1972-1975 APPLAUSE TO SUZY WICKHAM

My apologizes to Suzy Wickham for not publishing this story in sequence. I am most proud of the role that Suzy and her teammates played in competitive golf for young women before Title IX. 

 

 

 

 

Suzy's Story:

I played for OSU from 1972-75, graduating in the spring of 1975.  Joyce Seward was the first coach at OSU, but the University of Tulsa also had a team.  We did not have Title IX enacted during the years I attended OSU.  We traveled in a 9-passenger station wagon to all the tournaments.  It was pretty crowded with the team and golf bags, but we found space wherever we could.  The school issued us an orange carry golf bag and a black windbreaker and we wore jeans to play in most of the time.  We practiced at Lakeside Golf Course in Stillwater and hit our own shag balls in an open space that was a practice area for both the men’s and women’s teams.

Suzy Wickham  on the right.

1973 OSU Yearbook states: 

Oklahoma State’s women golfers displayed a lot of enthusiasm and are providing the leadership and impetus for the Big Eight Conference as well as the state of Oklahoma. OSU’s lady linksters split two matches with Southwest Missouri State and took a second and a third in a tournament at Texas Women’s Golf Tourney held in Ames, Iowa.

Suzy Wickham back row second from the right.

Oklahoma State’s women’s golf team made a fine showing in its 1973 fall competition. In a triangular match with Southwestern Missouri and Stephens, the team won with Patty Livingston as medalist. In October, the team competed in the Stephens Invitational Tournament where Karen Edwards was the medalist.

Spring competition included a ten school meet at Texas Women’s University in April. Although the two seniors of the team, Diane Sumpter and Karen Gravley, are outstanding, the upcoming freshman should make OSU’s future great in women’s golf. 

 

 Suzy's Story: My senior year I was selected to go to the national collegiate competition (called the AIAW).  It was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the University of New Mexico Golf Course. I was the only team member to go and represent OSU, as we did not have money to send the team, so the University of Texas coach looked after me.  It was an honor to be the first woman from OSU to play in the national championship.

 1974 October 3 Miami News Record “Oklahoma State Favored in Women’s Golf Event” (Stillwater special)

 

Karen Edwards, Bartlesville Sooner and Patty Livingston Oklahoma City John Marshall, will anchor O-State’s entry. Both consistently shoot in the high 70’s and are “unhappy when they shoot over 80,” said Coach Joyce Seward. Lisa Stone, Tulsa, Memorial, Suzy Wickham, Miami, Janie McKee, Shidler, round out the O-State squad. Only the top four finishers will score in the event.

  1975 “Pretty Swingers” by Sherri Blackwell for the 1975 OSU Yearbook

The OSU Yearbook began the page with “Pretty Swingers” and this picture with Suzy Wickham putting.

Suzy Wickham is standing next to Coach Seward on the right.

 

 Suzy's Story:

After graduating in the spring of 1975, I decided I wanted to be in the golf business.  My first job was as an Assistant Pro at La Fortune Park Golf Course in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  I started on January 1, 1976, under Jerry Jones who was the Head Golf Professional.  There was one other woman in the state of Oklahoma who was in the golf business in Oklahoma City.  Her name was Jackie Riggs and she worked at Lake Hefner Golf Course. I worked at La Fortune Park for three years and gave group lessons to women from several companies in the Tulsa area. 

 

 In 1979 I moved to Omaha, Nebraska and taught at Omaha Country Club.  During the winter months I traveled on the Asian Golf Tour as a travel consultant to the American golfers who were playing there for twelve weeks.  I got visas for 40 players and organized the hotel and transportation arrangements for aspiring young golfers, many who went on to play on the PGA Tour.  I would go with the group that missed the cut to the next tournament to prepare for that country’s national open.  I traveled to Asia for five years and loved every minute of it.

I married and lived in Omaha for 18 years and played amateur golf in Nebraska and competed in several USGA Mid-Amateur tournaments and eventually the USGA Senior Amateur tournaments.

 

I now spend summers in the Denver area at Castle Pines Golf Club and winters in Indian Wells, California at The Vintage Club.  I still enjoy golf and playing in club competitions and member guest tournaments and love the camaraderie and friendships that golf brings to my life. 

 It all started at Miami Golf and Country Club, playing with my family and anyone else I could get a game with.  I loved growing up there and fondly remember playing junior golf with Jonya, Tammy, Rebecca and many adults who loved the game.  Many thanks to Johnny Stapp who taught me how to play and treat the golf course and other players with respect.  Also, thanks to Helen Stapp who drove us to tournaments and pro-am events so that Jonya and I could chase around and get autographs from the pros and celebrities. Those were fun days!

 

Suzy Wickham Leprino

1974 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MGCC

 *Please read these stories in your browser and take the time to peruse the Miami, Ok. Golf and Country club History blog and the archives on the right hand side of the page.  

** Make plans to attend the 40th Reunion of the Miami Golf and Country club on July 25, 26, 27 of 2024.   Golf and High School Reunion

High School golfers in Oklahoma played January through regional or state championship held the first week in May. The weather oftentimes made the matches very challenging.

1974 March 6 Ladies Spring Golf Coffee. 

During the coffee a business meeting was held and yearly booklets where handed out to members.

1974 March 21” NEO Golfers First in O.C. Tournament”

NEO A&M golfers, coached by Al Moffatt, won first place in an eight-team tournament Wednesday on the Lake Hefner course in Oklahoma City. The event was sponsored by Oklahoma City Southwestern College and was scheduled for 18 holes but was halted at the end of nine-hole rounds because “SNOW WAS GETTING TOO DEEP.” Richard Buchanan, player for the NEO team, shot a 41 that day. He went on to become a golf pro and spent his years as a teaching pro in the Norman and Oklahoma City area. His daughter played golf on the Norman high golf team in the late 1980's when the winning state high school girls champions hailed from Miami High School. I contacted him about the story and he said that that round of golf at Lake Hefner was the coldest day he's ever played golf. One which he will always remember.  

 1974.March 27 “MHS Golf Team Wins Triangular”

Coach Archie Loehr’s Miami high school golfers in their first competition of the season, won first places Tuesday afternoon against Baxter Springs and Joplin Memorial on the Baxter Springs CC course. Scores were 15 ½ to 5 ½ over Baxter and 21-) over Memorial.

Medalist Perry Ogle of Baxter shot a 79 giving him a 4-0 victory over Wardog John Mirjanich 91. Miami’s victories over Baxter in other matches were Wayne Anderson 4-0 over Williams; Mike Hylton 3 ½ to ½ over Ewers; Kim King 4-0 over Ash; Chris Adkison 4-0 over McBee.

The same 18-hole scores prevailed against Memorial with these results: Mirjanich beat Lahan 4-0; Anderson beat Huff 4-0; King beat Chappell 4-0; Hylton beat Findley 4-0; Adkison beat Taylor 4-0.

1974 March 29 “Men Advised on Registration in Golf Events”

Men of the Miami Country club are advised by Johnie F. Stapp, club pro, to act as soon as possible regarding two phases of competition:

1. The roster is nearly filled for the beginning of Twilight League play on April 23. Remaining places will go on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. The Miami club will host April 22 the annual pro-am meet of the South-Central Section, Eastern Chapter of the PGA. Each pro golfer will be teamed with an amateur from the Miami club. If there are 20 pros here, there will be room for 20 amateurs. These assignments will be based on first signups.

 11974 March 29  “Wardogs 3^rd Among 12 Golf Teams”

 

** Corrected list of names--Front row: Kim King, Dan Giffhorn, Mike Hylton, Wayne Anderson, Chris Atkison, Chris Couch.  Back row: John Mirjanich, Jack Brown, John Weitz, John Prewitt, Coach Archie Loehr.

Coach Archie Loehr’s Wardogs totaled 359 strokes on 86 by Mirjanich, 89 by Anderson, 91 by King, and 93 by Hylton. Host Parsons won first in the four-ball competition with 344, followed by Coffeyville 347, Miami 359, Chanute 366, Independence 367. In the special two-ball competition, Miami and Altamont tied for ninth with 201. Scores for the Wardogs were 101 by Chris Adkison and 100 by John Pruitt.

