Johnny Miller

John Laurence Miller (born April 29, 1947) is an American former professional golfer. He was one of the top players in the world during the mid-1970s. He was the first to shoot 63 in a major championship to win the 1973 U.S. Open, and he ranked second in the world on Mark McCormack's world golf rankings in both 1974 and 1975 behind Jack Nicklaus. Miller won 25 PGA Tour events, including two majors. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1998.^[1] He was the lead golf analyst for NBC Sports, a position he held from January 1990 to February 2019. He is also an active golf course architect.

Early life and amateur career

Born and raised in San Francisco, California, Miller was invited to join the Olympic Club in 1963 as a Junior Golf Section member, and became the top player on its junior team. He won the San Francisco city junior title in 1963 at age 16, and the following year won the 1964 U.S. Junior Amateur. After graduation from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1965,^[2] he enrolled at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

In the spring of his freshman year of college, Miller qualified for the 1966 U.S. Open at the Olympic Club. His intimate knowledge of his home course helped him to finish in a tie for eighth place, the low amateur by three strokes, and earned him an invitation to the 1967 Masters.^[3] He won the California State Amateur Championship in 1968.

Miller was an All-American at BYU and graduated in 1969 with a degree in physical education.^[4]

Professional career

Miller joined the PGA Tour in 1969 at age 22, and won his first tour event in 1971. During his professional career, Miller won two major titles: the 1973 U.S. Open and the 1976 Open Championship.^[5]

Coming into the 1973 U.S. Open at the challenging par-71 Oakmont, Miller was a 26-year-old with just two tour victories in four years, but had done well in several majors. He tied for second at the 1971 Masters, and had top-10 finishes at the U.S. Open in 1971 and 1972. Miller had yet to win in 1973, but by mid-June, he had recorded eight top-10 finishes, which included a tie for 6th at the 1973 Masters.

Miller played the first two rounds at Oakmont Country Club with Arnold Palmer and his "Army" gallery, at its largest in Palmer's native western Pennsylvania. Miller was two under par (140) after the second round but shot a five-over 76 on Saturday to settle at three-over (216) for the championship. Miller played the front nine without his yardage book on Saturday until his wife Linda retrieved it.^[6]

Miller began the fourth and final round in 12th place, six shots behind the four co-leaders, including Palmer. Teeing off at 1:36 pm, about an hour ahead of the final group, Miller shot a scorching eight-under 63, considered one of the most remarkable rounds in major championship history. He passed the leading players of the day, including Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, and Palmer, who was in the final pairing with John Schlee.^[7] Miller's 63 was the lowest round in the history of a major championship. It was tied several times but remained a record until Branden Grace shot a 62 at the 2017 Open Championship.

Miller birdied the first four holes and hit all 18 greens in regulation. He got five more birdies with only one bogey (a 3-putt on the 244 yard par-3 #8), and needed only 29 putts during the round.^{[8][9][10][11]} Ten of his approach shots finished within 10 feet of the cup. In 2007, Miller said: "It was the greatest ball-striking round I've ever seen and I've been around a little bit."^[12] Miller wound up at 5-under (279) for the championship, beating the runner-up Schlee by a single stroke, who shot a 1-under 70. Only six players, Miller included, shot under par in the final round. Miller earned $35,000 for the victory.^[13]

Miller followed that triumph at Oakmont by finishing in a tie for second at the next major, The Open Championship at Royal Troon a month later, three strokes behind winner Tom Weiskopf.^[14][15] This was the first of five consecutive top-10 finishes for Miller at The Open. In 1974, Miller was the leading money winner on the PGA Tour with eight victories, which considerably outpaced the rest of the field. He amassed a then-record $353,201 (not exceeded until 1978), and unseated Nicklaus as the Tour's leading money winner for a season.

