Claire Oliver’s Story--Miami High School Golf Coach

1960's far left Yvonne Temple, Florence Dawson, Claire Oliver in peach colored outfit, and Clara Barton

 

What if you were a high school student whose biology teacher could beat you at golf, tennis, tell you the latest score of the OU football or basketball game and what position they were in the standings and then show you how to identify the organs of the body using a preserved fetal pig?  If so, you would have most likely said my teacher is Claire Oliver who taught biology in Miami Oklahoma from 1961 – 1978.

Claire attended Junior College in Iola, Kansas from 1939- 1941.  When our country was drawn into WWII, she worked as telephone operator from 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm then carried 18 credits hours at a major university.  Accordingly, Claire Oliver earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Bacteriology from the University of Kansas in 1943. 

During her Junior Year at KU, she gained permission from her professors to take three weeks off to marry her hometown sweetheart, Bill Oliver, who was now a Navy pilot stationed in Oakland, California.  They were married March 23, 1942 in Reno, Nevada and Mrs. Oliver stayed with her husband for another two weeks until he left for his tour in the South Pacific. 

Claire received a telegram from Lieutenant Commander Bill Oliver as she walked toward the stadium to receive her diploma in May 1943 saying he was back in the states.  Bill and Claire then traveled to Patuxent River Maryland Naval Base where Bill was a test pilot and Claire worked in the dispensary. 

In December 1945, Claire, Bill and their newborn daughter, Diana, moved to Miami, Oklahoma where Bill started a business and Claire stayed at home to raise their daughter and their son, Bill, who was born in Miami.  While her children were in grade school, Claire started playing golf and recruited the entire family to participate in the sport.  Unfortunately for her family, Claire somehow always ended up with the lowest score. She was always an exuberant and competitive golfer.

When her children were older, Claire started her teaching journey with trips to Pittsburg Kansas State College where she received her teaching certificate. Shortly after beginning her teaching career, Claire pursued her master’s degree in biology.

1973

During these years she also began coaching boys and girls golf at Will Rogers Jr. High and eventually coaching girls golf at the high school.

After her retirement, Claire and Bill continued to play golf and travel. When well into her nineties, if Mrs. Oliver could see a little better and grip a club a little tighter, she would have still been able to give her students a run for their money on the golf course. **Story shared by her son, Bill Oliver.

Friends and students from Miami shared many memories about Mrs. Oliver.

*Personal note: Between 1973-75 I attended P.S.U. completing my bachelor’s degree in education and library science. It was during these that I began to develop my skills as a professional storyteller and puppeteer. I frequently gave workshops and taught summer school on how to use these skills with students in the classroom.

One afternoon at Pittsburg State University, I performed for a large audience of teachers, using puppets and stories to relate to them and their students. At some point, I took a breathe and remarked that I recently learned how to tell stories and use them in the classroom. Before I could continue with my train of thought a hand went up followed by woman sitting about eight rows up and left of center in the theatre style auditorium who stood up and spoke, “That is not true!”

I nearly collapsed. I am quite sure my jaw dropped, and I looked like a fool standing there, until I recognized the voice and the woman, Mrs. Oliver.

She continued, “I would like to say that Letty has been a storyteller all of her life. I watched her grow up at the Miami Country club where she listened to and learned from all of us how to tell a good story. Her father is also a captivating storyteller, liar, and golfer.”

The audience and I were hysterical over her point. I walked up and gave her a hug. At that moment, I changed my outline and told a true but wild county club story about a cat that we found in the large freezer in the old kitchen. Maybe someday I will tell that story again.

*The following remarks came from Facebook (January 2024) after I posted a story about Mrs. Oliver being a witness to a hole that ten-year-old Billy Jackson played entirely with his putter and managed to par old number 3. Billy Jackson Story

Linda Connell: Did Mrs. Oliver teach science at WRHH?

Kelly Jo Chase-Lindner: I thought she taught at the high school. We once lived next door to her. Neat lady!

Rob Rollins: I was thinking she worked at both the junior and senior high school.

1974 Miami High School Girls Golf Team

Front Row: Ann Heyburn, Linda Wickham, Roxie Freeman. Second Row: Cathy Gee, Robin Baldridge, Sherri Weatherford. Third Row: Pam Landers, Karen Hunt, Brenda Brown, Coach Claire Oliver, Christie Adkison, Sharon Rohwedder.

Kelly Jo Chase-Lindner: By the time I knew her she was MHS. I remember one time she had a water moccasin in a metal tub at the side of her house. It was probably for an experiment or something (animal lovers…don’t start thinking. She taught biology). Anyway, I remember she called me over from the front yard to come check it out. I was about eight and felt honored to be invited to see it.

