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.

1961 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF MGCC

1961 Golf Shop Employees:

Westfall's a husband and wife team who opened the shop Tuesday-Saturday with Letty Stapp. Roger Scruggs, Brad Smallwood,and Roger Rollins worked from noon or 2:00 until dark.  Other boys worked off and on and some were caddies.

1961 January 22 "Country Club News"

A joint meeting of the Ladies Golf association and the Ladies Divison of the Miami Country Club will begin with a 1:00 luncheon Wednesday, followed by bridge and canasta. For reservations phone 2-4429.  

1961 March 12 "Stag Night Tuesday"

The monthly stag night program (for men) at the Miami Country club will begin 6:30 Tuesday. (This was a monthly dinner and weekly team play. The men did not post pairings or results in the newspaper as the women did.)

1961 April 10 Prep Golfers View for Awards Here

The return of sunshine after a bleak weekend was greeted at Miami Country club this morning as members of 12 high school golf teams began play in the annual MHS Invitational tournament. Miami Pro Johnie Stapp is the starter for the 27-hole meet. Miami coach Jack Rusher is directing the tournament. 

61 Boys MHS Golf Team: Charles Dawson, Stephen Moore, Charlie Bill Hirsch, and Dick Neel. 

 

Other schools are Seminole, Midwest City, Del City, Coffeyville, Kansas, Capitol Hill, Harding, Grant, Southeast and Northeast in Oklahoma City. The host Wardogs are also competing. 

1961 April 11 "Muskogee Scores Golf Meet Sweep"

At the end of the 18-hole play the Roughers had cinched the four-ball and two-ball championships and Jim Buchanan was tied with David Rappe of OKC U.S. Grant for medalist honors. 

Host Miami wound up eighth in two-ball scoring and in a tie for sixth with Seminole in four-ball. Coach Jack Rusher said the Wardogs "should have shot several strokes better." Leading Miami scorer was Dick Neel with an 81, followed by Charles Hirsch with a 90. 

GIRLS GOLF: Rusher announced that the Miami High school girls' golf team would compete in a Tri-angular meet in Springfield, Mo. today. Miami's opponents will be Hillcrest and Central high schools, both of Springfield. 

1961 April 12 mdnr "Miami's Fem Foursome is Golf Winner"

Miami High School girls, playing in their first competitive golf rounds of the season, won a Tri-angular met at Springfield, Missouri Tuesday again the hometown Central and Parkview high school teams.

 

The meet ended after 9 holes due to rains. Miami 210, Parkview 226, and Central 230. Freshman Susan Stephenson of Miami was medalist with 50 strokes. Scores by the other Miamians were: Bobbi Baron, junior,52; Phyllis Propper, senior, 53, and Diana Oliver, sophomore, 55. Gaye Phillips, another member of the Miami team, did not make the trip because of last night's participation in the senior play. 

High school girls golf coach, Jack Rusher, hailed the victory as a tribute to the junior golf program that was inaugurate at the Miami Country club a few seasons ago by Professional Johnie Stapp. 

A return match will be held here Monday.   

1961 April 16 "Miami Ladies Will Play for Suggs Trophy"

Members of the Miami LGA will compete Wednesday in a "Louise Suggs" tournament at the Country club. A style show featuring Suggs designs will be held a week later following the association's luncheon at the club. Ramsay's of Miami is sponsoring the Suggs activities in co-operation with the association. 

Mrs. Dan Heyburn is chairman of the tournament and Mrs. Clarence Carselowey will be in charge of the style show. The highlight of the style show will come with presentation of the Louise Suggs trophy to the champion of the nine-hole handicap tournament. 

Miss Suggs has earned a niche in the golf Hall of Fame with numerous honors, including USGA Women's Amateur champion; winner of the British Women's tournament, and twice winner of the Women's National Open Championship. As a founding member of the Women's Professional Golf association (now the LPGA) she was elected President in 1955 of WPGA. 

Wednesday pairings will be from the white tees. 

