1980 Timeline and Stories MGCC

 

1980 March 26 “Neosho tops MHS golfers”

In the season opener for the Wardogs, Neosho rolled over Miami 417-500 at the municipal course in Neosho. Steve Kelly recorded an 8-over par 80 to help Neosho win. Scott Collingsworth was Miami’s leader with a 44-43-87.

Rounding out the scores for the Wardogs were Darren Foster, 98; Danny Culley, 101; Chet Rogers 102, and J.D. Masters 113.

1980 March 30 “Memorial tips MHS golfers”

Loren Huff’s medalist score of 79 helped Joplin Memorial capture a 342-367 varsity golf victory over the Wardogs at the Miami Country club. Scott Collingsworth paced the efforts for MHS with an 84, while Chet Rogers and Meade Monger shot 91’s. Darren Foster and J.D. Masters shot scores of 101.

In the B team matches, Chuck Mueller shot a 98 for the low score while Danny Culley was low for the Wardogs with a 106.

1980 March 30 “China Painters annual show”

Opal Goettel and Claudine Arnold

The World Organization of China Painters has scheduled its 18^th annual hand-painted china show and convention Friday and Saturday, April 11-12, at the Miami Civic Center. A set-up dinner buffet will be held at 6:30 pm. Thursday for members at the Miami Country club. Rosalie Talley is the convention chair. A dance group from Evelyn’s Dance Studio will participate in the program. 

**Personal note: I can recall several times when the ladies who painted these lovely pieces displayed them at the country club for various luncheons and meetings.

1980 April 1 “MHS golfers net win over Baxter”

Paced by the efforts of a pair of freshmen and a sophomore, Miami High School’s golf team tasted victory for the first time this season on Monday when the Wardogs scored a 373-415 victory over Baxter Springs in a match at the Miami Country club.

Scott Collingsworth, a sophomore, and Meade Monger, a freshman, shred medalist honors with an 18-hole score of 90, while a third member of the group, Darren Foster, fired a 91. Chet Rogers and J.D. Masters rounded out the scoring with 102 and 105, respectively. 

1980 April 4 “Miami takes 4^th at SLC golf meet”

 

Bartlesville Sooner, which already has the Miami Invitational among its list of victories, racked up yet another here Monday as the Spartans ran off with the Six Lakes Conference championship. Led by medalist, Gary McDonald, the team scored 326. Following Sooner was Tahlequah at 343, Claremore at 345, and the Wardogs at 365.

Scott Collingsworth shot the best round for Miami, posting ana18-hole score of 89. Meade Monger was next with a 90 while Darren Foster recorded a 91. Chet Rogers and J.D. Masters rounded out the MHS scoring with 75 and 96.

1980 April 8 “Sooner tips Edison for MHS golf title”

Bartlesville Sooner turned back defending champion Tulsa Edison to capture the team championship in the Miami High School Invitational golf tournament. The Spartans, led by a 76 turned in by Gary McDonald, nosed out Edison by one stroke, 317-318.

The chase for the team championship was one of the tightest in years as only nine strokes separated the top six teams. On top of that, six of the first seven were Tulsa metro area schools.

Miami’s young team finished 10 in the competition with a team score of 357. The Wardogs, led by Scott Collingsworth and Darren Foster each shooting 86. Meade Monger was next with an 89 and Chet Rogers rounded out the Miami quartet with a 96. 

**Leroy Collins -- Collins Construction Co. were a major part of the construction of the new nine holes. This is a memory that Leroy shared:

When we were building the new 18 we were hauling sand to the back sand trap of number 13, when my truck driver who didn’t even know what a golf club was, let alone a green, decided to back across the green to the sand trap before your dad stopped him. You can imagine what kind of tracks a two ton truck makes.

When I arrived on the scene I asked your dad how we could fix it. He said, “Don’t worry.” Then he took a shovel and fixed the tracks like you would repair a divot. After a few days you could hardly see it.(From Leroy's notes it is clear that Dad played a major role in the construction of the greens on the new nine. He dearly loved that part of the golf course and game itself.)

1980 April 13 “Robinson, Leisure share 1^st in county golf tourney”

John Robinson, Jr., was halfway home in his bid to become the only three-time champion of the Ottawa County Golf Championship as he shares the first-round lead with Dan Leisure. They each completed the play with carbon-copy rounds of 39-39-78.

Only one stroke off the pace were Mike Craig, Bob Hill, Jr., and Dick Lillard. All three turned in 79’s.

There was a logjam for the No. 6 position between Bill Harsch, Doug Bond, Carl Ballew, and Jim Halderman. With 81’s while Phil Trussler, Dr. W.D. Jackson and George Foster toured the course in 82’s.

1980 April 14 “BALLESTEROS MASTER-FUL WINNER”

A potential rout turned into a test of character and courage for Seve Ballesteros. “This was my toughest week in golf,” the dashing young Spaniard said Sunday after losing eight shots of a 10-shot advantage before recovering to win the 44^th Masters golf tournament.

“I have a lot of heart,” he said. “you must have a lot of heart to stand up under the pressure I have had this week.”

1980 April 14 “Bond weathers conditions to take county golf title”

Although the weather conditions made it more conducive to sitting in front of the television watching golf rather than being outdoors, Quapaw’s Doug Bond made the most of the situation and wound up capturing the Ottawa County Golf Championship Sunday at the Miami Country club.

Bond, who had been medalist in two tournaments this year as a member of the Missouri Southern State College golf squad, improved his opening round score by five strokes to cinch the MCC title with an 81-76-157.

He had been in a four-way tie for sixth after the opening round, but the leaders, Robinson and Leisure had their scores balloon during Sunday’s play and had to settle for fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Bob Hill, Jr., and Dick Lillard share the No. 2 spot with 79-80-159’s. Bond a two-year golf letterman at NEO was used to Sunday’s weather—his two previous wins this season had come in similar conditions.

Winners of other flights included Charlie Bill Hirsch in President’s flight with a 168, and Joe Asbedo in the B flight with 195. Don Yarger and Greg Kirkendoll shared the title in A flight.

Gary Boatwright 168 finished behind Hirsch, while Steve Ragsdale took third with a 173. Tom Rodgers fourth at 175 and Ed Schmidt fifth at 176.

Yarger and Kirkendoll carded identical 96-89-185’s to finish in a tie for first in A flight. Bill Melton had third place all tohis own with a 186 while Gary West, Steve Cherry, and John Doty wound up in logjam for fourth with 187’s.

Asbedo pared nine strokes off his opening day’s score to capture the B flight. He had a 102-93-195 compared to Jack Stephens, who bettered his sco0re by 11 shots to card a 104-93-197. Corbee Meeks was third at 200 while Hank Garwood, John Finley III and Jack Ragsdale tied for fourth with 203’s.

1980 April 17 “Ladies Golf Notes”

Winners in last Wednesday’s MLGA blind hole play were championship, Ruth Heyburn; A flight, Juanita King; B flight, Sue Riley, and 9-hole, Jean Phillips. This week’s play will be for the point tournament. Parings include:

9:00am—Sue Riley, Pat Platt, Yvonne Temple, Ann Chancellor; Marion Richards, Evelyn Hatfield, Geneva Ramsey, Lib Lillard; Billie Pace, Juanita King, LaVon Young, LaVerne Munson; Margaret Hadley, Pauline Taylor, Martha Bayless, Virginia Sapp; Barabara Shouse, Noma Newman, Claire Oliver, Gail Beck; Faye Berentz, Marylyn Adams, Helen Moore, Ann Foster; Jean Ann Blue, Pattye Moores, Ruth Heyburn, Virginia Kerr; Mary VanBeber, Rosalee Patterson, Nadine Hoffman.

9-holes: Jean Phillips, Aileen Bradshaw, Rose Pratt; Frances McKinney, Mary Hunt, Dorothy Hester; Fern Toye, Glady Wetzel, Mavis Ford; Virginia Heydt, Maria Heydt, Virginia Gaines, Rachel Horner.

Evening group; Candy Couch, Judy Grissom, Judi Kemper, Judi Long, Cincy Hill, Nadine Paul, Marji Grayson, Millie Carter, and Mary Haney.