1974 April 2 “Wardog Golfers Defeat Nowata, Baxter Springs”

Miami Wardogs coached by Archie Loehr, continued their winning ways Monday with victories over Baxter and Nowata. John Mirjanich measured up to his No.1 position by capturing medalist honors with an 18-hole score of 81 on rounds of 41 and 40, providing an extra point for Miami.  Miami’s other winning scorers were Anderson 87 won both matches; Kim King 96 lost to Hildreth 93 and beat Hetzger 111; Chris Adkison 94 beat Ewers 97 and Boultinghouse 111; John Prewitt 110 beat Barnett 112 and Driscoll 118.

1974 April 7 “Ladies Golf”

The Miami Women’s Golf Association will begin summer season weekly play Wednesday at the Miami Country club. Beginners will me with club pro, Johnie Stapp for free golf lessons at 9:00am.

No. 1 tee: 9am Lib Lillard, LaRue Gaines, Marian Richards; Helen Moore, Hattie Wall, Jean Ann Blue; Noma Newman, LaVon Young, Beverly Jackson; Faye Berentz, Peg Murphy, Ruth Heyburn; Pauline Taylor, Lois Garwood, Judy Weld; Evelyn Hatfield, Geneva Ramsey, Barbara Gust; Billie Pace, Yvonne Temple, Erin Wojcik, Aileen Bradshaw, Mae Farrier, Marylyn Adams.

No 6 tee: 9am Rose Pratt, Barbara Blevins, Bonnie Moody; Frances McKinney, Sue Enyart, Gail Beck; Dorothy Hester, Caryl Rohwedder, Pauline Adkison; Etta Viers, Cynthia Neel, Mavis Ford, Nancy Johnson; Mary Robinson Rosalie Patterson, Gladys Wetzel.

1974 April 8 “From the Clutter”

Dr. W.D. Jackson of Miami gained the spotlight among Joplin area golfers during the weekend by carding a pair of eagles on the Briarbrook course between Joplin and Carl Junction.

Jackson scored 3’s on the par-5 fifth and seventh holes, hitting the greens on each of his drives. Three out-of-bounds shots were included in his 18-hole score of 78 for the par 72 course. Windy conditions prevailed.

Playing with Jackson were Max Martin of Picher, Lou Mirjanich, Joe Weatherford, Cy Elmburg and Tom Cordell of Miami.

1974 April 14 “Miamian with Winners”

** Look for a future story about Suzy Wickham and the Oklahoma State University beginning girls golf team.

 1974 April 15 “18 Prep Teams in Tuesday Golf Here”

The Edison Eagles of Tulsa will defend the championship they won here last year in the 16^th annual MHS golf tournament. The 18-team competition will begin at 8:30 a.m. and should be completed early in the afternoon, giving spectators time to reach the baseball field at Fifth and B NE before the start of the 3:00p.m Six Lakes Conference double-header between the Wardogs and Owasso Rams, the defending state champions of Class AAA baseball.

1974 April 16 “Mantle Leads Shangri-la’s Benefit Golf”

Mickey Mantle, former NY Yankee star, was the leading scorer in Monday’s American Cancer Society benefit golf tournament at Shangri-la. Mantle carded a six-over-par 78. Next best scorers in the charity event were 79’s by Miami Banker, John Robinson, Sr., and Bill Williams.

Steve Owens of the NFL Detroit Lions, who made football history at OU carded a 101. He played with Max Blue of Miami, Jack Wallace and Steve Zabriskie, Tulsa sportswriter.  

Prize winners included: A flight--Bob Temple, Miami, Mickey Mantle Jr., and Craig Coyan; B—Tom Bomford Weatherford of Miami; C Jack Wallace; Ladies A flight-- Letty Stapp Rains and Billie Pace, Miami; B—Jean Ann Blue, Maggie Garrett, and LaVon Young. 

1974 April 17 "Tulsa Edison Repeats as Miami Golf Meet Champ"

 In the breezy chilling spring weather the Eagles of Edison high school repeated as champions of the 16th annual Miami high school invitational golf tournament. Coach Tom Langham did not have a player back from the foursome that captured the four-ball title a year ago. His team posted a winning 327, nine strokes better than the next best 336 by both Fayetteville, Arkansas and Tulsa Rogers. 

Miami Wardogs finished with 366. John Mirjanich low score of 81 was followed by Mike Hylton, 84, Kim Kings, 100 and Wayne Anderson, 101. 

MHS golf coach Archie Loehr was director of the tournament. He was assisted by L.D. Bains, Athletic Director, and Mrs. Claire Oliver, coach of MHS girls golf. 

1974 April 23 “68’s in Pro-Am by Parker and Karlovich”

Pro golfers Bill Parker (left) of Joplin Twin Hills and Bob Karlovich (standing) of Tulsa's Indian Springs club receive congratulations from club pro Johnie F. Stapp of the Miami Country club for posting 4 under par 68 to share top honors in Monday's pro-am.

A veteran pro and relatively newcomer to professional golf captured top honors in Monday’s annual pro-am at the Miami Country club. Firing identical 33-35-68 scores, 4 under par, were Bill Parker, head pro at Joplin Twin Hill Country club and Bob Karlovich, 1972 graduate of OSU and now an assistant pro at Tulsa’s Indian Springs Country club.

 

Happy golfers in the annual Miami pro-am are Collen Adair of Grove, Bob Thomas, Grove, and Dick Wadleigh of Miami. This team tied for team honors with a 62. 

Back row: George Foster was with the team shooting a 63 for second place, and Steve Kinzie of Southern Hills shot an individual score of 73 to finish in the top three of the pros.

1974 May 8 “MHS Girls in Victory”

 Miami high school girls, coached by Mrs. Claire Oliver, defeated Joplin’s Parkwood and Memorial girls in golf competition at Briarbrook club near Joplin. Team totals were Miami 423, Parkwood 429, and Memorial 463. Individual scoring for the nine-hole matches: Pam Landers 45, Ann Heyburn 56, Linda Wickham 68, Brenda Brown 55, Christie Adkison 73, Chris Hester 64, and Sharon Rohwedder 62.Miami girls participating without opposition were Roxie Freeman, Robyn Baldridge and Cathy Gee.

1974 Spring “MHS Girls Golf Team”

The 1974 MHS girls golf team added another successful year under the direction of Coach Claire Oliver. On April 9, Miami defeated Joplin Parkwood at the Miami course, and Joplin Parkwood at Briarbrook Country club in Joplin.

1974 May 30 “Jenks Golfers Early Leaders”

Miami Wardog golfers, who had a four-man team score of 344 in Monday’s first-round of play in the Class AAA regional tournament in Pryor, returned to Pryor today for completion of the 36-hole play. The top three teams and four lowest individual scores will be eligible for competition in the state tournament.

Team totals for the first 18 holes were: Jenks 317, Tulsa Kelley 325, Bartlesville Sooner 326, Pryor 329, Tahlequah 335, Sallisaw 343, Miami 344, Locust Grove 370, Claremore 379, Nowata 397 and Wagoner 380. 

1974 Spring "MHS Girls Golf Season Ends"

The 1974 MHS girls golf team has had another successful year under the direction of Coach Claire Oliver. On April 9, Miami defeated Joplin Parkwood at the Miami Country club. May 7, Miami defeated both Joplin Memorial and Joplin Parkwood at Briarbrook Country club in Joplin, Missouri.  

**This information along with all of the above photos was taken from the 1974 Wardogs Yearbook. My special thanks to the Miami Public Library resource library for sharing these photos with me. 

1974 Spring “MHS Season Ends”

The 1974 MHS Golf season ended in a 7-4 record for dual competition. They were third in the Parsons tournament, fourth in the Six Lakes Conference meet, 12 in the four-ball and fourth in the two-ball competition of the Miami Invitational tourney.