Sally Heydt: I graduated in 1969 and she taught at the high school during my years there. Unfortunately, I was not in her class. Many of my friends were and loved her!

Linda Connell: I had her in 7^th grade. She was such a nice person and rode with us to OKC to the museum.,

Patrick Campbell: Very compelling story. I grew up in Miami and loved every minute of it. I was a classmate and friend of your gorgeous and talented sister, Jonya. I remember your dad well. I remember young Billy and his dad Wayman and oddly enough July 17, 1973 was my 21^st birthday. Thank you for posting this story. 

 Archie Loehr: It was a privilege to spend 12 years at MHS with her. She was always so upbeat.  

Steve Booth: I loved her...I knew her from church and school. I was always her favorite..she made me feel that way. 

Mike Lillie:  Steve Booth hate to bust your bubble but I was definitely her favorite. She was the kindest most caring person. 

Ronda Hildebrand Klindworth: Awesome teacher. Kind, gentle, and sweet. She made biology fun. 

Nancy Goforth: Caring, compassionate and always a smile. Was fortunate to have her as a Great Biology teacher. 

Clara Searle Mann: Love her. She was a great biology teacher and one of my mother-in-laws best friends.  Miss them both. 

Laura Curry Barnett: The SMILE first thing in the morning her HS Biology. How did she do it every day? As a BIO major and having taught for 32.5 years teaching HS and MS BIO and LIFE SCIENCE--I'm even more amazed than ever. What a role model. 

Connie Platt: Claire was always laughing, enjoying life...always. She had thrown me a Wedding Shower. When I was entering her home she was all prepared with delicious food and decor in her beautiful home. Claire said, "Oh, hurry, get inside, don't let the Dog Out!" I was beside myself trying not to let the dog out, especialy since she lived on a busy one way street. Well, Claire didn't even have a dog...Ha ha ha. We laughed and laughed over that. I can only imagine was fun she was as an educator. She and Bill were a very classy couple. I miss them both. 

Doug Clanton: She was a great teacher; smart, funny and patient. She made dissecting piglets interesting and fun, though I never leaned to enjoy the smell of formaldehyde. 

Sally Gatewood: A wonderful Christian lady. Always had smile on her face. Really miss her. 

Joanne Lacaff Lasky: She was a goof friends of my mom's. I loved it when she would visit. 

Stephanie Brown: Mrs. Oliver instilled in me a love of science and the desire to purue it with the curiosity and passion that she demonstrated in the classroom.

At MHS I was in her biology class. I remember one week she introduced the world of microbiology to us...Petri dishes, sampling techniques and the amazing microbes in our world. She brought enrichment to all of our lives...in subject matter but also as a woman of integrity and heart. 

At a class reunion, I had the opportunity to thank her for her role in my education, for I became a teacher and taught science at elementary, middle school for over 27 years. What a legacy she left us. 

Letty, thank you for sharing Mrs. Oliver's story. 

Suzie Webber Walker: I was one of the lucky ones. Having had one or two incompetent teachers, it was so special to have one of the greatest teachers.  

Ann Cordell Ballew: Loved having her as our coach. A wonderful lady. 

Norman Hildebrand: Mrs. Oliver was a sweet lady and very good teacher.

 Colby Allen: I had Mrs. Oliver in school, then years later bought our building from her. She was absolutely one of the finest people I have ever known. 

Debbie Lee Graves: I have great memories of her biology class and dissecting a fetal pig!! She was an incredible lady. A delight person. 

1921 January 13—2014 April 10 Thank you Claire Oliver for the memories.

 

1973 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

 

Summer of 1973 Johnie F. Stapp and his asst. Dick Neel. The window to the right is where kids from the swimming pool came to order their candies and drinks and say, "charge it." 

1973 March 28 “NEO’s Golf Team in Opener Friday”

Hoping to gain their third straight Bi-State and NJCAA Region 2 championship, Northeaster A&M golfers swing into a new season Friday in a match against the Haskell Indian Junior College at Lawrence, Kan.

The players have been practicing at the Miami Country club, where home matches will be held. Much assistance to the players has been given by club pro Johnie Stapp and assistant pro Dick Neel. Last year the Norsemen finished with a 9-1 record, the lone loss coming at Claremore.

1973 March 4 “Society Calendar”

The Miami Ladies Golf Association will hold a coffee at 10a.m. Wednesday in the home of Mrs. George Newman, 720 Second northwest. An invitation is extended to all prospective members.