1980 April 17 “MHS golfers upend Columbus”

Miami warmed up for Monday’s Class 3A regional golf tournament with an easy victory over Columbus, Kansas, here Friday. The Wardogs outdistanced the Kansans 360-388.

1980 April 17 “MHS golfers top Joplin”

Scott Collingsworth’s 40 fueled Miami to a 171-176 golf victory over Joplin Parkwood in a dual match at Joplin’s Schifferdecker golf course. The two teams played only nine holes with the best four scores counting in the team totals.

Following Collingsworth was J.D. Masters with a 42, Darren Foster at 43, Chet Rogers with a 46 and Meade Monger at 48. Parkwood’s Bob Parker captured individual medalist honors with a 39.

1980 April 24 “Tourney eases pain of turning 50”

Professional golf’s millionaires find an invitation to the prestigious Legends of Golf tournament eases the pain of turning 50. Arnold Palmer got his invitation this year and will be shooting for the $76,000 first-place prize. Asked what he thought about being a legend, Palmer said, “I think it is fine. I think the potential for this type of golf is tremendous, and the future of a tournament like this is unlimited.”

1980 April 28 “Miami wins first interclub golf meet”

Miami Country club captured a six-stroke victory over host Shangri-la and the Elk River Country club in the first interclub golf tournament Sunday. The match was the first in a series of five between MCC, Shangri-la, Cherokee Grove Golf club, Elk River of Noel, Missouri, and the Neosho, Missouri Golf Club.

A traveling trophy will be awarded to the team champion at the end of the series with individual prizes at each tournament. Miami, bolstered by Kent Jeffries who shot a 79, turned in a score of 301. Other members of the team were Bob Paul, Phil Trussler, and Jim Moore. The next match in the series will be held May 29 at Cherokee Grove.

1980 April 29 “MHS linksters fifth at regional tourney”

Bartlesville Sooner took a commanding lead in the Class 3A tourney held at the Pryor Golf Course with a team score of 316. Miami finished fifth with a 369. Scott Collingsworth shot the best opening day for the Wardogs, with an 87. J.D. Masters was next with a 93 and was followed by Meade Monger at 94, Darren Foster at 96 and Chet Rogers at 99. The top three teams and top four individuals will advance to the state tournament next week. 

**I could not find any references to girls golf at Miami High school for the spring of 1980.

1980 April 30 “Men’s golf play begins at MCC

The team of Tom Cordell, John Doty, Phil Trussler and Hank Garwood turned in the low net score during the Tuesday’s night’s first round of the men’s twilight league at MCC. Taking second were Bob Hill Jr., Brent Bollinger, John Robinson Jr., and Jim Thompson.

Hill and Charlie Bill Hirsch tied for low score with 36’s; individual low net was a 32 by Jake Fuller; low putts, Al Moffatt and Jim Thompson.

1980 May 2 “Tar Creek flows red; what can be done?

1980 May 11 “Ladies golf notes”

Winners in the April Ringers competition included: championship, Evelyn Hatfield; A flight, Juanita King; B flight, Ann Foster, and Sue Riley; 9 hole, Mavis Ford.

1980 May 20 “Lopez not used to embarrassing herself”

Nancy Lopez is not in the habit of embarrassing herself on the golf course. But her astronomical 10-over-par 83 in the second round of last weekend’s $125,000 LPGA Classic was a humbling experience. “I don’t remember the last time I shot an 83, it must have been when I was 14 or 15,” she said. “I can’t explain it, I just played poorly. I kept telling myself I had to finish and do the best I can.”

1980 May 25 “Ladies golf notes”

Winners in last Wednesday’s MLGA play included: championship, Evelyn Hatfield and Beverly Jackson; Class A, Sue Riley and Ann Foster; Class B Millie Carter and Judy Kemper and 9-hole, Aileen Bradshaw. 

1977-1979 Kary Cooper's stories:

Several memories are while serving as an esteemed employee of Don Atchison in the pro shop off/on from 1977-79.

Don clearly misinterpreted the purpose of OSHA laws as each afternoon I was sent to the driving range armed with a ball-stagger in each hand to hand-pick the range. The underlying problem was that Don wouldn't close the range! His understanding of OSHA was clearly Overt Shankers & High Achievers. Thankfully, no harm occurred.

That lovely sound that softly serenaded anyone trying to enjoy a nice meal upstairs was me washing the range balls in a vintage washing machine directly below the dining room!  **Personal note, I think that was the same washer I used in mid-1960's.  Yes, it would rattle and roll. Billy Jackson shares the same hysterical memories of that ringer washing machine.

After closing one evening, another esteemed pro shop employee had a 'Hey, watch this' moment as he confidently took control of an unattended motorcycle and proceeded up the #6 fairway in a failed attempt to 'jump' that berm that crossed the fairway. His initials are Kelly Green. Again, no harm occurred.

Lost fortune? While most boys back in the day rode a bike that had an unknown value due to the priceless baseball cards we placed in the spokes, I also had multiple opportunities to create what could have been a valuable collection. Why I never asked Mickey Mantle to sign something each time he was at the club playing golf still haunts me to this day......

In the spring of 1979 while playing in a MHS golf tourney, I had a front row seat on the #1 tee box as a small guy from Jenks named Tracy Phillips drove the green! I've read articles over the years that he may be one of the best golfers the state has ever had.

My one and only hockey game took place on a frozen pond adjacent to the #3 tee box in the winter of 1979 or 80 with other notable players/accomplices Matt Monger and Kelly Green. A couple of minor injuries were sustained but what would you expect since Matt was involved!

My one and only 'unofficial' hole-in-one occurred in the summer of 1977 as I teed-off from the whites on #7 and watched my ball take two bounces and into the hole....of the red flag.

1980 June 1 “Youth golf competition”

Winners in Friday’s Junior Golf play at the MCC were:

2 holes: Kevin Collingsworth and Steve Hill; Lori Lillard and Darcy Gilpin.

4 holes: Ron Coker and Byron Butler; Laura Pendergrass, Leighann Hill, and Heather Schmidt.

9 holes: Tommy Rieger, and Mike Platt; Julie Rieger, and Kathy Jeffries.

18 holes: Scott Collingsworth, and Keith Neel.

Pairings and scorers for Friday’s play:

2 holes: Damon Mills, Kevin Collingsworth, Eric Elmburg, scorer-Ruth Ann Farris; Brandon Farris, John West, Bobby Seybolt, scorer-Sylvia Mills; Jason Winters, Steve Hill, scorer-Arlene Seybolt; Angie Adams, Lauri Schmidt, Darcy Gilpin, scorer-Sharyn Jeffries; Shawna Fitzgibbon, Julie Jeffries, scorer-Judy Adams; Lori Lillard, Paige Parrott, scorer-C.Ann Fitzgibbon.

4 holes: Laurie Adams, Jamie Garrett, Leighan Hill, scorer-Joanne Pendergrass; Laura Pendergrass, Heather Schmidt, scorer-Mary Garrett. Jeff Parrott, Bryon Butler, Steven Long, scorer—Joyce Gilpin; Ronnie Coker, Mathew Brady, Jimmy Rutter, scorer-Ruth Ann Butler; Trey Pendergrass, Robert Elmburg, Gary Collins, scorer-Kay Condren; Scott Trussler, Mitch Jones, Jeff Ramsay, scorer-Kelly Kramer; Billy Seybolt, Michael Fitzgibbon, Brad Jacobs, scorer—Bette Parrot; Howard Condren, Monty Gilpin, scorer—Joyce Rutter.

9 holes: Mike Platt, Colby Miller; David Kragt, Brad Craig, Todd Willard; Kevin Mills, Tommy Rieger, George Murphy; Sherri Atchinson, Kathy Jeffries, Christie Smith; Julie Rieger, Cathy Smith, Mary Kidd.

18 holes: Keith Neel, Darren Foster, J.D. Masters, Corinne Smith; Pat Youngberg, Marshall Smith, David Murphy; Scott Collingsworth, Rick Youngberg, Danny McKinney.

1980 June 1 “Men’s golf results”

Bob Hill Jr., and Dr. W.D. Neal turned back Dr. W.D. Jackson and Bill Harsch to capture honors in the men’s four ball finals.

