1956 TIMELINE AND STORIES by Letty Stapp Watt

This was the country club when my parents moved to Miami in 1954. From this point until about 1975, I vividly recall names, events, funny stories only, and secrets the club will never share. This building and all who passed through it in those years impacted my life and that of my sister, Jonya. We would not be the strong determined women we are now, if it weren't for the community around us, and I would not be able to tell the stories that I've shared about the club over these last 45 years as a professional storyteller. Thank you Miami for the memories.

Miami Country club appearance in the 1950's, swimming pool is behind the trees on the far right. On the left the No. 9/18 green would be facing the cedar trees and clubhouse.

GOLF LESSONS by Johnie Stapp

Personal story by James Taylor: I recall Johnie teaching me how to hit down on an iron shot. This happened in the mid-1950's when I was 14 on the practice range left of No 9/18 fairway from the players perspective. I used to caddy for Johnie and he would comment on my golf game periodically. I was hitting 5 irons and he was trying to get me to hit down on the golf ball, and I was continually hitting it on the upswing. After 20 minutes or so, Johnie popped me with the butt end of a club he was holding and said in an elevated voice, "Hit down on the ball." He moved the ball back on my right foot and I hit down on it for the first time. It flew like a shot out to the dust laden range and when it hit a puff of dust shot up and he said, "Now that's backspin." I never forgot that and all of my golfing life I hit irons better than any other club and relatively very well to other players. Johnie refined my golf swing from 1954-59 and helped me to develop a good swing, one that drew compliments from Labron Harris Sr and Jr., the golf coach at OSU and his son, a National Amateur Champion. I just wish he had worked on my putting as I never could putt worth a nickel. 

1956 April 20  "Country Club Golf Team Plays Independence"

A 10-man team from the Miami Country club will journey to Independence, Kas, Sunday to play a golf team from the Independence club. Representing Miami will be Johnie Stapp (former Professional at the Independence Country club), Jack Myers, Bill Neel, Bob W., Dick Lowry, Bob Temple, Dr. W.D. Jackson, G.R. White, Jess Fronterhouse and Charles Trussler.

Named alternates for the match were Walter Williams, Jim Nowlin, Harry Dean, Rex Painter, George Beck, Jack Buzzard, Spencer Dawson, Howard Owens, and Jack Doan. 

 1956 April 23 "Independence Golfers Clip Miami Team"

The host Independence Country club golfers turned on Miami Country club's 10-man team to grab a 29-16 dual-match victory on Sunday. Scores soared on the cool, overcast day with only Miami professional touring in the layout in less than par. Stapp who wasn't entirely a stranger to the course, shot a one-under 71.

The feature match, which parred Stapp and Jack Myers against Dave Dennis and Independence pro Marshall Smith, ended in a dead heat with each team getting six and a half points. 

The Independence golfers will play in Miami at a future date. 

1956 April 23  "Stengel Crying, Says Mickey Hits the Ball Too Far" 

1956 May 3  "Instruction for Young Golfers Slated Here"

Club pro, Johnie Stapp, said all children of club members interested in learning more about golf are invited to participate in the free sessions beginning Saturday at 10:30 o'clock. Instructions will be given in both boys and girls sunder 18 years of age.  

In other club news, Stapp said cards have been mailed to men club members concerning formation of teams for the summer Twi-Light league. The league was introduced here last year and Stapp said he expects a large field this season. Four-man teams play different foes each week. The league has been set up to give club members a chance to become better acquainted.

1956 May 3 "Miami Golfer Tied for Lead in State Meet"

Larry Parker, a junior in Miami high school, and Johnnie Jacobson Midwest City, shot 69's at the Green Hills course in OC Wednesday to grab the lead in sand green competition in the state high school golf tournament.  