1973 March 9 “Mrs. Newman Hostess to Golfers”

The home of Mrs. Noma Newman, 720 Second northwest, was the scene of the Miami Ladies Golf Association’s spring membership coffee Wednesday morning. Hostess duties were shared by Gladys Wetzel, Wanda Couch and Dorothy Gibson. The Centerpiece, created by Rosalie Patterson, depicted a putting green and a simulated tree ornate with miniature hats such as worn by golfers. Aileen Bradshaw, president, presided at the coffee service.

Yearbooks were distributed and activities for the season were discussed. Lessons for new members will begin April 4.

Also present were Erin Wojcik, Hattie Wall, Grace Burns, Sue Barnes, Barbara Shouse, Doris Wilson, Helen Moore, Virginia Sapp, Wanda Doan, Jean Phillips, Marian Richards, Judy Weld, LaRue Gaines, Joyce Rutter, Mavis Ford, Marylyn Adams, Rosalie Patterson, Rose Pratt, Pauline Taylor, Frances McKinney, Fae Berentz, Gail Beck, Mary Robinson, Yvonne Temple, Ruth Heyburn, Roma Dahl, Dorothy Hester, Lib Lillard, LaVon Young, Geneva Ramsey, Bonnie Moody, Jean Ann Blue, Caryl Rohwedder, Clara Barton, Martha Elliott, Lottie Mae Russell, Claire Oliver, and Ethel Mailath. 

*I could only locate one article on the 1973 Girls Golf team.                      
 ** I would like to thank the Miami Public Library for coping MHS golf team photographs from the Miami High School Yearbooks from 1974--84.

1973 March 28 “Baxter Beats MHS Golfers”

Miami high school golfers, who lost at Baxter Springs in their first competition of the season Tuesday, will compete Thursday in the high school invitational tournament at Parsons, Kans. Archie Loehr is the MHS golf coach.

In Tuesday’s matches on the soggy Baxter Springs Country club course, the host high school team won by a 14-7 score. The only Miamian to win was John Wallace, playing the No.5 position. His 83 score was the best for the Miami quintet, and he beat Bob Green, who shot 99.

The medalist was Baxter’s No. 3 man, Robbie Robison, who scored 79 for a victory over Kim King, 88. David Righthouse, 85) Baxter, beat Bob Dow, 88; Jerry Boyd, 94, Baxter beat John Mirjanich, 96. Perry Ogle, 93, Baxter, beat Dan Giffhorn, 94. 

1973 March 30 “MHS Golfers”

Six golfers from MHS, coached by Archie Loehr, finished fourth in two-ball and fifth in four-ball competition Thursday for 10 teams in the annual Parsons, Kan., schoolboy tournament on the soggy Katy course.

Wardogs Bob Dow and John Mirjanich scored 87 each for a total of 174 as Coffeyville and Parsons led with 150 each and Pittsburg was second with 167. The Miami foursome totaled 354 for fifth in that phase of competition with these 18-hole scores: John Wallace 83, Kim King 85, Wayne Anderson 89, and Jack Brown 97. 

 

Senior Bob Dow of the Wardogs fired a 125 yard “hole-in-one,” but still must strive for membership in the ACE organization of golfers.

Dow was driving for the No. 9 hole, which is on a big green that shares hole number 18. His drive sailed straight toward the No.18 flag and dropped into the hole after one bounce. He managed to score a part three on the No. 9 after lifting his ball from the No. 18 hole. (The joy of a  9-hole course.)

The Wardogs are scheduled to play their next rounds on the Miami Country club course, with Joplin Parkwood here Monday and Baxter Springs on Tuesday.

 1973 April 15 “13 Teams in High School Golf Invitational Meet Here Monday”

Miami’s Wardogs, coached by Archie Loehr, may be strong contenders even though the only one player is back from the foursome that carried the Wardogs to fourth place among 15 teams last year. Other teams entered this year include Tulsa Edison, Muskogee, Fayetteville, Siloam Springs, ark. Owasso, Pryor, Claremore, Tahlequah, Parsons, Kan., Fort Scott, Baxter Springs, Nowata, Columbus, and Tulsa Cascia Hall.  

1973 April 18 “Tulsa Edison Wins All Top Honors in Miami Invitational Golf Event”

The 18-hole competition that was delayed one day by wet conditions, the Eagles totaled 314 for the four-ball trophy on a three-over-par 75 by Medalist H.B. Warren, 79 each by Mark Brown, Sandy McNeill, and 81 by Chris Harris.

