1955 TIMELINE AND STORIES by Letty Stapp Watt

 1955 

By Letty Stapp Watt

The first golf carts at Miami Country club were gas powered. It was a big deal for anyone to take a cart and all of the club members were excited because we were the first club to have the first gas golf carts in the Tri-State area. I remember they were kept under the country club ballroom and Johnie was a knowledgeable mechanic and did all of the maintenance on them himself. Johnie did a lot of original things like that.(Story from Jim Taylor, son of Gob Taylor.)

Bob Hill recalls that the Johnie only bought two gas powered scooters in the beginning. Gob Taylor, John Burford, and Ted Lowry were three regulars for using the golf carts.  The carts were used and often backfired while going down the fairway, which sometimes caused people to scream or drop to the ground thinking it was gun fire. 

1955 March 20 

Al Spaulding, production superintendent at B.F. Goodrich, was recently elected president of the board at the Miami Country club. Congratulations, Al, we feel the board couldn't have made a better choice. 

1955 March 20 "Polio Vaccine Plans Studied"

Detailed plans now are being worked out for the possible administration of polio vaccine to approximately 1,500 Ottawa country children who will be eligible to receive the vaccine if it is licensed. Dr. Rosemary Harvey, local health department director, announced Saturday. 

As reported recently by state health officials, all first and second grade pupils in public, private, and parochial schools in the state dare included in the planned program. The vaccine also will be available to other person through physicians at the same time. 

**Note: I, like many readers of my peers, was a child who stood in line for the polio vaccine. I recall the long line at the courthouse extended around the corner. We first received shots in our arm, and within a few years we followed up with a sugar cube. 

1955 April 23  "Miami Golfers Capture Tulsa Pro-Am Honors"

Four Miamians, paced by Country club professional Johnie Stapp, Sunday teamed up to win the pro-amateur meet at Tulsa's Indian Hills. 

Turning in a net best-ball score of 57 were Stapp, Jack Myers, Dr. W.D. Jackson, and Dr. R.E. Baron. Their 15-under-par effort included a combined 14 birdies, one eagle, one bogey and two pars. Stapp toured the 18-hole layout in 73 strokes. Myers shot a 75, Dr. Jackson 80, and Dr. baron 83.

1955 May 1 "Record Attendance at Club Luncheon"

Fifty-five members of the Ladies division of the Miami Country club and their guests, a record attendance, enjoyed the April luncheon and card party Thursday afternoon.  

Mrs. Monte Hall won the high score for bridge. Other bridge prizes went to Mrs. George W. Beck III and Mrs. Irving Proper. Canasta prizes were received by Mrs. Phillip Peacock and Mrs. Charles F. Hoffman.

Serving as the hostess committee for the occasion were Mrs. Lois Cowles, chairman; Mrs. O.J. Dahl, Mrs. W.V. Stout, Mrs. L.K. Newell, and Mrs. Johnie Stapp. Luncheon tables in the clubhouse ballroom were decorated with a variety of small potted plants. A miniature maypole was used as a centerpiece for the central table.   

1955 May 8 "Robinson Low Gross Winner Here"

John Robinson fired a nine-hole round of 36 Thursday evening at the Miami Country club, good for low gross prize during the first session of play in the new Twilight golfing league.  

Low net honors went to a team comprised of Rex Painter, George Beck, Marion Zajic and Bill Carter with 138 total strokes. The second place foursome included Wes Bullock, Noel Wyatt, Woody Painter, and Howard Essary. Ed Badger's 33 was the best individual low net score. Woody Painter was runner-up.

Low putt prizes were distributed to the team of G.R. White, Dr. Robert Baron, Hoot Gibson and Al White with 63 putts. Individual putting honors went to Ken Richards and Al White.  

1955 May 10  "Country Club Links Report"

This past week has been a busy one for golfing members of Miami Country club. First, the Northeastern A&M golf team went to Coffeyville for a match. Then the ladies went to Twin Hills in Joplin before beginning qualifying play for their spring handicap tournament. 

The men's Twilight league action got underway and a husband-wife tourney Sunday was conducted as a Mother's Day specialty.

Johnie Stapp, club professional, reports the busy pace will continue for most of the season, with tournaments, matches and league play affording plenty of exercise for the golfing set.

Stapp's golfing tip for today..."For better golfing, grip the club firmly in the left hand, using a palm and finger grip. Place the thumb slightly to the right of center on the top of the shaft, forming a "V" with the thumb and index finger which points to the right shoulder."

"In placing the right hand on the shaft, use the fingers only to grip the club. The palm should not touch the shaft. Place it over the thumb of the left hand. The little finger of the right hand should overlap the index finger of the left hand, leaving three fingers and the thumb to grip the club firmly. The "V" formed by the right thumb and finger should also point to the right shoulder. This is known as the Harry Vardon grip and is used and taught by 98 percent of the pros."

1955 May 10  "Convict Eyes Professional Baseball Career"

A 24-year-old Oklahoma State penitentiary inmate who was given 60day leave last year to try professional baseball gets out of prison July 2 and hopes for a second change. Billy Joe Moore, a heavy slugging first baseman who attracted NY Yankee scouts last season, got the leave to make good. An accident, re-injuring his knee, caused him to return to prison on his on volition. 

Moore, an all-around athlete, entered prison when he was 17. With time off for good behavior, he is getting out after 7 1/2 years.

1955 May 17  "The Golfing Scene"

The team captained by Walter Williams holds a half-point lead after the first two sessions of play in the newly installed Twilight league. Hank Garwood's foursome is in second place, only a fraction ahead of the Marion Zijac and Noel Wyatt entries, tied for third. 

The Williams team, which also includes N.J. Messler, Charley Mallory and Nelson Shouse, took low net honors with 143 strokes. In second was Kenneth Sample's quartet made up of Sample, Bill Neel, Max Peacock and Earl Gaines. Individual low net honors went to Al Spaulding and Ken Sample with 36's. Low putts went to Dr. Harry Ford and Spencer Dawson requiring only 13 putts for nine holes. 

"The Ladies News"

The Ladies Spring Handicap tournament will wind up this week with Mrs. J.R. Organ and Mrs. Spencer Dawson colliding for the championship. Mrs. Organ was a semi-final victor over Mrs. Jack Horner, while Mrs. Dawson was eliminating Mrs. Floyd Newton. The playoff will cover 18 holes.  

"Other News"

State Senator Jess Fronterhouse from Fairland returned to the Country club Sunday after a long absence. Once of the district's better golfers for years, Jess carded a fine 38 during the nine-hole workout. 

Today's tip from Johnie Stapp, club pro--"The best way to improve your scoring is to improve your putting. Of the top 60 players in the country there is very little difference in their games from tee to green. It is usually the player with the hottest putter who wins, most of the time with a score of 274 to 280 for four rounds. He will have used his putter between 130-138 times and the other 13 clubs in his bag 152 to 158 times."

"The three outstanding putters in the past 20 years have been Horton Smith (from Joplin), Lloyd Mangrum, and Bobby Locke. Smith and Mangrum use the reverse overlapping grip. 

1955 May 25  "The Golfing Scene"

 The third round of Twilight league play Thursday will see Henry Garwood's team out to protect its first-place standing. ...

Pro Johnie Stapp's tip for today--"On sand trap shots, ever stop your club in the sand; make a full follow-through." 

**Note: In previous blogs I have added a few notes on the bowling leagues, and Mickey Mantle. It is important to note that after Grand River Dam opened in 1940 that fishing became a bigger sport. During this time there are regular pictures posted of men, women, and families fishing.

 

1955 June 6  "Ladies Golf News"

Mrs. G.R. Organ won last week's championship flight. Mrs. Woodrow Painter took honors in class A. Marilyn Jones and Mrs. Rodney DeVilliers in class B and Mrs. Lois Cowles in class C.  

The women's league this year currently has over 50 ladies playing golf weekly. The pairings (This list is quite long. I will post winners names in the future when available instead of full pairings.)

Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. George Murphy, and Mrs. James Moore.

Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Bert Wall, and Mrs. Sam Fullerton.

Mrs. G.R. Organ, Mrs. Joe Ramsay and Mrs. Claud Jones.

Mrs. L.K. Newell, Mrs. Walter Patterson,Jr., and Mrs. G.A. Spaulding.  

Mrs. Ed Badger, Mrs. Wayman Jackson, and Mrs. Vernon Sapp.

Mrs. Spencer Dawson, Mrs. Elmer Jarrett, and Mrs. Bob Temple.

Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Joe Thompson, and Mrs. O.R. Westfall.

Mrs. Al White and Mrs. Glen McCollum.

Mrs. Frank Lacaff, Mrs. O.J. Dahl, and Mrs. Gib Reynolds.

Mrs. Bob Nunn, Mrs. Corbin Shouse, and Mrs. Lillian White.

Mrs. Dick Wright, Mrs. Rodney DeVilliers, Mrs. Ray Cundiff, and Mrs. Henry Garwood.

Mrs. Don Johnson, Mrs. Lois Cowles, and Mrs. Earl Gaines, Jr. 

Mrs. Jim Smallwood, Mrs. Robert Baron, and Mrs. Rex Painter.

Mrs. George Russell, Mrs. Lee Adkinson, and Mrs. James Nowlin.

Mrs. Hance VanBeber, Mrs. W. D. Jackson, Mrs. Rex Graham, and Mrs. Charles Hoffman.

Pauline Dykes, Marilyn Jones, Mrs. G.R. White, and Mildred Gibson.  

 

1955 June 6  "Mantle Clouts Long Homer in Yank Victory"

 ...In New York's Yankee stadium Mickey Mantle blasted a 486 foot homer as the Yankees beat Kansas City 6-2. It was one of the longest balls every belted in the stadium. 

1955 June 25  "Winners Listed; Juniors to Play"

The team of Corbin Shouse, H. Wright, Joe Thompson, a substitute, and George Walbert captured low net honors in the seventh week of play in Miami Country club's Twilight league. Total score was 147 with the team of Jack Myers, Dr. W.D. Jackson, Bob Temple, and Spencer Dawson shooting a 150. 

Meanwhile, club pro Johnie Stapp announced that golfing lessons will begin Saturday morning at the club for junior players. Free lessons will continue for a month to precede a tournament for youngsters in several age groups. This will be held in late July.

Saturday's clinic will open at 10a.m. and youths are urged to report at the clubhouse their intentions to participate. The junior links program is planned for children up to 16 years of age. Last year 30 youngsters participated. Free golfing lessons will be given by Stapp each Saturday.

 1955 June 30 "Dance Scheduled"

An informal dance will be held at the Miami Country club Saturday night beginning at 9:30 o'clock as part of he July 4 weekend celebration. Provisions have been made to keep the clubhouse cool and comfortable, according to Spencer Dawson, chairman. (It is hard to imagine that Tudor style building without air conditioning. In 1960 the inside of the clubhouse was completely remodeled with air conditioning upstairs and in the third floor apartment. The downstairs pro-shop and locker rooms were painted and cleaned up but no air conditioning installed. A huge wall fan sucked air from the outside into the downstairs to keep it cool and comfortable.)

The swimming pool will be open Saturday night. Dinner will be served from 6 o'clock until dance time. For dinner reservations members may call William George at the Country club. The phone is No. 4429. Complete proceeds of the dance are to be used to purchase a record player for the club. 

**Once upon a time the swimming pool at the country did not have a fence around it. A few years ago, I met with a beautiful lady named Mary

VanBeber, known as Mrs. Hance VanBeber at that time. She was in an assisted living home in Miami when I found her. Oh, such stories she could tell.  

Her favorite story it seems was about the adventures a group of members shared in the swimming pool on hot summer nights when no one had air conditioning.  One night, or many nights, she recalled that she and Hance and others in the neighborhood would go swimming about midnight. Once the neared the club their husbands would turn off the car lights to hide their entrance.  They parked their cars in north driveway where people living nearby couldn't see them, then giggling like kids they would shed their clothes in the car, grab their bathroom towels and run and jump into the pool. 

I gathered from her memory this happened on many a summer night, including evenings when they had been to dances and remembered to bring their towels and swimsuits, so they could cool off before going home. 

I recall as a a small child that the lifeguard left at 6:00 but parents were required to watch their children in the pool and call for help if anyone drowned!   Because our homes were not air conditioned, I know that my sister and I often stayed late at the club swimming until dad closed the shop down at dark. Mother brought a sandwich out to dad, to hold him over until dinner around 8-9:00. We were never alone at the club and many a family enjoyed the cool nights around the pool until....the fence was built and a lock put on a gate! 

Mary's second best story involved clothing at the golf shop. "Your father never could select ladies golf wear that I liked. I decided to buy my own golf clothes through the Neiman Marcus catalog. Hans was always willing to drive me to Dallas to shop. It made me so happy." 

1955 July 3   "The Golfing Scene" 

A field of over 120 golfers, largest of the season, will tee off Monday morning in the unusual lady pro-amateur Fourth of July tournament at the Miami Country Club. For the one day only, lady members of the club will be designated as professionals for the purpose of teaming with the men. Each woman golfer will head a team also including two men.

Forty-two pairings have been announced. The first threesome will tee off at 8 o'clock. Handicap play will be for low net. The tournament will be followed by driving and putting contests for both sexes. Some 40 prizes will be awarded at the day's close. Upon conclusion of the golfing program, a barbeque dinner will be served, to be followed by a fire-works display. A nocturnal putting party will inaugurate new lights installed at the practice green. 

Club professional, Johnie Stapp, reports the golf course is in excellent shape.  

1955 July  "Park Activities"

**I am including this story because as a child growing up in Miami, I had so many opportunities to learn games and play, thanks to the Parks department. 

A playgrounds program for girls will be inaugurated this week, starting Tuesday, at Washington school, in the northeast section of town. Ann Cowan will supervise the girls' activities.

Results of Friday's contest: 

DARTS--1. Terry Garner 2. Sammy Ketcher 3. Lewis Pogue

Horseshoes, singles--1. Jack Leake 2. Dick Kerr 3. Richard Russell

Horseshoes, doubles--1. Larry Ketcher-Edward McBrian,  2. Mark Price--Brooks Shafer 3. Bud Gilmore--Carl Graham

Clay modeling--1.Charles Hirsch, 2. Sandra Mason, 3.Pauline Hogan

1955 August 16  "The Golfing Scene"

Jackie Myers retains his club championship title beating John Robinson in the final 18 hole medal event.  Myers won last year and Robinson was runner-up.

1955 September 11  "The Ladies Golf Notes"

Miami Country club women will launch their annual fall tournament next Wednesday, opening with a driving contest and Pitch and Putt competition at 1 p.m.

Mrs. Gene Owens won championship honors in last week's activity. Mrs. Sam Fullerton won out in the class A, Mrs. Corbin Shouse and Mrs. Al White tied in class B and Mrs. George Russell prevailed in class C.

 

Miami News Record September 11, 1955

1955 September 26 "Golfing Winners Announced"

Mr. and Mrs. Rex Painter are man-wife Scotch foursome champions at Miami Country club. The won the golf title with a 2 and 1 victory over Mrs. and Mrs. Richard Wright.

Consolation flight winners are Mr. and Ms. Henry Garwood. They defeated the Jack Horners, 1-up. Mrs. and Mrs. Joe Ramsey in A flight defeated the Henry VanBebers, 1-up, while the Wayman Jacksons emerged on top in the A flight consolation bracket with a 1-up verdict over the Bob McClains.

First-round winners in the annual men's Calcutta championship bracket include: Jim Nowlin over We Bullock, Jack Doan over Jack Schofield, Earl Fisher over Dr. W.D. Jackson, Ken Sample over John Reese, Bert Wall over Bud May, Bob Temple over Joe Thompson, Buck Bagby over John Burford, Jack Buzzard over Dale Mabon, Pat Patterson over J.R. Organ, Ted Lowry over Lee Adkinson, Jack Brown over Bernie Schaff, Paul McIntosh over Richard Wilson, Walter Williams over G.R. Stripling.