1956 May 4  MDNR (Oklahoma City special)  "Miami Golf Squad Snares All Honors in State Meet"

Miami High School's four-man golf team put on a brilliant performance and carried off all the honors in the state high school golf tournament completed here. Dick Lowry, Miami senior, battled teammate Larry Parker all the way before nabbing the individual championship. Parker had led through the first 36 holes in the meet before Lowry rallied on the final 36 to take the crown by five strokes.

Lowry had a 54 hole total of 213. Parker, a junior, tied with Sid Terry of Edmond, for second play with 218. Lowry and Parker and teammates James Emery and Phillip Temple also won the team title. The Miami squad beast out U.S. Grant of O.C, for the four-ball crown.

The two-ball championship also went to Miami with Lowry and Parker nosing out the No.1 and No.2 men of the Midwest City team. In all, the Miami Wardogs crew brought home two trophies and several medals. The team is coached by Delbert Wolf. Matches were played on the Green Hills Sand Greens layout.

Miami high school's foursome golf team Thursday became the second school group to take a state title this year. The other state champions were the high school's driving team.

Personal story from James Taylor: Larry Parker and his older brother Dick both worked in the pro shop. I knew Larry well and he and I were playing together when I almost made my first hole-in-one, on old #3 a 150 yard par 3 over water and through trees. I had a terrible duck hook and was 13 years old. I aimed 45 degrees to the right and hit it solid. It hit in the cup and bounced out to 1 foot. I missed my putt and Larry never let me forget.  

Personal story from Bob Hill, Jr:

1955-56 won the HS State Championship on sand greens. Bill Smith (High School coach) signed us up to play sand greens because he knew we couldn’t compete on grass greens.  We practiced on the sand greens courses in S.E. Kansas.

One time our high school team of Emery, Temple, Hill, D. Neel play in OKC. We stayed at the Schirvin Hotel. Somehow we managed to lose the car keys. We were leading the tournament by four strokes but were DQ, disqualified,  because we didn’t show up in time to tee off. 

1956 May 7  "Country club Golfers Trip Independence Team, 29-16"

A 29-16 victory for the Miami Country Club golf-team here Sunday left the Miamians deadlocked with the Independence, Kas, golf team in their home-and-home series.

Two weeks ago the Kansans bested Miami by and identical 29-16 score on the Independence course. Miami professional Johnie Stapp and Jack Myers teamed to take eight points in a contest against Marshall Smith (Quapaw native) and Dave Dennis (former Kansas amateur champion). 

Once again Stapp turned in the best score among the 30 golfers, a one-under par 71. His effort was good for three points. Smith who hails from Quapaw fired a 73, his teammate shot a 75. The only other golfer in the 70's was Dr. W.D. Jackson. 

 

1956 May 6  "Junior Golfers"

 If you are 70 and older and played golf in the 1950's you might be in this picture. 

 

1956 June 10  "Bob Hill Leads Young Qualifiers"

These Miami boys will represent the Miami  area in the state Junior Chamber of Commerce golf tourney at Muskogee.  Left to right: Dickie Neel, Phillip Temple, Bob Hill and Larry Parker.

Bob Hill fired a 42-37--79 to lead the qualifiers here Friday who were shooting for berths in the state Junior Chamber of Commerce golf tourney. Joining Hill will be Dickie Neel who shot an 84, Parker carded an 85 and Temple an 88. Young Hill's score is creditable for the tough Miami Country club course. The competitors were not allowed to improve their "lie" in any manner. 

Both Parker and Temple were members of the Miami High school team this year which won first place in the state sand greens tournament at Oklahoma City. 

Young Neal will be a sophomore this year and is being counted upon to help keep the local golf team among the best in the state.  Parker, with 33 putts, won a putting contest. Temple was winner of the a driving contest. Hill was awarded a trophy for his low-qualifying score. Other prizes included: Neal, gift certificate from B&K Men's store; Parker, sports shirt from Penney's, and Temple, sports shirt from The Hub. Parker also won three golf balls from Barkett's Sport Shop and Temple received a sports shirt from Milliner-Berkey's. Each entrant in the qualifier was given a golf ball from the Coca-Cola company, co-sponsored by the local Jaycees.