Muskogee’s Roughers finished second to Edison with 329 and Fayetteville, Ark., third. Miami team members finished in seventh place with Bob Dow, 81; John Mirjanich, 87; John Wallace, 87; and Kim King 88. 

1973 May 1 "Parkwood Girls Edge MHS, 4-3"

Joplin Parkwood edged Miami 4 to 3 in girls high school matches played Monday at the Miami Country club. Each team won three matches with Parkwood gaining the winning point for have the medalist. Judy Gregston with a 46 gave her victory over Melissa Landers.  

Other results--Sandy Short, Parkwood defeated Brenda Brown. Kathy Kallenberger defeated Ann Cordell. Linda Wickham beat Kate Reed. Barbara Prewitt, Miami, defeated Nancy Lamb. Janie Adams, Miami, defeated Freda Whipkey. Mrs. Claire Oliver and her MHS girls will meet up in Joplin May 16 for a return match on the Schifferdecker course. 

1973 May 1 “MHS 6^th in Region Golf Meet”

Miami high school placed sixth among 13 teams that competed Monday in the Class AAA regional golf on Rolling Hills course in Tulsa. The winning team for the 36-hole competition was Bartlesville Sooner with a score of 645. Next were Tulsa Kelley 661, Pryor and Claremore at 670 each, Jenks 678, Miami 686, Sallisaw 693, Tahlequah 711, Owasso 774, Nowata 800 and Locust Grove 836.

Dow of Coach Archie Loehr’s Wardogs carded rounds of 80-83-163. Scores for the other Miamians were John Mirjanich 84-86-170; Kim King, 87-89-176; John Wallace, 87-90-177; and Dan Giffhorn, 94-95-189.

1973 May 8 “Trophy Winners in the Schlitz Tournament”

Trophy winners in the fourth annual Schlitz golf tournament that ended Sunday at the Miami Country club included, front row from left, George Myers, No. 1 in the first flight; Al Williams, first in 3^rd flight; Dr. W.D. Jackson championship; John Robinson, Jr., tied for 2^nd in championship flight, and Charles Trussler, 2^nd in 2^nd flight.

Back row Stratton Henley, tie for 2^nd in first flight; Mark Wojcik, tie for 2^nd in championship fight, and Max Martin, 2^nd in third flight. Missing from the picture are Wayland Kelly, first in 2^nd flight and Jack Doan who tied for 2^nd in first flight. The scheduled 36-hole competition was stopped at the end of 27 holes because of heavy rains that started in the afternoon.

1973 May 13 “Miami Ladies Golf”

Winners for the past week in Miami Ladies Golf competition were Championship fight Evelyn Hatfield; Class A, Beverly Jackson; Class B, Lottie Mae Russell; Class C, Wanda Doan, and Class D. Frances McKinney and Rosalie Patterson, tied. Wednesday’s play from the red tees will be for low putts. The pairings”

No. 1 Tee: 9 a.m. LaVon Young, Mae Tate, Faye Berentz; Lottie Mae Russell, LaRue Gaines, Yvonne Temple; Pauline Taylor, Joyce Rutter, Lib Lillard, Jean Ann Blue; Sue Barnes, Helen Moore, Lois Garwood; Hattie Wall, Virginia Sapp, Peg Murphy; Billie Pace, Marylyn Adams, Evelyn Hatfield; Geneva Ramsey, Beverly Jackson, Barbara Shouse.

No. 6 Tee: Gladys Wetzel, Judith Weld, Rose Pratt; Etta Viers, Caryl Rohwedder, Jean Phillips; Pauline Adkison, Aileen Bradshaw, Gail Beck; Frances McKinney, Martha Elliott, Dorothy Hester; Roma Dahl, Mary Robinson, Sue Enyart; Dorothy Gibson, Rosalee Patterson, Wanda Doan.

Afternoon: Mae Farrier, Jo Ann Smallwood, Claire Oliver, Millie Carter, Marian Richards, Doris Wilson, and Ethel Mailath.

1973 June 6 “Miami Junior Golf”

Winners in junior golf competition last Friday at the Miami Country club were:

Belk's add.

2-hole—Darren Foster and Mary Weitz.

4-hole—Brent Landers, Tracy Enyart.

Point Competition

B Flight Boys—Doug Smith, 2 points, Tommy Kidd, 1 point. B Flight Girls—Sandy Jackson 2 points, Traci Bradshaw 1.

A Flight Boys—John Weitz, 2 points, Chris Adkison, 1 point. A Flight Girls—Pam Landers, 2 points, Ann Heyburn, 1 point.

