Former Youngstown State men's golfer Dennis Miller (1989-92) qualified for next week's U.S. Open on Monday at a Sectional Qualifying Tournament in Columbus.
Miller, who is the Golf Director at Mill Creek Park in Youngstown, sank a 20-plus foot putt on the fourth playoff hole and will play in the tournament next week in San Francisco. The 2012 U.S. Open Championship is set for June 14-17 at The Olympic Club.
On Monday, Miller played the Scioto Country Club course in one-over 71, and the Ohio State Scarlet Course in one-under 70 to finish tied for 14th with three other golfers. The sectional featured 132 golfers vying for 16 spots in next week's major championship.
Tied with Miller for 14th place following the first 36 holes of play were Morgan Hoffmann, Scott Piercy and Justin Hicks. Of the four, only three would advance to the U.S. Open.
Hoffmann advanced on the second hole of the playoff leaving two spots open for Miller, Piercy and Hicks.
On the 18th hole at the Scioto CC, the three remaining golfers were playing their 40th hole of the day.
Miller was faced with a 20-plus foot putt for birdie, that if made would all but secure him a spot in the Open. The putt was on line, but stopped just at the lip of the cup. As Miller put his head down and turned around, the ball fell into the hole for a birdie. Piercy pared the hole, and Hicks bogeyed to end the drama for the trio.
On the first playoff hole Miller scored a routine par before converting a six-foot par putt on the second to stay alive as Hoffmann advanced. On the third playoff hole, Miller hit his tee shot in a bunkeron the par 3 and faced a 15-footer to save par. He drilled the putt right in the heart of the hole.
He had tried to qualify for the Open on 12 previous attempts, including seven times at sectionals.
He was a third-alternate for the event, but learned just an hour before a 7:50 a.m. tee time that he would be allowed to play in the sectional.
At Youngstown State, Miller was a four-year letterwinner for Head Coach Tony Joy. Miller played for the Penguins when YSU was a Division I Independent and for his senior season they were a member of the Mid-Continent Conference.