 "Ladies Golf Notes"

Members of the Miami Women's Golf Assn will hold competition for low putts in their regular play day at the Country club on Wednesday.Winners of the May Ringer competition were Mrs. Spencer Dawson, 37 in championship flight; Mrs. Bob Temple, 41, class A; Mrs. Burt Hollerbach, 45, class B; and Mrs. Chester Blair, 48, class C.

Pairings this week are as follows:

Mrs. Don Young, Mrs. Spencer Dawson, Mrs. Howard Owens, Mrs. Jack Horner.

Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. James Moore, Mrs. Bob Temple.

Mrs. H.H. Hollenbach, Mrs. Joe Ramsay, Mrs. John Reese, Mrs. Hank Garwood.

Mrs. George Murphy, Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. Jim Smallwood, Mrs. Vernon Sapp.

Mrs. Joe Thompson, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Ed Badger, Mrs. Oral Westfahl.

Mrs. Glenn McCollum, Mrs. Sam Fullerton, Mrs. Walter Patterson, Mrs. Lillian White.

Mrs. Bill Oliver, Mrs. Bob Nunn, Mrs. Kelso Berentz, Mrs. Frank Hansford.

Mrs. Wayman Jackson, Mrs. William Whatley, Mrs. Earl Gaines, Jr., Mrs. Dick Wright.

Mrs. Lee Adkison, Mrs. Chester Blair, Mrs. Orville Dahl, Mr.s Hance VanBeber.

Mrs. Lois Cowles, Mildred Gibson, Mrs. Charles Harvey, Jr., Mrs. George Russell.

Mrs. Lou Newell, Mrs. Tom Smith, Mrs. Don Johnson, Pauline Dykes.

Mrs. Bob Kreihagen, Mrs. Sam Brown, Mrs. Jim Nowlin.

Mrs. David Ray, Mrs. Alec Sharpe, Mrs. Glen Stripling. 

 

1956 July 1  "Harris Wins Junior Golf Crown"

Mike Wilson and Bob Hill

James Harris, smooth-stroking golfer from Stillwater, nabbed championship honors and Miami had two titlists in the Oklahoma Jr. Golf tournament completed here Friday. Harris, 17-year-old son of Stillwater professional and Aggie golf coach, Labron Harris, carded a 4 and 3 victory in the championship finals over Wallace tucker of McAlester. 

Miami's winners were Bob Hill, C flight kingpin, and Mike Wilson, D flight champion. Hill had to go an extra hole in his finals match before besting Bristow's Gerld Schmidt, 1 up. Wilson nipped Tulsa's Forney Hutchinson, 1-up when Hutchinson missed an 18-inch putt on the 18th hole.

1956 July 1  "Tourney Sidelights: Joy of Victory, Losers' Heartbreak"

Much of the interest of spectators in the Oklahoma Jr. Golf meet here was centered in the play of the tiny golfers in the Pee-Wee flight. The week golfers took the game with all of the seriousness of professional competitors and joy at winning and heartbreak of losing were extreme.

Little David Warwick of Nowata chipped in from off the green on the 18th hole to win a semifinals match. His leap of joy may have set some sort of high-jump record. On the other side of the fence, a youngster from Tulsa lost his match on the 16th green. All the heartbroken, disappointed lad could do was slump on a bench and let the tears flow.

Even in losses like that, however, the value of such competition stands out. Many a young competitor will learn to take the discouragement of losing just as stolidly as he takes the joy of winning.    ***

Competitors, spectators and just casual visitors at the Miami Country club last week all were highly pleases with the condition of the Miami course. Thanks to Johnie Stapp, club pro, and his maintenance crew--and big thanks to some rainy weather which has produced fine growing conditions--the greens and fairways are "slick as glass." One club members remarked it had been several years since he had seen the course in such fine shape.

