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. 

1957 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

 1957 Spring

Coached by Bill Smith on the left and Johnie Stapp on the right, the Wardog foursome from left, includes James Emery, Larry Parker, Phil Temple, and Bob Hill. In the foreground is the trophy won by the Wardogs at the Bristow Invitational tourney on Tuesday.

Spring 1957  "Wardog Golfers to Contend for State Diadem in O.C."

Oklahoma City next stop: Coach Bill Smith, left and Johnie Stapp, right, Miami country club golf pro, are working with Miami Wardog golfers preparing for the state schoolboy tournament in Oklahoma City Wednesday and Thursday. The Wardog foursome from left, includes James Emery, Larry Parker, Phil Temple, and Bob Hill. In the foreground is the trophy won by the Wardogs at the Bristow Invitational tourney on Tuesday. 

In preparation for the tournament Wardog golfers will participate in an 18 hole practice in Midwest City.

UPDATE--FOLLOW UP:

Bob Hill shares the rest of the story: In the 1957 State High School Championship our MHS golf team was in a good position after the first round to win another Championship. When we left the hotel to go to the golf course the next morning, the lady at the parking lot lost our car keys. She looked everywhere and we took that little building apart trying to find them with no luck.

We thought of all of our options and the last one was to call a locksmith. While we waited  for that to happen Coach Smith called the course to see if they would change our tee times, bu they refused. When we finally go to the course we learned that because we missed our tee times we were disqualified. It was just an unhappy adventure for all concerned. 

1957 March 3 "Women Golfers Schedule First Club Gathering"

 The long winter layoff from golfing will end Wednesday morning for members of the Women's Golf Assn at the Miami Country club. Mrs. Faye Berentz, President, announced the women will meet for coffee and rolls to discuss the spring and summer golfing program. 

Johnie Stapp, club pro, will explain the free clinic which he will conduct on Wednesdays. Mrs. Berentz said new and aspiring members will be welcomed. 

1957 April 11  "Miami Golfers Win at Joplin" 

Miami High school War Dogs defeated Joplin 12-6 in a match at Twin Hills Country club. James Emery, Miami, was medalist with an 84. Other members of the War Dog squad are Bob Hill, Pat Temple, Larry Parker, Steve Hollerbach, and Mike Wilson. 

1957 April 14  "Pairings Given for Club Play"

Last week's winners in golfing action among the women at the Miami Country club included:

Championship flight: Mrs. Robert Temple; class A, Mrs. George Murphy; class B, Mrs. Hance VanBeber; class C, Mrs. Ruth Heyburn.

Johnie Stapp, Pro and M.C. Bagby Club President

1957 May 1 "Country Club Set to Resume Golf Program"

Mcc golfing events that were cancelled during April's rainy weather will be rescheduled for May and June, according to Johnie Stapp, golf pro.

May 17 has been set for beginning of play in the Twilight League (on Tuesdays), with competition in the circuit due to continue for the next 16-18 weeks. Eighteen teams of four men each participated in the competition last year. We have found  this type of play provides the most democratic form of golf, said Stapp. "During the season's round-robin scheduled, men of the club will tour the local course at least once with most of the other members. This results in more golfing enjoyment.

1957 May 1 "War Dog Golfers in O.C. for State Tourney Action"

Sharpshooting golfers for MHS were in O.C. today for preliminary round in the annual state schoolboy tournament over Lincoln Park golf course. They wer to play 18 holes today and 36 Thursday. 

The War Dog foursome consists of James Emery, Larry Parker, Bob Hill, Philip Temple, Steve Hollerbach went along as a possible replacement.

Coach Bill Smith accompanied the team. Johnie Stapp, golf pro of the Miami Country club, plans to watch the local linksters during Thursday's final rounds. He has taken an active part in the development of golfing talent of local students. 

Smith and Stapp were with the War Dogs last week when they won the championship of the Bristow Invitation schoolboy tournament.

The Miamians won the state championship in the sand greens division last year. The are competing for the grass greens title this year. 

1957 May 1 "100 Teenage Golfers (Boys and Girls)  Play in State Tournament at O.C."

This year's high school tournament will host about 100 teenage golfers from 30 schools. The tournament is divided into three divisions and trophies are given in both grass and sand green competition. The boys opened with 18 holes and will follow with 36 holes Thursday, while the girls play nine holes' today, and will play 18 on Thursday.  

