Grady Millar was 8 years old, and it was a cold and icy day after Christmas in Vancouver.
Brandon Millar thought it was a perfect time to teach his son a lesson.
“Grab your clubs,” Brandon Millar said. “We’re going to go practice. And he just looked at me like ‘What?!?’ ”
The two traveled over icy roads to the Vanco Driving Range.
After hitting several balls, an exasperated Grady turned to his dad and said: “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.’ ”
Almost nine 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 said.
This fall, that journey led to Millar capturing his fourth consecutive 3A district title — the first Mountain View player to accomplish that feat — and later signing to play golf for the University of Washington.
And it also led to his selection as The Columbian’s All-Region boys golfer of the year for a second consecutive season.
Golf can be a solitary sport. So getting a chance to enjoy the game with his Mountain View teammates has made the past four years more enjoyable.
“It’s meant a lot,” Millar said. “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.”
While Millar has earned district and bi-district titles, individual success at the 3A state tournament has eluded him.
He finished 11th overall in both his freshman and sophomore years and 13th last spring.
But the success of the Mountain View team is one of his biggest thrills of high school golf. Last spring, the Thunder captured the 3A team title for the first time.
He’s excited about the state tournament in his senior season next May.
“All of the players on our team are practicing all throughout the winter,” Millar said. “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 quick interest from college coaches, who began 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 said. “That’s when I kind of knew that I was going to have a tough decision.”
He eventually made trips to Oklahoma, Colorado State, Arizona, Utah, Oregon State, and Washington State before settling on Washington.
“I came to the conclusion that Washington was right for me,” he said. “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 schools that offered a warmer climate. But the further he got into the process, that became less of factor.
“I slowly came to the realization that if you practice in the cold weather, you’ll play better in the cold weather,” he said.
Millar is also thankful for the scholarship he received from Royal Oaks Country Club. He is regularly out at the course, working on his game, even when the weather is cold and rainy.
That’s all just part of the journey, Millar said.
“I don’t mind (the bad weather) now because you look out here, and there’s no one really out here,” Millar said on a particularly 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.”
Rest of the All-Region boys golf team
Mason Acker, Washougal
The senior was the 2A Greater St. Helens League player of the year after capturing the 2A district championship and the 2A GSHL championship.
Rex Burt, Kelso
The senior was a first-team 3A Greater St. Helens League pick after finishing tied for second in the 3A district tournament.
Andre Kosaki, Camas
The senior led Camas to the 4A district team title by winning the individual district crown by six strokes.
Spencer Moody, Mountain View
The senior was a first-team 3A Greater St. Helens League pick after finishing tied for second in the 3A district tournament.
Jacob Parker, Seton Catholic
The senior was the Trico League player of the year after capturing his fourth consecutive 1A district individual championship.
Broden Toney, Mark Morris
The senior was a first-team all-2A Greater St. Helens League pick after finishing second in the 2A GSHL tournament and third at the 2A district tournament.