1955 September 27  "Four Miamians Playing in Tulsa Golf Event"

Miami is represented in the pro-amateur event being held today in connection with the Oklahoma State Open golf tournament at Southern Hills Country club in Tulsa. 

Johnie Stapp, Miami Country club professional, is paired with three local amateurs in the preliminary event, which carries a $500 purse. Playing with Stapp are Jack Myers, John F. Robinson, and Ken Childress.

More than 80 pros are battling the par 71 over the 6,756 yard course. Defending open champion is Jimmy Gaunt of Oklahoma City.

*Record above came from the Miami Daily News Record found in the NewsArchives.  

Johnie F. Stapp, the WAR years and a New Life as a Professional Golfer--1941--1946

1941-1946

Johnie F. Stapp, The War Years

1941 notes from personal scrapbook

Before the war began my father, Johnie Stapp, enlisted. He was stationed at Camp Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas. The only story I ever remember from him was when they learned to march through the swamps of S.E. Arkansas and Louisiana. He told me that it honestly scared him to pieces, because he could just imagine all of the snakes in the trees. Then one day a snake fell on one of his companions. Although it did not kill him, nor dad, I've never forgotten that picture he described. (No wonder I tell stories.)

"Tough Soldiers Balk at Wet Links" 

The Division golf tournament opened last Sunday as six soldiers waded through rain soaked links in three 18-hole  matches.... Pvt. John Stapp, Medical Detachment, 137th Infantry, defeated Pvt. Pat Shelton, Headquarters Company, 137th, two and one at Fair Park. 

Rain forced postponement of other first round matches. Twenty-two golfers are entered in the championship tournament. All matches are being played on Little Rock links. 

1941  August 12    "Golf Champion" 

Pvt. John Stapp of Wichita, a member of the 137th Infantry, today was crowned golf champion of the 35th division. Stapp won the title in yesterday's championship flight when he defeated Pvt. Richard Logger of St. Louis, 4 and 3. Logger is a member of the 138 Infantry. 

1942 February 20  "Wichitan in the News"

Johnie Stapp formerly of 35th Infantry division made a hole-in-one at Fair Park Municipal Course in Little Rock. He played with Lloyd and Bill DeBacker. 

1943 January 

Lieut. John Stapp is visiting his parents. Stapp, formerly stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland will be stationed at Camp Santa Anita, in California as a staff and faculty. Stapp received his commission on September 26, 1942, and met his future wife, my mother, Helen.

1943 March "Man O' War" Military Newspaper

Lt.Stapp shot a 73, three over par 70, to win Low Gross for officers in the Camp Santa Anita Cup. Stapp received a 14" engraved cup.

1943 April 16  

In the officers and non-commissioned officers event, the team of Lt. Stapp and Pvt. Danner snared the golf titles. "Salute the winners, the Turfbirds",  of the Camp Santa Anita golf tournament. You might as well for one of them raises a highball anyway you look at it." Stapp's score of 73,72,71,73=289 is a strong show. 

1943 August 10 L.A. Times

Lt. Stapp takes the coveted Arcadia Crown. The first man to win the Arcadia City Championship at Annandale Country club, by shooting a 69. 

1943 August 20 by Jack Curnow

"Snead's Navy Golfers Play Army Team"

Sam Snead, who needs no introduction to the golfing world will head a contingent of blue-jackets from San Diego Navy Base today against a soldier outfit from Santa Anita Ordinance Camp in a 10-man play over the sporty county-owned Santa Anita links in Arcadia.

Backing up Slamming Sammy will be an Alhambra product Bill Nary, the long-hitting ex-Rancho Santa Fe pro who joined the Navy several weeks ago....

Heading the Ordinance golfers will be Lt. Johnie Stapp, ex-Kansas golf pro who has been right on his stick lately. He'll have the team of Col.F.G.Bryan, Capt E. H. Christensen.......

The match starts at 2 pm and is open to the public. Off the early dope, the blue-jackets figure to nudge the soldiers.

1943 October    L.A. Times by Mel Gallagher

Lloyd Mangrum, one-time Texas caddy who develop into one of the leading golf professionals of the nation, arrived home last week from his summer links tour prepared to enter the Southern California Open October 15,16, 17.  

The stylish clubbing Mangrum, a mainstay of Walter Hagen's Ryder Cup team for the past two years will be a strong favorite for this Arcadia tournament title. He has shown a liking for the stretching Santa Anita par 70 layout, having spread-eagled an open field there two years ago. ....

1943 October 12 L.A. Times by Jack Curnow

"Mangrum-Bassler Card 63s in Pro-Amateur"

Harry Bassler, Fox Hill pro, and Lloyd Mangrum of Monterey Park, traveling pro, served warning on the large field entered in this weekend's Southern California Open, when they fired identical 68's in the pro-am tourney. Three teams tied for third place money with  65's; Pro Eddie Hobit and Frank Horton, 32-33; Lieut. Johnie Stapp and Joe Mabley 34-31; and Ray Haines, assistant pro to Ellsworth Vines at Southern Country club and Fred Clark, Jr. 32-33. 

1943 October 14  L.A. Times by Jack Curnow

"Southland Open Takes Tee Today"

The big guns start firing today in the Southern California Open at Santa Anita Golf Club in Arcadia. The 72-hole medal play affair; which has lured a big field of local favorites and many newcomers now here in the war work and military service, gets under way with 18 holes of play. ....

At the halfway mark Joe Kirkwood, Jr. lead the field with 70-71....Lieut. John Stapp with a 74-72; 

**At this point in Santa Anita dad has become friends with Sammy Snead, Lloyd Mangrum, and Johnny Bulla, George Fazio, Byron Nelson, Ed Dudley (who was MGCC's first golf pro).  Ray Beardon, head pro at Santa Anita and Ellsworth Vines, pro at Southern California Country club. He and mother often shared stories of Elly Vines, who had been the national tennis champion before turning golf pro.

*Note: Johnie spent the remainder of the war years in the Pacific Islands. After the war he remained in Japan for several months, helping with the closure of the war and  communications with the Japanese. During that time he became close friends with Dr. Seturo, a Japanese doctor at the Tuberculosis Sanatorium.

I followed up on the doctor he befriended after the war. This is a clip from my story. Dr. Seturo's niece writes: 

"Your father's friend, Dr Seturo, was a very talented person. After graduating from medical school in Japan, he was studying at the University of Bern in Switzerland.

His son, Mitsuko's father, was also a doctor. He went to North China as a medical doctor. At the end of the war he was interned in Siberia and missing forever It was a really sad story." 

To read more of this World War II story please click on this link Touching Lives

Helen Stapp, Arcadia, Ca. 1946

1946 May 25 

My mother, Helen Weaver, who met her future husband, Johnie while he was home on leave in Wichita, Ks., married him on May 25 at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas. Their first daughter, Letty, was born December 26, 1947.

Johnie returned from the war and began working at the Santa Anita Golf Course as a teaching pro. He actively taught golf lessons to students in the various college campuses around Santa Anita. During this time he met many of the Hollywood stars who played the Santa Anita course and bet on the races at the Santa Anita Racetrack Park.

It was through his golf at Santa Anita that he met Bing Crosby and Johnny Weissmueller. In January 1947 he attended the Bing Crosby Tournament being held at Pebble Beach. Knowing this from my father's stories I researched to the best of my abilities any kind of list or story that might show when he played. (If newspapers are not online then the records remain on microfilm or microfiche in area libraries.) I did not find any list of players, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading articles from all over the United States telling tales of the Clambake. I also discovered that in the late 1940's Crosby Tournament was so popular that it was carried on the radio.

Picture of Johnny Weismuller, Tarzan, from Stapp family photos.

