2026 U.S. Open Local Qualifying: Elmhurst

Miller takes medalist honors

MOSCOW, Pa. – Michael Miller is a self-proclaimed homebody. Proud of his New York roots and comfortable with golf in the surrounding areas.

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With two U.S. Open’s under his belt, one of which was at this year’s host Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in 2018, Miller knows the road that needs to be traveled to qualify.

In his first competitive round at Elmhurst Country Club (par 71, 6,807 yards) Monday, he took medalist honors with a 67.

The 126^th U.S. Open will take place June 18-21 at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, N.Y.

Professional Patrick Ross of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who grew up in Dunmore, Pa., and amateur Cael Ropietski from Harveys Lake, Pa. fired 69s to get the second and third qualifying spots.

Nick Werner of Wilkes Barre, Pa. advanced in a 2-for-1 playoff at 70. Werner, Ross and Miller all competed in the same group.

Miller, a professional with conditional status on the Korn Ferry Tour, was late to register and was an alternate to get into his first-choice qualifying site. 

“In qualifying for the U.S. Open, I have never left home to qualify,” Miller, 34, of Brewster, N.Y., said. “I called the USGA and they said I probably wouldn’t get in. I looked for other close qualifiers and found this one. I hope Elmhurst will host it again next year. I’ll happily come back. Everything works out.”

Miller, a two-time New York State Open champion (2014, 2022) and reigning two-time Westchester Open champion (2024-25), didn’t take too long to get familiar with the Donald Ross design.

“Today was the second time I played the course,” Miller said. “I played a practice round Sunday and fell in love with the golf course. I’ve been in the area to play in the NEPA Invitational that Brandon Matthews hosts so I am familiar with the type of golf here and what it takes to succeed. In this region you have to hit the ball straight and handle the sloping greens. It doesn’t take a lot to get frustrated. Our group played great. It was nice to be in good spirits and feed off each other.”

Starting on the back nine, Miller made the turn in 1 under. His second nine included three birdies beginning on No. 2 (par 5, 528 yards). He speared a 9-iron from 175 yards to 15 feet and two-putted.

A 12-footer for a birdie on No. 4 (par 4, 393 yards) got Miller to 3 under and a couple of missed opportunities on the next few holes left him disappointed. But a 7-iron on his last hole, No. 9 (par 3, 182 yards) to two feet gave him the comfortable cushion he desired.

“I was really hoping to be ranked high enough in the world to be able to be exempt from Local Qualifying but that wasn’t the case,” Miller said. “I like having to go through Local Qualifying because you get so much momentum.” 

Miller is a golf nerd at heart and cares about giving it his all. But he said an all or nothing attitude in the game has been detrimental to his performance.

“Golf is just hard,” Miller said. “We all strive for perfection but in the game, it is not reasonable. I’ve really worked hard to be kind to myself. Everyone hits bad shots. It’s about whether you can let them go and move on. There are so many cliches in golf but one shot at a time is so true.

“I have learned that I need to get away from the golf course. I used to hate relaxing. My aunt and uncle moved to Florida and I got my boater’s license. There’s nothing better than a day at the golf course followed by going out on the water in a boat.”

He will play Final Qualifying at Century Country Club & Golf Club of Purchase in Purchase, N.Y. on June 8. Golf’s Longest Day stands between him and his dream scenario. Playing a second U.S. Open on his home turf.

“My dad Bob Miller was the Director of Golf at Knollwood Country Club in Elmsford, N.Y. growing up, so I lived at the golf course,” Miller said. “I played golf every day so I just get excited to play the game and hit shots. In a 36-hole qualifier, a great ball striking day will give you a chance to make the U.S. Open. Having a chance is all you can ask for. You’ll need some lucky bounces and to make a couple of putts.”

GAP
Celebrating Amateur Golf since 1897, GAP, also known as the Golf Association of Philadelphia, is the oldest regional or state golf association in the United States. It serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. The organization’s 345 Member Clubs and 140,000 individual members are spread across Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland. The GAP’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.