Enid returns the most experienced team. It is headed by Jim Wright, who lost to Jim Loy of Northwest in a sudden death playoff last year for the tate individual title. Enid won the state team title last year. 

The girls division also finds itself without a defending champ since Beth Stone, Muskogee, titlist for the last two years. Beth Stone went on to become a leading Ladies Professional Golfer is in the Oklahoma Golf Hall of Fame Beth Stone

 1957 May 10 "Hot Springs Leaders"

Johnie Stapp, Miami golf pro shot an 80 in Thursday's first rounds of the Arlington Open according to information received here.  

 

1957 May 10  "Miami Golfers in Matches Sunday"

Twenty or more golfers from the Miami Country club are expected to participate in matches at Independence Country club Sunday afternoon. Thirteen men have signed up the Independence rip, according to announcement this morning the local club officials. Other members wishing to play in the matches have until Saturday afternoon to register at the pro shop. 

Those who have signed are Bill Hirsch, Pat Campbell, Bill Neal, Bob Temple, Jim Nowlin, Charlie Trussler, bob Baron, Jess Fronterhouse, G.R. White, Clarence J. Carselowey, Dr. W.D. Jackson, G.R. Scott, and Neel Wyatt. 

1957 May 13 "Miami Golfers Divide Honors"

 Independence men defeated Miamian's 38 to 31. Miami juniors almost made a clean sweep of the matches making 12 1/2 points of a possible 13 points. The Miami boys were Dickie Neel, Bob Hills, Philip Temple, and Jim Taylor.

1957 June 11 "Johnie Stapp Among Leaders in Bartlesville Pro-Am"

An entry list of 150 shot qualifying rounds today preceding the opening of the 45th annual Oklahoma Amateur Golf Tournament. The tournament begins Wednesday with 18 holes of match play over the Hillcrest Country Club course.

Don Sechrest (future course designer) of Stillwater shot a five-under-par of 66 to win the pro-amateur, playing with Art Hall and Ed Henderson of Tulsa, won $85 first prize. Oklahoma City pro Jimmy Gauntt and Labron Harris of Oklahoma State University golf coach from Stillwater tied for second with 67 and $50 each. Johnie Stapp, Miami with a 68 finished third. 

1957 June 11  "Two Showings Slated for Golf Playoff Film"

Motion pictures of the Snead-Middlecoff playoff in the Phoenix Open golf tournament will be shown tonight and Wednesday at the Miami Country club. 

Tonight's showing will be for the stag night dinner beginning at 6:30. Members of the Women's Golf Assn will be the film at noon Wednesday in connection with their golf day luncheon. "Even if it is too rainy for our weekly golf competition Wednesday, the motion pictures of the tournament will be shown," said Mrs. Corbin Shouse, chairman of arrangements. The women's handicap tournament scheduled to been Tuesday, has been called off. 

 

1957 June 23 NY (UP)  "Mantle Replaces Ted"

Mickey Mantle of the Yankees replaced Ted Williams for the Rec Sox today as the nation's most popular choice for any position on the 1957 major league all-star team. Mantle, who led both leagues in batting with a .381 average and was tied with Hank Aaron of the Braves for the home run leadership at 19 at the conclusion of Friday night's games, has attracted a total of 50, 591 center field votes from the fans. 

1957 June 23 mdnr 

1957 June 30 mdnr "Women Golfers Play for Best 6"

The Best 6 play this Wednesday on the front nine will be the last for the local women before the Tri-State Women's golf tournament here July 11-12. Mrs. Bert Wall won the championship for low putts the past week. Mrs. Bob Temple was the winner in class A, Mrs. Woodrow Painter in class B, and Mrs. W. D. Jackson in class C. 

Katrina White a personal story:

My family, Hattie, Al and uncle G.R. White, were grateful to George Coleman for building such a beautiful golf course and clubhouse. Through the years the country club hosted Sunday dinners, Happy Hours, Class Reunions, and special events like our engagement party and Daddy's retirement from Miami Savings and Loan. We were so sad when it burned and later when the course was closed. Can't take away those memories! Sorry it was not able to thrive. 

Johnie and MGCC were so important to my entire family. My daddy,Al White, loved the game so. He and uncle G.R. taught me the game by sawing off a wooden putter, then playing holes 1 and 3 on the near side of the creek. I still have that putter and all the great memories. Gretchen and I played in the Jr. Golf League (photo above) where one of our mother's would walk the 9 holes with us, teaching the game and the etiquette of golf. They kept score, too. My mother, Hattie had been a P.E. teacher, and loved the game and shared that love with Al all of their lives. 