Winning the President’s flight were George Foster and Phil Trussler over Bob Hunt and George Meyer while Jim Rutter and John Finley captured the A flight over Jim Hill and Jim Riley. Taking the B flight were John Becker Sr., and Bob Eifling turned in a 38 to capture first place in the men’s horse race golf competition Friday night at MCC. Jim Hill finished second and Harry Dean came in third. Taking fourth was Mike Long and rounding out the group were Bob Haney, Hank Garwood, John Kerr, Dr. Ray McKinney, Allen Spaur, and Joe Thompson.

Bob Eifling turned in a 38 to capture first place in the men’s horse race golf competition Friday night at MCC. Jim Hill finished second and Harry Dean came in third. Taking fourth was Mike Long and rounding out the group were Bob Haney, Hank Garwood, John Kerr, Dr. Ray McKinney, Allen Spaur, and Joe Thompson

1980 June 1 “Guest day Winners”

 Taking honors in the Miami Ladies’ Golf Association’s Guest Day competition include: from left, Martha Clanton, Vinita, gross; Retha Wyatt, Vinita, net; Betty Sanders, Carthage, Missouri net; Evelyn Kester, Carthage, gross; Faye Berentz, Miami gross; Claire Oliver, Miami, net; Geneva Ramsey, Shangri-la, gross; Jean Ann Blue, Shangri-la, net; Ruth Scott, Nowata, gross; Joyce Reid, Nowata, net; Nina Johnson, Neosho, net; R. Craig, Joplin, net.

1980 June 8 “Ladies golf notes”

Winners in last Wednesday’s Ladies Golf at MCC were May Ringers Championship, Beverly Jackson; A flight, Marj Grayson; B flight, Judi Kemper, and nine-hole winner Aileen Bradshaw.

Last week’s Scramble action ended in a three-way tie with teams consisting of Judy Long, Nadine Paul, Judy Grissom, Ruth Heyburn, Yvonne Temple, Ann Chancelor, Rose Pratt, Evelyn Hatfield, Martha Bayless, Peg Murphy, and Virginia Gaines sharing the honors.

Wednesday’s play will be best two-ball starting at 8:30 and the shot gun start, pairings will be made at the clubhouse. Afternoon golfers will play at their regular starting times.

1980 June 9 “Celebrity joins golf tournament”

Daredevil motorcyclist Evel Knievel, a visitor in Miami this weekend, is participating in the annual member-pro golf tournament at the Miami County club.

A total of 36 pros from the area clubs are playing in the tourney, which teed off at 1 o’clock.

Knievel went off the #1 tee at 1:00. MCC pro Don Atchison said the public was invited to view the action.

1980 June 10 “MCC member-pro title claimed”

Winners and Special Guest: L-R—Joe Boydston, George Glenn from Tulsa Country Club, Evel Knievel, motorcycle daredevil, and Butch Gaines of Miami.

Bolstered by a 6-under 66 by George Glenn of Tulsa’s Page Belcher Golf Course, the team of Glenn, Joe Boydston and Butch Gaines captured top honors in the annual Miami Country club member-pro golf tournament.

The winning squad turned in a 59 to escape with a one stroke margin of victory and avoid a massive logjam for second. Seven teams, including the squad with Evel Knievel, turned in 60’s to finish as runners-up.

The was the second straight year that Glenn had been on the winning team and marked a whopping 7-stroke improvement over last year’s score. Robert Lindsay, pro from Tulsa CC, turned in a 71 to finish second behind Glenn in the low pro race while Jim Hatfield of Elk River and Rick Reed of Cedar Ridge CC in Tulsa carded 72’s to finish in a tie for third.

Sharing second were the teams (with pro first) of Lindsay, Bill Jeffers, and Neel; Reed, Tommy Thompson and Robert Reavis; Paul Parker, Joe Womastek, and Tom Cordell; Richard Venus, Evel Knievel, Dickk Seybolt; Jay Brubaker, Steve Arnold, and Dr. Ray McKinney; Charles Collins, Gester Lentz, and Al Moffat; and Brad Pullin, Dean Cox, and Tom Kidd.

Cy Elmburg and Evel Knievel

Knievel, who has been in Miami the past few days on a business trip (to purchase a Newell Coach), complemented MCC pro Don Atchison, calling the local course “the finest nine-hole course” he has ever played on.

1980 June 15 “Youth golf competition”

Winners from Friday’s Youth Golf play at the Miami Country club are as follows:

2 holes: Eric and Kevin Collingsworth, John West; Lori Lillard and Paige Parrott.

4 holes: Mitch Jones, Robert Elmburg; Kim McCubbin, Leighan Hill, and Jen Robinson.

9 holes: Steve Becker, Todd Scoggins, Tom Rieger.

9 holes A flight: Cathy Smith, Mary Kidd; B flight: Julie Rieger, Kathy Jeffries.

18 holes: Scott Collingsworth, Marshall Smith, David Murphy; Corinne Smith.

1980 June 18 “Miami winner”

 

Robinson, Jr., winner of the First Howard Childress Invitational Tournament in Baxter Springs, is congratulated by Jim Williams, general manager chairman of the tourney. Robinson carded a 773-76-149 to finish one stroke ahead of defending champion Danny Endicott of Joplin.

 1980 June 22 “Ladies golf notes”

Wednesday’s competition for the “Play the Pro” is as follows. The playing will have a shotgun start at 8:30am. Pairings by starting hole:

#2 Marylyn Adams, Billie Pace, Marian Richards and Ann Foster; #3 Juanita King, Pauline Taylor, Peg Murphy and Pattye Moores; #4 LaVerne Munson, Joyce Rutter, Beverly Foster and Barbara Shouse; #5 Yvonne Temple, Virginia Kerr, Virginia Sapp and Claire Oliver; #6 Sue Riley, Ruth Heyburn, Martha Bayless and Helen Moore; #7 Pat Platt, Ann Chancellor, Geneva Ramsey and Noma Newman; #8 Nadine Hoffman, Rosalie Patterson, Evelyn Hatfield and Lib Lillard; #9 first—Faye Berentz, Jean Ann Blue, Beverly Jackson and Gail Beck; #9 second—Margaret Hadley, and LaVon Young.

9-hole players: #1 first—Dorothy Hester, Mary Ellen Hunt, Mavis Ford, Aileen Bradshaw; #1 second—Rose Pratt, Virginia Heydt, Virginia Gaines, and Jean Phillips. #1 third—Fern Toye, Frances Elder, Maria Heydt and Frances McKinney.

Evening play: #2 Judy Long, Nadine Paul, Judy Grissom and Judy Kemper; #3 Cindy Hill, Candy Couch, Marilyn Hill and Marji Grayson, #1 Loretta Robinson and Mary Haney. 

 

1980 July 6 “Schools ponder heat decisions”

The state’s longest heat wave shows no sign of ending before the start of the school year……Sports have been affected by this heat wave, as well.

1980 July 7 “Win for Foster”

George Foster sand a 4-foot putt on the final hole to defeat Mike Sexton in a men’s “horse race” at the MCC. Don Barr finished third in the competition and Rex Painter was fourth. Rounding out the field were James Heyburn, Bob Hunt, Pat Wilson, Dr. Howard Condren, John Heyburn, and Bob Temple.

The men’s club championship begins Saturday at MCC and will run for two weeks. The final interclub golf match will be held Friday at 3:00pm at MCC.

1980 July 20 “Youth winners”

Collecting the most points throughout the youth season and taking honors during the end-of-season tournament Friday at MCC were, at front (the picture was too dark to share): Jen Robinson, 4-hole first; Kim Reece, second; Richie Lillard, 9-hole second; Mitch Jones, 4-hole first, Ron Coker, second; Kevin Collingsworth, 2-hole first; Steve Hill, second; Paige Parrott, 2-hole first; Shawna Fitzgibbon, second. At back, Scott Collingsworth, 18 holes first place in tourney; Darren Foster, second; Corrine Smith, 18-hole first place in tourney; Todd Willard, 9-hole first; Mary Kidd, 9-hole A flight first; Cathy Smith, 9-hole second ;Kathy Jeffries, 9-hole B flight winner; Sherri Atchison, second. Not pictured Steve Becker, 9-hole boys champion and Julie Rieger, 9-hole girls B flight champion.