Championship Flight—John Mirjanich, 2 points, Wayne Anderson, 1 point.

Pairings for Friday’s play:

Two-hole players: Darren Foster and Danny McKinney, scorer—Matt
Giffhorn. Scott Collingsworth, Steven Blevins, and Meade Monger, scorer-Barbara Blevins. Kim Weld, Lise Blevins, Donna Weitz, scorer—Melissa Landers. Mary Ann Weitz, Mary Ann Kidd and Crissy Neal, scorer—Ruth Wills.

Four-hole players: Jay Jackson, Michael Weitz, Chris Young, scorer—Roy Ober; Brent Landers and Billy Jackson, scorer--Loretta Weitz. Matthew Monger and Raymond McKinney, scorer—Pat Collingsworth. Shelly Blevins, Kirsten Couch, Susan Bennett, scorer--Karen Reavis; Shelly Weatherford, Tracy Enyart, Debbie Jackson, scorer--Carol Smith; Cathy Harsch, Sally Neal, scorer—Sue Weatherford.

1973 June 13 “Youth Golf Classic Winners”

Award Winners in the four county Youth Golf Classic held in Miami were, front row from left: Sandy Jackson, first for under 14; Will Neel, Tom Kidd, David Cresap and Debbie Jackson. Top row: John Mirjanich, who repeated as champion; Wayne Anderson, Mike Hylton and Charlie Wilmoth, all championship flight. 

John Mirjanich repeated at champion of the annual Youth Golf Classic that was conducted Monday at the Miami Country club. He carded an 18-hole score of 42-42-84. Wayne Anderson of Miami was runner-up with 46-40-86.  Third place went to Mike Hylton, Miami with a 43-45-88 and fourth to Charlie Wilmoth, 50-46-96.

The championship for boys and girls under 14 was Miami’s Sandy Jackson, with 52-46-98. Will Neel of Shangri-la, Afton, was second with 48-51-99. Next were Tom Kidd with 100, David Cresap, 104.

The non-placing award for low girl went to Debbie Jackson of Miami with 55-52-107.

Mirjanich clinched a berth in the July 11 state tournament at Duncan. Pat Wilson of Miami helped conduct the Miami tournament sponsored by independent life insurance agencies of Ottawa, Craig, Delaware, and Mayes counties.

1973 June 20 “Neel-Cordell Team Captures Golf Title”

Dick Neel and Tom Cordell winners of the pro/club president PGA event.

Setting a new competitive course record with a 69, Dickie Neel, assistant pro at Miami Country club, combined with club President, Tom Cordell to take the South Central Section PGA tourney at Shangri-la Lodge.

Neel and Cordell won the second annual meet for assistant pros and club presidents with a low team net total of 135. Cordell had a scratch 76 to go with his handicap of 10 strokes.

Second team honors went to Mike Smiley and Lyndel Buck of Lake Hefner Country club with a 137, followed by Bob Karlovich and Don Corp of Indian Springs club in Broken Arrow with 144. In fourth place was Gary Sharp and arch Henderson, also of Lake Hefner with 148.

Following Neel in individual low pros scoring were Guy Walkingstick of Tulsa with 70, Karlovich and Smiley with 73’s.

1973 June 24 “Tulsa Girl Golf Champion”

Shooting a fine 80, Brenda Meyers of Tulsa far outdistanced other linksters to capture the 14^th annual Girls Invitational Golf Tournament at the Miami Country club Friday. Brenda’s 39-41 put her in the winner’s slot by 13 strokes. Claudia Lukken of Tulsa and Dena Dellasega of Pittsburg, Kan., tied for 2^nd after posting 92.

Sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf Association, the event drew contestants from three states. Mrs. Grace Painter served as tournament chairman.

Coming in first in A flight age 13-14 was Sandy Jackson, Miami, with a nine-hole score of 48, one stroke better than Holly Pryor of Bartlesville.

1973 June 29 “Kansas City Chiefs Test Shangri-la Course”

 A tall tale--All pro defensive end and tackle, Dave Hill, of the Kansas City Chiefs towers gigantically beside Miamian Max Blue during golf play Thursday afternoon at Shangri-la on Grand Lake's Monkey Island. A number of Miami and area golfers played with visiting Chiefs and several of their assistant coaches. Another visiting coach was Tom Hudspeth, formerly of Afton, who now is head football mentor for the University of Texas at El Paso.

