J. T. Miller participated in a qualifying event in Pennsylvania on Tuesday in a bid to secure a spot in the 2025 U.S. Open but fell short despite putting up a commendable effort. 

During the local qualifying event held at Quicksilver Golf Club near Pittsburgh, the Rangers forward carded a 4-over-par 76, finishing four shots away from a playoff opportunity to become an alternate for the tournament. 

Reflecting on his performance, Miller admitted to feeling nervous at the start, particularly struggling on the first green, humorously mentioning that he had trouble handling his putter. He noted that this was his fourth attempt at qualifying for the U.S. Open. 

“Today, on the first green, I couldn’t even hold the putter,” Miller told NHL.com. “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.”

The Ranger bogeyed on the first hole after three-putting before shooting par over the next six holes.

Miller didn’t appear to have too many ideas of grandeur when it came to his golf game coming into Tuesday’s event. 

“I had an opportunity to play for one day,” Miller told the NHL website. “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.”

Miller, who returned to the Rangers via a January trade this season, is a native of East Palestine, Ohio, which is a short distance away from both Quicksilver Golf Club and Oakmont Country Club, the site of the 2025 U.S. Open. 

One of his previous attempts in the qualifying event came in 2023 when he shot 6-over-par at Nevillewood Country Club, the suburban Pittsburgh golf course that was recently linked to potential Steeler Aaron Rodgers as part of a debunked internet rumor. 

“Way different,” Miller told  93.7 The Fan about the difference between golf and hockey.  “Feel like I’m on an island out there, which I why I respect the game of golf and golfers so much. In hockey, you have everybody else out there to bail you out. It’s such a team-oriented game.”