by Aaron W. Hughey

The Frances E. Miller Memorial Golf Course was developed on 175 acres of land donated to Murray State University by L.D. Miller in 1979. Miller was a 1937 alumnus of M.S.U. and prominent Murray businessman who passed away in 1992.

The golf course is actually named after L.D. Miller’s wife, an avid golfer who died in 1976. The actual course was designed by golf architects Jack Kidwell and Mike Hurdzan of Columbus, Ohio.

“The Miller Gold Course opened in 1983,” according to Billy Wagoner, course manager and Professional Golf Association (PGA) Professional. “I have been at the facility since 1986.”

The Miller Golf Course presents a unique challenge for both competitive as well as recreational golfers. The par-71 layout measures 6,592 yards from the championship tees and has two distinct nines which require a wide variety of shots. The outward nine holes are set on a hilly terrain, whereas the inward nine holes require length and accurate long iron play.

“The longest hole on the course is the par-five 17th, which is 535 yards in length,” Wagoner adds.

“The shortest is the par-three 16th, which measures 171 yards.”

“The course contains 54 sand bunkers and three scenic water hazards,” Wagoner says. “The fairways feature automatically irrigated Bermuda grass and the putting greens feature professionally manicured bent grass.”

The Miller Golf Course has a solid reputation among golfers both locally and nationally. The course sees plenty of action during the golfing season.

“We average around 50-60 golfers on weekdays and about 120 on weekends,” Wagoner notes. “Currently we have a seniors men’s league that plays every Wednesday morning; their number varies from 32 on slow days to 52 on busy days.”

“Most of the golfers we serve are local folks from the community,” Wagoner continues. “We are a public facility.”

Wagoner is originally from Frankfort, Kentucky. He is a 1979 graduate of Murray State University, where he was a four year letterman for the thoroughbred baseball team and a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Wagoner began his career in golf course management at Juniper Hills in Frankfort before joining the staff of the Miller Gold Course as superintendent in 1986. He became manager in 1988 and earned his Professional status with the PGA in 1998.

Wagoner is assisted in maintaining the course by William Snodgrass, assistant superintendent, Greg Garland, head mechanic, and Carolyn Parker, assistant pro shop manager.

“We have a great staff who do an excellent job of keeping the course in good condition,” Wagoner says with obvious pride. “We work together very well.”

In addition to the 18 holes, the Miller Gold Course also features two large practice putting greens, a wide, two-level practice tee and a spacious 315-yard driving range.

The course also features a clubhouse which is modeled after the home of L.D. Miller. Completed in 1990, the clubhouse is used by the community for various banquets and meetings.

Several golf carts are available, together with a club repair service.

In 1984, the Miller Golf Course was selected by USA Today as one of the 130 best-designed courses in America. Furthermore, the course was listed in Golf Digest as one of the premiere “Places to Play in America.”

The Miller Golf Course is affiliated with Murray State University, which oversees its maintenance and future development.

“We are in the process of considering the remodeling of our facilities,” Wagoner explains. “We are looking at ways to make the clubhouse and the pro shop, which are already very nice, even better.”

“The M.S.U. men’s and women’s golf teams both practice and play in tournaments at the Miller Gold Course,” Wagoner continues. “They generally have two or three tournaments here every year, especially during special events on campus such as homecoming.”

“Memberships at the Miller Golf Course are pretty reasonable,” Wagoner observes. “Single memberships are $400 per year, husband/wife memberships are $500 per year, and family memberships are $600 per year.”

“If you’re interested in playing a challenging course, come on out and try us,” Wagoner concludes. “You won’t be disappointed.”

Further information on the Miller Golf Course can be found at their website, www.murraystate.edu/millergolf.