From 1937--1942 Bing Crosby held his tournaments at Rancho Santa Fe near San Diego. After the war in 1947 Crosby moved his tournament for more money and larger gatherings to Pebble Beach, California. The nickname "Clambake" came from the early days when Bing gathered the players on the beach for an authentic "clambake" with food, entertainment, and drinks for everyone.

 Bing Crosby Tournament History

 The Crosby Clambake

**I had hoped to find my father's connection to George Coleman, Jr. through the stories on Bing Crosby's Tournament. Johnie would have been invited to the clambake by Crosby since he knew him personally from his work at Santa Anita. I know that he attended the tournament at least one more time before moving to Miami.  He already knew George Coleman, Jr. before moving to Miami. So I am guessing they met in California. 

In our first year in Miami (1954) dad bought a dark green 1952 Oldsmobile from George Coleman, Jr.  It was a supped up engine, and  became a race car. We traveled to California in that car when I was too young to remember anything but looking out the car window and seeing the road drop off in a cliff. I also experienced dirt track racing in that Olds.

This same car 52 Oldsmobile photo became a well known speedster before Johnie bought the Muntz from Lou Newell in 1959 or 1960. The speedster Olds took Johnie and Doc Robert Baron to California in a single day or less, so the story goes. Of course, the same story can be told about Johnie and Doc Jackson traveling to California in 24 hours. I do not recall which Pro-Am's they played in but it seemed to be fun and profitable for dad's teams. 

Johnie F. Stapp, the Wichita Years, 1926-1940

1926-1940 Johnie F. Stapp

The Wichita Years

by Letty Stapp Watt

 

The great Ken Venturi once said, " My father taught me that the easiest thing to do was to quit. He'd say, 'It doesn't take any talent to do that.'"

Luckily, for my sister and me our father, Johnie Stapp, believed this mantra and took it to heart. When his arms were severely burned in his teenage years it was a doctor and nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas who taught him to first hold a golf club, and then to swing a golf club. Without that form of physical therapy my father was destined to be a janitor, for his hands were twisted and curled from the burns.

The bandaged burns and several surgeries left both of his forearms drawn at forty-five degree angles, and his finger tightly curled inwards. It left him unable to hold a pencil, handle tools in the garage, or do much more than rake leaves. One of his doctors was a golfer and took an interest in his young patient. In the beginning, the golf was prescribed for therapy. The doctor taught him how to grip the club properly, which meant painful gripping and twisting to his hands and wrists. While still in the hospital dad practiced how to grip a club, giving his hands and arms the muscles needed to once again become useful. When he was released from the hospital he would meet his doctor on weekends at a nearby golf course. Eventually, he learned to swing the club. While the recovery was painful, it also proved a new playground for the then sixteen year old. The pro at Sims Parks suggested that Johnie become a caddy, which would give him an opportunity to make money, and play golf one day a week.

 For the full story on his recovery please click on my "Literally Letty" blog site: 

<https://literallyletty.blogspot.com/2011/07/pro.html>

Johnie Stapp, the Caddy:

Young curly headed Johnie Stapp is the middle back caddy. 

Johnie became a caddy in 1925 at Sims Park, Wichita Country Club, Crestview Country club, and several other courses as events needed caddies. By 1928 he was playing in the area caddy tournaments. In this 1929 photo Tully Meyers, top left defeated dad 3 and 2 in a 36 hole match play for the City Caddy Championship.

1926

 

During the "dust bowl" years Johnie drove to Hutchinson, Kansas to play at Carey Park. He was considered one of the straightest shooters in the
field. In 1933 he won the Fiesta Golf Tournament at Carey Park. The newspaper wrote that Johnie Stapp, a turf cutter from Wichita, excelled in putting, giving him more birdies than the other players.

One of his favorite stories told of the time that he and his sister drove to Hutchinson from Wichita in a dust storm. "The wind and dirt blew so terribly that Sis had to get out of the car and walk along side of it, pounding with signals on the hood of the car to keep me on the road." His mother and sister, agreed that the story was true, although possibly exaggerated. 

In 1933 Johnie, playing at Crestview in the Caddy Championship, Johnie shot a 77, which gave him medalist honors and a birth in the Kansas State Amateur Championship.

In 1934 Johnie, playing in the Wichita City Championship was medalist with a 70, but was beat in match play. In 1934 he set the course record at Westlink Golf Course with a 67. 

He continued to play in all caddy and area amateur events in Kansas until 1936. From 1936-1939 Johnie earned a living by repairing golf clubs, selling golf clubs for a company during those years, and as a mechanic at a local service station.

1940 June 20 Wichita Eagle

Stapp turned out to be the darkhorse candidate for the Kansas State Amateur. Stapp is a former well-known city and state tourney player. Just 28 now, he has been out of golf for four years, but has hit a 68 and 69 in rounds of golf at Sim Park regularly in practice. He may be the one to watch. 

In the early Pro-Am a Kansas City pair of R.N. Bumps Barnes, professional from Quivira CC and his partner Woody Owens, won with a net 65, beating out the next lowest pair of W.L. Myers and Johnie Stapp of Wichita.  This pair furnished a 66 in style as hot shooting amateur, Johnie Stapp turned in a 69, two under par. (The team won $69.)

...As the newspaper went to press with scores from the morning round of Thursday's qualifying the afternoon round sees Billy Jones just off the pace of the morning's lowest score. John Stapp, another amateur who shot in the sixties Wednesday, is scoring low now and may set the qualifying pace. 

1940 June 21 Wichita Eagle

In the first round of match play in the Kansas State Amateur at Sims Park in Wichita, local man Johnie Stapp defeated Ed Beard 4 and 3. 

*Stapp was defeated in the third round by Bob Kellogg. 

1940 June 30 Wichita Eagle "Sports notes...

Watching Bob Kellogg one-iron Johnie Stapp out of the recent state tourney, Doc Lampkin says he got a good lesson on the one-iron. 

It looks as though Johnie Stapp will have his hands full when the one-day invitation tournament at Echo Hills get underway July 14. A number of hotshots, local and out-of-town have made reservations already. Prizes totaling almost $300 will be given.

1940 Fall notes from scrapbook

Athletes to camp. Wichita will see more and more of its sports figures going to military duty. Johnie Stapp well known golfer reports to Camp Robinson, Monday. Johnie will take his golf sticks along however, and hopes to get in some rounds. He's in the medical unit. 

Pvt. John Stapp of Wichita, Kansas is a member of the 137 Infantry at Camp Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas.

1954 TIMELINE AND STORIES

 

1954

By Letty Stapp Watt

54.4.4 mdnr "New Pro for Country Club"

Johnie Stapp, former golf pro at the Independence, Kansas Country club, has taken over like duties at the Miami club. He succeeds Ed Miller, who accepted a position at a new course in Tulsa.

The 42-year-old pro played circuit golf three years before entering the Army in 1940 as an enlisted man. Stapp began his career as a pro at the Santa Anita Golf course in Arcadia, California in 1946 after his discharge as a Captain in the Ordinance Department. He moved from there to Independence in 1949.  

Stapp and his wife, Helen, call Wichita their home town. The couple has two daughters, Letty age 6 and Jonya Lee age 2. 

Plans for golf clinics are in the making. Stapp will start tutoring the beginners of the Miami Women's Golfing association at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning before the ladies leave for their rounds on the greens later in the day.

The clinic for members of the entire country club is being scheduled in conjunction with a evening dinner. Basic fundamentals will be the main phase of teaching.  

Stapp will show color films of today's top ranking golfer, including Sam Snead and Ben Hogan, and also many newcomers to the professional circuit.

*Note: Many of these films were created by my father, Johnie Stapp, and others he purchased. Over the years prior to coming to Miami and through his early years in Miami, he took 16 mm movies of many professional golfers. These movies he then used as teaching tools. He also took a series of swing photographs of many of the pros, men and women. Sadly, in the early 60's when he sent in photos to be developed the negatives and photos were never returned.) 

