Miller competes at 2025 U.S. Open Local Qualifying, misses cut

MIDWAY, Pa. -- J.T. Miller struck the ball well but battled difficult greens in his attempt to qualify for the 2025 U.S. Open Golf Championship on Tuesday.

The New York Rangers forward finished a 4-over-par 76 in the initial round of local qualifying, falling four strokes back of the cut line in the one-day, 18-hole event at Quicksilver Golf Club. The U.S. Open will be held June 12-15 at Oakmont Country Club, located in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh.

“Today, on the first green, I couldn’t even hold the putter,” Miller said of his nerves. “So, I talked myself into it that it wouldn’t be like that, but I think the first couple of swings are just like that.”

Miller started with a bogey, three-putting Hole 1, before hitting par over the next six holes. He finished strong in the final four with his one birdie coming at 16 and going even at the other three.

Of the 84 golfers at the qualifier, only five players and two alternates advanced to the final qualifying stage.

Miller had tried to qualify twice before. In 2023, he went 6-over-par at The Club at Nevillewood in Presto, Pennsylvania, with his dad, Dennis Miller, serving as his caddie.

Dennis was there again Tuesday but passed the bag to J.T.'s childhood friend, Frank Vance.

“It’s always good to have my buddy and my dad to hang out with and caddie,” J.T. said.

The gutsiest attempt came at the par-5 Hole 15. After easily reaching the fairway, Miller kept his driver for the second shot. He drove it just shy of the green, setting him up nicely for a chip to within 10 feet of the hole.

“Was that your call?” Dennis shouted to Vance. “To go driver?”

“No, he just said, ‘I’m already holding it. Might was well just hit it,’” Vance said.

Miller missed the ensuing putt, a common issue after several morning rainstorms. On Hole 7, he nearly sunk one from about 20 feet just to have it rim out and kick to the left.

“It was hard,” he said. “It got windy. I thought it would be harder with the rain. ... I had a month to practice. So, I felt good coming in here. Typically, it always comes down to making putts. That’s what those guys are a lot better at doing.”

Miller grew up about 50 miles from Oakmont in East Palestine, Ohio, but tried not to think about the U.S. Open being held at a famed course not far from his hometown.

“I had an opportunity to play for one day,” he said. “I know who I’m playing against out there. I’m a competitive guy, so I just kept the expectations realistic. I’m happy with myself.”