 

 

 

1973 June 29 “Ladies’ Golf Notes”

The Miami Ladies Golf Association will not hold the usual Wednesday activities this week because of July 4 Scotch foursomes that day. Winners of blind hole (No. 12) competition last week were Championship, tie with Billie Pace, Rebecca Mirjanich, and Barbara Shouse; Class A Erin Wojcik; Class B tie with Virginia Sapp, Jean Ann Blue, Lottie Mae Russell, and Marian Richards; Class C tie with Aileen Bradshaw, Rose Pratt; Class D Caryl Rohwedder.

1973 July 1 “Junior Boys Golf Invitational Friday”

The Miami junior boys invitational to be held Friday at the Miami Country club is the largest in the 13-year history of the local event. Mrs. Loretta Weitz and Mrs. Melba Cordell are tournament co-chairman for the Ladies Golf Association, which sponsors the tournament in cooperation with club pro, Johnie F. Stapp.

Ron Streck of Tulsa won the championship last year with an 18-hole score of 39-35-74, two over the men’s par of 72.

1973 July 6 “Miami Ladies Golf Hosts Annual Guest Day”

The Miami Ladies guest day included golfers from Joplin and Neosho, Mo., Caney, Columbus and Parsons, Kan., and Nowata, Broken Arrow, Vinita, and Miami participating.

Prizes were awarded at the luncheon following play. The tables were decorated with hat trees, depicting many themes. Each golfer used her imagination in making unusual golf hats. Many prizes were awarded for the colorful hats.

Claire Oliver and Rebecca Mirjanich of Miami were the co-medalists for the golf competition. Low putts winner was Barb Kramer of Neosho. Low gross prizes were given to every club represented.

Lois Garwood was Guest Day chairman with Frances McKinney and Beverly Jackson serving with her on the committee. Ninety-one golfers played.

1973 July 8 “Boys Invitational Tournament Champions”

The championship went to Mark Brown of Tulsa. It was one of the most successful in the 13-year history of the event. It took four extra holes of sudden death title playoff for Brown, a 5-9, 150 pound graduate of Tulsa Edison High School, to edge Chuck Paine, a 6-3, 165-pounder who has another year of golf and basketball competition at Muskogee High School.

They finished the regular 18 holes of the morning-afternoon competition with 75, three over men’s par. On the fourth hole Brown sank a 12-foot par putt to win the victory.

Despite the fine play by the 17-year-olds in the championship flight, a 16-year-old Tom Schuler of Tulsa Kelly, stole the show in the 1973 Miami tournament by capturing medalist honors with a 37-35-72 score. Schuler, 5-7, 120 pounds, had wanted to exercise the tournament privilege of moving to a higher flight, which in this case would have been championship, but accepted the advice of a relative to remain in his own age flight. Only championship fight contestants are eligible to play for the championship.  

Bartlesville’s Joe Hecksher, 16, whose cousins Hank and Frank Hecksher have been fine football players at Miami high school, was runner-up in president’ flight with a score of 75.

Winners and runners-up in other flight of the 128-player tournament for ages 9 to 17, were:

A flight—Bobby Biser, 79: Mark Fields, 82.

B flight—Fred Daniels III, 44; Jim Fields, 45.

C flight—10-year-old Tracy Phillips of Tulsa, one of the tourney’s smallest players, a sparkling 42; Brent Landers, 50.

Miamians in the event were Wayne Anderson, 88; Chris Adkison, 89;Mike Hylton, 95; John Weitz, 99; Mike McGraw, Ponca City 90 (now a PGA pro and golf coach at…); Will Neel, 103; David Weitz, 110; Bob Dinneen, 122; Tom Kidd, 47; Mike Richardson, 52, Mathew Monger, 53; Mike Weitz, 80;Billy Jackson, 59.

Special support of the big tournament was provided by the Chamber of Commerce, Miami’s two banks, Medical Arts Clinic, Miami Savings & Loan, Garwood Agency, Pettett Mfg., and Miami Sales Co.

1973 July 15 “Ladies’ Golf Notes”

Winners the past week in Miami Ladies Golf were Championship, Claire Oliver; Class A, Helen Moore; Class B, Marian Richards; Class C, Judy Weld; and Class D, Caryl Rohwedder.  

Wednesday’s play will be from the white tees for low gross. The pairings:

No. 1 tee: Billie Pace, Melba Cordell, Faye Berentz; Yvonne Temple, Rebecca Mirjanich, Claire Oliver; Evelyn Hatfield, Lib Lillard, Joyce Rutter; LaRue Gaines, Beverly Jackson, Sue Barnes; Barbara Shouse, Marylyn Adams, Helen Moore; Erin Wojcik, Lottie Mae Russell, Aileen Bradshaw; Lois Garwood, Hattie Wall, Pauline Taylor.

