Palatka Daily News

GOLF IN OKLAHOMA ENCOURAGES MANY MILLIONAIRE FANS
Links Are Dammed for Lakes and Other Reasons

(By Associated Press)
Ponca City, Okla., Dec. 23—The magic of black gold that spurts from the oil fields of Oklahoma and Texas, which has made millionaires overnight, is seen perhaps in few places more clearly than in this active little city of some 7,000 persons.
Ponca City boasts the distinction of having more laborers who are golf fans than any other city in the world—the result of an oil millionaire's riches which have enabled him to realize an ambition to make others happy. The man is Ernest W. Marland, head of the oil company that bears his name, and the golf playing laborers are his employes, who, with the general public, are invited to use his private course, recognized as one of the best and most beautiful in the southwest. It is no unsual sight to see a foursome of bankers teeing off behind a group of men in jumpers and overalls.
The golf course has been landscaped and beautified. A small stream flows through the course and has been dammed to form several small lakes. Clumps of trees and shrubs combine beauty with utility in providing hazards.
Two years ago Mr. Marland announced that he would build an athletic park, which, like his golf course and his garden, should be open to the public. Twenty acres adjoining the Marland refining plant is the most modern in the state, containing playing fields for football and baseball, running tracks, tennis courts and open sward to be used as desired. The concrete grandstand seats 1,800 and is equipped with club rooms, showers and other modern conveniences.
The Des Moines club of the Western League will use the park for training next spring.
Mr. Marland's newest enterprise of this nature is the establishment of a game preserve. He has purchased 800 acres adjoining the city on the north and is directing a large force of men in beautifying the area and otherwise preparing it for use.