In the 36-hole Class AAA Regional Tournament they came in sixth with a score of 675 for two days of play. John Mirjanich was the leading scorer for the Wardogs with an 82 on Monday and 81 Tuesday for a 163. Next were Mike Hylton, 166; Wayne Anderson, 170; Kim King, 179; Chris Adkinson 187. Mirjanich, Anderson, and King will be seniors and Hylton and Adkison juniors for the 1975 campaign.

1974 May 26 “City’s Junior Golfers Begin Season Friday”

First activities of the junior golf season begin Friday at the Miami Country club. Free lessons will be given by club professional, Johnie F. Stapp and Dick Neel, ass.t pro. Competition each Friday through July 12 will be conducted in these divisions: Ages 7-8, two holes; ages 10-11, four holes; ages 14-15, nine holes for girls and 18 for boys; ages 16-17, eighteen holes.

Mrs. Stan Weld, chairman and Mrs. William Neal, Mrs. Howard Kidd, co-chairmen. June 21 will be the annual girls invitational with Beverly Jackson as chairman. The entry fee is $5.00.

The annual boys invitational here will be on July 5 with Claire Oliver as chairman. The entry fee is $3.00. A junior golf tournament on July 12, along with lunch and trophy presentations will conclude the summer program.

1974 June 2 “Pairings for Junior Golf”

2-hole boys—Bill Fullerton and Pat Youngberger; scorer, Cindy Neel; Brett Wisdom and Danny McKinney, scorer Pris Fullerton; Perry Gust and Brad Craig, scorer, Aalice Kidd; Keith Neel and Aaron Cusher, scorer, Dona Ridenour.

2-hole girls—Donna Weitz and Kelly Foster, scorer, Beverly Jackson; Mary Anna Kidd and Kathy smith, scorer, Jan Neal.

4-hole boysy—Meade Monger and Rick Youngberger, scorer, Mrs. Wisdom; Raymond McKinney, John Garrett and Darin foster, scorer, Sue Youngberger; Billy Jackson, David Robinson and Jeff Mills, scorer, Mike Craig.

4-hole girls—Nancy Goldenberg and Amy Robinson, scorer, Frances McKinney; Mary Weitz and Ann Fullerton, scorer, Carol Monger; Corine Smith and Lisa Blevins, scorer, Sue Dohrman; Kim Weld, Cathy Harsch and Ann Dohrman, scorer, Sue Enyart; Tracy Enyart and Christie Neal, scorer, Caryl Rohwedder.

B flight boys-red tee\: 1. Mathew Monger, Mike Weitz and Charles Garrett. 2. Mike Eldridge, Mike Richardson and Sam Fullerton. 3. Tom Kidd, Bryan Martin, and Jay Jackson.

B flight girls-red tees: Group 1. Sally Neal, Jenny Landers and Shelly Blevins. 2. Debbie Jackson, Shelly Weatherford, Laura Rohwedder and Kathleen McKinney.

A flight—David Bennett, Brent Landers, David Weitz and Kevin Wadleigh. Carol McKinney, Chris Hester and Sharon Rohwedder.

Championship: Tommy Dean, Jim Doan, Sandi Jackson and Traci Bradshaw.

1974 June 11 “Insurance Youth Golf Tournament”

Any boy or girl residing within Ottawa, Craig, Delaware or Mayes counties who will not be 18 years of age before August 21, is eligible to compete on any level of tournament play in the Insurance Youth Classic that will be conducted June 18 at the Miami Country club as part of a National program of 500 similar tournaments.

Independent insurance agents are sponsors of the local event with Pat Wilson of Miami as the tournament chair. The entry fee is $2.00.

1974 June 19 “Mike Hylton Winner of Insurance Youth Meet”

Mike Hylton, shooting an 82, qualified to play in the State Insurance tournament July 10-11 at Enid. Second place went to Will Neel of Shangri-la with 43-45-88. The only girl in the championship flight, Sandi Jackson of Miami, carded an impressive 47-44 for third place. In the 14 and under age, Tom Kidd and David Cresap tied with 89’s. Other Miami players were Brent Landers shooting a 103 and Debbie Jackson carded 110.

1974 June 10 “Girls from 3 States in Golf Event Here Friday”

The 15^th annual Miami Girls Invitational under the sponsorship of the Ladies Golf Association with Beverly Jackson acting as chair will be held this Friday. Play begins at 8 o’clock.

Regarded as one of the pre-tournament favorites for championship honors is Terri Streck of Tulsa, from a family of golf champions. She has hopes of becoming a varsity regular with Tulsa U golf team, formerly an all-male group. Pairings follow:

No. 1 tee—Becky Neal, Bartlesville; Terri Streck, Tulsa; Nancy Nelson, Chanute; scorer, Caryl Rohwedder. Group 2. Lucia Lukken, Tulsa; Edith Holmes, Bartlesville; Cathy Coomer, Pittsburg; scorer, Bill Hatfield. Group 3. Linda Brown, Bartlesville; Mary Harrison, Tulsa; Pam Landers, Miami; scorer, Lois Garwood. Group 4. Meg Nettels, Pittsburg; Jennifer Jones, Tulsa; Holly Pryor, Bartlesville; scorer Marylyn Adams. Group 5. Kim Brecht, Tulsa; Glenda Alderman, Tulsa; Annette Jackson, Aurora, Mo.; scorer, Janie Adams. Group 6. Kate Nettels, Pittsburg; Libby Stanley, Pittsburg; Ann Hoyt, Bartlesville; scorer, Melba Cordell. Group 7. Kerri Church, Pittsburg; Diane Muench, Aurora; Michelle Carpino, Pittsburg; scorer, Ann Cordell.

Class A (No. 4 tee)—Sandi Jackson, Susan Pruitt, scorer, LaRue Gaines. Group 2. Debra Dodd, Terre Spangler, scorer Evelyn Hatfield; Group 3. Cathy Johnson, Adele Lukken, scorer, Sue Enyart. Group 4. Melinda McNeill, Jamie Dry, Jenny Landers, scorer Etta Veirs.

Class C (No. 6 tee) Tracy Enyart, Kimi Cline, Corine Smith, scorer, Rose Pratt.

Class B (No. 7 tee) Debbie Jackson, Sherri Jabour, scorer, Mary Robinson. Group 2. Teri Harrington, Martha Dale, scorer Mavis Ford.

1974 June 23 “Terri Streck, Tulsa, No.1”

Terri Streck is the champion of the 15 annual Miami Girls Invitational golf tournament. Terri, who the past spring became the first girl to earn a letter in the boys golf team at Will rogers high school, Tulsa, carded 43-44 for an 87. This was eight strokes ahead of the 95 scores by Becky Neal and Holly Pryor. Becky Neal won in the playoffs. Terri who placed fourth in last year’s tournament plans to enroll at Tulsa U. and try out for the girls golf team. Her brother, Ron Streck, is the No. 1 Tulsa University player of 1974.

A golfer since the age of 8, champion Terri plans to compete in the state girls golf tourney at Yukon in July and possibly in the August national girls amateur in Oregon.

Miami’s Sandi Jackson repeated as Class A champion with a 43 for nine holes. Sandi’s nine-hole round of 43 tied with champion Terri Streck for the best nine-hole round of the tournament.

1974 July 3 “130 Boys Entered in 14^th Miami Jr. Boys Invitational”

Randy Crews, 17, of Tulsa captured both medalist and championship honors with a superb 73 in the 14^th annual Miami Jr. Boys tournament. Miles Grove, also of Tulsa, was runner-up to Crews with a 76. 

 

 1974 July 14 “Awards for Jr. Golfers”

1974 September 1 “Ladies Golf”

Winners in Miami Women’s Golf Association the past week were: Championship, Ruth Heyburn and Beverly Jackson. Class A, Helen Moore; Class C, Nancy Johnson; Class D, Beverly Foster and Linda Ramsey.