Putting and Driving Leaders during the youth golf summer season were, at front from L-R: Laura Pendergrass, 4-hole putting; Kim McCubbin, driving; Michael Fitzgibbon, 4-hole putting; Steven Long, driving; Erik Elmburg, 2-hole putting; John West, driving; Lori Lillard, 2-hole putting; and Darcy Gilpin, driving. At back, Richie Lillard, 9-hole driving; Darren Foster 18-hole putting; Keith Neel, driving; Todd Willard, 9-hole putting; Cathy Smith, 9-hole A flight putting; Mary Kidd, driving; Sherri Atchison, 9-hole B flight putting and Missy Reece, driving.

1980 July 20 “MCC, Jaycees sponsor golf tournament”

The Miami Country club and the Miami Jaycees will sponsor a Muscular Dystrophy Benefit Golf Tournament on August 15. Don Atchison, club pro at MCC, will serve as club official and Alan Spaur and Pat Wilson as project chairmen.

The 18-hole (Callaway Method) tournament will begin with a 1:00 shotgun start and will be limited to the first 60 paid entrants.

Entry fee will be $25 (tax deductible) and covers the cost of green fees, rental of a golf cart, and a friend chicken buffet dinner for each entrant and their spouse or guest.

Entry information needed includes name, address, telephone number, golf handicap, and whether the entrants if a member of MCC and/or Jaycees or a a member of another area golf club. Entry deadline will be August 11. Checks made payable to “Miami Jaycees”, or cash and entry info should be sent to: Don Atchison, 2101 Harvard, Miami, Ok. 74354 or delivered to Atchison at the pro shop.

1980 July 28 “Hole-in-One by Henley”

Stratton Henley shot a hole-in-one Saturday at the MCC. Using a five iron, Stratton claimed a 160-yard par three hole. Also play with Stratton were Dick Neel, Brent Bollinger, Carrol Collingsworth, and Leroy Collins.

In the backwards scramble competition, which was played Friday Jim Haldeman, Judy Grissom, Dale Gilpin, and Rose Pratt took first place honors with a total of 31 on nine holes.

Second place went to Bollinger, Loretta Robinson, Ross Hartly and Sue Riley. Third place went to Ed Schmidt, Millie Carter, George Couch, and Carolyn Finley. Fourth place ended with a tie with Bob Hill Jr., Linda Elmburg, Jim Graham, and Margaret Hadley.

The next event will be a Crabgrass picking party Thursday night at 6 o’clock and Friday the events will include a "horse race" at 5 o’clock.

1980 August 17 “Golf Winners”

Taking honors in the Muscular Dystrophy Golf Event which was played Friday at the MCC included at front left, Pat Wilson, third low net and first in long drive; Bill Coons, high gross; Dr. W.D. Jackson, second low net. At back are Allan Spour, fourth low net and closest to the pin on #12; Sam Robinson, fifth low net; Bob Hill Jr., low gross, and Mike Craig, first low net. Craig and Hill logged net 72’s.

1980 August 18 “Hill nabs MCC title”

Logging a 2-over par score for 72 holes, Bob Hill Jr., breezed to the title in the Miami Country club championship Sunday afternoon. Hill had a four-round score of 74, 72, 72, 72—290 to take honors while runner-up Mike Craig turned in a 77,77, 74,68—296.

Play in the President and A flight have not been completed yet. Glen Conway won the B flight, outdistancing George Couch, while John Becker Sr. won the C flight with Don Coppedge finishing as runner-up.

The annual MCC Invitational will be held Saturday and Sunday with a “horse race” on Friday. The MCC Fall Festival will be played September 6-7, which will be a week earlier than originally scheduled.

1980 August 17 “Ladies club champion”

Taking honors in the Miami Ladies Golf Association club championship held this week were, from left, Rose Pratt, second 9-hole flight; Mary Helen Hunt, first, 9-hole; Pattye Moores, first in B flight; Ann Foster, second, A flight; Juanita King, first in A flight; Ruth Heyburn, second in Championship flight, and Beverly Jackson, medalist and first in Championship flight.

1980 August 17 “Ladies golf notes”

Beverly Jackson was medalist and captured first place in the Championship flight for the MLGA Club Championship last week. Winners in other flights were Juanita King, A; Pattye Moores, B, and Mary Helen Hunt, 9-hole.

Additional winners in each flight included: Championship runner-up Ruth Heyburn; longest drive Billie Pace; pitch and putt, Faye Berentz; A flight: runner-up, Ann Foster; longest drive, Judy Kemper; pitch and putt, Noma Newman; B flight: runner-up, Judy Grissom; longest ddrive, Sammy Hoffman; pitch and putt, Jane Wooley. 9-hole flight: runner-up, Rose Pratt; longest drive, Marla Heydt; pitch and putt, Mavis Ford.

A swimming party was held at the home of Jean Ann and Max Blue following the tournament play.

Winners in last Wednesday’s regular competition, which was blind holes, included: Championship, Geneva Ramsay; A flight Marian Richars; B flight, Beverly Foster; 9-hole Mary Helen Hunt; Evening group, Cindy Hill.

1980 August 24 “Warren paces Miami Invitational”

A hole-in-one on the par 3, #8 hole technically proved the margin of difference as H.B. Warren Jr., nursed a one-stroke lead following the first round of play at the MCC Invitational on Saturday.

Cy Elmburg shot out of bunker

Warren playing with the foursome of Bill Harsch, Romie Holder, and Mike Craig used a 4-iron to log his second-ever ace. Holder and Dick Lillard were tied for second with 69’s while two strokes off the pace were Will Neel and K.C. Jeffries.

Neel was runner-up last year and won the 1978 tourney title. Last year’s champ, Terry Key of Joplin, was nine strokes back with a 77.

A total of 127 players were registered for the action with concludes today.

1980 August 25 “Holder nabs invitational”

 

 Tulsan, Romie Holder (second from Right) accepts his trophy for winning the Miami Country Club Invitational Golf Tournament from 1980 Miss Teen Age Oklahoma, Diana Smallwood. Looking on are MCC pro Don Atchison, left and John Robinson Jr., tournament director. Holder nosed out H.B. Warren II on the second hole of sudden death Sunday afternoon for the title.

A two-foot putt on the second hole of sudden death boosted Romie Holder pas H.B Warren II for the title of the silver anniversary edition of the MCC Invitational. This was the first Miami title victory for Holder, who finished as runner-up to Neel two years ago.

Following Warren was Will Neel 142, Gary Risner 145, Bob Hill Jr. 146, and K.C. Jeffries 147.

Chris Coyle set the pace in the President’s flight with a victory over Mark Cordell. Coyle logged a 153 to Cordell’s 155. Michael Perryman was third with 155 while Dr. W.D. Jackson shot a 155. Dick Neel nailed down fifth with 155 and Cy Elmburg took sixth at 155 in a scorecard playoff.

Phil Fidler nosed out Kenny Gibson for the top spot in the A flight with both logging in 156’s. Scott Jackson followed with a 162, Paul Davis 163, Tom Cordell 163 and Nusal Hobbs 163.

Tom Forbes walked off with B flight shooting a 164. Quinn Rinehart followed with a167, Wood Harlan Jr. took third 1ith 167, Tom Liljegren 167, Stan Ballew 169, and Gene Holt 171.

Max Martin slipped past J.R. Pete Nichols, Phil Ninman and George Matetich Jr., for the C flight crown. Martin shot a 181 while Nichols followed with 182, Ninman 182, Matetich 182.

D flight was won by Don Crain with a 184 followed by Jim Hill 186, Bill Gaines 188, V.W. Lillard 194, and Ken Grissom 101. 

1980 October 6 "Hirsch snares a win"

Charlie Bill Hirsch scored a three on the final hole to turn back Bob Hill Jr. in a men's "horse race" at the Miami Country Club. 

Third place went to Mike Craig and he was followed by Marshall Smith in fourth, Bill Harsch fifth; John Robinson Jr. sixth; Dr. W.D. Jackson, seventh; Jack Doan, eighth; Dr. W.D. Neal, ninth; and Kent Jeffries 10th. A mixed event is scheduled for Friday night at MCC.

 

 

 

1972-1975 APPLAUSE TO SUZY WICKHAM

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

 

 

 

 

Suzy's Story:

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

Suzy Wickham  on the right.