A story my father told me before we moved from Independence: From 1950-1954 when we moved to Miami I grew up outside at the Independence County club. I was only three to five years old. I played with the caddies, who were both black and white young boys, the man who ran the bowling alley, next to our house on the golf course was named Alex. He became my caretaker, and when I went to a nursery school he drove me there and back, often times. Alex as black and I loved that man. The maids who cleaned and cared for the grand clubhouse across from our square framed home were all black. Inez, who often babysat me played in the high school band and became a majorette. We were all family. 

Dad made a trip to Miami to play golf. When he returned he told us the story that Miami did not allow black people to stay after sunset. He and his caddie had played in the tournament and then needed to drive back to Independence that evening. Dad stopped at Otto's Diner on the 300 block of North Main on the West side just south of the NEO rail lined. He explained that our caddy had to stay in the car and could not eat with him, so dad bought the food and they ate together outside. The cook/owner apologized to dad. Later, that cook/owner went to work as the cook at the country club. 

I was greatly disturbed to know how my friend was treated and never forgot dad's story. We often ate at that diner after we moved to town.

54.4.12 mdnr "Snead, Hogan in Playoff Today for Masters Title"

Ben Hogan and Sam Snead, called the "two greatest golfers in the world" by grand slam king Bob Jones, met today in an 18-hole playoff for the 1954 Masters Championship.

The little man from Texas and the long ball hitter from West Virginia and 298 totals. That is 1 over par for the exacting 6,800 yard Augusta National course, and the highest score ever to earn first place in this prestige-packed tourney's 20 year history.   

The winner will join Jimmy Demaret as the three-time Master's champion. A victory for Hogan would make him the only man ever to win two Masters in succession. 

54.4.12 mdnr "Stag Party"

A regular stag night affair will be held at the Miami Country club at 6:30 o'clock Tuesday evening instead of tonight as previously announced by the club spokesman. All members are invited. 

54.4.19 mdnr "Mickey Mantle"

 54.4.25 mdnr "Bridge Luncheon"

The ladies division of the Miami Country club held a month meeting on Thursday at a 1 o'clock luncheon.

The tables were artistically arranged with bowls of spring flowers. Hostesses for the day were Mrs. Charles Stansell, chairman; Mrs. Joseph B. Elizondo, Mrs. M.C. Bagby, and Mrs. W. Brown Stansell.

Bridge prizes for the afternoon were won by Mrs. Bert Wall and Mrs. John Stapp. Mrs. Claud Jones won the canasta prize.   

Attending the luncheon and bridge were the following members:

Mrs. Lee Adkinson, Mrs. Ed Badger, Mrs. Bagby, Mrs. Cobban, Mrs. MA Connell, Mrs. Orville Dahl, Mrs. Spencer Dawson, Mrs. Elizondo, Mrs. F.G. Ernst, Mrs. Robert Haffner, Mrs. Monte Hall, Mrs. L.P.Hetherington, Mrs. Wayman Jackson, Mrs. Elmer Jarrett, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Kenneth Kimmel, Mrs. Bill Lacaff, Mrs. C.W. Letcher, Mrs. Ray McNaughton, Miss Patty McNaughton, Mrs. George Murphy, Mrs. Frank Nesbitt, Mrs. Clarence Niday Mrs. Neil Norton, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Phillip Peacock, Mrs. Irving Propper, Mrs. Joe Ramsay, Mrs. O.A. Rockwell, Mrs. George Russell, Mrs. Richard Russell, Mrs. Vernon Sapp, Mrs. John Schofield, Mrs. T.H. Smith, Mrs. Charles Stansell, Mrs. Brown Stansell, Mrs. John Stapp, Mrs. Robert Temple, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. D.G. Watters, Mrs. L.A. Wetzel, Mrs. Richard Wright and Mrs. William Wright.

 

54.5.6 mdnr "Hole in One"

Vernon Sapp's clubs 

Vernon Sapp, Miami Insurance man, accomplished Tuesday afternoon what every golfer dreams of. He sank a hole-in-one while carding a fine 38 at the Miami Country club.

Johnie Stapp, club professional reported Sapp teed off on the 151-yard No. 3 hole, his ball dropping into the cup without as much as a single bounce on the green. The ace with a No. 4 iron, even caused slight damage to the cup, Stapp revealed. 

Stapp was playing in the foursome which also included Jack Myers, Dr. Robert Baron, and Phillip Peacock.  

54.5.20 mdnr "Ladies Golf Notes"

Second-round pairing at the Miami Country club, with matches being played today through Saturday, include:

Championship

Mrs. Jack Horner vs Mrs. Elmer Jarrett, Mrs. Claud Jones vs Mrs. Sam Fullerton, Mrs. Bert Wall vs Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Tom Smith vs Mrs. Robert Temple.

President's Flight

Mrs. Floyd Newton vs Mrs. Frank Lacaff, Mrs. Vernon Sapp vs. Mrs. Joe Ramsey, Mrs. J.H. Organ vs Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. Spencer Dawson vs Mrs. Walter Patterson, Jr. 

Class A

Mrs. Orville Dahl vs Mrs. Charles Harvey, Mrs. Richard Wright vs. Mrs. Bill Oliver,

Class B

Mrs. Rex Painter vs Mrs. W.D. Jackson, Mrs. Ed Badger vs Mrs. George Murphy.

Class C

Mrs. George Kroupa vs Mrs. O.R. Westfall, Mrs. John Reese vs Mrs. Lee Adkinson.

54.5.21 mdnr "Civic Center"

 

*Note: One of my favorite memories over is the years is how happy my mother was to be living in a community with an active stage, music, and dance interest. The Junior College put on plays and brought in very famous musicians in those years like Ruth Slenczynska, and Ferrante and Teicher. Mother often wrote letters to her Wichita friends bragging on the plays and musical she had enjoyed in this small town.

54.5.21 mdnr   "Teenagers Dance"

A dance was enjoyed Saturday evening by the teenagers group of the Miami Country club from 7:30 to 10:30 o'clock. Sue Lowry, David Robinson, Linda Peters and Frank Letcher were winners in the prize dance. Refreshments were served to the young people. 

 54.5.23 mdnr  "Ladies Golf Notes"

Championship honors in "blind holes" play went to Mrs. J.R. Organ while Mrs. Woodrow Painter and Mrs. John Reese tie for class A honors. Mrs. Rex Painter and Mrs. Glen McCollum tied for the class B flight while Mrs. Orville Dahl won the class C flight at  the Miami Country club last week. The Miami Women's Golfing association will play for low gross next Wednesday. 

HIGHLIGHT: Tournament rounds will be fixed during the first of the week. The tournament highlight is the match between Mrs. Bert Wall and Mrs. Woodrow Painter. After being tied at the end of the scheduled 18 holes the played a nine-hole play off only to be deadlocked again. A second play-off over nine holes was played. But still another play-off is scheduled since the two remained tied after 36 holes. 

54.2.27 MDNR  "Golf Tournament for Ladies Monday"

All lady golfers are invited to play in a holiday "flag tournament" next Monday at Miami Country club. Entries must register before then at the club. A spokesman announced women may make their own pairings or wait to be paired at the tee.

54.5.30 mdnr  "Mantle is Rated with Ruth"

Bill Dickey, a fellow who played with and against some great sluggers, rates Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees with the best of the long-ball hitters.

The ex-Yankee catcher, now a coach with the world champions, says, "Mantle has more talent than any man I've ever seen. As a slugger, from either side, he rates with Ruth, Foxx, Gehrig, Greenberg, Williams, and DiMaggio. 

The switch-hitting Mantle boosting his average in .286 this past week, is "still two or three years away," says Dickey, Mantle has hit seven home runs this spring. 

54.5.30 mdnr "Golfers Reminded to Post Scores"

Members of the Miami Country club who are competing in the 54-hole club handicap play for the president's cup must turn in their scores by Monday evening, pro Johnie Stapp said Saturday. 