Wednesday’s competition will be scrabble (nine holes) with shotgun start at 9 a.m. Pairings will be made at the club. The monthly business meeting and luncheon will be held at 12:30.

1974 September 8 “Ladies Handicap Golf Winners”

 

Beverly Jackson, 18 holes; Nancy Johnson, nine holes; Winn Hastens, nine-hole runner-up, Juanita King, consolation. LaRue Gaines runner up for 18 holes, is not in picture. The match play competition consisted of four rounds.

1974 September 9 “Bob Klein Gains Title in Invitational”

Bob Klein, a Miami building contractor whose wide assortment of golf honors include six or seven Southern Hills Country club championships in Tulsa, was the No.1 man of 19^th annual Miami Country club’s men’s invitational tournament that ended two-day run Sunday evening. His winning score of the weekend was 149 with rounds of 74 on Saturday and 75 Sunday.

Second place went to former Miamian Bob Hill, Jr. of Parsons with a score of 75-75-150. Hill is now assistant vice president of Peoples Savings and Loan of Parsons. His boss, who finished one stroke behind placed third.

Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill., a three-time champion, finished fourth with 154. Doc Jackson, a three-time winner and Tom Beck a two-time winner failed to qualify for the championship flight and played in the President’s group.

Winners of the five flights below championship flight were Bob Coyan, Ft. Scott, Kan., President; Don Dugan, Idabel, A flight; Ray Watson, Springdale, Ark., B flight; Bill Hatfield, Miami, C flight; and Mike Craig, Miami, D flight.

Other local players in the championship flight were John Robinson, Sr., 156; Charlie Bill Hirsch, 161; Kent Jeffries 161; Marshall Smith; 163; Dr. W.D. Neal, 184.

President’s flight local players: Doc Jackson 163; Tom Forbes, 163; Bob Temple 170.

 A Flight: Ron Robinson, 165; Lloyd Tate, 171; Pat Wilson, 171; Bud Gaines, 173; Jim Wooley, 181; Wayland Kelly, 183; Bill Harsch, 184.

 B flight: Joe Whipple, 173; Jon Price 173; David Gaines, 181; Al White, 183; Dabney Smith, 138; Scott Jackson 186; Joe Hankins, 193.

 C flight: Rex Painter, 179; Jim Rutter, 183; Cy Elmburg, 184; ;Max Martin 186; Bill Oliver, 190.

D flight: H.D. Robinson, 195; Bob Hill, Sr., 196, Henry Garwood, 200; Pat Campbell, 201; George Foster, 204.

1974 September 12 “Jonya Third in District Golf Event”

Wives and a daughter of golf professionals for country clubs in northeast Oklahoma were the top three in the two-say Tulsa District Women’s Golf Association championship that ended Wednesday at the Muskogee Country club.

Jonya Stapp, whose father Johnie F. Stapp, is the Miami Country club pro, was third with a total score of 264 for 54 holes.

Mrs. Fay Higgins of Tulsa won the championship with a score of 260, Her husband, Jack Higgins, the Meadowbrook club pro and also ORU golf coach. The runner-up with 261 was Mrs. Pauline Weisner of Tulsa, whose husband, Charley, is the LaFortune club pro.

Two other members of the Miami Ladies Golf Association, Mrs. Bill Hatfield, and Mrs. Beverly Jackson, qualified for the championship flight. Mrs. Geneva Ramsey of Miami played in the B flight.  

Cindy Massey and Linda Wickham dress in teen world fashions.

1974 September 29 “Tourney Winners Named”

Evelyn Hatfield, seated, won the championship and medalist honors of the annual Miami Ladies Golf Association. Other winners, standing from left, Marylyn Adams, Class B; Geneva Ramsay, Class A, and Rosalie Patterson, Class C.

Other winners were Ruth Heyburn, runner-up in championship, Noma Newman, runner-up flight A, Mavis Ford runner-up flight C. Driving contest—Ruth Heyburn, Noma Newman, Marylyn Adams, Nancy Johnson. Putting contest winners in each flight were Faye Berentz, Noma Newman, Marylyn Adams, Lottie Mae Russell.

1974 October 3 “Oklahoma State and Iowa State Favored in Women’s Golf Event”

With the season opener at the Missouri Invitational tournament OSU  women’s golf team finished second, two strokes behind the Cyclones, a year ago. Karen Edwards, Bartlesville Sooner and Patty Livingston, OC John Marshall, will anchor the O-State’s entry. Both consistently shoot in the high 70’s and are “unhappy when they shoot in the 80’s,” said Coach Joyce Seward.

Lisa Stone, Tulsa Memorial; Suzy Wickham, Miami and Janie McKee, Shidler, round out the top O-State squad. I feel good about our chances of winning,” said Mrs. Seward. Suzy Wickham has been improving steadily and has her scores down into the high 70’s and low 80’s. O-State hopes to compete in Tucker Invitational Oct. 8-11 at Albuquerque following the Missouri tournament, but that trip depends on available funds and whether or not players can afford to miss class.

*This is the early stages of the Title IX procedure for women in college sports. The women's golf team at OSU was not sanctioned by NCAA, like most small women's athletics. Instead, the teams were under the heading of the WRA, Women's Recreation Association. There was no funding by the university. All monies came from donations or fundraiser that the girls worked on.

1974 November 10 “George Wojcik Promoted with BFG-International”

George Wojcik, staff superintendent at the Miami BFG plant, has been promoted to project manager-Yugoslavia, effective Jan. 1, 1975. He and Mrs. Wojcik will be moving from Miami to a home in the Akron, Ohio area.

Wojcik, a graduate of the University of Southern California, joined BFG in Los Angles in 1951. He came to Miami in 1953. The Wojcik’s have one son, Mark, who resides in Miami with his wife, the former Kathy Pliler, and daughter, Annaniece. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1972 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MGCC

 

Jonya Stapp, Most Beautiful Golfer of the Year, Golf Digest 1972.

1972 March 3 “Dahl Home Setting for Golf Event”

The home of Mrs. Orville Dahl was the setting for Miami Ladies Golf Association’s spring membership coffee Wednesday. Hostess duties were shared by Mrs. L.S. Whitney, Mrs. V.W. Lillard, Mrs. John Elmburg, and Mrs. Jack Adams.

An arrangement of spring flowers centered the refreshment table. Mrs. Don Young, president, poured.

During the business meeting yearbooks were passed out and activities for the season were discussed. Others present were Mrs. George Russell, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. L.E. Pace, Mrs. Noma Newman, Mrs. Robert Temple, Mrs. Hance Van Beber, Mrs. Raymond McKinney, Mrs. Richard Humes, Mrs. E.L. Bennett, Mrs. William Oliver, Mrs. Dan Mailath, Mrs. Jack Renegar, Mrs. Ray Enyart, Mrs. J.D. Hester, Mrs. Ben Moody, Mrs. George Beck, Mrs. H.D. Robinson, Mrs. Wilton Taylor, Mrs. Hank Garwood, Mrs. Jack Elliott, Mrs. Bill Barker, Mrs. Rose Pratt, Mrs. Max Blue.

Also Mrs. Joe Ramsay, Mrs. Charles Phillips, Mrs. Johnie Stapp, Mrs. Jack Burn, Mrs. Lee Adkison, Mrs. James Couch, Mrs. Robert Rohwedder, Mrs. Tom Barton, Mrs. William Hatfield, Mrs. J. Owen Bradshaw, Mrs. Olen Moore, Mrs. Don Johnson, Mrs. Ervin Pursley, Mrs. L.A. Wetzel, Mrs. Kelso Berentz, and Mrs. Bill Carter.  Lessons for new members will start April 5.

1972 March 24 “Jonya with Top Pro-Am Groups in Florida Golf”

Jonya Stapp, Northeastern A&M sophomore and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnie F. Stapp, Miami, was a member of the team that shared second place among 64 foursomes that competed Thursday in the pro-amateur of Sears Women’s World Golf Classic at Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Each pro-am team had one professional and three amateurs. Marilyn Smith, one of the top players on the women’s pro-circuit, was with the team that included Jonya, 1968 Oklahoma junior girls champion.