Continued hard work will be necessary to maintain the local course in its present condition. Nearly 100 golfers completed last Sunday in an inner-city match, the 73 contestants in the junior tournament gave the links quite a beating and another big golfing day in upcoming with the Fourth of July near. 

When it somes to passing out bouquets, however, Marion Askew, professional from the Oaks Golf and Country club in Tulsa, rates one of the biggest: Askew brought 13 boys to the tourney, watched over them every minutes and anxiously followed their progress throughout the meet. 

The Tulsa pro commented that he work with youngsters a lot but complained about not being able to spend as much time with them as he would like. It was evident, by watching the Tulsa boys, that Askew is no "square."

  OKLAHOMA TIRE AND SUPPLY , JUNE 1956                                                                               *Note, at this time the Miami Daily News Record ran from 10-43 pages depending on advertisements for groceries.

**PERSONAL NOTE 8/6/22

A young man named Richard Goodwin shared his story about these clubs: In 1958 or 1959 my mother took me to Otasco after I saw the add for the Wilson clubs shown in this blog. I had saved 50 Silver Dollars that my Great Grandfather had given  me since I was born. I played golf with those clubs for years. Sadly, I misplaced them in a move somewhere...I never felt bad for spending the 50 Silver Dollars because I got so much joy from the clubs. 

 1956 June, July, August

This is the swimming pool in about 1955--59 with the Haralson family sitting on the edge (Thank you George Haralson for sharing this family photo.) Please notice that there is no fence around the pool, and no filtration tanks. These would all go in later, and the fence has several of it's own stories to tell. This photo would have been taken from the outside steps leading up to the screened in porches that lined the north and East side of the building. In the top right hand corner would be tee box hole #1, the building in the background was used as the caddy shack. The road led to the house where the greens-keeper lived.

Personal Stories:

During the summers, Bob Hill, recalls childhood memories of the practice putting green past midnight on some nights.(The lights were added in 1955, as an improvement to the golf course. It was also cooler in the evening for practice, not to mention fun antics by children and adults.)  It cost a quarter to put in the light switch for one hour of light on the green. So often our parents were in the clubhouse till it closed, so kids, boys and girls, imitated their folks carrying cokes out to the practice green, sitting them down by the green, then putting for challenges that each one set up. 

**At some point as the summer passed it seems as though there were women in high heels walking on the putting green at night. I'm quite sure a drink was in hand. My father eventually put out a sign that read "No HIGH HEELS allowed on the putting greens." 

Those were the same kids who often went swimming in the pool after the club closed, where there was no gate around the pool. Of course, they were skinny dipping. Eventually, the club put a fence around the pool and lock on the gate to keep the kids out, but as Mary VanBeber explained it was really some of the adults who went skinny dipping and drinking past midnight on those hot summer nights. The kids (Phyllis Proper, Patty Lou Gibson, Bob Hill, Joe Thompson and ?), however, were blamed for the police calls. 

1956 August 16 "Women Golfers form League"

Not to be outdone by the Men's Twilight golf League, the women of Miami Country club have formed what they are calling the Sunrise league. The women will hit the links bright and early each Friday morning in an eight team league designed to help "beat the heat." The first Sunrise event will be held Friday and Pro Johnie Stapp said there will be four players to each team and that different players will meet each week. 

Stapp also said a new women's course record was set over the nine-hole Mcc course layout when Mrs. Bert Wall (Hattie) carded even par 38. Mrs. Wall, playing in a three-some with Barbara Shouse and Pat Horner, went bogey on the sixth hole and carded a birdie on number five to card the record total. 

**Some of the top women golfers in the country, including Patty Berg and Betty McKennon have failed to equal Mrs. Wall's score. Later in the '60's and 70's my sister and I also tied the course record with Hattie. All walled trophies, of course, burned in the fire.