No. 6 tee: Gail Beck, Frances McKinney, Rose Pratt; Etta Viers, Judy Weld, Gladys Wetzel; Dorothy Hester, Bonnie Moody, Caryl Rohwedder, Pauline Adkison.

Afternoon—Millie Carter, Ethel Mailath, Joan Smallwood, Sue Enyart, Wanda Doan. 

 

1973 July 17 “From the Clutter”

Bill Jackson, 10-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Wayman Jackson, 2107 Yale, came within an inch of firing a men’s birdie two on the No. 12 hole of the Miami Country club course while practicing golf early Monday afternoon.

This is a 151-yard par three hole. At this stage of his practice, Billy didn’t have his driver. He teed off with his putter and the mighty shot for a 10-year-old landed on the green stopping 25 feet from the hole. His putt halted an inch from the cup, and he holed out for a par three.

Practicing with him at the time was his pal, Brent Landers, 10, and Mrs. Claire Oliver, who for years has been a leader of youth golf activities.

Billy, who has been golfing in Miami since age four, said the No. 12 effort was his best—even with a putter all the way. He won the driving trophy for his age flight in the recent Miami junior invitational tournament. 

1973 July 19 "Miami Sisters Share Spotlight in State Meet"

The Jackson sisters of Miami, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Wayman Jackson, have shared the spotlight in this week's Oklahoma junior girls golf tournament at the Stillwater Country club. 

Sandy Jackson, 13, youngest player to qualify for the championship flight, reached today's semi-finals by defeating Patty McGraw of Ponca City, 1 up on Wednesday.

Younger  sister, Debbie, won second place in the nine-hole B flight with a score of 107. The winner at 105 was Rikki Norgaard of Stillwater. 

Match-play results Wednesday in the championship flight included:

Jonni Koppitz, Alva, defeated Holly Pryor, Bartlesville, 7 and 6; Debby O'Toole, OKC defeated Lucia Lukken, Tulsa, 7 and 6; Brenda Moyers, Tulsa, edged Margaret Ward, Ardmore, 1 up.  

1973 July 20 "Sandy Jackson of Miami Loses in Golf Semi-Finals"

Medalist Jonni Koppitz of Alva and Brenda Moyers of Tulsa were playing in Stillwater today for the Oklahoma Junior Girls golf championship. In Thursday's semi-finals, Brenda defeated 13-year-old Sandy Jackson of Miami, 5 and 4, while Miss Koppitz eliminated Debbie O'Toole of OKC, 3 and 2. 

 1973 August 12 “Tournament Winners”

1973 August 12 “Treadway Trophy Winners” 

 

1973 September 2 “Miami’s Men’s Invitational Golf Meet Next Weekend”

Some 140 golfers from several states, including a number of former champions of the event will compete in the 18^th annual Miami Country club men’s tournament. Back as the defending champion is Bill Stewart of Springfield, Mo. The former champions entered in the 1973 meet are Stewart, Jackson, Pipes, Beck and Scaletty. A newcomer to the tournament who had an impressive golf record at Akron, Ohio, is Stan Weld, who was transferred to the B.F. Goodrich plant in Miami.

1973 September 10 “Jackson Wins Golf Crown”

 

Dr. W.D. Jackson became the second man in the history of the Miami Country club’s men’s invitational golf tournament to capture the championship three times when he took top honors here late Sunday afternoon.

The Miami dentist Jackson and Charles Talley, plumbing and heating contractor from Springfield, Mo., finished the regular 36-hole lay with identical scores of 146.

In a sudden-death playoff, each shot a par 4 on the first hole. Talley missed a five-foot putt for a par 4 on the second hole. Jackson sank his six-foot putt for par and the championship. Jackson won his previous Miami tournament titles in 1959 and 1964. Now he is tied with Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill., as the winningest men of the event.

Pipes carded 76 Sunday for a total 148 and a fourth-place tie with Bob Lein of Miami, formerly the No. 1 golfer in Tulsa. Third place in the tourney went to Dennis Goettel of Carthage, Mo., 147.

Other locals in the tournament are Kent Jeffries; 149, Bob Hill, Jr.; 153, John Robinson, Jr., 154; Frank Jacobs, 154; John Robinson, Sr., 160.

President’s flight Stan Weld, 153; Chi Galloway 157; Tom Cordell 163; Ron Robinson, 167; Jim Rutter 171; Al White and Mark Wojcik 175.