Mrs. George Wojcik, Mrs. Bill Oliver, Mrs. Bob Temple, Mrs. Bill Hatfield; Mrs. Kelso Berentz, Mrs. Pat Callahan, Mrs. Georg Russell, Mrs. R.W. Varley; Mrs. Ray Coburn, Mrs. Tom Barton, Mrs. W.D. Jackson, Mrs. Bert Wall; Mrs. Claud Jones, Mrs. Lois Cowles, Mrs. Spencer Dawson; Mrs. George Lusk, Mrs. Ted Vernon, Mrs. Johnie Stapp; Mrs. Jack Schofield and Mrs. Loren Williams;  Mrs. Olin Moore, Mrs. Hazel Johnson, Mrs. Charles Trussler, Mrs. Bill Medcalf; Mrs. George Walbert, Mrs. Wayman Jackson, Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. L.A. Wetzel; Mrs. Don Johnson, Mrs. Rodney Boaz, Mrs. Al White; Mrs. Bill Carter, Mrs. Jim Smallwood, and Mrs. G.R. White. 

New comers this year include Mrs. Wayman (Beverly) Jackson, Mrs. Tom Wilson, Mrs. Sam Fullerton III,Mrs. George Windham, Mrs. Loren Williams, and Mrs. Rodney Boaz.

1961 April 17 mdnr  "Miami's Champion Girls Competing in Norman Meet"

The Miami high school girls golf team, winner of the three top honor in their division of the high school tournament Tuesday at Oklahoma City, are competing today in an invitational meet at Norman.

Members of the team are Suzanne Stephenson, Phyllis Propper, Diana Oliver, and Gaye Phillips. 

 

1961 April 28 mdnr "4 Miami Girls in Top 5 at Norman Meet"

Miami high school's girls golf team, winner of the state championship  in their division at Oklahoma City on Tuesday, were leaders again Thursday in an invitational girls meet at Norman. The four Miami girls were in the top five in medal play. At the end of the 18 holes, Suzanne Stephenson and Sherry Taylor of Oklahoma City Northeast were tied for medal honors with 95 totals. 

In the state meet Miss Stephenson edged Miss Taylor by one stroke for medalist honors!  (For several years our Wardog, Miami High school, girl golfers won state medalist and team trophies, then the state athletic association ended girls high school golf beginning in 1963 my Sophomore year in high school.)

In a playoff, Miss Taylor won by a stroke on the first extra hole. The 18-hole scores by the Miamians were: Stephenson, 52-43=95;Gaye Phillips, 49-42-101; Phyllis Propper, 52-50=102; Diana Oliver 55-50=105. 

Personal Note: Johnie Stapp taught the golf swing rhythmically with junior golfers and beginners, as if he were keeping time to a 4/ 4 beat. When I turned 13 I began helping my father with junior golf lessons each week. He began teaching us in a circle facing outward and we counted to a rhythm of back 1,2, through 3, 4.  Dad would change the tempo by the speed of his count, allowing us to swing slowly or with dynamite speed.  **To this very day, I swing and sing with a very rhythmical beat. In order to keep my head focused on "one shot at a time" (thank you Harvey Penick), I sing quietly to myself. It keeps my head clear of all other thoughts.

The Golf Gypsy and The Sound of Silence 

1961 May 2 mdnr "Country Club's 4-Ball Tourney List Announced"

Match play pairings for the Men's 4-Ball has been announced. First matches must be played on or before Sunday each week. The pairings are:

Ed Olvey-Jess Fronterhouse vx. Ray Coburn-Kermit Lewis.

Marion Zajic-Charles Trussler vs Jack Schofield-Ray McKinney.

Brady Pipes-Glenn Scott vs O.W. Fox-Pat Callihan.

Harry Ford-Paul Wilson bye

Bob Hill Sr.-Bob Hill Jr. vs Bill Hatfield-Jerry Zeis.

Harry Gilmore-Tom Barton, bye.

G.R. White-Al White vx K.C. Jeffries-Hank Garwood

Harry Kenreigh-Grank Hansford, bye.

Bill Neel-P.J Stephenson vs Bernie Schaff-Dail West.

Rex Painter-George Beck vs Burton--Ralph Fulk.

Clarence Carselowey-Joe Thompson vs Bill Carter-Johnny Haralson.

W.D. Jackson-Spencer Dawson  bye.

Ken Richards-Ted Vernon vs Richard Varley-Stanley Ulmer.

W.C. Campbell-Woodrow Painter  vs George Wojcik-Bill Oliver.