Playing in the swimming pool was a wonderful baby-sitter for our parents when they could slip away for a game of golf. Pure joy and such happy memories of a free, carefree childhood. It is heart-warming to see so many familiar names. It's Bill JOE Newman to me.

 

1957 June 30 "Bartlesville Golfers Play in Miami"

Golf teams of the Miami and Bartlesville country clubs will compete in matches today at the Miami club. A team of 28 Miami men lost at Bartlesville two weeks ago by score of 75 to 59.

Bridge games will be featured this afternoon for wives of the golfers. Mrs. Pat Campbell of Miami was high scorer in bridge at Bartlesville. (On a personal note, I might add Virginia Campbell was a powerful bridge player according to the articles I've read. Virginia was in mother's bridge club group and frequently won. Of course, I have vivid memories of walking into our home on H st Northeast and smelling cigarette smoke, peppermint candies, creme d'mint cookies, and nuts on the Tuesday's when my mother hosted bridge club. The smoke was so disgusting I swore I'd never smoke. Luckily, that was a smart decision for a grade school child to make.) 

Personal stories:

James Taylor has shared many stories of playing golf, caddying, and swimming at the MCC. Thank you James for your help and support. I greatly appreciate everyone who has shared.

During the summer of 1957 some of my friends and I would sneak into the swimming pool and swim at night buck naked. Dad was a member, and I didn't have to sneak in, but the pool was closed and none of my buddies fathers were members, so I snuck in with them to be with them. We were seen from the veranda and someone had complained to Johnie. One night when we snuck in, we were raising cane and I was diving off that little wooden board buck naked springing up and down when suddenly there was a snub nosed 32 in my ribs and a rough voice saying, "What are you doing here?" 

Scared me to death, when I finally gathered myself, I could see Johnie laughing and he told us to get. That's all it took and I never did that again. That is the only time I recall of anyone holding a gun on me, but I still think many of the country club women were disappointed when our swimming ended as we all were fairly physically fit. 

1957 July 3 "Women's Tri-State Golf Tourney Here July 10--12"

 Practice rounds may be held this Wednesday. Medal play competition for championship honors in six flights will be conducted Thursday and Friday, July 11,12. The 18-hole qualifying rounds on July 11 will determine the medalist and assignments to the six flights. Some 100 golfers from 20 or more Tri-State area clubs are expected, according to Mrs. Henry Garwood who is heading this year's event.

Miami Country club has hosted this event in 1941 and 1948. Extra events in the tournament next week include putting and driving contests. The Carrothers trophy, inaugurated in 1937, will be awarded to the team with the low grow score. The Miami trophy, established in 1948 by the men's division of the local country club, will be presented to the team with the low net score. 

 

1957 July 12 "Joan Thomas Medalist"

Mrs. Jim (Joan) Thomas of Webb City, Mo., winner of the women's golf championship for the Puerto Rican Isle in 1955, captured medalist honors Thursday afternoon in the Tri-State event by shooting 40-42, six strokes better than an competitor. (Thomas wins the title this year,) Mrs. Bert (Hattie) Wall and Mrs. Jack (Pat) Horner, the 1956 city champion, were the only other Miami entries to qualify for the championship flight. They had scores of 100 and 101, respectively.

While admiring the beauty and excellent condition of the Miami Country club course, most out-of-town entries agreed that it was one of the toughest, if not the most difficult golf layouts they ever encountered. 

1957 July 13  "Bartlesville Golfers Lose"

Miami golfers defeated a team from Bartlesville by a score of 45 to 39 Sunday afternoon at the local links course.  Jack Myers of Miami was the low scorer of the day, shooting an even par 72. John F. Robinson was next with a 73. Ed Hinds, with a 75, was low for the Bartlesville contestants.

1957 July 21 "Miami Youths to Play State Tourney"

Four Miami youths, Bob Hill, James Emery, Philip Temple and Dick Neel, will leave Monday for Duncan, where they will compete in the annual state junior golf tournament, Tuesday through Thursday. They will be accompanied by Johnie Stapp, professional of the Miami Country club.

The high school quartet earned the right to represent the Miami area in the state tournament when a junior meet was held June 25 at the Miami Country club under the sponsorship of the Miami Junior Chamber of Commerce, is co-operating with the Miami Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Hill won the top honors in that meet for the second year in a row. 