The event preceded weekend rounds for the women professionals. Patty Wilson was the pro with the winning team, which scored 60—just a stroke better than the foursomes that tied for second. 

1972 April 2 "Flying Golfers Stop Over"

 

Bill Neel, right, one of three pros from Shangri-la course, poses with world renowned golfer Paul Hahn, beside Hahn's twin engine Piper Axtec, which he flew on 38,000-mile round-the-world trip in 90 days, from Nov.14, 1969 through February 13, 1970, stopping in 24 countries on four continents.

Hahn, who is a pro with the Miami Florida Country club, produces a one-man show of expert golf, comedy and informative PGA golf clinic. Hahn will present his show April 23 at Shangri-la with the public invited to attend. 

Flying into the Miami, Oklahoma airport Hahn noted that he visited Miami and played in exhibition golf at the Miami Country club 21 years ago.

1972 April 5 “Pro-am Slated Monday”

Professional golfers of eastern Oklahoma, southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas will be in Miami for the pro-amateur at the Miami Country club Monday afternoon.

Miami pro Johnie F. Stapp reported today that 21 pros had already entered, and more are expected. They will play with two or more amateurs in the competition that will open at 1:00 Monday. All contestants must be at the club an hour ahead of starting time.

The last pro-am competition here was held two years ago. The 1972 event promises to be one of the biggest here in many years. The local course is in excellent condition, a situation that doesn’t often prevail at this time of year.

1972 April 5 “Miami Golfers Blank Nowata”

Miami high school boys golf team, in their first dual, blanked the Nowata Ironmen, 13-0, in matches Tuesday at the Miami County club.  Bill Giffhorn led Coach Don Overton’s War Dogs and captured medalist honors with an 18-hole score of 80.

Other scores for the Miami foursome were Bob Dow 84, Kenny Gibson 86 and Tom Cordell 87. The Miami golfers will play at Pryor next Monday.

1972 April 12 “Miami Golfers Defeat Pryor”

Miami high school golfers defeated the Pryor Tigers, 13 ½ to 2 ½, in matches Tuesday at the Miami club, avenging a loss at Pryor a day earlier by the score of 10 ½ to 2 ½ .

Coach Don Overton’s War Dogs will be in Pryor on Friday for the annual Six Lakes Conference tournament.

Miami’s Kenny Gibson was the medalist in the windy matches here Tuesday with an 18-hole score of 80. He defeated Randy Ruffin 4 to 0. Other matches Bill Giffhorn beat Rick Grayson, 87. Bob Dow, Miami, 87 beat Tom Ragsdale. Dan Risner, Pryor, 89 beat Rick Adams, 89. John Mirjanich, Miami, 84 beat Addington 93.

**Personal note: I knew the Giffhorn family but because I am older, I never really knew the kids. Luckily, friends and social media have put Bill Giffhorn, the handsome young man in the stripped pants, together. We spent a lovely evening sharing memories of the country club. Here is one of Bill Giffhorn’s memories:

My Mother started me in junior golf in 1964 and I loved it. I must have played or practiced every day in the summers. Doc Jackson would show up every afternoon to play. I began to think that he never worked. Doc was the best golfer out there. I found out he was a dentist and I thought that’s the job I want. Truly, it was the reason I became a dentist. (After 40+ years Bill has now retired from dental practice in OKC.)

Doc Jackson helped me with my swing. Each year I would return to Miami for the Invitational tournament. In 1993 I played the worst game of my life and said, no, to golf. I quit after that tournament and never played again. I could not enjoy the game without being able to play better.

Of course, Bill had a Johnie Stapp story about the pro killing moles on the golf course. Does every young man have that story about dad? Oh, so many funny memoirs we carry.

1972 April 12 “Bob Hope Guest Star for Tulsa Event”

Golfers who play in the annual charity pro-amateur golf tournament here will play alongside Bob Hope. Hope was named Tuesday as the guest star for the annual event to be held May 15 at Southern Hills Country Club.

Each year 50 professionals and 150 amateurs compete in the fundraising affair.

** I have been unable to find the one picture we have of Jonya and mother standing next to Bob Hope.  Jonya did not play in the event, but she was there watching like many of us from the country club. This fund-raiser by a women’s group (perhaps Junior League) in Tulsa brought in the biggest names on the pro circuit year after year, like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player. I am sure many of you reading this will recall the pros you saw during those years.

1972 April 12 “Big Turnout for Pro-Am”

For the first time in two years, the Miami Country club was host Tuesday to professional golfers from eastern Oklahoma and the Tri-State district. There were 24 pros, who teamed with 96 amateurs for the pro-am competition.

Jim Bullard of Tulsa Southern Hills was the pro champion with a one-under-par 71 in the windy matches. Next among the pros were Dick Orr, Tulsa, 73; Bill Parker, Joplin Twin Hills, 74; Roger Banzof, Tulsa 74.

Three teams tied for first in the pro-am competition. They were Jerry Jones, LaFortune pro, with Jerry Ketcher, Miami, Don Wiley, Jay, David Cross, Tulsa, and Dr. W.D. Jackson, Miami.

Bill Neel, Shangri-la pro, with Ree Alsop, Muskogee, Burr Ramsey, Grove and Miamians H.D. Robinson and Lou Mirjanich.

Jack Higgins, Meadowbrook pro, with J.B. Alexander, Tulsa, Gary Preston, Bartlesville, and Miamians Jerry Blevins and Hank Garwood.

Fourth place went to pro Dean Adkisson of Southern Hills, with Mel Ipock, Joplin, Dee Naylor, Tulsa, and Miamians Harry Dean and Dr. Raymond McKinney.

1972 April 12 “Tinker Owens Top Star in Joplin Invitational Contests”

Miami’s Tinker Owens, an outstanding player in football and basketball, continued his sparkling track performances here Tuesday as the outstanding individual of the third annual Joplin Invitational meet.

1972 April 18 “Tulsa Hale Sweeps Top Honors”

Paced by the record shooting of Craig Minnich, the Tulsa Hale Rangers swept all honors in the Monday’s 14^th annual Miami high school invitational golf tournament at the Miami Country club.

Coach Walter Knapp’s Rangers, all-senior foursome, totaled 301 on Minich’s four-under-par 68.a 74 by John Stout gave them the two-ball victory, followed by Steve Dodson 77 and an 82 by Randy Spaulding. Minnich was three under the previous mark of 71 by Joey Dills of Muskogee in 1970.

Seventeen teams from three states competed in the meet which was played in excellent weather.

Next in the top five were Tulsa Edison 319, Miami 327, and Pryor 328. The Miami team members turned in scores of 79 by Bill Giffhorn, 80 by Bob Dow, 84 by Tom Cordell and 84 by Kenny Gibson.

Tuesday’s tourney was under the direction of Don Overton, MHS golf coach; L.D. Bains, MHS athletic director, and Mrs. Claire Oliver, faculty member.

1972 April 28 "MHS Racketeers Honor School Athletes" 

I could not find any photos of the War Dogs girls golf team for spring of 1972.  The newspaper carried only this note about War Dogs golf--Girls golf, is recognized for a good record in interstate competition. Boys golf is honored for the top Six Lakes Conference that included medalist and two-ball and a tie for first in four-ball.

1972 April 30 “Ladies Golf Notes”

The Miami Ladies Golf Association will have a business meeting Wednesday in connection with the regular weekly competition. Winners the past week were Championship, Evelyn Hatfield; Class A, LaVon Young; Class B, Marian Richards; Class D, Aileen Bradshaw; and Class D, Caryl Rohwedder.

