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Lake Club hosts Miller practice session
Photo
Dennis Miller
Mill Creek golf director prepares for U.S. Open
Staff report
Boardman
In making the U.S. Open golf championship next week, Mill Creek Metro Parks director of golf Dennis Miller realized a dream.
But he also took on a $20,000 tab for he and his caddy for the week.
Three companies in the Valley have signed on as sponsors to help fund Miller’s dream trip.
And the golf community is stepping up with two events Saturday to help generate more funds for the cost of competing.
“It’s been just amazing how the community has really wrapped its arms around this,” said Miller. “It’s really touched my heart — the response.”
An open practice session with Miller and his coach, Rick Jones, will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at The Lake Club in Poland. A donation of $50 per person is required to attend.
Miller will go through his normal three-hour practice routine as part of the session. The Lake Club will provide food and beverages as part of the $50 admission. All proceeds will contribute to Miller’s trip.
“I am really looking forward to Saturday and the Valley coming together and being a small part of his and his family’s dream,” said Ed Muransky, owner of the Lake Club. Knowing the expenses that go with such an endeavor, Muransky launched an effort to raise funds for Miller, as did Miller’s colleagues at Mill Creek.
On Saturday night at Austintown’s Barry Dyngles, there will be a $10 per person Dennis Miller salute put on by Mill Creek and Dyngles. All proceeds will go to Miller. A buffet dinner will be provided as part of the $10.
That event starts at 7 p.m.
Signing on to sponsor Miller are Auntie Annes Pretzels, Handel’s Ice Cream and Ristvey Investments of Hermitage, Pa.
Tee times for next week were announced today.
Miller tees off Thursday at 3:45 p.m. and Friday at 10 a.m. (both EST) with Casey Martin of Eugene, Ore., and amateur Cameron Wilson of Rowayton, Conn.
Miller said the practice session in front of a crowd at the Lake Club will actually help in his preparation for the Open.
“Playing in front of a crowd does not happen, and that’s what this Open will be,” Miller said. “So to get a chance to hit balls with a crowd around will be helpful to my play next week.”