The Jaycees and Carl Hilliard, owner of the local Coca-Cola plant, are aiding in expenses of the local group to the tournament at Duncan. Darrell Kissee is furnishing the Ford Station wagon transporting the boys. 

1957 July 25 "Miami Entries Post Excellent Scores"

Miami's delegation made an excellent record in the first 18 holes of the state Jaycee teenage tournament at Duncan. In addition to finishing third from the top with a two-over-par 74, Bob Hill won the driving contest with pro-like distance of 241 yards. 

Johnie Stapp, Miami golf pro, who accompanied the local boys, reported that Dickie Neel shot a 77, Phil Temple 78, and James Emery, 81 in the first round. 

1957 September 22 "Mrs. Dawson is Tourney Winner"

Mrs. Spencer Dawson has added the championship of the Miami Women's Golf Assn, annual match play tournament to her list of golf honors this year. She defeated Mrs. Robert Temple, 6 and 5, in the championship round. She won over Mrs. O.R. Westfall in her first match and defeated Mrs. Joe Thompson in the semi-finals. 

Mrs. Kelso Berentz won over Mrs. Claud Jones, 5 and 4, for championship of A flight. In Thursday's B flight final match, Mrs. William L. Oliver defeated Mrs. W.D. Jackson, 3 and 2. 

1957 September 23 "Myers Captures Invitational Title"

Jack Myers won his second golf championship within a week by capturing the crown in the second annual invitational tournament Sunday afternoon. Myers won the Club Championship last Monday.  Kenneth Childress of Webb City, was the runner-up. 

In the A flight competition identical winning cars of 83-85 were posted by Rex Painter and Bill Neel of Miami. Painter won the title when Neel three-putted on the first extra hole. Visiting contestants from cities of the Tri-State area praised the excellent condition of the local course and described the greens as the finest they had played this year. 

Personal notes on dad, Johnie Stapp from Jim Taylor:

I don't know which tournament Johnie defeated Ben Hogan but he did (I think in was in California in the late 1940's after the war.) However, he did not win the tournament. Johnie was playing in southern California and elsewhere as a professional golfer on what became the P.G.A. tour. He was an accomplished golfer and had significant athletic ability.

He like my father lived during a different time and place. Much of what he learned was self-taught, and he received very little help. I can not help but marvel at their accomplishments and think of the disgust they would feel at many of the things occurring in our society today. While many things in the past were unfair, the American Dream was always a reality with the freedom to pursue it.

1957 September 30  "Miami Golfers Play Pro-Am"

The Miami Country club will be represented by four men in state golf competition and meetings this week at Oklahoma city and Tulsa. Club pro, Johnie Stapp, Dr. W.D. Jackson, John Robinson, and Kenneth Childress were to leave today for Oklahoma City. The three amateurs will team with Stapp in "best ball" pro-am rounds Tuesday. 

The local men will represent this area Tuesday night at a meeting in Tulsa to prepare preliminary plans for the National Open tournament that will be held next summer at Tulsa's Southern Hills course.

Stapp will finish out the remaining 54 holes in the tourney at Oklahoma City on Wednesday and Thursday and will attend the annual meeting of the state PGA in O.C. Stapp is tournament chairman for the Oklahoma PGA which serves all of Oklahoma and Arkansas and a part of Kansas. 

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"Quarterbacks in City to Meet MHS Group"

Miami Quarterbacks will meet members of the 1957 Miami high school football squad at Monday night's meeting, Dr. Rex Graham, President announced. The prep candidates will be introduced by Bo Bolinger, new MHS coach. 

Another feature will be showing of the 1956 Oklahoma-Colorado game movie, obtained by Bolinger from OU athletic film library.  The meeting will be held at 6:30 in the Little Theater at NEO. Backers of War Dog and NEO college athletic groups who were unable to attend the inaugural meeting may plunk down $5 for club membership cards tomorrow night.  The club has dedicated itself to a wholesome development of interest in local sports, especially football, among patrons and youths. 

1957 saw Eagle-Picher suspending mining operations, costing 500 their jobs.

1957 saw actor Joel McCrea pay a visit to the Coleman Theater when they debuted his film "The Oklahoman."

Follow this link to learn more about the history of Miami, Ok. Miami History

* The book Miami Forever in our Hearts is available for purchase if you click on the blue link. 

** If you are interested in pictures of Miami in the 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's consider purchasing one of Ron Enderland's Hand Drawn Miami, Ok. Calendars.  2022 Historic Miami, Ok. Calendar