Interview With Michael Miller Executive Director Illinois Section PGA

Below is an interview with Michael Miller the Executive Director for the Illinois Section PGA. Mike is beginning his 24rd year with the Illinois PGA, serving the last 17 of those as Executive Director. He previously served 3 seasons as the Section's Tournament Director and 4 years as Associate Executive Director. He also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois PGA Foundation.

The following are a few traditional and non traditional golf centric questions that I love to ask influential people in the golf industry.

When did you start golfing and who introduced you do the game?
In grade school, I started caddying for my older brother and his friends when they would play at the local public course in our home town. My brother was way into golf and I was always trying to emulate him so I picked up on the game hanging with him around the golf course.

What is your current home course?
The Glen Club, Glenview IL

To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment?
Posting my career low round (80) on my favorite course, Shoreacres (Lake Bluff, IL)

What is your biggest golf pet peeve on or off the course?
I have two. Bunkers that aren't raked when I land in them and, when I have to ride, carts paths only. Makes the round seem excessively long.

What is your favorite club in your bag and why?
Putter. It's the club you score with.

What is your favorite golf destination? Pinehurst. Bandon Dunes is a close second though.

What course is on your bucket list that you have not played yet?
Pebble Beach. I'd say Augusta, but let's be honest, chances are slim and none.

If you woke up tomorrow and could play one course you played before, where would you play?
Merion. A classic! Plus the one time I've played there I was only able to play 13 holes due to weather. I really want to finish that round!

If you could change one aspect, rule or thing about golf, what would it be and why?
Fourteen club rule. Should it really matter how many clubs you carry??

Dream foursome (living)?
Fred Couples, George W. Bush, Kevin James.

Dream foursome (living or dead)?
Donald Ross, Ronald Reagan, my grandfather.

18 Rapid Fire, Off The Cuff Questions

1) Hitting Long Drive OR Sinking Long Putt?
Without a doubt ..... the long putt.

2) Having Round of Life OR Hole in One?
Career round. But I WOULD like just one "ace" before I die!!

3) Golfing at the crack of dawn OR twilight?
Twilight golf ...... it is the most beautiful and peaceful experience in the game.

4) Hit a power fade OR power draw?
Power draw.

5) Beverage cart OR halfway house?
Either one, as long as they have Coors Light!

6) Bathroom OR bushes?
Bathroom

7) Hot dog OR wrap?
Hot Dog

8) Around the green, being in sand OR thick rough?
Thick Rough. Green-side bunker shots make me nervous.

9) Walking OR riding?
Walking ..... but caddies are a must! The only way to truly experience the game.

10) Do you carry traditional 3 iron OR hybrid? Hybrid

11) Do you prefer long par 3 OR long par 5?
Long Par 3

12) Pants OR Shorts?
Always shorts (when it's appropriate).

13) Palmer OR Nicklaus?
Palmer

14) Beatles OR Elvis?
Neither. Springsteen!

15) Play for fun OR play for money?
Money always makes it more interesting. And it tests your game more.

16) Bump and run OR flop shot?
Flop shot

17) Lay up OR gamble?
Lay up. I think people that know me would tell you that's pretty predictable.

18) 18 holes OR 36?
36. More if daylight allows.