Johnny Miller at 77: The Brutally Honest Legend Finally Speaks Out – “I Called Them Chokers and I Don’t Regret It”

Johnny Miller was never a man to mince words.

His career as a player and broadcaster was marked by a fearless candor that made him one of golf’s most memorable—and polarizing—figures.

At 77, Miller has finally broken his long silence on the allegations and controversies that have followed him for decades.

The blunt truth is that Miller’s sharp tongue and unfiltered opinions ruffled feathers, but they also earned him a unique place in golf history.

Miller’s playing career began with promise and quickly blossomed into greatness.

Joining the PGA Tour in 1969 at just 22, he quickly made his mark.

By 1971, he secured his first tour victory, setting the stage for a career punctuated by brilliance and unforgettable moments.

He won two major championships: the 1973 U.S. Open and the 1976 Open Championship, both showcasing his extraordinary ball-striking prowess and calm under pressure.

The 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont remains one of the most iconic performances in golf history.

Miller entered the tournament with steady but unspectacular form, yet on the final day, he unleashed an eight-under-par 63—the lowest round in major championship history at the time.

His precision was staggering: hitting all 18 greens in regulation and birdieing the first four holes, he surged past legends like Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Arnold Palmer to claim his first major.

This historic round set a new gold standard that stood until 2017.

Miller’s dominance continued through the mid-1970s.

In 1974, he won eight PGA Tour events and became the leading money winner, dethroning Nicklaus.

His victories were often marked by incredible margins, such as a 14-shot win at the Phoenix Open and a nine-shot triumph at the Tucson Open in 1975.

His short iron precision was legendary; as Miller once said, “When I was at my peak, I felt like I could knock down the pin from anywhere.”

His second major, the 1976 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, cemented his legacy.

Facing a tough course made firmer and faster by a heatwave, Miller shot a final-round 66 to win by six strokes over Nicklaus and a young Seve Ballesteros.

This victory solidified his reputation as one of golf’s greats.

Yet Miller’s career was not without struggles.

The late 1970s brought a difficult period plagued by “the yips,” a condition that left him winless for three years and contemplating retirement.

It was a dark time, but Miller found strength in a verse from the Bible: “It’s not what you accomplish in life but what you overcome.”

He also credited Jack Nicklaus for support during this challenging phase.

Miller’s comeback began in 1980 with a win at the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic.

The following year, he had a standout season, winning multiple tournaments and clinching the million-dollar Challenge in a dramatic playoff against Ballesteros.

His success earned him a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team, which delivered one of the most dominant performances in the event’s history.

As his playing career wound down, Miller transitioned to broadcasting in 1990, becoming the lead golf analyst for NBC Sports.

His commentary style was as direct and unvarnished as his playing style.

While many fans appreciated his candid insights and expert knowledge, his bluntness often sparked controversy.

One particularly infamous moment came during the 2008 U.S. Open when Miller remarked that Rocco Mediate looked like “the guy who cleans Tiger Woods’ pool.”

The comment was widely criticized as insensitive and tone-deaf, touching on stereotypes that had no place in the broadcast booth.

Miller apologized but remained unapologetic about his tendency to speak his mind, regardless of the fallout.

Miller’s sharp critiques extended beyond isolated incidents.

He was notorious for labeling players “chokers” when they faltered under pressure.

While some admired his honesty, others found his remarks harsh and disrespectful, especially given the incredible skill required to compete at the highest level.

His favoritism towards Tiger Woods was also evident; Miller lavished Woods with praise while often tearing into other players for their mistakes.

This imbalance led many to accuse him of bias and unfairness.

Despite the controversies, Miller’s broadcasting career was widely respected.

His partnership with Dan Hicks became a staple of NBC’s golf coverage for nearly three decades.

Fans valued his unique perspective, drawn from his own experiences as a major champion and one of the game’s best ball strikers.

Fred Couples called him “probably the best ball striker ever,” while Nicklaus praised him as “the best short iron player ever.”

Off the course, Miller pursued business ventures, including golf course design.

He has been involved in creating or redesigning 34 courses, such as Thanksgiving Point Golf Course in Utah and Silverado Country Club in Napa, California.

Silverado, which Miller purchased with partners in 2011, now hosts a PGA Tour event, further cementing his influence on the sport.

Miller retired from broadcasting in 2019, leaving behind a legacy as one of golf’s most memorable voices.

Whether loved for his straightforward analysis or criticized for his bluntness, there’s no denying the mark he left on the game.

Now, at 77, Miller has finally opened up about the allegations and controversies that have shadowed his career.

His message is clear: he called it as he saw it, unapologetically.

For Miller, golf was never just a game but a test of character, nerve, and skill—and he believed honesty, no matter how uncomfortable, was essential.

Johnny Miller’s story is one of brilliance, boldness, and unfiltered truth.

His legacy is complex—marked by breathtaking skill and a willingness to speak uncomfortable truths.

Love him or loathe him, Miller changed the way we watch and talk about golf forever.