlequah, and Miami. Contenders will also be here from Coffeyville, Parsons, and Joplin. 

Mark Wojcik, Woody Painter and Bill Oliver will play with the Miami team. The fourth team member will be chosen from Jim Thompson, Gary West, and Jon Street. 

Ross Elder of Tulsa Central was medalist last year with a 39-36-75 card. Again, he is the No. 1 member of the Central team.

1965 April 6 "Tulsa Central in Golf Sweep Again"

For the second straight year Tulsa Central's Braves made a clean sweep of the top honors in the Miami High School invitational golf tournament. Coach Eddie Sutton's sharpshooting seniors captured three trophies. 

Medalist, Ross Elder shot a two-under par 37-33-70. Monday's score of 33 is the best nine hole score for the tournament. Two-ball honors went to Elder and Jim Arnold. Four-ball went to Central's 303 on the scores by Elder, Arnold, Roger Banzhof, and Larry Meason. The total was the lowest in tournament history, as were medalist and two-ball figures. Tulsa Hale took second, followed by Stillwater and Muskogee. 

The tournament was conducted under the direction of MHS coach Bill Watkins, in cooperation with the club pro, Johnie F. Stapp.

Picture on right: Miami High School golf coach Bill Watkins provided protection for three of his golfers while this picture was snapped during the rain immediately after Monday's tournament. From left are Mark Wojcik, Wood Painter, and Bill Oliver.

 1965 April 28 "Miami Jr. High School Golfers"

Miami junior high school golfers lost to Columbus, Kan., juniors by 11-6 score at the Columbus Country club. Richard Varley's 45 was the best score for the Miami team, but his opponent gained medalist honors with 43 for the nine holes.

Scores posted by other Miami team members were: Jim Painter 49, Charles Grayson 50, Scott Jackson 55, Mark Cordell 50, Rodney Street 52, Tim Schofield 52, Bob Gaines 54. Non contestant players were John Reynolds, David Adams, Jeff Butcher, and Andy Bailey. 

Miami junior girls shut out their Columbus opponents with these scores: Jonya Stapp 54, Karen Jeffries 60, Tammy Romick 64. Girls who did not compete were: Clara Searle,Carol Searle, Forrestette Turner, Simmy Peacock, Nancy Adams, Billie Bennett, Nancy Nesbitt and Nancy Cordell. 

The Miami juniors are coached by Mrs. Claire Oliver.  

1965 May 14  "Tri-City Golf Rounds at Miami Club Sunday" 

The Miami Country club will be host Sunday to men of Joplin and Springfield, Missouri, in the first matches of the 1965 inter-club golf tournament. Tee off will be at 11:30am. Eighty-eight golfers are expected. Joplin won the inter-club trophy last year. At the close of the golf rounds, there will be a buffet and dance from 6:00-8:00pm.

Miami players are: John Robinson, Dr. W.D. Jackson, Dick Neel, Dick Lillard, Dr. W.D. Neal, Bob Temple, C.Casky, Harry Gilmore, Al White, G.R. White, Ray Coburn, Stratton Henley, Kermit Lewis, Rex Painter, George Windham, Woodrow Painter, Charles Trussler, Marion Zajic, Tom Cordell, Buck Bagby, George Wojcik, Pat Campbell, Tom Forbes, and V.J. Orcutt, Dr. Richard Varley, George Meyers, Bill Oliver, Delmer Barnes, Lloyd Cowgill, Jack Brown.  Low scores from 20 players from each city will be counted in the official competition.   

1965 May 30 "Four-Ball Tournament Is Launched at Country Club"

First-round competition in the annual men's four-ball tournament at Miami Country club must be completed today. Pairings for next week: Stratton Henley and Clarence Caskey vs Bill carter and Delmer Barnes; K.C. Jeffries and Harry Kenreigh vs. Dr. Bill Neal and Dick Lillard; George Wojcik and Bernie Schaff vs Jack Schofield and Dr. Ray McKinney; Bill Neel and Joel Ridenour vs Jim Smallwood and Jack Brown. 

Tom Barton and Harry Gilmore vs Bob Temple and Dr. W.D. Jackson; Al Williams and Harry Whitaker vs Jim Richard and Art Goettel; Tom Forbes and Dick Neel, Jr., vs Woodrow Painter and Lloyd Cowgill; Lou Mirjanich and George Romick vs George Parker and John McLaughlin.