Pairings this week will be from the red tees. The first player on the green will decide which pin will be played. The pairings: Tee #1 9:00—Marian Richards, Caryl Rohwedder, Beverly Jackson, and Virginia Sapp; Peg Murphy, Mae Tate, Ruth Chambers; Ruth Heyburn, Vera Elmburg, Marylyn Adams, and Opal Goettel; Martha Elliott, Yvonne Temple and Francis McKinney; Lib Lillard, Pat Horner, Gladys Wetzel, and Mabel Pursley; LaRue Gaines, Barbara Bennett, Mary Van Beber, Dorothy Hester; Dollie Humes, Lorella Weitz, Fae Berentz, and Barbara Shouse; Noma Newman, Helen Stapp, Sue Enyart and Gail Beck; Mary Robinson, Roma Dahl, and Doris Wilson.

Tee #6—Jean Barker, Bonnie Moody, Jean Phillips, and Sue Barnes; Clara Barton, Lois Garwood, Pauline Adkison, and Grace Burns; Cora Wilson, Louise Whitney and Wanda Couch; Claire Oliver, Joanne Smallwood, Millie Carter, Suzy Wickham and Ethel Mailath.

1972 May 1 “Miss Grand Lake Pageant”

Jonya Stapp, a dark-haired beauty from Miami, wears the crown of Miss Grand Lake and will compete June 4 for the Miss Oklahoma title in Tulsa. Miss Stapp emerged as the winner from a field of 12 girls in the lake pageant finals here Saturday before a standing-room-only audience.

The new Miss Grand Lake is an outstanding golfer, and her comic golf routine was her talent contribution in the annual contest sponsored by Miss Grand Lake Pageant Committee. She won scholarships and gifts valued at $1,200.

 

 

 

 

1972 May 3 “Giffhorn Ties for Regional Golf Medalist”

Bill Giffhorn of Miami and Rick Grayson of Pryor tied for medalist honors in the regional Class AAA golf tournament that was held Tuesday on the Adams course in Bartlesville. Each totaled 155 strokes for 36 holes. Kenny Gibson of the Miami team finishes in a three-way tie for third place with Steve Elliott of Tahlequah, and Randy Ruffin of Pryor, each with 158.

Bartlesville Sooner won the four-ball teams title with a total score of 651. Next were Pryor 655, Miami 656, Tulsa Kelley 666, Tahlequah 676, Claremore 703. The Miami scoring: Giffhorn 155, Kenny Gibson 158, Tom Cordell 171, Bob Dow 172, and John Mirjanich 178. Qualifying for the state tournament were the top three: Sooner, Pryor, and Miami, plus individual low scores from other teams.

1972 May 8 “John F. Robinson Jr. Takes Top Honor in Schlitz Tourney” 

John Robinson, Jr., won the championship of the third annual Schlitz golf tournament that ended Sunday afternoon at the Miami Country club. Dr. W.D. Jackson was runner-up in the championship flight.

Winners in the other flights with players from Miami unless designated otherwise:

First flight—John F. Robinson Sr., Dick Allred, second.

Second flight—Bill Powers, Tulsa, and Bill Rainey, Joplin second.

Third flight—H.D. Robinson, and Vernon Allen, second.

Also winning awards for the coming closest each day on the drives toward hold number 12 (150-yard, par 3) were Al Williams of Seneca, who was perfectly on target with a Saturday hole-in-one, and Jerry Blevins, who came within four feet, three inches of duplicating the performance on Sunday. 

Other players in the Schlitz tourney are Jerry Blevins, Sam Fullerton,  Lou Mirjanich, Al Williams, Dick Wadleigh, Max Martin (Thank you Rebecca Mirjanich Davis for sharing the names with me. 

Jim Rutter, local Schlitz distributor, was director of the meet and presented the awards.

1972 May 10 “State AAA Golf Championship”

Miami high golfers finished 10^th among 24 high schools that were represented in the Class AAA tournament that ended Tuesday on the University in Norman. The 54-hole tournament opened with 36-holes on Monday and ended with 18-hole rounds on Tuesday.

Chickasha won the four-man team title and Kirk Goss of Chickasha repeated as the state AAA individual champion with 22 total, one stroke under Ricky Neal, 222 of Ada, whose Harry Turner shot 320 to give Ada the two-ball title.

The Miami Wardog team placed in the top 10 with the following scores: Bill Giffhorn 244, Kenny Gibson 248, Tom Cordell 253, Bob Dow 262, and John Mirjanich with 252.

1972 May 21 “Ladies Golf Notes”

Winners in Miami Ladies Golf Association competition the past week were: Championship, Evelyn Hatfield and Faye Berentz; Class A, Helen Moore; Class B, Val Dale; Class C, Roma Dahl and Jean Ann Blue; and Class D, Caryl Rohwedder.

1972 May 26 “Holiday Golf Program Set”

Scotch foursomes are scheduled as a holiday feature Monday at the Miami Country club, beginning at 4:30 p.m. A family night buffet will be served. Entertainment after the golf competition will be furnished by Jonya Stapp and David Blazer. Co-chairmen for the holiday activities are Corbin and Barbara Shouse and Bill and Claire Oliver.

1972 May 28 “Area Boys to Compete June 19 in Insurance Golf Classic Here”

Any boy residing within Ottawa, Craig, Delaware, and Mayes counties who will not be 18 of age before August 1 is eligible to compete on any level of tournament play in the Insurance Youth Classic that will be conducted June 19 at the Miami Country club as part of a national program of 400 similar tournaments.

Independent Insurance agents of Ottawa county are sponsors of the local event with James Couch as chairman. June 14 is the deadline for entries. Forms may be picked up at the pro shop from Johnie Stapp or Dick Neel. There is an entry fee of $2 for each contestant. Lunch will follow for all contestants on tournament day.

The two top winners from the Miami event will be eligible to compete July 17 in the state tournament to be held at the Oaks Country club in Tulsa.

1972 May 30 “Junior Golfers Open Season Friday”

First activities of the season in the Miami Junior golf programs for the 1972 season will begin Friday. Free lessons for beginners will be provided by professionals Johnie Stapp and Dick Neel. Parents of participants will be asked to serve at least once in a scoring capacity.

1972 June 6 “From the Clutter”

Talent presentations for the 17 hopefuls in the Miss Oklahoma Pageant in Tulsa will be conducted Thursday and Friday nights, with the Friday night program holding top interest for Miamian and others in this area.

Jonya Stapp of Miami will present her clever golf skit—an appropriate choice by the personable Miami beauty who won the Oklahoma Junior Girls golf championship in 1968. The winner of the pageant will represent Oklahoma in the Miss America pageant at Atlantic City, N.J.

 

1972 June 9 “Local Spotlight on 1-Under Par Score by Suzy Wickham”

Suzy Wickham of Miami is the owner of a rare under-par score for nine holes of the women's Miami Country club golf course. She carded a one-under par 37 on the back nine in connection with Wednesday's round for the ladies golf. Coupled with a 44 on the first nine, the total score of 81 gave her first place in the championship division of the day's golf. 

Miss Wickham, who will be a 1972-73 sophomore at Oklahoma State University, won second place in the 1970 State Junior Girls tournament. 

The only other sub-par shooter for nine holes on the Miami course, is Jonya Stapp. She also set a record for 18 hole with rounds of 39-37-77 when she won the 1970 Tri-State Ladies Golf championship.

1972 June 12 “New Miss Oklahoma Also Speaks Greek”

Debbie Giannopoulos, Miss Warr Acres, was selected to represent Oklahoma from 34 beauties Saturday night. Miss Northeastern State, Andrea Hanson was first runner-up. Jonya Stapp, Miami, Miss Grand Lake, placed in the top 10 finalists.

1972 June 14 “Co-Favorites Advance in Women’s State Golf Meet”

Dale McNamara of Tulsa and Mrs. Dena Dills of Muskogee shared the role of co-favorites going into the quarterfinals of the Women’s State Amateur Golf Tournament being held at the Oaks Country club in Tulsa.

Jonya Stapp, only Miamian in the championship flight defeated Lois Stuart of Oklahoma City, 5 and 4 and was paired against Louise Stekoll of Okmulgee today.

Miami women lost in other flights Tuesday: Mrs. L.E. Pace in B flight; Mrs. V.W. Lillard in B flight; Mr. Robert Temple in F flight, and Mrs. William Oliver, also in F flight.