A flight was won by Marshall Smith of Quapaw with a 161. Other locals were Dr. W.D. Neal; 165, Charles Hirsch; 166, Rex Painter, 175; Bud Gaines, 176.

B flight was won by Scotty Jackson, Tulsa University senior from Miami and son of tourney champion Dr. Jackson, 87-77-164, Jerry Blevins 169; Bill Harsch 171; John Price, 176; H.D. Robinson, 178; Dick Lillard, 183.

C flight won by David Gaines, Miami, 178. Other locals playing were Dick Lowry, 181, Cy Elmburg, 183; Jim Smallwood, 186; Bob Adams, 187; Max Martin, 190; Bill Oliver 196; K.C. Jeffries 191; Bill Hatfield, 194.

D flight third place went to Bob Garwood, 192; Joe Hankins, 193; Joel Ridenour, 197; George Wojcik, 198; Hank Garwood, 203; George Foster 216.

1973 September 28 “Men’s City Golf Tourney Next 2 Weekends”

Play will begin Saturday morning in the first round of the annual men’s city golf championship at the Miami Country club. The 72-hole competition will be completed with 18-hole round on October 6 and 7. In addition to determining the club champion and runner-up, this year’s tournament will have a new feature—team competition.

Through a computerized system, players will be assigned to teams in a method that is designed to make all of the teams near equal in strength. Scores for the first 36 holes will be bed into a computer that will be programmed to divide total entries into teams.

A wide variety of merchandise will go to members of the winning teams. Dr. W.D. Jackson is the tournament chairman.

1973 October 7

1973 October 8 “Stan Weld Wins City Golf Title”

Stan Weld is the 1973 men’s champion of the Miami Country club and former champion of the Dr. W.D. Jackson is the runner-up. The 72-hole tournament came to an end Sunday. Weld, who moved to Miami from Akron, Ohio, last year to be B.F. Goodrich’s engineer in charge of major construction, totaled 304 strokes while Jackson scored 309.

Four-man team competition was mixed with the tournament and Dr. Jackson’s team won valuable merchandise prizes. Weld and Jackson received trophies.

The computerized scoring was a good test, as the total scores for the teams were relatively close, considering the 72-hole results for 20 players.

**This is the first reference to the use of a computer.  

Individual and total scores for the five teams follow:

Dr. W. D. Jackson, 309; Jack Doan, 341; Jim Rutter, 368; and Butch Garrette, 418. Total 1,436.

John Robinson, Jr., 313; Marion Zajic, 372; Bud Gaines, 371; and Les Farris 389. Total 1,447.

Stan Weld, 304: David Gaines, 359; Dick Wadleigh, 380; and Kenneth Richards, 404. Total 1,447.

Kent Jeffries, 324; George Wojcik, 368; Kermit Lewis, 364; and Lou Mirjanich, 374. Total 1,450.

Rex Painter, 354; Stratton Henley, 345; Don Wiley, 369, and Bill Oliver, 388. Total 1,456.

1973 October 28 “Ladies’ Golf Notes”

Winners the past week in the Miami Ladies Golf competition were Championship, Evelyn Hatfield; Class A, Beverly Jackson; B, Pauline Taylor; C. Rose Pratt; D. Rosalee Patterson. Wednesday’s play will be a turkey shoot, using handicaps. 

*Evelyn Hatfield, once again won the Miami Ladies Club championship and was also medalist. Ruth Heyburn placed second.  I found this in other references but could not find an article about it. 

1973 November 11 "Billie Pace Golf Prexy"

Officers were installed by the Miami Ladies Golf Association Wednesday in the home of Mr. D.E. Heyburn. The serving table was decorated with fall flowers in an antique basket arranged by Mrs. Rose Pratt. Installed were Billie Pace, president; Caryl Rohwedder, vice president; Etta Veirs, secretary; Sue Enyart, treasurer, and Evelyn Hatfield, association representative. 

Sharing hostess duties were Ruth Heyburn, Val Dale,Bonnie Moody, Marian Richards, and Rose Pratt. Others attending were Mary Robinson, Gladys Wetzel, Gail Beck, Mavis Ford, Rosalee Patterson, Pauline Adkison, Peg Murphy, Fay Berentz, Judy Weld, Beverly Jackson, Yvonne Temple, Hattie Wall, Dorothy Hester, Jean Ann Blue, Geneva Ramsey, Frances McKinney, Helen Stapp, Noma Newman, Erin Wojcik, Aileen Bradshaw, LaVon Young, Lois Garwood, Roma Dahl, Lib Lillard, Pauline Taylor, and guest, Mrs. Dick Neel.