MILLER'S TIME

On JUNE 17, 1973, at Pittsburgh-steel-tough Oakmont CC, 26-year-old JOHNNY MILLER, houndstooth-clad and golden-maned, posted what many consider to be THE GREATEST FINAL ROUND IN MAJOR HISTORY, an eight-under 63 to win the 73rd U.S. Open. Fifty years later, it's still THE STUFF OF LEGEND. Looking back on that day, even Johnny thinks so.

- JOHNNY MILLER

There were some omens that week some mystical stuff happening. Before a practice round, I found a letter in my locker-no name or return address. It said, "You're gonna win the U.S. Open." Later, a women came up to me and said, "I predict things, and I'm never wrong. You're gonna win the U.S. Open."

Then comes Saturday. I was six over through eight holes. That lady? I went looking for her. I wanted to tell her, "You were wrong! I've blown it!"

I was really disappointed that Sunday morning. I was six strokes back and looking at names like Weiskopf, Boros, Nicklaus, Player, Palmer and Trevino on the leaderboard. I had no chance. But, on the range, I heard this voice say, "Open your stance way up." The voice was so clear. I opened my stance and hit the last three [practice] balls pretty good. Who tries a new tip on Sunday at the U.S. Open? I figured I was out of it, so what the heck.