NHL forward Miller's attempt to reach U.S. Open falls short in Local Qualifying
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications and Jennifer Todd, P.J. Boatwright Intern • May 15, 2025
Shooting 4-over at a U.S. Open Local Qualifying round ultimately isn’t good enough to move you on the next stage. But it’s also nothing to sneeze at.
Especially when you spend most of your year playing another sport. And at the highest level.
Such was the case for New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller, who traded in his skates for spikes on Tuesday as he took a swing at qualifying for the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club.
“I’ve played in three of these now,” said Miller, who wrapped up his NHL season with New York a month ago. “I think the nerves are getting better and better, but today on the first green I couldn’t even hold the putter. I talked myself into it but, yeah, I think the first couple swings are like that.”
Miller carded a score of 76, finishing five strokes off the final qualifying spot and four strokes from a playoff for one of two alternate positions.
“It was fun,” said Miller, 32. “I don’t compete much in (golf). One or two times a year I play an 18 hole (competition), so I was just trying to keep it loose.”
Miller is no stranger to high-level competition. He has played 13 NHL seasons and racked up 709 career points after being selected 15th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft.
But he certainly is still new to the world of elite golf.
“It’s way different,” he said. “I feel like I’m on an island out there, but I respect the game of golf. Golf is so much different than hockey. I’m just trying to stay in the right mind. I’m still a rookie to all of this, so I enjoy doing it for one day.”
A year ago, Miller hoped to play in the same Qualifying round, but was unable to due to an elongated playoff run for the Rangers. This year, New York failed to reach the postseason, allowing him a chance to prepare some for the competition without venturing too far from him hometown.
“I play a couple days a week,” he said. “I have a few kids at the house, so I get out as much as I can. But, if I do get out, I’m not practicing.”
A native of Pittsburgh suburb East Palestine, Ohio, Miller is also accustomed to golf in Western Pennsylvania. He is occasionally able to sneak home for a few days at a time — like this week, when he came in to celebrate Mother’s Day. He stuck around long enough to take a shot at competing for another kind of championship — one that will take place at the most iconic competition course in the region, Oakmont Country Club.
But the thought of getting to play for a national championship at such a storied venue wasn’t exactly the driving force for Miller Tuesday. Instead, he just wanted to go play a good round of golf and have a good time doing so.
“I could see why that could certainly be the case,” Miller said of the push to get to Oakmont. “But I just wanted the opportunity to compete for one day. I know who I am playing against out there. They’re competitive guys. I had to keep the expectations realistic, that's all.”
For any media inquiries, please contact WPGA Director of Communications Josh Rowntree.
About the WPGA
Founded in 1899, the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association is the steward of amateur golf in the region. Started by five Member Clubs, the association now has nearly 200 Member Clubs and nearly 37,000 members. The WPGA conducts 14 individual competitions and 10 team events, and administers the WPGA Scholarship Fund and Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame.