Grady Millar was 8 years outdated, and it was a chilly and icy day after Christmas in Vancouver.
Brandon Millar thought it was an ideal time to show his son a lesson.
“Grab your clubs,” Brandon Millar stated. “We’re going to go practice. And he just looked at me like ‘What?!?’ ”
The 2 traveled over icy roads to the Vanco Driving Vary.
After hitting a number of balls, an exasperated Grady turned to his dad and stated: “I’m the only one here. I’m going to be the only here all day long.”
Brandon Miller recalled: “I looked at him and said ‘That’s the point.’ ”
Nearly 9 years later, Grady Miller understands what his dad was doing that day.
“I’ve learned that it’s not about the results in the moment; it’s about the journey,” Grady Millar stated.
This fall, that journey led to Millar capturing his fourth consecutive 3A district title — the primary Mountain View participant to perform that feat — and later signing to play golf for the College of Washington.
And it additionally led to his choice as The Columbian’s All-Area boys golfer of the 12 months for a second consecutive season.
Golf is usually a solitary sport. So getting an opportunity to benefit from the recreation together with his Mountain View teammates has made the previous 4 years extra pleasant.
“It’s meant a lot,” Millar stated. “Coach (Dan) Larson and (Jim) Peterson have done a great job of controlling us and mentoring us. And all of the teammates that I’ve had have been amazing and have pushed me to become the best golfer I could be.”
Whereas Millar has earned district and bi-district titles, particular person success on the 3A state match has eluded him.
He completed eleventh total in each his freshman and sophomore years and thirteenth final spring.
However the success of the Mountain View workforce is one among his largest thrills of highschool golf. Final spring, the Thunder captured the 3A workforce title for the primary time.
He’s excited in regards to the state match in his senior season subsequent Could.
“All of the players on our team are practicing all throughout the winter,” Millar stated. “So I think we can come out pretty strong in the spring and play well, and hopefully get back-to-back state championships.”
After years of success in junior tournaments, Millar drew fast curiosity from faculty coaches, who started reaching out in June after his sophomore season for Mountain View.
“That first day, I spent like eight hours in my basement just calling coaches and texting coaches,” he stated. “That’s when I kind of knew that I was going to have a tough decision.”
He ultimately made journeys to Oklahoma, Colorado State, Arizona, Utah, Oregon State, and Washington State earlier than deciding on Washington.
“I came to the conclusion that Washington was right for me,” he stated. “I just really liked Coach (Alan) Murray and the great educational experience that you can get at the University of Washington.”
Like many golfers, Millar was first drawn by faculties that supplied a hotter local weather. However the additional he received into the method, that turned much less of issue.
“I slowly came to the realization that if you practice in the cold weather, you’ll play better in the cold weather,” he stated.
Millar can be grateful for the scholarship he obtained from Royal Oaks Nation Membership. He’s recurrently out on the course, engaged on his recreation, even when the climate is chilly and wet.
That’s all simply a part of the journey, Millar stated.
“I don’t mind (the bad weather) now because you look out here, and there’s no one really out here,” Millar stated on a very stormy day at Royal Oaks. “You’re just reminded that you’re working harder than anyone else. It’s also just part of the experience, playing in the Northwest.”
Remainder of the All-Area boys golf workforce
Mason Acker, Washougal
The senior was the 2A Larger St. Helens League participant of the 12 months after capturing the 2A district championship and the 2A GSHL championship.
Rex Burt, Kelso
The senior was a first-team 3A Larger St. Helens League choose after ending tied for second within the 3A district match.
Andre Kosaki, Camas
The senior led Camas to the 4A district workforce title by successful the person district crown by six strokes.
Spencer Moody, Mountain View
The senior was a first-team 3A Larger St. Helens League choose after ending tied for second within the 3A district match.
Jacob Parker, Seton Catholic
The senior was the Trico League participant of the 12 months after capturing his fourth consecutive 1A district particular person championship.
Broden Toney, Mark Morris
The senior was a first-team all-2A Larger St. Helens League choose after ending second within the 2A GSHL match and third on the 2A district match.