1956 September 9  "First Annual Miami Golf Invitational"

Frances Clayton (Joplin), Jackie Myers, John F. Robinson, Hal DeLongy (Joplin)

 

*I believe this annual invitational continued with the help and guidance of Norma Lou Jackson (Mrs. W.D. Jackson) until the 1990's. Please help me out if you know more about this wildly popular tournament that brought in Payne Stewart's father and a large number of top amateur golfers throughout the four-state area.

Jack Myers, top Miami amateur, fired a blazing 3 under par 69 Saturday to take the first round lead in the first annual Miami Country club Invitational golf tournament. Myers' par busting output netted him a two-stroke advantage over his nearest rival John Robinson, also of the host club. Robinson carded a one-under-par 71. Trailing the leaders were two Missouri golfers, Ken Childers of Webb City and Hal Delogny of Joplin with three over pars 75's. 

Tournament officials have extended an open invitation to area golf fans to watch the play and added that there would be no gallery charge. A total of 50 golfers from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri registered for the two-day 36-hole affair which offers $450 in prizes, two prizes will be awarded in each of the four flights. 

Pairings for the second round:

9:00 Bud May, Dee Tourtelot, Harold Childres, Ken Tredway.

9:30 Lee Adkinson, Dave Todd, Jr., Harry Whitaker, Jack Brown.

10:00 Hal Delongy, G.r. White, Jess Fronterhouse, Dr. W.D. Jackson.

10:10 Bill Hirsch, Lloyd Cowgill, Bob Sims, Claude Jones.

10:20  Lewis Jolley, John Burford, Bob Kock, Howard Owens.

1030   J.D. Hill, Al White, Dr. Harry Ford, Joe Whipple.

10:40  Hank Garwood, Charles Kenny, E.A. Richardson, Charles Carselowey

10:50 Pat Campbell, Dee Patrick, Ralph Warwick, R. McDonald.

11:00 P.J. Stevenson, Ken Richards, Charles Trussler, George Beck.

11:10 J.C. Taylor, Max Peacock, Dick Wright, Rex Painter.

11:20 Woody Painter, Kelso Berentz, Bill Neel, Howard Lambdin.

11:30 Sonny Peacock, Dick Wilson, Joe Thompson, Walter Williams.

11:40 Buck Bagby, Bill Davis, Jim Moore.

11:50  Dave Todd, Sr., G. L. Meyers, F. C. Clayton.

12:00 Jack Myers, John Robinson, Ken Childers.

 2:00  Don Orell, G. Lentz  (Please notice the accommodations made for men going to church or work on weekends, at this time period.) 

"Deadline Announced for Tourney Entries"

Next Sunday is the deadline for entering the fall handicap golf tournament at the Miami Country club, Dick Wright announced.  Details for the annual autumn feature, including plans for a Calcutta sidelight, will be worked out at a stag night dinner. Tuesday at the club, Dinner will be served at 6:30 o'clock in the clubhouse. 

"Ladies Golf Notes"

Winners of this week's ladies golf play were announced. The weekly event was for low putts and Mrs. Glenn McCollum was declared the winner. 

1956 September 10  "Myers Captures MCC Invitational"

Miami's Jack Myers cooled off somewhat Sunday but still fired an even par 72 over the nine-hole Miami Country club course to take top honors n the club's fist annual invitational golf tourney. Myers coupled his even par round Sunday with a torrid three under par 69 Saturday to finish six strokes ahead of his nearest rival, Hal Delogny of Joplin. Robinson, after shooting a 71 in the Saturday r0und, lost control of his game Sunday and was forced to settle for  37-44=81. Childers, who shot a 75 on Saturday, also ran into trouble in the Sunday round and was forced to card a 38-37=75. 

 Winners of the four flights were: Championship flight: Myers; Delogny, runner-up; Class A: Kelso Berentz, Walter Williams runner-up; Class B  J. L. Tredway, Joplin, Ray Wammick, runner-up; Class C  Joe Whipple, Springfield, Dave Todd, Jr. Nevada, runner-up. 

