In the world of Copper Country sports, the last name Miller is synonymous with hockey.

Rick Miller coached the Hancock Bulldogs for more than two decades, and winning more than 350 games. His brother Don led the Houghton Gremlins to more than 375 victories from 1969 to 1999. Even more impressive is the fact that both coaches led their respective teams to their first state titles during their careers.

Now, the family can add another sports award to their family tree. Owen Miller, the son of Rick Miller and Yvonne Watwood, was recently named the 2020 Northern California PGA Section Assistant Golf Professional of the Year for his work at the renowned Montreux Golf & Country Club in Reno, Nevada. He has worked there since 2016 as a PGA First Assistant Golf Professional.

The Northern California PGA Section is the ninth largest territory in the PGA’s 41 regions. Miller outlasted around 250 total assistant golf professionals to win the award. Miller received his plaque in December at the group’s award ceremony.

“My boss nominated me, and then it was an extensive application process,” said the 2006 Hancock High School graduate. “I was shocked to receive this award. I knew I was nominated but that was about it.”

It was Zach Jonas, Montreux’s Director of Golf, who nominated Miller.

“Owen is a consummate professional that brings a strong level of knowledge and expertise in the golf industry to Montreux Golf & Country Club,” Jonas said. “He is a great team player that gets things done while keeping his game sharp and identifying himself as not only one of the best players in the Reno area but the Northern California PGA Section. We are proud to see Owen receive this award.”

Miller describes his job at Montreux like that of a Swiss Army knife.

“I am expected to be able to know and do everything on a daily basis to keep the entire operation intact. Member relations, lessons, and playing are all part of being an assistant pro,” he said. “I am a golf professional and not a professional golfer like Tiger Woods, there is a big difference.”

While Miller grew up playing hockey, he said he turned in his skates at around age 10 and took up basketball.

“That was my winter sport, and I needed something to do in the summer so I took up golf,” he recalled. “While I am a golf professional today, I must confess that I’ve officially never had a golf lesson.”

While at Hancock, Miller earned four varsity letters in golf, and was named first team All-Conference three of those years.

His first golf job was as a member of the grounds crew at Portage Lake Golf Course.

“My mentor was Mark Maroste who is still the General Manager and Head Golf Professional at Portage Lake,” he said. “However, it was Mark who took me off the grounds crew, which was where all my friends were, and dragged me into the (golf) shop. He told me that if I wanted to make golf my career, I needed to know the business side of things. While I went reluctantly, he was right. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that experience.”

Maroste and Miller are still the best of friends.

“I’m very proud of Owen but not surprised by this award,” Maroste said. “He has worked extremely hard to be the best PGA pro he can be. Owen has no ego and expects no favors. His integrity is second to none.  He loves kids and has helped many during his career.”

Before arriving at his current position in Reno, he became a First Assistant Golf Professional at Portage Lake. Then he held the same position at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs, Michigan and The Polo Club of Boca Raton, Florida.

Tragically Miller’s dad passed away in 2008 due to cancer. However, he credits him and his mom, in a special way, for their support of his interest in golf.

“My mom was the most supportive of my golf dream both as a player and as a career since day one,” he said. “Both she and my dad were a big influence by letting me play whatever sport I wanted to and not forcing me to play hockey.”

When he is not giving lessons, helping out at the pro shop, or running tournaments, Miller says he is on the course honing his own game. He has won numerous golf tournaments in the Reno/Tahoe area.

“My golf game is great,” he said.

While he hasn’t been back to Hancock for several years now, he and his fiancé are planning a trip home in 2021. One stop he knows he won’t miss is the Portage Lake Golf Course to visit with Maroste and surely play a round of golf.

“While I have played some of the best courses in the nation, including the one I am at, Portage will always have a special place in my heart,” he said. “To this day, I carry my ball marker, divot repair tool and other important items in a leather bag I received from John Williamson (superintendent at Portage Lake) during my early days there. It is a reminder of where I started.”