1972 June 15 “Stekoll’s Putt on 18^th Hole Defeats Jonya”

Miss Stekoll rallied and put down Jonya Stapp with a clutch putt on the 18^th hole. Miss Stapp defeated Miss Stekoll on the same Oaks Country club course three years ago in route to the state junior crown. Miss Stekoll will face Mrs. Dena Dills today. (Mrs. Dills defeated Louise in match play. Louise went on to win the Women’s State Amateur in 1973 at Quail Creek, Oklahoma City.)

*Five decades have passed since these memories, but lucky for us the friendships still remain. Louise, Jonya, and I continue our friendship through golf to this very day.

 

1972 June 20 “John Mirjanich Champion in Insurance Youth Golf”

John Mirjanich, who will be a sophomore at Miami high school in 1972-73 won first place Monday in the annual district Insurance youth Classic at the Miami Country club. He won the championship with an 18-hole score of 82 over players from Ottawa, Craig, Delaware, and Mayes counties.

Bob Dow of Miami was runner-up with a score of 83. A stroke behind Dow as Miami’s Kenny Gibson. They are eligible to compete in the July 17 state tournament.

Other Miami players were Mike Hylton, 88; John Wallace, 89; Wayne Anderson, 90; Chris Adkison, 94; Dan Giffhorn, 99; Kim King, 100; Charles Wilmoth, 100; Thomas Jackson, 111; and John Weitz, 115.

Independent Insurance agencies sponsoring the event were Wayne Anderson Agency, Bomford-Sapp & Associates, Bowers Insurance, Box-Hallock Insurance Agency, Garwood Agency, Lee Agency, and the Smith Agency.

1972 June 22 “Girls Invitational Tourney Here Friday”

Karen Edwards of Bartlesville will defend her title of the 13 annual Miami Invitational girls’ golf tournament that opens with Friday at 8 a.m.

Three of the four first-place winners from a year ago are back. They are Miss Edwards, the 1972 championship winner; Sandy Jackson of Miami, Class B winner; Sandy McDowell of Tulsa, Class C winner.

1972 June 25 “Best in Tournament”

Karen Edwards, 17, of Bartlesville, who hopes to gain a position on the University of Kansas men’s golf team next season, repeated as champion of the Miami girls invitational with a score of 39-39-78. In 1970 she and Leslie Peck of Springfield, Missouri finished the regular 18 holes in a tie at 85. Miss Peck won the championship in a playoff. Last year shot an 86 to win the championship. This year her 78 set a tournament low gross score.

 

Miamians playing in the tournament were Linda Wickham, Pam Landers, Ann Heyburn, Sonya Austin, Sandy Jackson, Jenny Landers, Debbie Jackson, and Tracie Enyart.

Trophies for winners, runners-up, driving and putting were presented at the conclusion of the meet by Dick Neel, assistant pro of the Miami Country club.

1972 June 28 “Rotarian's Hear Johnie F. Stapp”

Johnie Stapp, golf pro at the Miami Country club, furnished the program at the Rotary club luncheon Tuesday in the Carter Student Union. He talked about golf and showed a film of big-name golfers in action recently at Tulsa.

Gary Golden, who presided, presented a past-president’s wall plaque and lapel pin to outgoing president S.A. (Red) Robertson, who in turn presented Golden with president’s gavel.

1972 July "Ladies Golf Association Winners"

 

 1972 July 6 “Golf Tourney for 115 Boys Here Friday”

Entries total 115 for the 12^th annual Miami boys invitational golf tournament that will begin at 8:30 a.m. Friday at the Miami Country club. The Miami Ladies Golf Association, in cooperation with Johnie F. Stapp, club pro are sponsoring the tournament. Co-chairs are Loretta Weitz and Melba Cordell. Tourney assignments include breakfast—Rose Pratt and Bonnie Moody; lunch-Alice Kidd, Pauline Taylor, and Barbara Anderson; packets—Sara Mirjanich; scoreboard—Ruth Heyburn and Opal Goettel; driving contest—Jack Elliott and Tom Cordell; name tags—Ina Harrison. Pairings followed.

1972 July 14 “Debbie Jackson State Pee-Wee Golf Title”

Miami has another state champion, Debbie Jackson, the 11-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayman Jackson. She won the championship of Pee-Wee flight in the State Junior Girls golf tournament that ended Thursday after a three-day run at the Rolling Hills Country club in Tulsa.

Debbie’s sister, Sandy, 12, won second place in the Class A flight nine-hole competition. Debbie had a total score of 64 on three-hole rounds of 24,28,22. Sandy scored 55,47, 51 on her nine-hole rounds for a total of 153. The winner shot a 150.

Other Miami girls competing in the tournament were Melissa Landers, 18-hole A flight; Pam Landers and Ann Heyburn nine-hole A flight and Jenny Landers, nine-hole B flight.

1972 July 23 “Two Miami Girls Among Players in Women’s Western”

Suzy Wickham and Jonya Stapp each competed the past week in the Women’s Western golf tournament on the Blue Hills course in Kansas City, Mo.

Suzy Wickham finished as runner-up in the third flight consolation. Jonya Stapp lost in match play for the first round of the second flight then lost her match in consolation. She was among a large group who qualified at 88, with a draw determining players for the first and second flights.

1972 July 30 “Ladies Golf Notes”

The winners last week at Miami were Championship, Hattie White; Class B, Lottie Mae Russell; Class C, Jean Phillips; class D, Frances McKinney. Play this week will be from the white tees—Bingo, Bango, Bongo.

1972 August 4 “Fared Well in Play Springfield”

Miami women golfers who consistently score well in the annual Tri-State Women’s Amateur tournament did so again this year.

Besides fielding a low net team which took the J.L. Treadway Trophy, the Miamians placed well in the other flights of the tournament.

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Evelyn Hatfield placed fourth in the championship flight and won the Senior Women’s division of play, while Jonya Stapp finished in a five-way tie for eighth place in the Championship flight.

Other Miami placings were A Flight-Ruth Heyburn, first; and Suzie Wickham, fourth; B Flight—Beverly Jackson, second; C Flight—LaRue Gaines, second; D Flight—Claire Oliver, first; F Flight—Melba Cordell, first, Helen Moore, fifth; G Flight—Jean Ann Blue, eighth, and Geneva Ramsay, ninth. Stormy Lewis placed in F Flight and Pauline Taylor placed in H flight.

1972 August 4 “Jonya’s in A Flight of Trans Miss”

Jonya Stapp, Miami, is playing in the A flight of the Trans Mississippi Women’s Golf tournament, which has been in progress since Monday at the Omaha Golf and Country club course. She was defeated Tuesday in her first round and won matches Wednesday and Thursday. She posted a 78 in Wednesday’s play and won on the 18^th hole in Thursday’s play.

The tournament is the second largest women’s amateur tournament in the nation and draws players from across the United States and seven foreign countries. Next week Jonya plans to be in St. Louis for the Women’s U.S. National amateur tournament, the last big tournament of the season and the largest women’s amateur championship competition.

1972 August 17 “Jonya Selected as Top Beauty in Golf”

America’s most beautiful golfer of 1972 is Miss Jonya Stapp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnie F. Stapp of Miami, according to a vote of U.S. golf writers and announcers who were polled by “Golf Digest,” national magazine.

A representative of the magazine, in a call to the Stapp home this morning, said Jonya was the “overwhelming choice” for the honor. An interview with the winner was not immediately available because Jonya was in Tulsa this morning to enroll as a junior at the University of Tulsa.

Jonya, whose father is the golf professional at the Miami Country club, was nominated in the national contest by Miamian Pat Campbell earlier this year. Rules require that contestants must be at least 16 years of age and have a golf handicap of 10 or less.  Jonya, who stands 5-4 and weighs 115, has achieved numerous golf and beauty honors in recent years.