1954

NBC first began televising golf events after it was awarded the television rights to the U.S. Open in 1954. The tournament continued to air on NBC through the 1965 event.

54.6.2 mdnr "Winners Named in Women's Fairways Tournament"

Mrs. J.R. Organ took top honors in the ladies Memorial Day flag tournament, followed by Mrs. Woodrow Painter and Mrs. Jack Horner, in second and third place, respectively. 

Mrs. Jack Horner and Mrs. Robert Temple are the finalists in the Miami Country club ladies handicap tourney. They will pair up for the championship some time next week.

At least 27 entries have already been received for the Scotch foursome to be played Sunday on the country club course. Deadline for entries, which are made at the pro shop, is noon Friday. Pairings for the entries received later will be made at the tee box.

A driving and putting contest will also be held Sunday. Johnie Stapp, club pro, will hold a golf clinic and show pictures of the Columbus and Kansas City Open. All club members are invited for the day's activities. 

54.6.7 mdnr  "Mrs. Painter and Stapp Winners of Country Club Event"

Mrs. Woodrow Painter and Johnie Stapp paced the field of 68 Scotch foursome entries to card the lowest gross score Sunday at Miami Country club. They were followed closely by Mrs. Floyd Newton, and Dr. W..D. Jackson. Third low gross placed ended in a tie between Mrs. Claud Jones and George Beck with Mrs. J.R. Organ and Vernon Sapp. 

First place for low net ended in a tie between Mrs. Earl Gaines, Jr., and J.R. Organ and Mrs. Corbin Shouse and John Stansell. Third place low net went to Miss Dena Anders and Woodrow Painter. 

In the putting contest, first place went to Mrs. J.R. Organ and Vernon Sapp. Second place ended in a tie between Miss Joan Taylor and Sam Fullerton and Mrs. Richard Wright and Robert Temple.

First place in ladies driving contest went to Mrs. Joe Ramsey, second to Mrs. Hance VanBeber, and third to Mrs. Walter Patterson, Jr. 

In the men's driving contest Johnie Stapp was first, Jack Myers second, and Rex Painter, third. 

 54.6.8 mdnr "Myers Receives Trophy Tonight"

Jack Myers has won the President's cup tournament at the Miami Country club, finishing 10 strokes under par for the 54-hole event. Myers, one of the district's finest golfers, will receive his trophy this evening at a Stag event at the club. Awards will be presented to other top-ranking participants in the tourney. 

Glenn Scott and G.R. White tied for second place in the tourney with Rex Painter close behind in third. Denver Seals and Harry Dean share fourth place honors. Fifth prizes will go to Jack Horner. 

Johnie Stapp, club pro said that more tournaments are being planned. Match lay for the club championship with classes A,B,C, and D will be held in July. The club handicap will be scheduled sometime in the fall. Additionally, club pros of the Oklahoma PGA section will gather at the club on September 13 for a pro-amateur tournament.

54.6.13 mdnr  "19 Are Entered in Junior Event at Country Club"

Nineteen boys will tee off at the Miami Country club Monday in the annual junior golf tournament, a 36-hole medal affair sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Walter Williams, Jr., tourney chairman, said Saturday the following youths have entered:

Larry Parker, Frank Childers, Dick Lowry, Robert Hill, Dickie Neal, Charles Beck, Pat Temple, Jack Horner,Jr., Bill Bowers, Nelson Shouse, James Emery, Cogie Cowgill, Richard Beck, Roger McCullum, Hooty Gibson, Richard Wright, III, Phillip Fontaine, George Walbert, and Al Rogers. 

Monday morning's opening 18-hole session will start at 9 o'clock. Tuesday's windup action will begin an hour later, at 10 o'clock according to Johnie Stapp, club professional.

The four low scorers will compete in a regional tourney at Bartlesville next month. Driving and putting contests is planned for Tuesday afternoon. An awards buffet dinner will be held at the club that evening.

Williams said merchandise prizes have been made available by the Hub Clothing Co., Millner-Berkey, B&K clothiers, the J.C.Penney store, and Williams Packing Co. 

54.6.16 mdnr  "Nelson Shouse is Winner"

Nelson Shouse emerged as the winner of the Jaycee Junior Golf tournament Tuesday at the Miami Country club and received a trophy during a dinner program last night.  

Shooting a 36-hole total of 177, Shouse beat his nearest opponent, Bill Bowers, by 19 strokes. Those two, Richard Beck and Dick Lowry will represent Miami in a regional junior met at Bartlesville on July 13 and 14.

Shouse shot rounds of 42-43-46-46. Bowers used 194 strokes, Beck 195 and Lowry 196. Dickie Neel, at 10 the youngest of 13 golfers who finished the tourney wound up fifth with 212. 

The top four finishers were presented awards by Johnie Stapp, club professional. The prizes were sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce and local merchants.

Bowers won the putting contest and Lowry finished first in the driving competition. Other scorers: Cogie Cowgill, 214; Robert Hill, 216; Jack Horner, 218; Frank Childers, 221; Charles Beck, 234; Pat Temple, 246; Roger McCollum, 250; Richard Wright, 278.

54.6.16 mdnr "Widen's Club Service"

William George, who is operating the food concession at the Miami Country club, said today he is prepared to serve meals to the club members every night from 6 o'clock until midnight. George said he would appreciate having reservations made with him before members appear for their dinners.  

54.6.27 mdnr "Country Club Scene of Bridge Luncheon"

The ladies division of the Miami Country club met Thursday for a luncheon at the clubhouse. The hostesses were Mrs. Walter Dumas, chairman; Mrs. Ray McNaughton, Mrs. Tom Bomford, and Mrs. O.A. Rockwell.  The luncheon tables were artistically arranged with bowls of gladioli and foliage.

Bridge prizes for the afternoon were won by Mrs. George Foster and Mrs. George Murphy. The canasta prize was won by Mrs. Claud Jones. Attending were the following members:  Mrs. Spencer Dawson, Mrs. Dumas, Mrs. F.G. Ernst, Mrs. J.B Elizondo, Mrs. George Foster, Mrs. R.O. Gibson, Mrs. Robert Haffner, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. C.W. Letcher, Mrs. Ted Lowry, Mrs. G.W. McCollum, Miss Patty McNaughton, Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. Neil Norton, Mrs J.R. Organ, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Gib Reynolds, Mrs. George Russell, Mrs. Richard Russell, Mrs. Vernon Sapp, Mrs. Bernard Schaff, Mrs. Robert Temple, Mrs. John Schofield, Mrs.L.A. Wetzel, Mrs. Hance VanBeber, Mrs. Marion Zajic. 

54.7.   mdnr   "Local Golf Tournament"

Qualifying rounds of the annual men's golf tournament at the Miami Country club were completed Sunday and 63 players are paired for the first-round matches. John Robinson copped medalist honors with a 75, four strokes under his nearest competitor, Kenneth Childress, with a 79.  First round matches must be completed before July 19, club spokesman Woodrow Painter, said this morning. 

Championship: John Robinson, 75 vs Lloyd Shafer, 82; Walter Williams, 81, vs, Glenn Scott, 83; Sam Fullerton, 80, vs Bob Temple, 82; Jim Moore, 81, vs R.C. Gibson, 84; Kenneth Childress, 79 vs Ted Lowry, 82; Dr. W.D. Jackson, 81, vs Rex Painter, 81; Kenneth Richards, 80 vs. G.R. White, 83; Jack Myers, 81, vs Vernon Sapp 84.

Flight A: Joe Thompson, 85 vs Jack Buzzard, 86; Rodney DeVilliers, 86 vs Harry Dean, 89; C.J. Carselowey, 85 vs Noel Wyatt, 88; W.C. Bullock 86 vs. Hugh Wright 91; Woodrow Painter 85, vs Dr. Robert Baron, 87; George Beck, 86 vs Dick Wright, 89; Dick Neel, 89 vs Bert Wall, 88; Orville Dahl, 89 vs John Burford.