Harry Whitaker-Dick Neel, bye. 

 

1961 May 7 mdnr "Miami Product to Aid Golfers"

A tiny Miami publication should help produce better scores on golf courses across the nation.

Entitled "Johnie Stapp's (P.G.A.) Stroke Saver" the first editions are just off the press at the Gosney Printing Company. They are being distributed to country club pro shops in a wide area and will be publicized nationally in golf magazines. 

Mrs. Smai Lusk of 832 B. Street Northwest, a member of the Miami Ladies Golf association, started compiling information for the pocket-sized publication last August and put it in final draft form through collaboration with Stapp, professional at the Miami Country club. 

Printed in ready-reference form are 15 cards that are stapled together like a small note book. with printing on both sides, there are 30 pages of facts in two divisions--trouble shots (and what to
do about them) and definitions.

Advice is given on sand traps, rough shots, wind shots, downhill-uphill-sidehill lies, the slice, the hook, topping and shanking.  

**Dad and Smai sold these pocket sized Stroke Savers through the 1960's.

1961 July 10 mdnr "Rolling Hills Golfers Win"

Rolling Hills golfers of Tulsa defeated Miami Country club linksmen, 105 to 63, in matches played Sunday on the local course. Eight-four men took part in the event, with 14 teams of three men each from the clubs.

Miami's No. 1 trios won their matches. Pro Johnie Stapp, Jack Myers and Bob Hill Jr., were winners over Pro Al Kozell, Bob Dirch, and J.D. Phillips.

Maimians W. D. Jackson, Jesse Fronterhouse and Ed Olvey smothered George Hines, Ray Southerland, and Don Eley, 11 to 1. Handicaps were used in the matches.The only other Miami trios that won consisted of Rex Painter, Joe Thompson, and Clarence Carselowey and Harry Dean, Al White, and David Robinson.

1961 June 15 Pairings Announced for Miami Golf Tournament

Bob Hill Jr., 1960 schoolboy golf champion of Oklahoma and a freshman the past year at the University of Tulsa, shot a two-under-par 70 to capture medalist honors in qualifying rounds for the annual Men's club tournament.  Sixty-four men will fill the field of this championship for the men. 

1961 June 15 Snead Favorite as Open Begins

Snead has to beat defending champion Arnold Palmer, leading PGA money-winner Gary Player, four-tie Open champion Ben Hogan, but most of all he has to whip the Open whammy against himself.  

1961 June 15  Twilight Golf Pairings

Winners in the latest mixed twilight golf competition at the Miami Country club were: Lillian White and Bob Temple, low net; Claire Oliver and Charles Trussler, low gross; Hattie White and Tom Barton, low putts; Erin Wojcik and Bill Medcalf, high net. 

Wilma Medcalf-Bob Nunn vs Joan Smallwood-Bob Temple; Melba Cordell-Bill Oliver vs Dorothy Schofield-Claud Jones; Mary Varley-Don Johnson vs Mar VanBeber-Jack Schofield; Gladyce Hirsch-Bill Carter vs Jan Trussler-Don Curlee; Claire Oliver-Bob Hill Sr vs Nancy Johnson-Bob Hill, Jr.; Florence Dawson-Dr. Jackson vs Phyllis Propper-George Wojcik; Hattie White-Dr. Varley vs Marian Richards-Charles Turssler; Evelyn Hatfiled-Wayland Kelly vs Smai Lusk-Kenneth Richards; Hattie Wall-Bill Medcalf vs Louise Curlee-Bill Hatfield; Millie Carter-Jim Smallwood vs Erin Wojcik-Bert Wall; Norma Nunn-Tom Cordell vs Virginia Sapp-Al White; Norma Lous Jackson-Spencer Dawson vs Yvonne Temple-Hance VanBeber; Gay Phillips-Bill Hirsch vs Helen Jones-George Lusk. 

**Personal Note: 1961 was my first year to work at the country club. My father set my hours for Tuesday-Saturday sunrise (6:30-7:00 am) until 2:00 each day. In the beginning I worked with other adults who opened the shop. In 1961 I worked with Mr. and Mrs. Westfall, an older couple. Mr. Westfall and I did all of the heavy lifting of golf bags. Lunch was NOT provided by the club, so we all took turns eating lunch from our sacks or metal containers. We brought our own drinks or snacks.