*Notice the language used in these times as referenced to the Space Race. 

1965 May 30 "Foursome Golf Play Today"

Scotch foursomes golf matches are scheduled today at the Miami Country club, beginning with a shotgun start at 4 p.m  (Shot gun starts were usually started by my father, when he would pull out an M-80, lite it, then toss it into the air.)

No. 1 tee--Virginia Romick and Don Curlee; Millie Carter ad Joe Ridenour; Wanda Jo Brown and Kermit Lewis.

No. 2 tee--Marilyn Adams and Harry Whitaker; Lois Cowles  and Fuzz Lillard; Dona Ridenour and Jim Smallwood.

No. 3 tee--Lib Lillard and Les Whitney; Louise Curlee and Tom Housch; Sarah Mirjanich and Jack Schofield.

No. 4 tee--Jean Phillips and tom Wilson; Jo Ann Smallwood and Dan Heyburn; Sue Giffhorn and Charles Trussler. 

No. 5 tee--Stormy Lewis and Bill Carter; Dorothy Schofield and Jack Brown; Ruth Heyburn and Lou Mirjanich.

No. 6 tee--Louise Whitney and Charles Phillips; Virginia Wilson and Jack Adams; Elizabeth Hansford and George Romick.  

No. 7 tee--Jane Trussler and Doug Phillips; Erin Wojcik and Bill Giffhorn.

No. 8 tee--Mavis Ford and Frank Hansford; Lottie Mae Russell and George Wojcik.

 1965 May 30  "Sunrise League Play for Ladies Begins Tuesday"

The annual competition in the Miami Ladies Sunrise golf league will begin Tuesday at the Country club. Entry fee of $2.00 must be paid before teeing off. All matches must start no later than 10 a.m. with opponents arranging their own times. Pairings:

Evelyn Hatfield vs Fay Berentz;Erin Wojcik vs Hattie Wall; Lottie Russell vs Lois Cowles; Gladys Wetzel vs Val Dale; Lib Lillard vs Barbara Shouse; Helen Jones vs. Ruth Fullerton.

Lois Garwood vs Helen Stapp; Mavis Ford vs. Jean Phillips; Beverly Jackson vs Pat Horner; Virginia Sapp vs La Rue Gaines; Inez Blizzard vs Helen Moore; Mary Lou Wickham vs Dorothy Schofield. Players are responsible for substitutes, if necessary.

 1965 June "Personal Memory of Doug Phillips" I remember when the bus arrived from Tulsa each summer bringing the girls to play in our Girls Invitational.  My favorite was watching Susie Friels play golf. I also recall the lady who ran the Girls Junior Golf program in the state. Her name was Mabel Hotz. One time on the putting green at the country club she was giving a golf lesson on putting. This is what she said, "Never up. Never In." I have never forgotten that advice. 

1965 June 10 "Okmulgee Champions"

 Leaders in the Okmulgee Girls Jr. Invitational are: Susan Basolo, winner; Louise Stekoll, runner-up; Vicki Bell, A flight winner; Susan Russell, Miami, runner-up; Susan Silver, B flight winner; Karen Jeffries and Jonya Stapp of Miami, second and third place respectively  (the photo was too blurry to share).

1965 June 24 "Junior Girl Invitational Golf Tourney Here Friday"

 Susan Basolo of Muskogee, defending champion and more than 70 other girls will compete Friday in the Miami's sixth annual girls invitational. Sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf association, the local invitational is the largest in the state for junior girls. 

The majority of girls will be from Tulsa. They will make the trip by chartered bus and with them again this year will be Mrs. Mabel Hotz, state chairman for junior girls golf 14 years before retirement from the volunteer post in 1962. 

1965 June 27 "Susan Basolo of Muskogee Captures Title Third Time"

Susan Basolo, who may well be on her way to one of the greatest golfers in history for Oklahoma's feminine ranks, said farewell to Miami junior invitational tournament with her third straight win shooting an 84. Runner-up here was Louise Stekoll of Okmulgee with 92. Rita Albertson of Tulsa won third place in a sudden-death playoff with Pam Lloyd. Other Championship scores are: Janis Bell, 101; Diane Lukken, 103, Letty Stapp, 103, Ann Durand 104.  Letty Stapp was the low putts winner and Diane Lukken won the longest drive.