Flight B: Dr. H.C. Ford, 93 vs Paul Wilson, 96; Marion Zajic, 95 vs Spencer Dawson 95; Bill Stout, 94 vs Jack Horner, 97; Frank LaCaff, 96 vs Bob Hill, 100; Tom Bomford, 94 vs J.r. Organ 96; H. Remis, 95 vs Al Spaulding 99; Joe Ramsey, 94 vs. George Russell 98; Walter Patterson, 96, vs Tom Smith, 100. 

Flight C: Hank Garwood, 101, vs Irving Propper, 108; Jack Brown, 105, vs Bill Spaethe, 114; Earl Fisher, 101, vs. Robert Nunn, 111; Ed Badger, 106 vs Ed Spearling, 121; K.C. Jeffries 101, vs Dr. L..P. Hetherington; John Reese, 105, vs George Murphy, 118; Jack Schofield 103 vs Bob Garwood, 112.

54.7.6  "Bill Watkins is Hired Here"

Bill Watkins, former backfield star at Northeastern A&M college, has been employed to fill out Miami High School's athletic staff for 1954-55 school year. After leaving NEO, Watkins attended the University of Denver where he played football under Bob Seymour, former University of Oklahoma and Washington Redskin star from Commerce. Seymour at the time was backfield coach at the Colorado school. 

A three-year service veteran, Watkins last year was assistant football coach at Pryor. He is married and has two children. Hiring Watkins completes Miami's athletic staff which also includes head coach John Lingo and assistants Delbert and Gene Wolf. 

**Note: Mr. and Mrs. Watkins were my teachers going through MHS. I greatly admired them both, especially his wife, our science teacher. Our history opens my eyes to the lives of people who made a difference in my life and the lives of many other young peoples.

54.7.6 mdnr "Holiday Winner at Country Club"

Monday's holiday golf festival at the Miami Country club saw 140 entries competing in two tournaments.

Following two-ball and four-ball tournaments, 400 members and their families were served a buffet dinner, preceding a giant fireworks display.

Winners of the Two-ball tourney--Low Net: Mr. and Mrs. G.R. White, first; Dr. and Mrs. W.D. Jackson, second; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Garwood, third; 

Low Gross winners: George Beck and Billy Ann Green, first; Mr. and Mrs. Bert Wall, second; Mr. and Mrs. Claud Jones, third.

Winners of the Four-ball tourney--Low Net: Mr. and Mrs. Sam Fullerton, first; Mrs. and Mrs. Walter Patterson, second; Mr. and Mrs. Dick Wright, third.

Low Gross: Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Organ, first; Billy Ann Green and Dr. Robert Baron, second; Mr.and Mrs. Jack Horner, third.

Individual low putts: Claud Jones, Orville Dahl, and Rodney DeVilliers, first to third, respectively. Mixed low putts; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Temple, first; Mr. and Mrs. Rex Painter, second; Mr. and Mrs. George Murphy, third. 

Longest drives were by Mrs. Joe Thompson and Walter Patterson; Mrs. Rex Painter took a prize for the shortest drive.

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Oliver held the high score in the two-ball group while Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mallory took the high in the four-ball play.

54.7.18 "Mantle Twins 'Go Pro', Sign Yankee Pacts" 

(Commerce, July 17--Special) Roy and Ray Mantle, brothers of the NY Yankee star, have been signed to minor league contracts by the same club.  The 18-year old twins were signed Friday night by Tom Greenwade, Yankee scout, their mother, Mrs. E.C. Mantle, said today. 

Both boys will report to McAlester to try out with the Rockets of the class D Sooner State league. A cousin, Max Mantle, earlier this year signed with the American league club and played a short time at McAlester before being released. 

Ray and Roy currently are involved in a playoff as members of the Tri-State Miners. They are to go to McAlester after the semi-pro series in Wichita, Kas. The Yankees reportedly plan to use both boys in the outfield at McAlester. Ray is an outfielder but Roy usually plays first base.

54.7.25 mdnr "Ladies Golf Notes"

A two-day tie developed for the championship and flight A honors in Wednesday's play for low gross at the Miami Country club.

Mrs. Bert Wall and Mrs. Jack Horner shared the championship laurels while Mrs. Claude Jones and Mrs. Woodrow Painter tied for class A. Mrs. Hank Garwood and Mrs Lois Cowles took undisputed class B and C honors, respectively. 

 54. 7.26 mdnr  "Winners Reported "

A large number of players took part in the mother-daughter and father-son handicap tournament at the Miami Country club Sunday afternoon. About 52 golfers, young and old, paired up for the contest played in four-hole to 18-hole flights.

Winners include:

Mother-daughter:  Four Hole--Sara Lynn Salling and Mrs. Vernon Sapp, low gross; Pat Dawson and Mrs. Spencer Dawson, low net; Dorothy Russell and Mrs. Richard Wright, high net; 

Nine-hole: Deborah Lee and Mrs. Bert Wall, low gross; Nancy Baron and Mrs. Claude Jones, low net; Sue Lowry and Mrs. Henry Garwood, high net.

Father-son:  Nine-hole, Richard Wright and Dick Wright, low gross; Bill LaCaff and Ed Spearing, low net; Joe Thompson and Joe, Jr. high net;

18-hole: Dick Lowry and Ted Lowry, low gross; Bill Bowers and Spencer Dawson, low net; Don Rockwell and O.A. Rockwell, high net. 

54.8.1 mdnr  "Meet for Title"

John F. Robinson, defending champion, will meet Jack Myers one week from today for the men's link title at Miami Country club. Both won their semi-final matches last week, Robinson besting Jim Moore, 3 and 2, and Myers defeating Dr. W.D. Jackson, 4 and 3. 

Jackson and Moore will participate in the foursome, bidding for third-place honors. 

54.8.6 mdnr 

Jackie Myers, 1954 champion at the Miami Country club, tees off in winning form as medalist and former champion John F. Robinson, left;Jim Moore, center, and Dr. W.D. Jackson look on. Myers defeated Robinson for the crown 3 and 2, while Jackson won over Moore for third place in the recent club meet.

 54.8.15 mdnr  "Ladies Golf Notes"

In last week's play, Mrs. Jack Horner won the championship flight, class A honors went to Mrs Robert Temple while Mrs. Dick Wright took class B. Mrs. Ed Badger copped the class C flight.

Four feminine linksters from the Miami Country club are paired in the Tri-State golf association's annual 36 hole medal play tournament in Bartlesville, August 17 and 18, at the Hillcrest Country club. Planning to attend are Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Joe Ramsay, and Miss Joann Taylor. They will vie for individual honors.   

Pairings are shared for 47 women players. New names of ladies who are now playing include: Mrs. Frank LaCaff, Mrs. Orville Dahl, Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. Lois Cowles, Mrs. Tom Cordell, Mrs. Stuart Powrie, Mrs. Bob Nunn, Mrs. Elmer Jarett, Mrs. Earl Gaines, Jr., Mrs. Douglas Brockie, Mrs. George Kroupa, Mrs. Don Jones, and Mrs. Dorothy Neel. 

54.8.27 mdnr "Dances Slated for Miami Country club"

A series of four dances at the Miami Country club has been announced by Spencer Dawson, chairman of the entertainment committee. The first one will be on Sept. 4 with Eddie Aldridge and his orchestra of Joplin furnishing the music.

Other dances are scheduled for Oct. 9, Nov. 27 and New Year's Eve. Tickets went on sale Wednesday. Contact Dawson for tickets.

 

** As noted before, Miami and Ottawa Country were extremely social during these years. The News Record printed all social club events, officers, and luncheons, which sometimes covered forty to fifty. If you traveled, to Tulsa or Egypt, and called the news they would print the event and why and how you arrived at your destination. If you had surgery, the hospital often gave details and updates of these events with full names. Every PTA had meetings and plays. The fishing scene dominated many sports pages, along with bowling. All high school and college events are covered with pictures of details of the events. The news covered the communities in elaborate fashion. Everyone felt connected. 

