Traveling for turf

Ryan Miller graduated from Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster, Ohio, in 2000. While in school, he interned for John Zimmers at Oakmont Country Club. Once he completed school, he became an assistant superintendent at Oakwood Club in northeast Ohio. After a few years on the turf, he moved to the sales world and now works for Leemco.  

Ryan’s son, Jake Miller, is following in his father’s footsteps — but also forming his own path. Miller graduated from ATI in May, and is currently completing “Turf Across America,” a work experience program. He interned at Union League National in New Jersey for six months and is traveling cross country by SUV, visiting superintendents en route to his final destination, PGA West in La Quinta, California. At PGA West, he will intern for another six months starting in November under director of agronomy Brian Sullivan and assist in hosting the 2026 American Express PGA Tour tournament.   

Prior to turf school, Miller spent two years at the University of Akron-Wayne College, studying education to become a teacher and golf coach. He realized the teaching path wasn’t for him, and he spent a year away from school to figure out his goals. After visiting Torrey Pines alongside his father, Miller knew instantly that turf was for him. He soon enrolled at ATI.   

Miller’s time at ATI was valuable, he says, giving him hands-on experience and skills that have carried over into his internships. “It’s one of the best programs to be a part of because you learn about it in the classroom, and then you actually get to go out and do it hands on, whether it’s setting up a mower, grinding reels, sharpening bed knives, mowing greens,” he says. 

Miller interned at Scioto Country Club and Inverness Club while in school. Like his father at Oakmont, Miller learned under Zimmers at Inverness.  

“I think it’s just cool my dad worked for Zimmers. And then me going up there and working for him last summer, I think that was pretty cool.”  

Following graduation, Miller spent the last six months at Union League National. The internship presented an opportunity for him to learn how to care for turf on the East Coast.  

“It was different,” he says. “The climate, the humidity, the temperatures, it’s a lot different than it is in Ohio. The disease pressure is out of the roof, and Union League is a sand-based property. So, add that on top of everything else, it just adds more challenges. But it was unique to see and learn how to overcome those challenges and see disease pressure.” 

Miller started his journey west to California on Oct. 13 with a visit to famed Merion Golf Club and has since visited the Golf Course Industry office for a morning of “turf talk,” Inverness Club for a visit with old friends and mentors, and a trip to Chicago Golf Club. But his journey has just begun, as his next stops include Des Moines (Iowa) Golf and Country Club, Sand Hills (Nebraska) Golf Club, Rodeo Dunes (Colorado), Castle Pines (Colorado) Golf Club and Shadow Creek (Nevada) Golf Course before landing at PGA West. He might also make some unexpected stops along the way.  

The trip is all about meeting people. Building a network can go a long way in helping him once he becomes a manager. “When I become a superintendent, if I ever get stuck or get into a problem, I’ve made connections and I can call on guys that have seen something similar,” Miller says. “I think that’s what’s so cool about the industry, is that you can make one phone call to somebody and ask for help.” 

Miller says he wouldn’t be on this adventure if it wasn’t for his dad. “He’s a very big influence, and I want to thank him for that, because I wouldn't be where I am today without him. And my mom too, the work ethic they instilled in me and the values they taught me about hard work and stuff, I feel like that’s where I got to today because of them.” 

The trip should provide enduring lessons. Miller plans to keep a journal, taking notes about everywhere he visits, the people he meets and what he learns. Known as @JakeMiller02 on X, he will also be posting from his travels on the social media platform.  

Kelsie Horner is Golf Course Industry’s digital editor.