Miller’s Time At Augusta Beer Distributor Plays Round With Arnie, Jack And Fuzzy

John “Spider” Miller just can’t stop smiling.

Even when he knocked his tee shot into the bunker at No. 18 Wednesday, the grin never left his face. It’s not every day that a 46-year-old beer distributor gets a chance to play a round of golf at Augusta National with Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Fuzzy Zoeller, even if it was just for practice.

“I’m having the time of my life,” Miller said. “If you catch me without a smile on my face, just take me out and shoot me.”

Miller, a father of five who has a regular job to return to on Monday, became the most unlikely member of the Masters field by winning the U.S. Mid-Amateur title. He’ll be one of four amateurs in the field, and by far the oldest, when the tournament begins Thursday.

“I guess I’m here for the boys from the 19th hole,” said Miller, the oldest Mid-Amateur champion in history. “Look at me. I’m 46 years old. I’m not looking for a pro career. I was fortunate enough to win the Mid-Amateur, but there’s a lot of guys who love to play like me. We’re here for the game.”

One of the unique charms of the Masters is that it still affords someone like Miller the chance to compete. In a way, it’s like someone hitting enough home runs in a weekend softball tournament to qualify for a spot in the World Series.

Miller’s large family - wife Kathy and their children, 17-year-old Betsy, 15-year-old Lucy, 13-year-old Joe, 11-year-old Susan and 7-year-old Frank - trailed him around the course throughout his practice round Wednesday.

“It certainly is his dream day, that’s for sure,” Mrs. Miller said. “And it was our dream just to watch him.”

Miller kidded around with Zoeller all through the front nine and walked arm-in-arm with Palmer down the 17th fairway. It was quite a sight - a four-time Masters champion playing with a man who sells Budweiser beer to taverns, restaurants and liquor stores.

When Miller’s tee shot at 18 sailed into the bunker which hugs the left side of the fairway, little Frank, standing along the ropes, yelled a few words of encouragement.

“Hey dad,” he said, “don’t hit it in the sand trap anymore.”

After all four men had putted out, Miller asked if they could get together with his children for a picture that undoubtedly will be getting a prominent place in the family’s home back in Bloomington, Ind.

“How many children do you have?” Nicklaus asked incredulously as one child after another nudged their way into the picture.

Miller, who picked up his nickname as a child because he liked climbing on shelves at his father’s hardware store, seems resigned to watching the final two rounds. He would love to make the cut, but he knows the odds of that happening aren’t very good.

“I want to play well, but if I don’t I’m sure not going to jump into Rae’s Creek,” he said. “I’m going to stay here - win, lose or draw - through the weekend. I’m certainly not going to pout and run on home.”

Miller already has become something of a folk hero during his two practice rounds at Augusta National. He practiced Tuesday with Zoeller, Palmer and Tom Watson, so every move has been trailed by huge throngs.

“Go get ‘em Spider!” one man screamed as he headed toward the first tee Wednesday. “Thank you,” Miller responded, grinning broadly.

He just can’t seem to get that look off his face.