1973 OSU Yearbook states: 

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

Suzy Wickham back row second from the right.

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

 Suzy's Story:

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

Suzy Wickham Leprino

1979 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF MGCC

 

Thanks to L.D. Bains and Archie Loehr, the girls continue to compete in golf at the high school level when most other schools still do not recognize girls golf or support a team like Miami High School. Our team in the late 50 and early 60's set records and won state. After the state cancelled girls golf MHS picked it up in 1968 and have continued since then to promote girls golf and in sports. Thank you Miami High.

1979 March 18 “Tournament dates set”

Miamian John Robinson, Jr. will be out to defend his title in the fourth annual Ottawa County Championship golf tournament April 7-8 at the Miami Country club. Robinson set a new tournament record with his two-day total of 143 thanks to a 1-under par 71 on the final day.

Action begins at 8:30 a.m., on April 7 with a second squad teeing off at 1:30 on that Saturday. Saturday’s round will be flight qualifications. Entry fee for the 36-hole tourney will be $35 with $800 in merchandise prizes up for grabs. A cocktail party, buffet and dance will be held Saturday night for the players.

Entries will be accepted until April 2. Information can be obtained by contacting Miami Country club pro Don Atchison at 542-2512.

1979 March 26 “NEO golfers fifth in meet”

NEO’s Golden Norse golfers took fifth place in the Seminole meet by shooting a 657. Seminole won the event with a team score of 643 followed by Claremore at 647, East Central 649, Westark 650.

1979 March 26 “Lopez launches new LPGA skein”

Nancy Lopez, who rewrote the Ladies Professional Golf Association record book at the age of 21 last year, says she’s much better now. Lopez, who won nine tournaments last year set an LPGA single-year record with official earnings of close to $190,000.

 **

1975-76 AIAW NATIONAL RUNNERS-UP
Top junior golfer Nancy Lopez signs with Tulsa. TU wins six of nine tournaments with Lopez taking medalist honors six times. The Hurricane placed second in AIAW National tournament with Lopez winning the national championship.

TEAM MEMBERS: Nancy Lopez, Nancy Aaronson, Cathy Reynolds, Lisa Perkinson, Lindsay Wetzel, Brenda Moyers, and Terri Streck.

 Tulsa Hurricane's Golf History

 

 1979 March 28 “MHS golfers divide pair”

Paced by John Heyburn’s 18-hole score of 83, Miami High school split a golf triangular Tuesday afternoon at the Heritage Hill Country Club in Claremore. The Wardogs carded a team score of 348 to dump Nowata, in with a 402, but lost to Claremore. The Zebras, paced by medalist Rick Pederson’s 77, turned in a team score of 341.

James Heyburn carded an 87 while Rob Garwood and Robert Reavis posted 89’s. Steve Cherry rounded out the MHS efforts with a 93. 

1979 April 1 “MHS golfers pluck Eagles”

Paced by an 18-hole score of 85 by Rob Garwood, Miami posted wins over Joplin Memorial and Baxter Springs in a triangular golf match Friday afternoon at the Miami Country club. The Wardogs carded a team score of 440 to Memorial’s 443 and 484 for Baxter Springs.

Memorial’s Jeff Grant was the medalist with an 80, but the Wardogs had four of their six players bunched up between 85-88 which helped them to the double win. Scores of the lowest five were used to determine the team score.

Following Garwood, who carded an 85 was James Heyburn shooting an 87, John Heyburn and Steve Cherry with 88’s. Rounding out the Wardog lineup was Kary Cooper with a 92 and Robert Reavis with 96.

1979 April 3 “Wardog golfers clip Parkwood”

Paced by his best 18-hole score of the season, Miami’s Steve Cherry paced the Wardogs to a 445-458 victory over Joplin Parkwood in a prep dual match Monday at the MCC.

Cherry turned in an 86. Close behind was John Heyburn, who notched an 87. Rounding out the Miami scores were James Heyburn with 93, Kary Cooper with 93, Rob Garwood with 96, and Robert Reavis with 102.

The win boosted Miami’s dual record to 5-2 on the season.

1979 April 4 “Baxter clips MHS golfers”

Improving their team score by a whopping 47 strokes over last week’s outing with Miami, Baxter Springs slipped past the Wardogs 437-438 in a dual meet in Baxter on Tuesday.

The two teams had met in a triangular meet at the Miami club with Miami outshooting the Lions 440-484, but both teams improved their scores despite dismal weather conditions.

James Heyburn captured medalist honors for the Wardogs with an 18-hole score of 79, while Baxter’s Paul Ash was runner-up with an 81. Following Heyburn as Steve Cherry at 85, Rob Garwood at 88, John Heyburn 90, Kary Cooper 96, and Robert Reavis a 98.

1979 April 5 “Weight problems even face golfers”

*Notice this is in reference to women, not the men’s tour.

In a time of calorie-counting in a nation where concern over waistlines is almost as common as concern over gas prices, it’s somehow comforting to know that even the athletic types worry about their weight.

“Even walking hundreds of miles of golf course a year and swinging golf clubs, literally thousands of times isn’t enough to keep me trim,’ said Sandra Post. “I only eat breakfast and dinner when I’m on the tour. Besides too much body weight robs my strength.”

“The Palmer method (not Arnie) is to run at least two miles a day. I find it keeps me from craving sugar,” says Sandra Palmer, who jogs five days a week to stay fit.

“I want to look good now, while I’m publicly visible,” Palmer added. “Of course, I want to look good, and be active, when I’m 70.”

Hollis Stacy, who’ll be shooting for an unprecedented third LPGA Open triumph later this year, has lost 15 pounds in the past year.

1979 April 8 “Ladies golf notes”

 Winners in last week’s play included E. Hatfield, C Oliver, J. Henley and Pat Platt. Winners for the Winter Ringer competition included: Evelyn Hatfield, 18 hole champ; Marion Richards, 18 hole A flight; Rose Pratt 18 hole B flight; Aileen Bradshaw 9 hole A flight; Dorothy Hester 9 hole B flight.

Pairings for Wednesday’s competition, which will be Bingle Bangle Bungle, includes:

9am.—Faye Berentz, Jean Ann Blue, Evelyn Hatfield, Helen Moore; 9:07 Geneva Ramsey, Claire Oliver, Pat Platt, Ruth Heyburn; 9:14—Billie Pace, Marion Richards, Gail Beck, Mary VanBeber; 9:21 Juanita Henley, Barbara Shouse, Lib Lillard, Yvonne Temple; 9:28—Noma Newman, LaVonne Young, P. Moores, Peg Murphy, D. Fuller; 9:35—N. Hoffman, Pauline Taylor, Laverne Munson, Rosalee Paterson, Marylyn Adams.

9:42-Virigina Sapp, Joyce Rutter, Martha Bayless, E. Wolfe; 9:49—Aileen Bradshaw, Roma Dahl, Rose Pratt, Wanda Doan; 9:56—Maxine Jeffries, Courtney Murphy, Margaret Hadley, F. McKinney; 10:03 Mavis Ford, Gladys Wetzel, Dorothy Hester, P. Moody; 10:10—K. Condren, Fern Toye, Mary Robinson, J. Atchison.

1979 April 9 ‘Robinson cops country golf crown”

John Robinson, Jr., made up a three-stroke deficit over first round leader Mike Craig and captured the Ottawa County Championship Golf Tournament title for a second straight year. Craig, who had the lead in Championship flight after Saturday’s round with a 79, had to withdraw after tooth problems, opening the door for Robinson, who recorded a two-day total of 81-75-156.

David Gaines placed first in the President’s flight with a 92-83-175 while Tom Collinson was the A flight winner with 99-94-193. Steve Delmez captured top honors in the B flight with a 108-99-207.

Mark Cordell finished as runner-up in the Championship flight with 159 and Bob Slagle, a member of the NEO golf team finished one stroke back with a 160. Bob Thompson nailed down the No 4 spot with 163 while Wyandotte High school football coach Dan Leisure was fifth with 164.

Behind Gaines in President’s flight were Rick O’Brien 176, Jerry Brewer 177, Ed Schmidt 178, and Joe Asebedo 178.