Miller began 1975 with three more victories, winning two of them in remarkable fashion. He won the Phoenix Open by 14 strokes, which included a second-round 61 for a 24-under par cumulative score of 260, the lowest on the tour in 20 years. He also won the Tucson Open by nine strokes, with a final round 61.^[16] Miller later said of his peak period in the mid-1970s: "When I won at Tucson by nine shots in 1975, I would say the average iron shot I hit that week was no more than two feet off line. It was unbelievable. When I was at my peak, I would go into streaks where I felt that I could knock down the pin from anywhere with my irons. I played some golf that I think is unequaled."^[17]

Miller finished second to Jack Nicklaus at the 1975 Masters and third at 1975 Open Championship later in the year at Carnoustie.^[18] He won his second major at the 1976 Open Championship, a six stroke victory over Nicklaus and a 19-year-old Seve Ballesteros at Royal Birkdale. The course had played hard and fast after scorching hot conditions in England that summer, during the 1976 United Kingdom heat wave, which saw record hot temperatures and several minor fires breaking out in the tournament.^[19] Miller's final round of 66 at Royal Birkdale tied the course record.^[20]

Following his 1976 Open Championship win, Miller, never known as an outstanding putter, lost the form that made him a frequent winner in his early career and failed to win for the next three years, due to a putting affliction widely known as the "yips".^[21]

Miller later said that he considered quitting professional golf during his slump in form between 1977 and 1979, but a passage in the Scriptures, "It's not what you accomplish in life, but what you overcome", helped inspire him to continue playing golf. Miller also said that Jack Nicklaus, whom he viewed as a father figure, was "amazingly supportive" of him during his bleak period in the late 1970s.^[17]

In 1980, Miller notched his first win in almost four years, the Jackie Gleason-Inverrary Classic.^[22] In 1981, Miller enjoyed one final spectacular season. His victory at the Million Dollar Challenge in Sun City, South Africa following a 9-hole sudden-death playoff with Seve Ballesteros made him that year's leading worldwide money winner after two earlier wins in the United States. Miller's return to impressive form in 1981 resulted in him competing in his second Ryder Cup. Until 2021, the 1981 Ryder Cup at Walton Heath Golf Club in England was the heaviest defeat that a European team had suffered at the hands of the United States, and it is considered by many to be the finest American team ever assembled.^[23]

Miller's final PGA Tour victory came in semiretirement at the 1994 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, at age 46.^[21] He finished his career with 25 PGA Tour wins and 105 top-10 finishes. Miller finished runner-up three times at The Masters in 1971, 1975 and 1981. He played on two Ryder Cup teams, 1975 and 1981. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1998.^[24]

Fred Couples referred to Miller as "probably the best ball-striker ever".^[25] Jack Nicklaus described Miller as "the best short iron player ever."^[26]

Broadcasting career

In 1990, Miller began work as a broadcaster for NBC Sports. Although Miller became eligible for the Senior PGA Tour in 1997, he decided to forgo regular play on the senior tour in part due to the strain the sport puts on the knees of a player.^[27] He remained as lead analyst for NBC Sports' limited golf schedule and has pursued other business ventures. Miller typically was paired with broadcaster Dan Hicks and called numerous events including the U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur and Ryder Cup.

As a commentator, Miller became known for his straightforward and sometimes blunt remarks, which sometimes earned him the enmity of players. One example came on June 16, 2008, when he referred to Rocco Mediate during the broadcast of the U.S. Open's 18-hole playoff as "looking like the guy who cleans Tiger Woods' pool." Miller said that "guys with the name of Rocco don't get on the trophy, do they?" Mediate, who has battled many physical problems throughout his career, nevertheless played superbly, and took the heavily favored Woods to an 18-hole playoff (and one extra sudden-death hole) before losing. Mediate later laughed off the remarks and Miller later apologized for his comments, saying: "I chose my words poorly and in the future will be more careful." He added that his intention was to "convey my affection and admiration for Rocco's everyman qualities and had absolutely nothing to do with his heritage."^[28]

In 2012, Miller revealed that Tiger Woods once asked him to be his coach. Miller said that he declined the offer from Woods because of his commitment to NBC Sports and a desire to spend time with his children and grandchildren.^[26]