1956 October 31  "Patty Berg Exhibition and Clinic"

Dave Marsh, Wilson rep, Mickey Mantle, Patty Berg, Johnie Stapp

 

One of the  top women golfers in the United States will be in Miami Thursday for what may be one of the finest golf clinics ever presented in Miami. 

Miss Patty Berg will arrive in Miami this evening. She faces a full afternoon of clinics and golfing tomorrow. Miss Berg's famous clinic will get underway at 1 p.m. at the Miami Country club and that following the clinic she will play a nine-hole exhibition match with Jack Myers, Mickey Mantle, and either one of the club's better woman golfers or club pro Johnie Stapp.  

**In my notes from Charlie Dawson, class of 1963, Florence Dawson, his mother and wife of Spencer Dawson was selected to play in the foursome. One of Charlie's fondest memories of living in Miami was that day, as he caddied for his mother. 

Miss Berg is labeled "the epitome of all a great champion should be" and is called the dean of women's golf.

Patty holds some of golf's greatest honors among which includes the women's world 18 hole record of 64 established in 1952 in the Richmond Open; she is the three-time winner of the Associated Press Woman Athlete of the Year award; six-time winner of the Titleholders, and the only woman golfer to be leading money winner and Vare Trophy winner in the same year. 

For more than 15 years Patty has toured the nation for Wilson Sporting Goods giving clinics and exhibitions. Patty's travel averages out to more than 50,000 miles per year. She will stay in the Hotel Miami. 

 

*Women pros at this time traveled in caravans across the country driving from tournament to tournament.  

 1956 November 9  "Youngsters Share Birthdays"

Terry Ford, son of Dr. and Mrs. Harry Ford, 210 B st Southwest, and Bobby Paine, son of Mrs. Elizabeth Pains, Virginia Apartments, will share birthday honors from 2:00--4:00 Saturday at the Miami Country club. 

Thanksgiving and birthday motifs will combine to lend a festive air to the refreshment table which will center at large cake. Four candles will be lighted for Terry and four for Bobby. Ice cream and pop will also be served. The mothers will take moving pictures of the youngsters. 

The guest list includes K.C. Kelly, Ruth Wills, Ricky Adams, Bobby Wilson, Ricky Wright, Chuck Chestnut, Bobby Graham, and Kirk Francis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Johnie F. Stapp--1946-1950 California: the Teaching Pro

1946 April 21 LA Times

Johnie Stapp, former Wichita, Kansas professional golfer, has taken over the teaching duties at Santa Anita Golf Course in Arcadia. Johnie play a lot of golf and became very popular with the local club swinging fraternity during the war years when for a time, Lieutenant John Stapp, was located at Camp Santa Anita.  

Stapp will be conducting golf lessons to all Pasadena Junior College golf classes held every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon. Ladies golf days are Tuesday and Friday morning. Lessons are offered every day by phoning AT 7-9901. My father understood the value of advertising and making use of pictures and videos. 

 1946 THE TOURNAMENT OF CELEBRITIES

 

In a little "by-play" staged before the celebrities Tournament opened, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Army Chief of Staff, rubs his hands together as he anticipates hitting a ball from the forehead of screen star Edward Arnold. In the background is Fleet Admiral Chester  W. Nimitz.  (From my father's scrapbook.) He and Mother were both Kansas kids who deeply admired Ike.

General Eisenhower has been called "Golf's Ultimate Ambassador."  Eisenhower who went on to become our 34th President loved the game of golf which benefited greatly was Ike's interest. The number of golfers doubled during Eisenhower's two terms as president (1953-1960). 