54.9.  mdnr  "Polio Event Fund"

An Oklahoma PGA section sweepstakes, for the benefit of the March of Dimes, began Saturday at the Miami Country club. The tournament, for members only, will divide half the proceeds with the March of Dimes and half for prizes. Club pro, Johnie Stapp, said that the tourney would run from Saturday through Monday, Labor Day.

**Note: In the late 1940's--1960's Kansas and Oklahoma played a key role in promoting women's professional golf. I've always been proud of our state's history of promoting women's golf. Keep in mind that high school golf was offered for boys and girls until 1960. It took Title IX to bring girls golf back to high school and colleges.

In light of this Ardmore was dynamic golfing community. After dad moved to Miami, he yearly drove to the Ardmore area for Waco Turner's professional/Calcutta men's tournaments. Doc Jackson, Dr. Baron, John F. Robinson, Jackie Myers and others often accompanied him. The term for Calcutta in golf refers to a betting game, which later became an issue! Each golfer participating in a Calcutta is both a player and an owner, but before anyone can tee off, all golfers must first “buy” another player through an auction. Golfers bid on who they feel will win the event, generally beginning with the lowest handicap player and ending with the highest handicap player. 

54.9.19 mdnr  "Lady Pro Golfers Play in State"

Golfers who will be playing in the first annual Ardmore Women's Open golf tournament starting Thursday, will have to work hard for the bonus money to be offered by Mrs. Opie Turner, who is bankrolling the $5,000-plus event.

Dornick Hills Country club course, scene of the rich men's open the past three years, will play a tough par 74, just four strokes over men's standard. The tournament, patterned by Opie after her husband Waco Turner's bonus plan for the men's event, may become the richest ever sponsored for women.

In addition to the $5000 official prize money, the bonus awards, which include $200 for the day's lowest score, $300 for a hole in one and $250 for eagles, are likely to equal or surpass that amount by windup time Sunday. The total purse may reach $12,000 or more for the professional women.    

The course will have six par five's. This should enable the long-hitters such as Babe Zaharias a chance to grab off birdies on the holes which ordinarily would carry a par four. However, the Babe will not have too much advantage on the tricky, hilly layout because of her distance. 

Although the Babe is a perennial favorite wherever she plays, little Louise Suggs, Patty Berg and Betsy Rawls should do well. Other topnotchers of the Ladies Professional Golfers association competing will include Betty Jameson, Jackie Pung, Beverly Hanson, the Bauer sisters, Alice and Marlene, and other of the field of 50. 

54.9.26 mdnr "Pro-Amateur to Start Monday at Local Golf club"

A pro-Am golf tournament will open Monday at the Miami Country club with golfers from Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas expected. Each of the pros will be accompanied by an amateur and will play with members of the Miami club, according to host professional Johnie Stapp.

Such proficient golfers as Ky Laffoon, former Miamian now from Springfield, Mo, and Jack Shields, Tulsa are expected along with Royand Harper, Wichita, Art Wadkins, Joplin; Marshall Smith Independence, Kas.; Hugh Banoff, Tulsa; Bill Weatherspoon, Tulsa; Eddie Johnson, Miami; Jack Higgins, Tulsa; Marion Askew, Tulsa; Don Wilkie, Bartlesville; Dan Langford, Enid; Lloyd Tate, Joplin; U.C. Ferguson, Oklahoma City; Bill DeMoss, Blackwell; Fred Kareyer, Wichita, and Marion DeLongy, Parson, Kas. 

The matches will start at 11 o'clock Monday morning. There will be about 80 players entered. No gallery fee for spectators will be charged. 

 

54.9.28 mdnr  "Shields' Team Takes Pro-Am"

A team headed by Tulsa professional Jack Shields won first place in the pro-am tournament held Monday.  Shields and three amateurs--Al Moyer, Tulsa, West Bullock and J.C. Taylor, both of Miami--were 18 strokes under par after 18 holes.

Some 70 golfers competed in the tourney, including most of the district's professionals who, incidentally, unanimously praised the host club's greens.

Close behind in the team competition--with two best balls counting--were Marion Askew, Tulsa pro with amateurs R.D. Karnes, Tulsa, Clarence Carselowey and Joe Thompson, both of Miami. The quartet finished 17 strokes under par, just one stroke off the lead.

Third place went to Don Wilkie, professional, and Glen Vandyke, Bartlesville, Walter Williams and Glenn Scott of Miami at 16 under par. 

Low individual was professional Jack Higgins of Tulsa, with a 71. Eddie Johnson, Miami, and Shields both posted 73's. Loddie Kempa, national southpaw champion out of Kansas City, and Ky Laffoon, were among the pro's competing.

 

54.10.10 mdnr "Women's Club Champion"

The Ladies Golf association of Miami Country club has announced winners of the Champion tournament held last week. The winners competed in driving, approaching and putting contests.

The Championship went to Mrs. J.R. Organ, runner-up Mrs. Spencer Dawson. 

Class A: Mrs. Claud Jones was the victor and Mrs. Robert Temple, runner-up,

Class B: Mrs. George Murphy, was the winner, and Mrs. Glenn McCullum was the runner-up.

Class C: Mrs. Earl Gaines, Jr, was the victor and the runner-up was Mrs. Corbin Shouse.

Consolations winners were; Championship, Mrs. Jack Horner; class A, Mrs. O.R. Westfall; class B, Mrs. Sam Fullerton; class C, Mrs. Lois Cowles.

The handicap winners were Mrs. Robert Nunn, first, and Mrs. Ed Badger, second.

Approaching and putting winners were Mrs. Claud Jones, first, and Mrs. Jack Horner, second.  

In the driving contest, the title went to Mrs. Organ, Class A winner was Mrs. Joe Ramsay, class B honors went to Mrs. Walter Patterson, Class C was won by Mrs. Hance VanBeber.

"Surprise Winners" were Mrs. George Kroupa and Mrs. Woodrow Painter. 

Next week, lady golfers will play by teams for low net. Pairings to follow.

**PERSONAL STORY: Terry Westfall, son of Mildred Westfall, shared that his mother was so proud of her tournament win that she displayed her trophy on the mantle, and there it stayed for years to come. 

54.10.31 mdnr  "Officers Selected"

The Ladies Golf group of Miami Country club has elected new officers for the Women's Golf Association. The president is Mrs. J.R. Organ. Others are Mrs. Joe Ramsay, vice-president; Mrs. Lois Cowles, secretary, and Mrs. Hance VanBeber, treasurer.

**Note: The ladies group of Miami Country club was extremely active and always efficient at announcing all events in a timely manner. I found entries for Ladies Golf and Ladies Card Games weekly in the newspaper. Time and space did not allow me to write all that is available . The men, however, did not seem interested in posting Stag Night results.

 54.11.7 mdnr  "Ladies Card Party"

The bridge-canasta party, sponsored by the Ladies division of the Miami Country club Thursday evening at the clubhouse, was attended by approximately 175 persons.

Mrs. E.C. Mabon was awarded a set of tires. 

High score for the bridge was won by Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. Vernon Anderson was the high scorer in the canasta group. 

Other bridge prizes were won by Mrs. Robert Temple, J.W. Hanna, Mrs. Marion Zajic, Mrs. J.A. Coppedge, Mrs. I. M. Helmey, Mrs. Gib Reynolds, Mrs. John Highland, Mrs. Louis Jolley, Mrs. George Murphy, Ann Garman, Mrs. Jack Brown, Mrs. Richard Lacy, Mrs. Richard Wright, Mrs. C.D. Wood, Mrs. Ralph Moore, Mrs. John Reese, Margaret Harned, and Mrs. J.W. Hanna.

Canasta winners were Mrs.M. C. Bagby, Mrs. Earl Fisher, Mrs. G.W. Housley, Blanche Dunn, Mrs. Clarence Niday, Mrs. Claud Jones, Mrs. Robert Peel, and Mrs. J.R. Organ. 

Prizes for the low scores were won by Mrs. Walter Patterson, Jr., and Mrs. Jack Brown.