1979 April 10 “Tulsa Edison nabs Miami tourney title”

Tulsa Edison, paced by Jim Ramage’s 18-hole score of 75, captured top honors in the Miami High Schol Invitational golf tournament. The Eagles overcame the medalist play of Jenks’ Tracy Phillips to nose out the Trojans by four strokes to nab the championship. Edison had a team score of 317 to Jenks’ 321. Medalist honors went to Phillips with a 74 round.

Miami finished ninth with a team score of 363. Steve Cherry and John Heyburn led the Wardogs with 90’s followed by James Heyburn 93, Rob Garwood 92.

1979 April 17 “MHS girls face Tulsans in golf debut”

Miami girls faired quite well during their first action of the season against golfers from three Tulsa high schools Monday at Mohawk Park. Adelle Lukken of Edison was the winner of the competition with a 9-hole score of 38 while Becky Atchley of Rogers was next at 46. Par was 37.

Miami girls took the next four positions, paced by Martha Moore in at 52, Susie Moore carded a 55, followed by Amber Condren 61, and Tracy Enyart 61. Next action for the MHS girls will be Friday against Tulsa Memorial.

1979 April 17 “MHS golfers third at league meet”

Paced by the one-over par score of 73 by medalist Tim Johnson, Bartlesville Sooner waltzed to the Six Lakes Conference golf championship at the Pryor Municipal Golf course. Sooner, with three players shooting under 80, shot a team total of 311. Miami’s team shot a 336 to place third.   

James Heyburn and Rob Garwood both with 83’s headed up the Wardog team. Kary Cooper was next at 84, while John Heyburn posted an 88 and Steve Cherry rounded out the MHS efforts with an 89.

1979 April 23 “Scramble title won”

The team of Charlie Bill Hirsch, John Finley, Tom Holmes and Leroy Collins needed a playoff to win the spring four-man scramble which was held Sunday at the Miami Country club.

The winning team carded an 18-hole score of 64 and nosed out the team of W.D. Jackson, Bill Melton, John Kerr and Dave Gilpin, also in at 64. Cy Elmburg, Hank Garwood, Rex Painter and Jim Riley combined to nail down third place in the meet with a 65 while fourth place honors went to the team composed of George Meyers, Gary West, Jim Mills and Chuck Chumbley with a 66. Taking fifth place at 67, was the team of Dick Lillard, Joe Womastek, Vern Schwertferger and Pete Foster.

The highlight of the action was an eagle-2 recorded by Melton on the 400-yard par 4-hole number 18. He used a driver and seven iron.  The next event on the men’s schedule is a fourball meet. The first round must be played by April 28 and pairings are posted in the golf shop at the club.

1979 April 23 “Memorial clips MHS girl golfers”

Paced by the medalist score of 39 recorded by Cathy Jordan, Tulsa Memorial rolled past Miami 210-243 in a girl’s golf dual Friday afternoon at the Mohawk Golf course. Susie Moore headed up the Miami efforts with a 52, followed by Debbie Jackson at 55, Amber Condren carded a 67 with Martha Moore finishing at 71.

 1979 May 1 “Miami fourth at regional”

Miami missed cracking the Class 3A state golf tournament lineup when the Wardogs finished a distant fourth in regional action Monday at the Paige Belcher course in Tulsa.

Defending state champs Bartlesville Sooner gained a repeat title with an eight-stroke victory over Tulsa Mason. The Spartans had a team score of 624 while Mason recorded a 633. Tahlequah locked up third with 652 and Miami came in fourth at 673.

Rob Garwood headed up the Miami efforts with a 36-hole score of 86-84-170, with John Heyburn and Kary Cooper next with 174’s. Steve Cherry was next for the Wardogs with a 176 and James Heyburn rounded out the MHS squad with 178.

1979 May 1 “MHS girls enter state golf meet”

The golf season for Oklahoma high school girls wraps up at OKC Lake Hefner course Wednesday and Thursday, when 56 contestants tee off on the 36-hole state tournament.

Representing Miami will be Debbie Jackson, Suzy Moore and Tracy Enyart. Jackson was ninth in the individual standings with a 101 while Moore carded a 110 and Enyart posted 116 to qualify for the state championship.

1979 May 2 “MHS golfers take second at Columbus”

 Miami Wardogs missed out on capturing the title of the Columbus Invitational by one stroke.

Coffeyville won the tourney with a team score of 337 while the Wardogs shot a 338 followed by Independence 346.

Rob Garwood headed up the Miami efforts with an 81 followed by brothers John and James Heyburn notching identical 84’s. Kary Cooper carded an 89 to round out the MHS four-ball team.

**Kary’s older brother, Ken, liked to call him a “stud muffin golfer.” Such fun memories and slang of the times.

Steve Cherry posted an 89 and Dan Calley finished at 103 to round out the MHS efforts in the two-ball play. The tournament closes out the Wardog season.

1979 May 4 “MHS girls 10^th at state”

Miami finished 10 in the rain-shortened girls’ state high school golf tournament. The four-hour downfall turned Lake Hefner golf course into one big lake and Floyd Meyers of the OSSAA called off the tournament at noon after only 18 holes of play.

1979 May 13 “Ladies golf notes”

Teams number 5 and 6 captured top honors in Tuesday’s Sunrise League golf competition at the Miami Country club. Teams NO. 6 was first in low net with team number 5 runner-up while the two tied for putts. Evelyn Hatfield was individual low gross while four—Hatfield, Martha Bayless, Beverly Jackson and Jean Ann Blue—shared low net honors. Bayless had low putts.

Tuesday’s competition will be the final day for playing for the league. A picnic will follow play at Pauline Taylor’s place on Grand Lake.

Winners in Wednesday’s Ladies Golf Association included championship—Claire Oliver, A flight-Yvonne Temple, B flight Juanita Henley, 9 holes A fight—Rose Pratt, and B flight Roma Dahl.

1979 June 3 “Youth golf”

Winners in Friday’s Junior Golf play at the Miami Country club:

2 holes—Eric Elmburg, low score; Brandon Farris, Michael Fitzgibbon and Lewis Sexton, putts. Lori Lillard, low score; Laurie Adams and Shawna Fitzgibbon, putts.

4 holes—Christy Smith, low score; Kim McCubbin, putts. Ron Coker, low score; Sean Kerr, putts.

9 holes—Mead Monger, low score; Steve Becker, putts. Julie Rieger, low score; Kathy Smith second; Julie Rieger, putts.

18 holes—Debbie Jackson, low score, Tracy Enyart second; Debbie Jackson low putts. Scott Collingsworth, low score and Darren Foster second; Scott Collingsworth low putts.

Pairings and scorers for this Friday’s play:

2 hole boys—Kevin Collingsworth, Michael Fitzgibbon, Damon Mills, scorer-Dee Williams; Erick Elmburg, Monty Gilpin, Richard Ogle, scorer—C.Ann Fitzgibbon; John West, Donald Wilson, Jimmy Rutter, scorer—Al Moffatt; Brandon Farris; Christopher Moon, Lewis Sexton, scorer-Donna Wilson.

2 hole girls—Darcy Gilpin, Lori Lillard, Kenna Smallwood, scorer-Judy Adams; Shawn Fitzgibbon, Julie Jeffries, Paige Parrott, scorer-Cali Smallwood; Laurie Adams, Jan Haney, Sharolyn Moffatt, scorer—Sharon Jeffries.

**Personal note: In l988-89 several of these young golfers will make up the first Girls State Golf Championship titles since 1960. They are Lori Lillard, Paige Parrot, Jan Haney, Sherri Atchison, Shawna Fitzgibbon, Christy Smith.

Julie Rieger will become a medalist at the high school state championship and Oklahoma Girls Jr. Golf.

Steve Becker will one day be the golf pro at the Miami Golf and Country club.

4 holes boys—Jeff Ramsey, James Rhodes, Brad Jacobs, Colby Miller, scorer-John Kerr; Sean Kerr, Jeff Parrott, Steven Smallwood, scorer-Ruth Ann Butler. Mitch Jones, Stephen Long, Trey Pendergrass, scorer-Geneva Ramsey; Ronnie Coker, Sean Graham, Howard Condren, scorer-Becky Austin, Bryon Butler, Robert Elmburg, Richie Lillard, scorer—Coetta Graham.