Ben Hogan's follow through, c. Johnie and Letty Stapp

 

We have several of dad's scrapbooks that deal only with teaching the game of golf. He used current magazines and newspaper's to clip photos of teaching/correct golf positions. In California, he also learned to use the old cameras and build his own library of movies based on teaching certain moves in the golf swing.  These movies he shared over the years at the Miami Country club during various meetings with men and women. He also shared his movies with various PGA meetings.

 Dad most admired Ben Hogan for his perseverance and his swing. He taught the Vardon, one finger overlap grip to every student over the decades. When I struggled as a teen with a severe slice, he insisted that I use a two finger over lap grip, which took some strength away from my powerful right side. It worked for decades. I was in my forties before I changed to a one finger over lap, and studying the pictures available I realized that my right hand had dropped down to low. A refresher course is always a good thing to have. Check out this video and skip the adds: Secrets to the Vardon Grip

Over the next few years Johnie played golf with some of the most well known golfers of his time. Whenever possible he took pictures or videos of their swings or copied notes about their putting or chipping stroke. 

Patty Berg became Johnie's long time favorite woman golfer. He took a series of swing photos of her sometime between 1946-49 at Santa Anita. Patty Berg LPGA Founder

Patty Berg c. Johnie Stapp, Letty Stapp

Patty Berg, c.Johnie and Letty Stapp

Patty Berg, c Johnie and Letty Stapp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dad captured a series of photos showing his swing, he also learned how to the 16mm camera/film in slow motion for groups to see.

 

Johnie Stapp, PGA

Johnie Stapp, PGA

Johnie Stapp, PGA

 

Johnie Stapp, PGA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1946 August 30,31, September 1 and 2

Golden State, $15,000 Open Golf Tournament at California Country club 

Names on the pairings included Ben Hogan, Tony Penna, George Fazio (later golf course designer),Jimmy Demaret, Dutch Harrison (Little Rock), Lawson Little, Johnny Bulla, Forrest Tucker (actor), and Ray Mangrum. 

The only results I found read: Bob Simmons, a guitar rhythm master from Bel-Air, and Professional Johnie Stapp of Santa Anita, led the Golden State Open qualifying round yesterday. 

1947 January 9 Corsicana Daily Sun "Bing Crosby Golf Tournament Opens Friday"

The complete entry list of the $10,000 Bing Crosby pro-amateur golf tournament after a completion of a qualifying round over the Pebble Beach course. 

*This is the event dad most often talked about. He played in 1947 and 1948.

1948 May 6 Arcadia Tribune "Johnie Stapp Qualifies for the National Open"

 1948 June 10--12 "48th U.S. Open" 

Once again dad was able to qualify for this Open championship, only to miss the cut by one stroke. Apparently, his drive on one hole hit a yardage marker and kicked out of bounds. So the story goes.

1948 October 8 "Golf Exhibition"

Louise Suggs (One of the original 13 founders of the LPGA) will play in an exhibition at Santa Anita course. Her partner will be, Santa Anita pro Johnie Stapp and relays of members of the Santa Anita Women's club. Louise Suggs, LPGA Founder

*Dad was also friends with veteran LPGA founder Marilyn Smith of Wichita, Ks. I always admired him for learning about golf through the eyes of women and men. 

Dad continued to play in many professional events through out California through 1949. He and mother then moved to Independence, Ks where Jonya Lee Stapp was born in 1951.

The story goes that there was a terrible earthquake in Southern California which knocked their little daughter (me) off the bed. Mother was so upset that she told Johnie they needed to move back home to Kansas.

 

While this story may be true, the real story is full of heartache. My mother's father died in Wichita in 1947 before I was born, leaving her mother brokenhearted and alone. Dad's father was in failing health, so in time they made the decision to return to family. His father died shortly after they moved to Independence. We never knew our grandfathers. 

 

**All photos from the personal collection of Johnie Stapp and Letty Stapp.

For other personal stories read my blog "Literally Letty".

Dirt Track Racing 

Route 66--Times Gone By

The Old Pro 

Herstory Comes to Life

SupHer Power Golf 

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.