Her consistency in winning over male golfers with other colleges probably led to the NJCAA rule against girl participants in the NJCAA golf program. This prevented Jonya from being a member of the NEO team the past season. *The reality is that Title IX became the standard, and the college would or could not support her on a men’s team. They did not offer a woman’s golf team.

Jonya was among the leaders in the early phase of 36-hole qualifying rounds for the National Women’s Amateur Golf tournament at the St. Louis Country club, when she was disqualified because of the “Titleist” brand ball she was using.

The tournament officials had listed 44 brands of balls that could be used, including two from the Titleist company—one with red and black imprint and the other with all-black imprint. Jonya’s white ball had red imprint and was not on the list, reportedly through oversight.

Jonya assumed blame for not checking the list more carefully. Seeing the Titleist brands on the list, she assumed her ball was included. She had used that brand recently in winning A-flight runner-up honors at the Trans-Mississippi tourney in Omaha, Neb. The manufacturer of the ball in New Bedford, Mass., has criticized the disqualification, declaring the ball has measured up to all tests required of the U.S. Golf Association for competition sanctioned by this organization. 

1972 September 3 “Invitational Golf Begins Saturday”

The Miami Country club’s 17 annual invitational golf tournament will draw some 140 golfers from the several states for its two-day run. Defending champion, Dwight Collins of Springdale, Arkansas will be in the field.

1972 September 10 “Cordell, Stewart Share Lead Here”

Mark Cordell of Miami and Bill Stewart of Springfield, Missouri (Payne Stewart’s father) led the field of 142 golfers in the Miami Country club’s 17^th annual invitational golf tournament with even par rounds of 72s in Saturday’s first 18-hole rounds.

Chi Galloway and Marvin Porter of Joplin stroked 73’s. Next at 74 were John Robinson, Jr., Dave Cross, Tulsa, and Frank Jacobs, Joplin.

Jim Scaletty of Parsons, Ks, the 1970 Miami champion became the second player to card a double eagle since Johnie Stapp became pro here 19 years ago. Bill Neel scored the other about six years ago. Scaletty, who total a 78 Saturday, go his double eagle by shooting a two on the par 5 ninth hole. 

1972 September 11

 Bill Stewart of Springfield, Missouri, third place winner last year and runner-up two other years captured the championship of the 17^th annual event here late Sunday afternoon with a total of 144 on even-par 72 scores for the two-day event. Stewart was Missouri’s state amateur champion in 1953, 1957 and runner-up in 1966.

Second place went to Marvin Porter, Cadillac-Buick dealer at Joplin, with 73-73-146. Winning third place with a 74-74-148 was Frank Jacobs of Joplin, night club operator.

Mark Cordell of Miami, a junior at Oklahoma State University who tied champion Stewart for medalist honors with a 72, shot 77 for a total of 149 and shared fourth place with Bob James of Tulsa and Chi Galloway of Joplin. 

 

Doc Jackson, a two-time champion shot 77-77-154; John Robinson, Jr., 74-82-158; Tom Forbes, Tulsa, 78-78-156; Charles Bill Hirsch,159.

Dick Allred of Miami, won first in President’s flight with 79-74-153. Other Miamians playing were Bob Hill, jr., 154, Tom Cordell, 159; Bob Klein 160; John Robinson, Jr., 162; Jack Doan 162; Scotty Jackson, 168; Kent Jeffries, 169; Lou Mirjanich, 170.

In A flight Dr. W.D. Neal of Miami shot 87-77-161 for first. Other Miamians were Bill Harsch, 172; Hank Garwood, 180; Bill Hatfield, 180.

B flight players were Straton Henley, 169, Dick Lowry 170, Mark Wojcik, 172, Delmer Barnes, 173; Pat Wilson, 181; Ray Enyart, 182.

C flight B. Ames, Joplin won in a playoff with H.D. Robinson, Miami, each with 91-87-178. Lloyd Tate, 183; Odes Rodecape, 185, Bud Gaines, 187; Bill Oliver, 188; David Robinson, 188; John Elmburg, 189; Jack Burns, 190, George Wojcik, 191; Bob Garwood, 192.

D flight was won by Joe Tooley with 180. Next were Ted Lowry, 188; Cy Elmburg, 189; Harry Dean, 197; Bob Hill, Sr., 203, Sam Fullerton, 205.

Excellent weather prevailed for the tournament, which was under the direction of Jack Doan and club pro Johnie F. Stapp, club officials and members of the Miami Ladies Golf Association.

1972 September 24 “Ladies Club Champion”

1972 September 24 "Ladies Golf Notes"

Play this week will be the Pro vs. Members, from the red tees. The pairings:

No. 1 hole: Marian Richards, Barbara Gust, Billie Pace, and Evelyn Hatfield. Cora Wilson, Marylyn Adams, Louise Whitney, Barbara Shouse. Peg Murphy, LaVon Young, Helen Moore, and Val Dale. Hattie White, Geneva Ramsey, Mary VanBeber, Erin Wojcik. Jean Ann Blue, Yvonne Temple, Ruth Heyburn, Clara Barton. Beverly Jackson, Dollie Humes, Faye Berentz, Sue Barnes. Hattie Wall, Noma Newman, LaRue Gaines, Virginia Sapp, Lib Lillard. 

No. 6 hole: Grace Burns, Jean Phillips, Aileen Bradshaw. Rose Pratt, Doris Wilson, Helen Jo Painter and Frances McKinney. Martha Elliott, Mabel Pursley, Pauline Adkison, Dorothy Hester. Sue Enyart, Gail Beck, Mary Robinson. Wanda Couch, Helen Stapp, Roma Dahl, Gladys Wetzel. Bonnie Moody, Barbara Bennett, and Caryl Rohwedder. 

1972 October 13 “Jonya Featured in Current Issue of Golf Digest”

Two full pages of the November issue of Golf Digest magazine, which has pages twice the size of most “digest” publications, are devoted to Jonya Stapp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnie F. Stapp of Miami.

A sub-heading on one of the Golf Digest’s pages reads, “Beauty Queen Jonya Stapp is Miss Grand Lake and One Grand Golfer.” Achievements of the 5-4, 115-pound beauty are reviewed, along with a putting picture on a Miami Country club green.

 

 

One page is devoted entirely to a color picture showing Jonya at the top of a swing. A Golf Digest photographer flew to Miami, Oklahoma from the metropolitan New York area to take pictures. Two years ago, a French girl won the beauty honor. A California golfer was the winner last year.

1972 October 15 “Ladies Golf Notes”

Winners in Miami Ladies Golf competition this past week were Championship, Evelyn Hatfield; Class A, Mae Tate; Class B, Peg Murphy; Class C, Rose Pratt; and Class D, Bonnie Moody.

1972 November 3 “Lady Golfers Meet, Have New Officers”

The Miami Ladies Golf Association held its annual fall coffee Wednesday at the Country club. The table was beautifully decorated with an arrangement of fall flowers, which was given to Marylyn Adams as winner of the door prize.

The new president is Aileen Bradshaw. Serving with her will be Gail Beck, Vice President; Caryl Rohwedder, secretary; Mary Robinson, treasurer, and Erin Wojcik, representative.

Hostesses for the coffee were Pauline Taylor, Pauline Adkison, Gail Beck and Mary Robinson. Other attending were Hattie Wall, Cora Wilson, Frances McKinney, Peg Murphy, LaRue Gaines, Jean Phillips, Dorothy Hester, Billie Pace, Helen Stapp, Sue Enyart, Caryl Rohwedder, Evelyn Hatfield, Rose Pratt, Rosalie Patterson, Bonnie Moody, Mavis For, Faye Berentz, Gladys Wetzel, Clara Barton, Ruth Heyburn, Virginia Sapp, Lottie Mae Russell, Sue Barnes, Lib Lillard, Mary Van Beber, Yvonne Temple, Lois Garwood, Marian Richards, Joyce Rutter, Noma Newman, Millie Carter, Jean Ann Blue, Geneva Ramsey, Barbara Shouse, LaVon Young and one new member, Judy Weld.