For all of Johnny Miller’s accomplishments on the golf course – you may have heard he shot 63 in the final round to win the 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont – his impact on golf broadcasting may be as profound as that of his playing career.
Miller won 25 times on the PGA Tour including two majors (he also finished second three times in the Masters) but he changed golf on television with his unfiltered commentary.
Until Miller, golf on television had been largely deferential toward the players. Analysts talked about the action and about their own careers but there was little in the way of critical commentary.