*Sadly, Susan passed away ten years ago. This is a tribute I wrote about her, as she was my nemesis and friend  Herstory: Susan Basolo

Other Miami girls playing: Barbara Bomford, Carol Brown, Jonya Stapp, Karen Jeffries, Sally Meyer, Judy Berentz, Tammy Romick, Nancy Nesbitt--first place C flight;Nancy Reese, 2nd place C flight; Suzy Wickham, Forestette Turner, Becky Nesbitt, Rebecca Mirjanich, Tanya Reese, Elaine Butcher, Renee Barnes,Kim Feronti, Ann Cordell, Diane Dean.  

1965 June 28  "Cowgill-Painter Take Title"

For the second straight year, Lloyd Cowgill and Woodrow Painter are champions of the annual four-ball golf tournament at the Miami Country club. In Sunday's finals, they defeated Harry Kenreigh and K.C. Jeffries. 

The champions reached the finals with victories over Dickie Neel-Tom Forbes, George Parker-John McLaughlin, and Art Goettel-Jim Richard. 

Kenreigh-Jeffries climbed with victories over Dick Lillard--Dr.Bill Neal, Stratton Henley--Clarence Caskey, and Bill Neel-Joel Ridenour.  

1965 July 4 "Fireworks to Follow Golf Competition Here Monday"

Scotch foursome golf competition is scheduled Monday evening at the Miami CC beginning at 4 o'clock. A buffet dinner and fireworks display will conclude the evening activities.

 

 

1965 July 7 "Miami Junior Golf"

Last week's winners in junior golf competition at the Miami Country club were:

Two holes--David Reese and Ann Heyburn

Five holes--Tommy Cordell and Rebecca Mirjanich

Championship--Jim Robinson, low gross and low putts; Woody Painter, second low gross, Jimmy Painter, second low putts; 

A Flight--Charles Grayson, low gross; Bobby Gaines, second; Mark Cordell and Scotty Jackson, tie for low putts; 

A Flight--Jonya Stapp, low gross; Billie Bennett, second low gross; Sally Meyer, low putts, four-way tie for second low putts by Barbara Bomford, Billie Bennett, Karen Jeffries, and Jonya Stapp.

B Flight--Joe Hankins, low gross and low net; Bob Wilson, second low gross and low putts.

B Flight--Nancy Adams, low gross and low putts; Nancy Nesbitt, second low gross; Tammy Romick, second low putts.

Boys and girls in the two and five-hole competition will play Thursday. Lesson from Johnie Stapp, club pro will begin at 8:30 am. Pairings will be made at the tee. Scorers will be Mrs. Jack Brown, Mrs. Bill Giffhorn, Mrs. Lou Mirjanick, Mrs. Charles Phillips, Mrs. Tony Prewitt, Mrs. Harry Gilmore, Mrs. John Reese, Mrs. Johnie Stapp, Nancy Adams, and Nancy Cordell.

Friday's pairing for championship and A Flight follow:

Championship--Mark Wojcik, John Robinson and Woody Painter; Richard Varley, Rodney Street, Jimmy Painter and Jim Thompson; Susan Russell and Letty Stapp.

A Flight--Tim Schofield, David Adams, and J.R. Coburn; Charles Grayson, Mark Cordell, Scotty Jackson and Bobby Gaines; Jonya Stapp, Karen Jeffries and Judy Berentz; Billie Bennett, Nancy Cordell, Sally Meyer and Barbara Bomford.  

Tee time is 8:30 from the red tees. Lessons from Johnie Stapp for beginners will start at 8:30. Scorers will be: Mr. and Mrs. Tom Wilson, Mrs. Claude Dale, Mrs. Rex Graham, Mrs. John Robinson, Mrs. Jack Schofield, Mrs. Robert Nesbitt, and Mrs. George Wojcik. 

