| Pryor Creek Golf Course Details
 The Pryor Creek Golf Course, originally named Earl Ward Golf Course, has a rich and diverse history.
Many golfers who contributed to the concepts, labor and long hours are now deceased and are remembered by name: Gene Abdoo, Ralph Agnew, Don Bishop, Mel Blockcolski, Jim Bradley, Bill Brandley, Willie Combs, Bill Cowling, John Cordell, Hal Corn, Jack Crockett, Lester Cross, Sr., Cleo East, Raymond Gabel, W. Gilbert, Roy Guthrie, Warren Hadley, Jim Haught, Guy Hedrick, Ken Hemperley, Carl Hogue, Clyde Hunter, Paul Hogan, Dr. Jim Jones, Paul Lowe, Lloyd Mallow, Onis McHenry, Al Middleton, Jack Norman, Sr., Warren Prater, Quentin Poe, Earl Ragland, Max Risner, Rex Risner, H. B. "Howard" Roy, Harry Schaefer, Bob Sibley, Sr., Glen Springer, Elmer Swan, Boyce Wallis, Earl Ward, Herchel "Pooch" Williams, and Woody Woodall who became a member of the Pryor Park Board in 1956 and had a positive effect on golf for countless years.
Additionally, there are those still living who have and continue to contribute to the game of golf: John Connolly, Lester Cross, Dr. Charles Dickson, Ralph Grayson, Eddie Helm, John Marney, Quinton Ogden, Jim Rickey, Jerry Townsend, Bailey Vanzant and many others. Jim Rickey is remembered for being available many times to provide advice concerning the growing of grass especially for the greens. Additionally, he provided input in preparing this Golf Course History. Quinton Ogden was also available for consultation concerning fertilizers and grasses.
In 1952, former Mayor Earl Ward secured a lease on approximately 535 acres of Government land under the supervision of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineer. Construction started in 1953 on 9 holes with sand greens. The Pryor Creek Golf Course opened for play October 22, 1953. A golfer would use a device to "drag" and smooth out the green before putting. Talk about speed and pace of play! After personal donations and much volunteer help, a concrete block building was built for a Golf Pro Shop and equipment storage. The original Pro Shop building still stands.
Interest in golf and the course was encouraged when Don Bishop, a former golf pro, from Lyons Kansas gave free group golf lessons in 1954.
The first Golf Tournament in Mayes County was played at the PCGC in 1955. Tony Jack Lyons and Woody Woodall faced Don Bishop and Elmer Swan in the finals. The team of Bishop and Swan were victorious.
In 1956 and 1957, many people became interested in the course and it came under the supervision of the Pryor Park Board. J. A. "Woody" Woodall became a Board member in 1956 and soon after the idea of replacing sand greens with grass was adopted.
In 1958, greens were converted from sand to 328 Bermuda grass greens. Volunteer labor consisting of 5 to 7 man teams were assigned to plug the greens. Many of these laborers were volunteers from John Deere and other plants.
About 1960 or 1961, the Bermuda grass froze and work was begun to establish Bentgrass greens. The original seeding was accomplished with Seaside Bentgrass. The Seaside Bent was later replaced with Penncross Bentgrass. It became obvious that a watering system would be of prime importance. Water lines were laid to each green and the greens were hand watered at that time.
In the spring of 1963 Pryor hired their first golf pro, C. G. Richardson, who was known as Rich. He and his wife, Pat originally resided in the staff housing until the residence behind the Golf Shop was completed. The golf course residence which was completed in 1963 was provided by securing a $5,000 loan from the City of Pryor. The loan was re-paid at the rate of $1,000 yearly over a 5yr period. In 1983, an addition was added to accommodate families of the Golf Pro.
Superintendents over the years included: Bill Jarrard, Leo Perry, Eunice Hoos, Dennis Bowman, Richard Hadden, Jim Pasby, Ron Gates and Danny Meeks.
Golf Professionals have included Walter and wife Marilyn, Jason Thornbrugh, and Dennis and wife Donna who continue today. Their sons, Blake and Austin, played for the PHS Golf Team and brought home many trophies.
The "vision" plan is that the existing pro shop will be replaced with a state of the art Pro Shop and restaurant by 2012. Hopefully the great citizens of Pryor Creek will have the same mind set that they did for the beautiful Recreation Center and will vote in favor of a bond issue to finance this vision. Golf continues to grow in popularity with adults and youth. There have been many records over the years and recently the PHS Golf Team has excelled winning State Champs in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010.
Blue: yards 6539, rating 71.2, slope 124
White: yards 6300, rating 70.1, slope 121
Gold: yards 5790, rating 67.2, slope 113
Red: yards 5220, rating 70.5, slope 119
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