Tuesday began at sunrise as the women made the earliest tee times (Hattie Wall and Evelyn Hatfield come to mind.) Following them were the men getting off the midnight shift from Goodrich and other plants. Twilight league didn't begin until 5pm but it was my job to answer the phone calls and keep track of all changes in pairings. I also called various members who put their names on the substitute list to show up when needed. 

Wednesday was extremely busy with ladies day. They began play at 9:00 or earlier. Most all of the women walked and pushed their golf bags in rented carts from my father. It costs $.25 to rent a handle. My young hands were needed to help put handles on the golf carts. Dad arrived before the ladies teed-off and then often drove to the post office and bank about 10 o'clock each morning. 

Thursday afternoon originally was called a professional men's  afternoon referring to doctors, lawyers, BFG management, Eagle-Picher management, etc. By about 1962 that title was no longer used and the men formed regular golfing groups that were nicknamed "the C.S. Club" by Frankie, our bartender. Most of the men relaxed over lunch at the club, changed into their golf clothes and played golf until dark. Some stayed over and gambled or played cards till late into the night.

On long winter days one group of 8-16 men came to our house after dinner for ping pong. Their cigarette smoked filled our garage with a heavy haze. Over the years the evening activity changed from ping-pong to dad's fascination with trains. 

Fridays were Junior Golf days and by age thirteen I was helping Dad teach the youngsters how to swing the club and putt. I joined in and played with everyone and mother's and dad's helped with the junior program by walking with a group of golfers and keeping score. This taught us the rules and reinforced over and over the penalty for having temper tantrums on the golf course. (Refer to Woody Painter for more elaborate stories on this.) Yes, my father would kick the club members off the course for several weeks at a time for their behavior. Every parent appreciated this discipline.  

Saturday's were extremely busy if the weather allowed. Our tee sheet was full from sunrise until dark. Many an evening I spent back at the club chipping golf balls up the signs for dad to pick up easier with the hand held ball retriever bags--one ball at a time. It was a long slow process but probably my most favorite memory of all because nature surrounded me and I was helping my dad. To this day chipping (or short game) is my strongest ability and in my heart I would much rather play a round of golf near sunset. 

Sunday morning mother, Jonya and I often attended church. From the late 1950's through the 1960's my parents went to Grand Lake all day Monday, Dad's only day off, to get away. For a half-dozen years or more we shared a house-boat with the Jackson's, Dahl's, and Temple's.  We all loved to fish and a house-boat offered a heated room with a fishing hole in the middle of winter. 

 

1961 mdnr July 2 "Tri-State Results"

1961 mdnr July 7  "Tulsa Girl Takes Junior Golf Title"

Kay Van Valkenburgh, 17, of Tulsa won the Championship of the second annual Miami Invitational Jr. Girls Golf Tournament. Miss Van Valkenburgh who will be a senior this year at Edison High School, carded an 18-hole total of 93 on rounds of 43-50. Donna Fox of Seneca, Mo, a member of Miami's junior golf organization, was runner-up this year with a score of 44-50=94. 

The tournament sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf association drew 68 contestants. Mrs. Stanley Ulmer was tournament chairman.  

The champions and runner-up in the five other flights were:

A flight, Nancy Shelby, Tulsa, and Sally Ulmer, Miami.  

B flight, Letty Stapp, Miami, and Debbie Kinkade, Broken Arrow.

C flight, Missy Lowe, Springfield, Mo., and Sandy Stephenson, Miami.

Pee Wees, Sharon Sumpter, Tulsa, and Jonya Stapp Miami.

 **Personal humorous observation: Every-time I see myself in an old newspaper photo all I can think is "look at that hair." At this time in my life, I am now most grateful that I had a thick head of hair, what little I have left of it. 

 

1961 July 

 

Junior Golfers end season with trophies: L-R Tommy Cordell, Tim Scholfield, Danny Kruithof, Billy Oliver; Karen Jeffries, Lee Dell Snyder, Kathy Olson, Susie Stephenson, miss from photo Brad Smallwood.

