1966 Dickie Neel's Story From a Friend's Point of View

 1966 Dickie Neel's Story From Dick Lillard's Point of View

 

Some thoughts about my best friend Dick Neel. Dick was one of the finest men that I have ever met.  Dick had so many friends and I never knew a man, woman or child that did not like Dick Neel.  I moved to Miami and May 1963 and I met Dick that fall playing in a pickup basketball game, Dick, not being very tall was still good at that game as he was in all athletic endeavors. In that first meeting he found out that I liked golf, he said he played a “little” himself and we met a few days later to play our first round, of so many I cannot count, together at Miami Golf and Country Club.  Yes, he played a “little”! I was 24 at the time and Dick was 21, he was certainly the one best players I had played with or been around.  He was never one to brag about his accomplishments on the golf course even though there had been many before that time and many to come after as well.

I later found out that Dick along with his friend Bob Hill (an exceptional person and an exceptional golfer as well) had won the two-man high school state championship for Miami High School when they were seniors. It turned out that athletic state championship was the first state championship of any kind won by Miami High School.  Dick attributed his skills on the golf course to lessons learned from his father, brother and Miami Golf and Country Club Pro Johnny Stapp.  One of his proudest moments was being named the golf pro at Miami Golf and Country Club.

 

Thank you to Dickie Neel's family for sharing the photograph albums with me.

Dick and I played some winter golf that same year and, in the spring of 1964, Dick began to play “the circuit” of Invitational’s held by the country clubs in the four-state area. I had no idea that this occurred but it was a wonderful way to spend a weekend if you loved to play golf and if you love to have a great time. Dick won many of these tournaments that were usually just Saturday and Sunday events. I think Twin Hills country club in Joplin Missouri was a three-day event. He would usually sell the merchandise he won, that was an additional source of income at that time.  Another source was taking more than a few dollars gambling on golf games.

Dick won the Hickory Hills tournament in Springfield at least twice.  I know he won the Baxter Springs tournament two or three times and our local Miami Golf and Country Club Invitational.  He also won tournaments in northwest Arkansas as well as others here in Oklahoma. I believe it was 1966 or 1967 he talked me into playing the Baxter Springs invitational.  When my round was over in something like B Flight, I rushed to watch the conclusion of Championship Flight because I knew Dick was close to the top. Championship Flight ended in a tie between Dick and another gentleman forcing a sudden death playoff.  Dick asked me the caddy for him for the playoff.  His drive on number one was perfect, it ended up about 15 yards short of the green. The other gentleman was farther away and his next shot ended up about 20 feet from the pin. Dick pulled out a putter, I was a little shocked but he explained that the ground was smooth from his ball to the green and that the greens were mounded and he thought this was his best chance to get the ball close. He stroked the putt from off the green and it ran up the slope to within about 12 inches from the hole. The other gentleman missed his put.  Dick for a birdie for the win.  I shall never forget that day because Dick’s winning prize was a new set of Titleist irons.  He gave them to me. He knew my set was old and a mixed match.  He knew I could not afford them.  He had such a big heart.

I was in Dick’s wedding in 1966 and he was in mine in 1967. We played golf together almost every summer weekend until his death in 1994. He loved the game so much; I was always impressed that he never lost his temper he just tried to hit the next shot better.  In the early 1970s my golf game had improved. My uncle was a member at the Oaks Country Club in Tulsa and he invited Dick and me to play with him. I remember it well because I parred the first four holes and was four down because Dick had birdied them all.  I think he shot 67 and it was the first time he had seen the course.  Another very important golf story with Dick that shows his character and the kind of man he was happened years later when he and I were playing against two other gentlemen. We were up quite a bit and they pressed on the 18^th hole.  Our drives were both good and as we sat in the cart together, he said quietly they cannot afford to lose this amount.  I asked what he wanted to do and he said I’m going to miss the next shot on purpose, he did, we broke even for the day and our opponents were elated to have tied and they never knew how kind Dick Neel was to them that day. It was a teaching moment for me and another view into his soul.

It is been 28 years; I miss him and I shall never forget the kindness he showed to me. He was a fine golfer but an even better person. 

 

*This is part 1 of Dickie's story in golf. Part 2 will follow in the 1970's after Dickie earned his PGA card. 

Yours Truly,

Dick Lillard

(shared with Letty Stapp Watt 2023)

 

 

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.