Rangers’ star J. T. Miller misses cut at US Open golf qualifying event

J. T. Miller held his own but ultimately came up short in an attempt to qualify for the 2025 U.S. Open during a qualifying event in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. 

The Rangers forward finished a 4-over-par 76 during a local qualifying event at Quicksilver Golf Club, located just outside Pittsburgh, and was four shots from ending up in a playoff to be an alternate. 

Miller told 93.7 The Fan that he had competed in three qualifying events in the past and the nerves got the better of him on the first green, joking that he could not even handle his putter. 

J.T. Miller of the Rangers skates during warm-ups before the game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 5, 2025 NHLI via Getty Images

“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.”