Career Timeline of Johnny Miller: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 13, 2025

Discover the career path of Johnny Miller, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Johnny Miller is a former professional golfer renowned for his dominance in the mid-1970s. He won the 1973 U.S. Open, notably being the first to card a 63 in a major, and peaked as the world's second-ranked golfer in 1974 and 1975. Accumulating 25 PGA Tour victories, including two majors, Miller was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1998. He transitioned to broadcasting, serving as NBC Sports' lead golf analyst from 1990 to 2019. Miller is also involved in golf course architecture.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1963: Joined the Olympic Club and Won San Francisco city junior title

In 1963, Miller joined the Olympic Club as a Junior Golf Section member, and also won the San Francisco city junior title at age 16.

1964: Won U.S. Junior Amateur

In 1964, Miller won the U.S. Junior Amateur tournament.

1966: Qualified for U.S. Open

In 1966, during his freshman year of college, Miller qualified for the U.S. Open at the Olympic Club.

1967: Invitation to Masters

In 1967, Miller received an invitation to the Masters tournament.

1968: Won California State Amateur Championship

In 1968, Miller won the California State Amateur Championship.

1969: Joined PGA Tour

In 1969, at the age of 22, Miller joined the PGA Tour.

1971: Runner-up at The Masters

In 1971, Miller finished runner-up at The Masters.

1971: Tied for Second at Masters and Top-10 Finish at U.S. Open

In 1971, Miller tied for second place at the Masters Tournament and also achieved a top-10 finish at the U.S. Open.

1971: First Tour Event Win

In 1971, Miller won his first PGA tour event.

1972: Top-10 Finish at the U.S. Open

In 1972, Miller achieved a top-10 finish at the U.S. Open.

1973: U.S. Open Win

In 1973, Miller won the U.S. Open and became the first to shoot 63 in a major championship.

1973: Played in 1973 U.S. Open and Recorded Several Top-10 Finishes

In 1973, before the U.S. Open at Oakmont, Miller had several top-10 finishes, including a tie for 6th at the Masters.

1974: Ranked Second in World Golf

In 1974, Miller was ranked second in the world in Mark McCormack's world golf rankings, behind Jack Nicklaus.

1974: Leading Money Winner on PGA Tour

In 1974, Miller was the leading money winner on the PGA Tour with eight victories, amassing a then-record $353,201.

1975: Runner-up at The Masters

In 1975, Miller finished runner-up at The Masters.

1975: Second at Masters and Third at Open Championship

In 1975, Miller finished second to Jack Nicklaus at the Masters and third at the Open Championship at Carnoustie.

1975: Ranked Second in World Golf

In 1975, Miller was ranked second in the world in Mark McCormack's world golf rankings, behind Jack Nicklaus.

1975: Won Phoenix Open and Tucson Open

In 1975, Miller won the Phoenix Open by 14 strokes, including a second-round 61, and the Tucson Open by nine strokes, with a final round 61.

1976: Putting Affliction

Following his 1976 Open Championship win, Miller lost the form that made him a frequent winner in his early career due to a putting affliction.

1976: Won the Open Championship

In 1976, Miller won his second major at the Open Championship, a six-stroke victory over Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros at Royal Birkdale. His final round of 66 tied the course record.

1980: First Win in Almost Four Years

In 1980, Miller won the Jackie Gleason-Inverrary Classic, his first win in almost four years.

1981: Runner-up at The Masters

In 1981, Miller finished runner-up at The Masters.

1981: Spectacular Season and Ryder Cup

In 1981, Miller had a spectacular season, including a victory at the Million Dollar Challenge in Sun City, South Africa, and competed in his second Ryder Cup.