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Mill Creek’s pro stays in California for work and play
Dennis Miller was in no rush to hop a plane back home as he stayed in San Francisco to watch Sunday’s final round of the U.S. Open from a front row seat at the Olympic Club.
The Mill Creek Metro-Parks director of golf who played in the first two rounds was hoping that Tiger Woods would challenge.
But he had other favorites. Blake Adams was a partner of Miller’s at his sectional qualifier in Columbus. Miller also watched Joe Ogilve who barely made the 8-over cut.
“He’s another Ohio guy,” Miller said of the Lancaster native. “You have to pull for him.”
As for that return flight to Ohio? It can wait.
Miller is staying out in California this week and will slowly make his way down the coast to Monterey and Seaside where the PGA Professional National Championship is being held.
“We’re going to do some sightseeing, I need some relaxation time with my family,” Miller said. “We’ve been to Fisherman’s Wharf, might try to walk the Golden Gate Bridge, check out a beach and we’d love to see the Redwoods before I have to play some golf again.”
He’ll get that chance at the Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Courses. A tournament like this, an event for PGA club professionals is nothing new for Miller. He usually plays in similar contests every year.
“My expectations are going to be a lot higher next week,” he said. “All of these guys have jobs back home, their not at the top-level.”
But getting a taste of the national spotlight on a challenging course is already an added advantage.
“It’s always good to play and be competitive and I think I know where my misses are,” Miller said. “I’d like to think that I can play with some of the best in the world. It’s a treat.”
To an extent.
“I better not get used to it,” Miller said. “I know in a couple of weeks, I’ll be back at Mill Creek and there’s going to be a big pile of paperwork at my desk waiting for me.”