1965 July 8 "Mixed Twilight Golfers Begin Rounds Friday"

1965 July 16

1965 July 15 Tulsa Tribune "Junior Aces Rout Golf Foes"

**Personal Note: This was my last junior girls state championship and we played it at Southern Hills Country club. 

Defending champion of the Jr Girls State Championship, Susan Basolo, and medalist Rinda Koppitz breezed to quarterfinal victories here his morning at the Southern Hills CC. Miss Basolo moved into the semifinals of the 16th annual tournament by discarding Christine Townsend of Tulsa 9 and 8. Miss Koppitz, who captured medal honors with a 4-over par 82 Tuesday, reached the Friday semifinals by tumbling Cheryl Crain, also of Tulsa, 7 and 6.

Rita Albertson, a Tulsa golfer and Letty Stapp of Miami were even up after 18 holes of match play and played the 455 yard par 5 first hole. Rita dropped a 15-foot putt for a birdie 4 to win the match. Miss Louise Stekoll of Okmulgee won her match on the 15th hole with a boggy 5 while Miss Gini Breene took a 6 losing the match 5 and 3. Miss Basolo and Miss Stekoll will tee off at 8:05 am Friday following the semifinals match between Miss Koppitz and Miss Albertson.  

**Personal Note: Times were much more formal when we played golf in the 1960's. We were expected to dress up like ladies for the awards banquet held on Wednesday nights of this week long event. Mabel Hotz wrote songs that all of the girls sang for entertainment, each and every year. 

Personal note from Barbara Bomford Newman:

I played my only Junior Girls state golf tournament at Southern Hills in 1965. What I remember the most was walking up the hill on the 18th green and seeing that huge clubhouse. The walk uphill was quite difficult and intimidating to me.  That was a time when the only way we communicated was by phone calls to the hotel room where we stayed or by reading the Tulsa World every night or morning to learn about our tee times the next day.  We relied on the newspaper for all of our news. This was a special trip for me. 

I also remember my favorite tournament at the country club was once a year when we got to play with caddies. I don't know who the caddies were by they were men and boys who carried our clubs and helped us make decisions. It was fun. 

1965 July 21 Miami News Record "Trophy Smiles"

1965 July 21 "Tri-State Winners"

  1965 JULY 25 MNR "Robinson and Stapp Local Champs"

John Robinson's golfing was hot as the weather Friday when he carded a sizzling 74 to capture the championship of the boys' division of the annual junior handicap tournament at the Miami Country club. He carded a 40 on the front nine and was two under on the second round to post a two-over 74. His handicap gave him a 68.

Letty Stapp won the championship of the girls' division with an 87 card and a 15 handicap for a net score of 72. Runners-up in the two divisions were Mark Wojcik and Susan Russell. Mark toured the 18 holes in 81 and netted 76 with his five handicap. Susan 's card showed 112. Her handicap was 27, giving her a net 85. 

Sixty-four boys and girls competed in the meet. Winners and runners-up in the other divisions were:

A flight, boys-Charles Grayson and Bobby Gaines

A flight, girls--Barbara Bomford and Billie Bennett. They were tied at the end with Barbara winning in a sudden death playoff.

B--Bob Graham and Bob Wilson;  Mary Lollar and Susie Wickham.

Five-hole flight: Ricky Adams and Bill Giffhorn; Tanya Reese and Elaine Butcher.

Two-hole flight: David Reese and Matt Giffhorn; Teresa McKinney and Dawn Feronti.

Putting winners were: Jimmy Painter and Letty Stapp, championship; J.R. Coburn and Nancy Cordell, A flight; Bruce Richardson and Nancy Adams, B flight; Tommy Cordell and Ann Cordell, five-hole flight; John Mirjanich and Linda Wickham, two-hole flight. 

Driving contest winners were: Woody Painter and Susan Russell, championship; Mark Cordell and Karen Jeffries, A flight; Pete Whitaker and Tammy Romick, B flight; Dan Giffhorn and Rebecca Mirjanich five-hole flight; and Jim Arndt and Christy Dudgeon, two-hole flight.

 

Advertisement in local news. 

1965 August 1  "Trophy Time"

 1965 August 8 "Best in Tournament"

1965 August 11  "Letty Stapp in National Girls Golf Tourney"

Letty Stapp, 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnie F. Stapp, will compete in the national junior girls golf tournament, beginning Monday at Evergreen, Colorado. The top 32 scores among some 140 entries in  two-day qualifying rounds will be assigned to championship play. Contestants from the across the nation will include Susan Basolo, of Muskogee, champion of the Miami Girls Invitational for three straight years.
 

