PGN FEATURE: Competition Keeps Bringing J.T. Miller Back to Golf

MIDWAY, Pa. — J.T. Miller loves to golf, that much is clear. The New York Rangers forward and East Palestine, Ohio, native attempted for the third time to qualify for the U.S. Open on Tuesday at Quicksilver Golf Club.

His handicap index is below a 1.0, showing the dedication he’s put into honing that craft alongside scoring 260 career National Hockey League goals.

And while the idea of qualifying for the U.S. Open in Oakmont, so close to his hometown, was tantalizing, Miller would much rather have been somewhere else on Tuesday.

“The goal is not to be available to play in this,” he said, playing hours before the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs continued. “Unfortunately, that’s what happens.” 

Following a midseason trade from the Vancouver Canucks, Miller’s Rangers finished six points out of the playoff field in the Eastern Conference, giving him more time than he wanted to hone his golf game before the qualifier.

New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller tees off on No. 10 at Quicksilver Golf Club during 2025 U.S. Open Local Qualifying. — Alan Saunders / Pittsburgh Golf Now

“I had a month to practice, so my game felt good coming in here,” he said. “Typically it always comes down to making putts, and that’s what those guys are a lot better at doing.”

Lots of NHL players love to golf, to the point that hitting the links following the close of a season has become a cliché. But not very many of them are spending their days in May attempting to qualify for the U.S. Open.

For Miller, the difference between an afternoon on the course with his buddies and what he got to experience at Quicksilver is the jolt of energy that comes from competition.

Walked the 10th with Miller. Tap in for par. He’s +2. https://t.co/jS3Qe45NTR pic.twitter.com/OhdBA0PeDf

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) May 13, 2025

“I’ve played in three of these now, I think, and the nerves get better and better,” Miller said. “But today on the first green, I couldn’t even hold the putter. I tried to talk myself into it wouldn’t be like that (this time), but it’s the first few swings that are like that.”

That’s right. A man who has played in 871 career regular-season NHL games and another 91 playoff games — in front of thousands of fans — was shaking like a leaf while playing golf in front of a crowd of a few dozen.

“It’s way different (from hockey),” Miller said. “It’s like I’m on an island out there, which is why I think I respect the game of golf and golfers so much. In hockey, you’ve got everyone else out there to bail you out. It’s a team-oriented game. Here, I’m just trying to stay in the right frame of mind. I’m still a rookie in all this. I enjoy doing it for one day, we’re going to keep it at that.”

Miller shot a four-over 74, leaving him well outside the cut line for the five top finishers who advanced to final qualifying in early June. Despite the nerves, he loves every part of the experience.

Birdie putt comes up short for J.T. Miller on 18. He’ll finish at +4 and will not advance in qualifying. @pghgolfnow https://t.co/ydqLWeQtna pic.twitter.com/dIxYU6POrn

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) May 13, 2025

“It was fun,” he said. “It’s always good to have my buddy and dad out here to hang out with and caddy. I don’t compete much, maybe 18 hole (tournaments) one or two times a year, so I just try to keep it loose, pick up and learn from the guys that do this a lot more than I do. So, it was fun.

“I know who I’m playing against out there. I’m a competitive guy but I kept the expectations realistic.”

With 13 NHL seasons under his belt, Miller is definitely closer to the end of his hockey career than the start of it. But with his passion for golf, he has a head start on finding an outlet for keeping those competitive juices flowing.