Miller has written a column for Golf Digest magazine for several years, offering insight into various aspects of golf, often featuring the professional game. He also wrote the book I Call The Shots, a look at the PGA Tour's personalities during his peak years, the Tour's current stars, as well as broadcasting insights. Known for his very weak grip, with both "Vs" formed by the forefinger and thumb of each hand pointing to his chin, he sought to eliminate the left side of the golf course as an area for missed shots.^{[citation needed]}

An offshoot to his broadcasting career has been a string of film and TV appearances as himself in the role of "beloved golf great". In one film, The Associate, with Whoopi Goldberg, an aging billionaire is willing to transfer management of all his assets in exchange for the opportunity to play a round of golf with Johnny Miller.^{[citation needed]}

Miller is a partner in a limited partnership which purchased Silverado Country Club in Napa, California on July 1, 2010.^[29] He also owns a golf design company and a golf academy and designed the Thanksgiving Point Golf Course in Lehi, Utah, host of the Champion's Challenge. Although Miller has helped design 34 golf courses, Silverado was the first course he redesigned himself.^[30] In July 2013 it was announced that Silverado would again play host for a PGA tournament starting in October 2014, when it hosted the Frys.com Open.^[31][32] The renovation added over 300 yards, removed trees and repositioned bunkers.^[33] Miller served as the unofficial face of the resort during the event, as he was a part of the telecast, which frequently referenced his role in the club. When he had to fulfill official club duties during the week, Miller's friend and NBC colleague Roger Maltbie filled in for him.

Miller retired from broadcasting following the third round of the 2019 Phoenix Open.^[34]

Personal life

Miller is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his wife Linda have six children and live on the Monterey Peninsula in California and Mount Olympus, Utah.^[35] During the 2018 Ryder Cup broadcast, he announced that his 25th grandchild was born. His son Andy won a Buy.com Tour event and played on the PGA Tour.

Awards and honors

• In 1974, Miller won the PGA Tour money list
• In 1974, Miller won the PGA Player of the Year
• In 1998, Miller was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.^[1]
• In 2023, Miller received the Bob Jones Award from the USGA.^[36]

Professional wins (36)

PGA Tour wins (25)

PGA Tour playoff record (1–5)

Source:^[37]

PGA of Japan Tour wins (1)

New Zealand Golf Circuit wins (1)

New Zealand Golf Circuit playoff record (1–0)

Other wins (9)

Other playoff record (1–1)

Major championships

Wins (2)

Results timeline

LA = Low amateur
CUT = missed the halfway cut (3rd round cut in 1980 Open Championship)
DQ = disqualified
WD = withdrew
"T" indicates a tie for a place.

Summary

• Most consecutive cuts made – 14 (1972 U.S. Open – 1975 Open Championship)
• Longest streak of top-10s – 3 (1973 Masters – 1973 Open Championship)

U.S. national team appearances

Professional

• Ryder Cup: 1975 (winners), 1981 (winners)
• World Cup: 1973 (winners, individual winner), 1975 (winners, individual winner), 1980
• Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge (representing Senior PGA Tour): 1997

See also

• Spring 1969 PGA Tour Qualifying School graduates
• List of golfers with most PGA Tour wins
• Longest PGA Tour win streaks
• Most PGA Tour wins in a year

Notes

1. ^ Shortened to 54 holes due to weather.

References

1. ^ "Miller, Johnny". World Golf Hall of Fame.
2. ^ Garrity, John (June 12, 2012). "Johnny Miller was just another golfer at Abraham Lincoln High School". Golf.com. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
3. ^ "Howstuffworks "Johnny Miller"". HowStuffWorks.com. Archived from the original on December 15, 2007. Retrieved December 17, 2007.
4. ^ "Johnny Miller's Official Profile". PGA Tour. Retrieved December 17, 2007.
5. ^ "1976 Johnny Miller". The Open. Archived from the original on October 16, 2013. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
6. ^ Lazarus, Adam & Schlossman, Steve (May 2010). Chasing Greatness: Johnny Miller, Arnold Palmer, and the Miracle at Oakmont. New American Library. ISBN 978-1-101-18708-1. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
7. ^ "Past Champions: 1973". USOpen.com. Archived December 13, 2007 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 20, 2007.
8. ^ Anderson, Dave (June 14, 2007). "Johnny Miller remembers magical round". The New York Times. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
9. ^ DiMeglio, Steve (June 13, 2007). "Miller listens well en route to 63 in 1973 U.S. Open win". USA Today. Retrieved February 27, 2009.
10. ^ D'Amato, Gary (June 10, 2007). "U.S. Open – Miller's magical 63 in '73 still resonates at Oakmont". The Seattle Times. Retrieved February 27, 2009.
11. ^ "Miller's magical 63 in '73 a round to remember". CBS Sports. June 12, 2007. Archived from the original on March 9, 2012. Retrieved February 27, 2009.
12. ^ D'Amato, Gary (June 10, 2007). "Miller's magical 63 in '73 still resonates at Oakmont". Seattle Times. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
13. ^ "Johnny Miller fires record 63 charging to U.S. Open victory". The Montreal Gazette. Associated Press. June 18, 1973. p. 32.
14. ^ "Results for 1973, Royal Troon". OpenGolf.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved December 20, 2007.
15. ^ "Weiskopf's slow-motion triumph". OpenGolf.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved December 20, 2007.
16. ^ "Miller Storms to Victory In Tucson Open Golf Event". Nashua Telegraph. UPI. January 20, 1975. p. 18. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
17. ^ "Golf Magazine Interview: Johnny Miller". Golf.com. July 19, 2010. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
18. ^ "Results for 1975, Carnoustie". OpenGolf.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved December 20, 2007.
19. ^ "Miller as hot as English weather, wins British Open by 6 strokes". The Daily Union. AP. July 10, 1976. p. 2. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
20. ^ "Miller and Ballesteros battle for the Open title". Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
21. ^ Dorman, Larry (February 27, 1994). "Golf; Johnny Miller, a Sand Blast From the Past, Wins". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 21, 2015.
22. ^ "Miller snaps slump with Inverrary golf win". Montreal Gazette. AP. March 10, 1980. p. 35. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
23. ^ "Ryder Cup reunion at Walton Heath - Majors". GolfMagic. July 20, 2011. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
24. ^ "Johnny Miller at WGHOF". World Golf Hall of Fame. Retrieved September 4, 2013.
25. ^ "Sunday soundbytes: Best quotes from final round". Golfweek. April 9, 2012. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
26. ^ Wacker, Brian. "Miller: Tiger asked me to coach him". PGA Tour. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
27. ^ Best, Neil (June 18, 2009). "Johnny Miller channels his inner Simon Cowell on NBC". Newsday. Archived June 25, 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
28. ^ Sandomir, Richard (June 21, 2008). "Miller Is Sorry for Comments About Mediate". The New York Times. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
29. ^ Huffman, Jennifer (June 29, 2010). "Golfing great buys Silverado Resort". Napa Valley Register
30. ^ James, Marty (August 30, 2011). "Miller, Harper honored by NorCal PGA at Silverado". Napa Valley Register. Retrieved September 1, 2011.
31. ^ James, Marty (July 4, 2013). "Silverado Country Club to host PGA Tour event". Napa Valley Register
32. ^ James, Marty (July 14, 2013). "PGA Tour event will put spotlight on Silverado". Napa Valley Register
33. ^ James, Marty (August 25, 2014). "Miller puts his touch on Silverado". Napa Valley Register
34. ^ Weinfuss, Josh (2019-02-01). "Miller set for last broadcast Saturday in Phoenix". ESPN. Retrieved 2019-02-02.
35. ^ Lieber, Jill (June 13, 2002). "NBC's Miller keeps firing away". USA Today. Retrieved December 20, 2007.
36. ^ "Johnny Miller honored by USGA on U.S. Open win 50th anniversary". ESPN. Associated Press. June 14, 2023.
37. ^ "Johnny Miller". PGA Tour. Retrieved 2025-09-16.

External links

• Golf Magazine – The Critic – June 2007 – p. 112–123
• USA Today – NBC's Miller keeps firing away – June 13, 2002