1965 September 12 "Neel Tops Golf Meet Shooters"

Dickie Neel of Miami fired a five-under par 67 Saturday to capture medalist honors in the two-day annual Miami Invitational Golf Tournament. More than 130 golfers from several states toured the par-72 Miami Country club Saturday. Their 18-hole scores determined assignments to five flights and will be added to the 18-hole Sunday scores in determining winners.

Dr. W.D. Jackson, tournament chairman, is the defending champion. He won with 74-77=151 last year. Neel finished fourth in the 1964 with 77-79=156.

1965 September 13  "Dick Neel Shots Record Score for Golf Tourney Title" by Mack Boswell

Dick Neel of Miami, carding the best 36-hole tournament score in the history of the Miami Country club, captured the championship of the club's 10th annual invitational golf tournament Sunday afternoon. 

Dick Neel of Miami, carding the best 36-hole tournament score in the history of the Miami Country club, captured the Championship of the club's 10th annual Invitational Golf tournament. He was eight under par with a 67-69=136. The lowest total in the previous invitationals was 69-72-141 by Jack Myers of Miami, in 1956. 

Ideal weather prevailed for this year's meet and the 6,682 yard course was in excellent condition. "That was the best shooting we've ever had in a tournament here," said Johnie F. Stapp, club pro. 

Champion Neel teamed with Bob Hill, Jr., in 1960 to capture the two-ball state championship for MHS. This may have been Neel's last time to compete in the Miami invitational. He is planning to become a professional and accept full-time employment at a nearby country club. 

 Finishing in the top six behind Neel were Ed McKay, 148; Robert Klein 150; Kenny Childress 150; Jim Conatser 152; and Gene Witzel 152.

Other Miami players and recognized names: Bob Temple, Chi Galloway, Lloyd Tate, Joe Whipple, David Robinson, Stratton Hensley, Harry Gilmore, Dr. Bill Neal, Woodrow Painter, George Parker, Dick Lillard, Joe Thompson, Charles Trussler, Kent Jeffries, Delmar Barnes, George Windham, Rex Painter, Dr. R.W. Varley, Ray Coburn, George Wojcik, Harry Whitaker, Kermit Lewis, Harry Ford, Bill Hirsch, Max Martin, V.W. Lillard, Harry Dean, Henry Garwood, Lloyd Cowgill, Lou Mirjanich, Dan Heyburn, Bob Garwood, George Romick, Charles Phillips, Dan Mailath.

**While setting an all-time record for 36 holes on the Miami Country club course, Dick Neel missed the 18-hole record by one stroke with his 67 on Saturday. Six-under par 66's have been shot on the current 9-hole layout by John F. Robinson, Jack Myers when he shot a 66 the opening day of the invitational in 1957.   

1963 STORIES AND TIMELINE of MGCC

 

 1963 March 10  "Lady Golfers Approaching New Season"

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

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

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

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

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

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

1963 April 7 "High School Golfers in Tourney Monday"

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

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

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

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

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

1963 April 7 MNR "Ladies Golf"

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

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

1963 April 7 "Stag Night"

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

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

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

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

1963 April 26 "Country Club has Plush New Look"

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

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

1963 May 3 "4-Ball Tourney Pairings Ready"

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

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

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

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

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

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

1963 MHS Wardog Boy's Golf Team: 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miami Child club will be hosted by Mrs. Wayland Kelly

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

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

Other society events include: 

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

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

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

1963 June 17 mnr "Hail Hits Area"

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

1963 June 20 mdnr 

1963 June 20 mdnr "Friday Rounds for Junior Golfers"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Championship:

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

President's Flight:

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

A Flight:

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

B Flight:

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

C Flight:

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

D Flight

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

"Four-ball Finalists"

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

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

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

1963 June 28 "Junior Girls Golf Tourney Here Today"

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

HOLE-IN-ONE! 

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

1963 June 30 mnr "Basolo Takes Honors"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BERENTZ AND PAINTER JR. GOLF WINNERS

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

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

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

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

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

Richard Goodwin's 2nd place trophy. 

 

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

Results by flights:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

1963 September 9, MNR "Joplin Golfer Champ Here"

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

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

1963   Match Between Men and Women

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

1963 Golf Shop Employees:

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

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

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