 1961 September 8  "Propper Takes Top Title in Ladies Golf Tournament"

Admiring trophies presented Thursday to the Ladies Club Championship: Mrs. Spencer Dawson (18 hole medalist); Mrs. George Wojcik (from right) medalist and winner of the 9 hole championship; Phyllis Propper, Club Champion 18 holes, Mrs. Richard Varley, 18 hole A Flight Champion, Mrs. Olin Moore, 9 hole A flight winner.

1961 "Shell's Wonderful World of Golf

In 1961 Shell produced it's first World of Golf one hour show with a match between Billy Casper and Mario Gonzales. In 1962 they produced 10 matches world wide, from Hong Kong to London, and Melbourne to St. Andrews. 

Television was now playing a bigger role in the game of golf and it's promotion At the same time the top players were Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino.

1961 September "Ladies' Golf Notes"

Winners in the week's regular play for the Miami Ladies Golf Assoc. were: Phyllis Propper, Championship; Mrs. Loren Williams, Class A; Mrs. Lillian White, B; Pauline Dykes and Dorothy Schofield, C.  

Forty four women have signed up to play this Wednesday. 

1961 September 17  "Todd Takes Lead in Miami Golf Tourney"

 Dave Todd, veteran golfer from Nevada, Mo., was the only entry from a field of 107 in Miami's sixth annual invitational golf tournament to break even with par in 18-hole qualifying rounds Saturday n the beautiful but difficult course at the Miami Country club. The tournament will end late this afternoon with champions in five flights being determined on 36-hole scores-including the qualifying round

Todd carded a 36-36 for medalist honors. Runner-up was Jim Hatfield of Neosho, Missouri, 38-35=73. Defending champion Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Illinois was third with a 37-37=74.

Others who made the championship flight were: Bob Smith and Joe McKenzie of Joplin, 75; Ed Olvey, Afton, 76; Max Marsh, Webb City, 77; Dr. W.D. Jackson of Miami, tournament chair, 78; Roger Kelly, Kansas City, 78; John F. Robinson, Miami, 79; 80's by Jess Fronterhouse of Picher, Marshall Smith of Quapaw, Merlin Kirk, Pittsburgh, and Walter Williams, Bristow; 81's by Dick Clary of Tulsa and Ted Vernon and Harry Gilmore, Miami

Rounds were to begin at 7:30 am today, with players in the championship flight due to begin their tours about 1 pm. Presentation of trophies probably will take place between 6 and 6:30 pm. 

The tournament list, larger than ever before, consists of golfers from 27 cities in five states. There are 73 out-of-town entries.

 1961 September 18 "Pipes Repeats as Golf Champion" by Mack Boswell

Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill., repeated Sunday as champion of the Miami Invitational Golf Tournament. He carded a 2-over par 74 in Saturday round and a 76 on Sunday. Only one stroke behind for runner-up was Ed Olvey, superintendent of Afton schools, with a 76-75=151.

Tied for third were two Miamians--Dr. W.D. Jackson winner of the 1959 tourney, 78-76=154, and John F. Robinson 79-75-154. Darkness prevented a playoff to break the third-place tie. 

Other Miamians who placed in the tourney were:

B flight: G.R. White, 87-82=169

D flight: Bill Hirsch, 95-92=187

 1961 October 26 mdnr  "Turkey Shoot Winner"

Mrs. Wayman Jackson is shown with the 'turkey' she won Wednesday in the Miami Ladies Golf association in the October "turkey shoot." She netted 35 in the nine-hole golf event with a score of 53, less 18 handicap. Mrs. Robert Temple, was runner-up a net of 39.

 

 1961 December 10 mdnr "Notice! notice!"

Stockholders of the Miami Country club are reminded that the annual stockholder's meeting will be held December 12, 1961 for the purpose of acting on a plan of reorganization. If members are unable to be present, the officers request proxy be filed with the secretary.  G.P. Campbell, President

 

 Tidbits:

April 1961 at The Miami Theater

 

1961-62 Candy store across from MHS on A st NE and 2nd NE 

 

October 1961

 Miami Quarter Horse breeder, L.K. Newell, has purchased a half-interest  (with Rowland Stanfield nationally prominent Broken Arrow breeder) in one of the nation's most distinguished stallions. Newell predicts the horse, Johnny Dial, will prove an important contributor to the Quarter Horse industry in Oklahoma as well as to development of his own breeding program at Sky Farm, east of Miami,