4 holes girls—Laura Pendergrass, Heather Schmidt, Christy Smith, scorer—Wanda Couch; Rachael Couch, Jamie Garrett, Kim McCubbin, scorer-Corinne Smith.

9 holes boys—David Kragt, Mike Wolfe; Marshall Smith, Danny McKinney, Brad Craig; John Goldenberg, George Murphy, Todd Scoggins; Tommy Rieger, Mead Monger, Mike Platt, Steve Becker, Kevin Mills, Keith Neel.

9 holes girls—Chrissie Neal, Janey Goldenberg; Gretchen Couch, Kathy Jeffries, Sherri Atchison, Julie Rieger, Cathy Smith.

18 holes—Darin Foster, Danny Culley; Scott Collingsworth, David Murphy, Ray McKinney; Debbie Jackson and Tracy Enyart.

1979 June 5 “Championships claimed”

The team of George Glenn, George Childers, and Bill Hatfield nabbed top honors Monday in the annual pro-am golf tournament at the Miami CC. Glen and Childers, who play out of Page Belcher golf course, teamed up with Miamian Bill Hatfield to record a 13-under 59. Second place went to the team of Ben Fell and Jim Thomas, both of Loma Linda of Joplin, and George Faulkner of Miami. They posted a 60.

Turning in a score of 61 to take third was the team of MCC pro Don Atchison, Brad Smallwood, and Butch Garrett. Sharing fourth place were Mark Carrigan and David Cross, both of Tulsa’s LaFortune Park golf course, and Miamian John Kerr, and Bill Snider and Earl Plank of Tulsa CC with Tom Cordell of Miami. Both teams shot 62’s.

Low pro was Joe McKenzie of Briarbrook in Joplin with a 72 while Glenn ws second at 73. Third place honors went to Ron DeGraff of Oaks in Tulsa with a 74.

Next action at the Miami course will be a nine-hole missed scramble Friday night beginning at 5:30.

1979 June 12 “Youth Insurance classic”

Winners of the Insurance Youth Classic. L-R, Julie Rieger, Darren Foster, Corrine Smith, back row, Scott Collingsworth, John Dick, and Alan Miller.

Grove’s John Dick made the most of one of his few chances at playing on the Miami Country club course when he captured top honors in the Championship flight of the 1979 Insurance Youth Classic golf tournament.

Dick, who normally play at Shangri-la and at the new Grove municipal course, chalked up a 1-stroke victory over Alan Miller of Norman in the 15–17-year-old division with an 80.

Scott Collingsworth of Miami rolled to the title in the youth division with a 92 while Darren Foster finished at 95.

Miami’s Corrine Smith was the low girl in the championship flight with Julie Rieger low in the youth division.

Following Dick and Miller were David Robinson at 85 and Ken Jennings with an 86. Raymond McKinney posted a 96. Steve Becker of Miami was third in the youth division with a 96, while Marshall Smith was fourth at 106. Danny McKinney finished fifth with 110, followed by Tom Rieger 117, Mitch Jones 125, Steve Long 144, and Steve Smallwood at 146.

1979 June 17 “Youth golf”

Winners in Friday’s youth golf play included:

2 hole boys/girls—Richard Ogle, low score; Jimmy Rutter, Michael Fitzgibbon, Darren Mills, Brandon Farris, low putts: Paige Parrott, low score; Laurie Adams, low putts.

4 hole boys/girls—Mitch Jones, low score; Stephen Long, putts; Christy Smith, low score; Rachael Couch, putts.

9 hole boys—Marshall Smith, low score, second Danny McKinney and Keith Neel; Marshall Smith and Mead Monger, low putts.

9 hole girls A flight—Chrissy Neal, low score; Nancy Goldenberg, putts.

9 hole girls B flight—Gretchen Couch, low score, second Julie Rieger; low putts Gretchen Couch and Julie Rieger.

18 hole—Scott Collingsworth, low score; Ray McKinney, putts; Traci Enyart low score, Amber Condren low putts.

1979 June 17 “Women’s golf”

Winners in last week’s Miami Ladies golf association included: championship—Evelyn Hatfield; A fight—Virginia Sapp; B flight—Juanita Henley; 9 holes A flight—Aileen Bradshaw; B flight 9 holes—Gladys Wetzel.

This week’s competition will be for low net. Pairings include:

18 holes 8:00am No. 1 tee-- Juanita Henley, Joyce Rutter, Marji Grayson; No. 4 tee--Faye Berentz, J. Grissom, Lib Lillard, N. Hoffman; No. 6 tee-- Marian Richards, F. Wolfe, P. Platt, B Shouse.

8:07 No 1 tee—P.Taylor, C. Oliver, M. Hadley, M. Bayless; No. 4 tee—P. Murphy, R Patterson, D. Fuller, B. Jackson; No. 6 tee—Ruth Heyburn, P. Moores, L. Munson, G. Beck.

8:14 No 1 tee—L. Young, E Hatfield, Y. Temple, V Sapp, W. Dean.

9 holes: 8:30—D. Hester, F. McKinney, G. Wetzel; 8:37—A Bradshaw, M. Ford, B. Foster; 8:44 R. Pratt, M. Jeffries; 8:51 C. Murphy, F. Toye, M. Robinson, L Elmburg.

**Note: The newspaper has begun to use initials rather than full names. It seems rather impersonal to me.

1979 July and August files are missing.

**Note; The following two reports come from Dr. Jackson’s scrapbook with only a 1979 date on the page.

1979 “Jackson, Harsch nab 4-ball title”

 Dr. W.D Jackson and Bill Harsch teamed up to capture top honors in the men’s four-ball championship Saturday at MCC. Jackson and Harsch nabbed top honor beating our Mike Craig and Jack Doan.

Jerry Mustain and Bob Thomas captured the President’s flight title while Bob Paul and Bill Melton were the runners-up. Joe Weatherford and Jim Rutter beat Woody Painter and Lloyd Cowgill for first place in A flight. John Doty and Bill McClain nailed down third place.

1979 “Scramble honors go to Robinson”

John Robinson Sr. and John Robinson, Jr., combined to capture top honors in the Championship flight of the men’s spring two-man scramble Sunday at MCC. The Robinson’s finished at 66, nosing out Charlie Bill Hirsch and Dr. W.D. Jackson by one stroke.

Winners in the President’s flight were the team of Don Wylie and Bill Melton. They finished at 73 and won a pitchoff against Brent Bollinger and Jim Thompson.

Snaring honors in the A flight were Phil Trussler and Bill Haney. They finished at 76 while Bill McClain and John Doty were right behind at 77.

Bill Carter and Bernie Schaff combined to win the B flight in a pitchoff with Dave Gilpin and Jeff Parrott. Both had 86’s. 

1979 August 10 “Fall Festival title taken”

The team of Tom Cordell, Don Barr, Bob Thomas, John Becker, Jr., captured first place honors in the Men’s Fall Festival with wrapped up Sunday at the Miami CC.

Play was a four-man team event based on points. The winners racked up 200 points to outdistance the second-place squad of Ron Sparkman, Wayland Kelly, Dr. Ray McKinney and John Garrett. They tallied 192 points. Third place went to Dr. W.D. Neal, Gary West, John Mirjanich, and Dan Mailath, with 191 points. There was a tie for fourth at 186 between the team of Marshall Smith, James Heyburn, Carol Collingsworth, and Bob Austin and the team of Dr. W.D. Jackson, Don Wiley, Woody Painter, and Homer Kemper.

1979 August 22 “7 Defending champs”

Seven former champions, including defending champ Will Neel, will make up part of the filed for 24^th annual Invitational Golf Tournament which will be held Saturday and Sunday at MCC.

Neel will be hoping to annex a second tourney crown and join Dr. W.D. Jackson. Tommy Beck, Bob Klein, Pursie Pipes, Bill Stewart, and Jack Myers as double winners.

Pipes hold the record for most IGT titles with four while Jackson is right behind with three. All by Myers will be in the field this year.

There will be a horse race on Friday night at 5:00 followed by diner at 6:30 with a disco dance set for 9:30. K.C. Jeffries is the tournament chair.

1979 August 26 “6 share first round lead”

There was a six-way logjam at the top following the first day’s play in MIGT at the Miami Country club. Defending champion Will Neel of OKC, the 1972 and 1977 champion Bill Stewart, Bill Lee of Tulsa, and Miamians Bob Hill, Jr., and K.C. Jeffries are bunched at the top with first day scores of 72. Only one stroke behind at 73 were Mike Craig, Tom Cordell, Jr., and John Robinson, Jr.

A total of 135 players were registered for the action which concludes today. The B, C, D flights teed off at 8:30 am. With the Championship, President’s, and A flights teeing ff at 1:30.

H.B. Warren was next at 74, followed by Bob Klein, Dr. Elvin Davis and Pepper Martin at 75. Rounding out the group which made up the Championship flight were Joe Whipple, Artie Nelson, Mark Cordell, Marshall Smith and Bill Williams, Jr., all at 76.

First round scores of other entrants:

77—Jack Doan, Charles Grayson, Frank Shagets, Dr. W.D. Neal and Windell Rooney.

78—Dick Branson, Ray Wilson, Richard Lillard, Jerry Mustain, Ron Sparkman, Lenny Hopkins, and Bill Harsch.

79—David Gaines and Jim Conatser.

80—David Wall, Gary Boatright, Dick Lowry, Ken Gibson, Al Moffatt, Jack Buzzard, Bill Cowan, Hickory Morton, John Robinson, Sr.

81—Ed Hamilton, Stan Ballew, Charls DeBoer, Brad Smallwood, J.T. Gahn and Bervil Ivy.

82—Ed Cellier, Bob Coyan, Paul Davis, Neval Hobbs, Ed Holtzman, Dr. W.D. Jackson and Steve Ball.

83—Gary Peck, Jerry Blevins, Robert Shepherd, Jim Wooley, Jr., Woody Harlan, Jr.

84—Keith Bacon, George Matetich, Pat Wilson, Don Cherry, Dr. Don Gose, Jim Woodard and Lloyd Tate.

Other Miamians in the event: 85 Dabney Smith, Jr., Dr. Jackie Mann; 86 George Foster, Dabney Smith, Sr.; 87 Bill Hatfield; 88 Tom Holmes; 89 Scott Jackson;90 Bill Oliver; 94 V.W. Lillard; 95 Ken Grissom, Hank Garwood, Jack Mann.

1979 August 26 “Horse race results”

The team of John Robinson Jr., and Charles Grayson (a former Miamian not living in Dallas) captured first place honors while Bob Hill Jr., and H.P. Warren finished as the runner-up team.

Nailing down third place were Mike Craig and Will Neel. Fourth place to Dick Lillard and Mark Cordell. Rounding out the field were fifth, Marshall Smith and Frank Shagets; sixth, Dr. Bill Neal and Hickory Morton; seventh, Bill Harsch, Dr. Elvin Davis; eighth, Brad Smallwood and Ernie Fagan; ninth, Kent Jeffries and Terry Key, and tenth Dr. W.D. Jackson and Bob Klein.

1979 August 27 “Key works overtime to cop Miami Invitational crown”

A two-foot putt on the third hole of sudden death enabled Terry Key of Joplin to defeat Will Neel for the title of the 24^th annual Miami Country Club Invitational.

Additional winners in the competition included Charles Grayson in the President’s flight, Dr. Jackie Mann and Dr. W.D. Jackson in A flight, Ernest Fagan in B flight, Phil Fidler and Scott Jackson in C flight and David Davis and Max Martin in D flight.

Key and Neel, a former MHS golfer now attending Oklahoma City University, carded identical 72’s during Saturday’s first round of play and came back with carbon-copy 71’s on Sunday to finish tied at 143.

In the sudden death playoff, the two matched shots on the first two holes before Key two putted on the par 3 number 3 hole.

1979 September 4 “Mixed scramble”

Firing a 6-under-par 66, the team of Brad Smallwood, Judy Grissom, Dave Gilpin and Ann Foster captured top honors in a Labor Day mixed scramble Monday at the Miami County club.

Nabbing second place with a 67 were Charlie Bill Hirsch, Nadine Paul, Pete Foster and Marilyn Hill while Ed Schmidt, Patty Smallwood, Bill Carter, and Virginia Ker finished third with a pitchoff. They had an 18-hole score of 68. Placing fourth were Brent Bolinger, Mary Robinson, Jim Riley, Judy Kemper. A total of 26 couples took part in the competition.

1979 September 18 “Club championship”

Titles in three of the five divisions have been claimed in the Men’s club championship at the Miami Country club.

John Robinson Jr. has wrapped up the championship fight, Bob Haney the B flight and Harold Hopkins the C flight. Only the President’s and A flight are still undecided.

Rex Painter and George Foster are slated to meet in a semifinal match in the President’s flight, with the winner advancing to meet Lou Mirjanich for the title. The loser will meet George Foster for third place.

Phil Trussler is slated to battle Joe Womastek for the A flight crown while Bob Thomas and Hank Garwood meet to decide third place.

Robinson coasted to the title in the Championship flight carding a 72-hole score of 292 to outdistance Bob Hill Jr., who finished at 304, Mike Craig nailed down the third spot with a 305 while Jack Doan was next with 308.

The Championship flight used medal play while the remaining four divisions were match play.

1979 October 1 “Fall scramble”

The team of Brad Smallwood, Bud May, Jim Hill and Richard Rothe weathered a pitchoff to capture the top honors in the Men’s Fall Scramble Sunday at the MCC. A record field of 88 players were entered.

The winners carded a team score of 10-under 62 but needed a pitchoff to take the title over John Robinson, Jr., Joe Womastek, Mike Long and Dr. Pat Kragt. The team of Al Moffat, Bill Melton, Dick Wadleigh, and John Becker, Sr., also won a pitchoff over Bob Temple, George Foster, Chuck Chumbley, John Burford for third place both finishing at 63.

Another pitchoff was needed to determine fifth place. Jerry Ketcher, Mike Sexton, Woody Painter, and Jeff Parrott nailed down the No. 5 position over Tom Cordell, Sr., H.D. Robinson, John Becker, Jr., and John Chambers. Those two teams came in at 64.

1979 October 7 “Ladies golf”

Winners in last week’s Miami Ladies golf play include Ruth Heyburn, Lavonne Young, Noma Newman and Fern Toye.  Wednesday will be Member-Guest Day. Coffee and rolls will be served at 8:30 am with a shotgun start at 9:00.

 

 

 

 

 

Miami Golf and Country club Reunion UPDATE

 

Rockdale Country club about 1935 facing the south.

MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY REUNION July 25, 26, 27 in conjunction with Tom Walker’s class reunion, golfers, and friends. Letty has been compiling the history of the Country Club from 1916—1984 when the club burned to the ground. https://mgcchistory.blogspot.com The years from 1985-2010 will follow. Click on this link to see the history.

July 25, 2024 We have 5 tee times reserved starting at noon for those interested in playing golf at Shangri-la Resort, plus a package offer to stay and play. Contact McKayla Rutherford 918-257-7779 to reserve rooms for the Miami Country club event. $77 plus tax for golf.

July 26, 2024 We have 8 tee times starting at 10:00 at Peoria Ridge golf course. $45.00 for golf. We can play in 5’ somes so we have room for 40 golfers. We must have names ASAP…

Letty Stapp Watt must be notified if you plan to play golf at either event. lettywatt65@gmail.com

July 26 evening buffet at Peoria Ridge for MHS “A Gathering of Wardogs.”  *Contact Tom Walker through Facebook “You Know You Are From Miami Ok When….” Or Letty

July 26 and 27 Miami’s Heritage Fest will take place through the two days on Miami’s Main Street. There will be a huge stage for performers, BBQ competition, and food trucks. 

July 27 Jonya and Letty Stapp will host a Meet and Greet at Dobson Museum 10am—4pm. This is to celebrate Miami’s rich history thanks to leadership 100 years ago and for those who knew the golf pros at the club from 1954—2010. Please bring stories and memorabilia to share with all.

July 27 Tom Walker is planning “A Gathering of Wardogs” luncheon at Peoria Ridge community room and an evening buffet at the Peoria Ridge golf course. Donations accepted for the Wardog meals. Please let Letty or Tom know who is planning to attend the luncheon and or the dinner. Also, give your graduation date.