In this Nov. 2, 2006 story, graduating senior Zack Miller spoke of the “really big things” the Cardinal could accomplish this year — and he was right: The Cardinal took the NCAA title for the first time in 13 years.

Miller himself was a major factor in the win, firing a one-under 279 for 15th individually (tied for second-best among the Stanford squad). He also tied for 22nd at the Pacific-10 Conference Championships (later earning first team All-Pac-10 honors) and scored 36th at the NCAA West Regional on his way to becoming a third team All-American.

Competing in all 13 of Stanford’s events this season, Miller had a final 71.4 stroke average (among Stanford’s top 10 all-time), nine top-25 finishes and five top-10 finishes. He also earned three individual titles: the Gopher Invitational, Prestige and CordeValle Classic.

When men’s golf coach Conrad Ray was asked if there was anything quirky about senior Zack Miller, it didn’t take him long to respond.

“Miller plays with two putters,” Ray said. “He takes a lot of harassment from the guys. It’s really rare in golf to see a golfer use two putters consistently but it has worked well for him so far.”

So...Miller uses two putters. The shorter one is used for long putts, and the longer one is used for short putts.

Of course, there is more to the quiet and amiable Miller than just his quirky putting. The senior is planning to pursue a career in golf after graduation.

“It’s an interesting yet uncertain path,” Miller said. “Once you turn pro you’re definitely on your own. Professional golf is an extremely difficult profession at first because people really only think of golfers who are top players in world.”

But Miller may just have what it takes to be one of those top players himself someday.

“Zack should definitely give it shot,” Ray said. “To be able to win and compete with the high skill level in the Pac-10, it would be only the natural succession for Zack to move on to the pros. He has a great short game and a great touch. All of these things factor well into a great professional career.”

Throughout the fall season, Miller has consistently proven that he has the talent to make it in the world of professional golf. Most recently, he was named the Golf World Golfer of the Week for his performance in the Prestige at the PGA West Tournament in La Quinta, Calif.

The Prestige was the first individual win of Miller’s collegiate career. With the tournament on the line, Miller had to cover 30 feet with two putts. After overshooting the first attempt, he pulled out his long putter and sunk the winning putt.

“It was the best golf experience of my life,” Miller said. “What made it great was just having my teammates there to celebrate it with.”

As a child, Miller was a three-sport athlete but none of the three was golf. Rather, he focused on baseball, football and basketball.

“Though I love baseball, it was a sort of blessing that I was never on a good team,” Miller joked. “It turned me away from the sport and opened me up to golf.”

Miller’s grandfather was the first to introduce him to golf, when he was just seven years old. His grandfather remains his biggest fan.

“My family tells me that I am a younger version of him,” Miller said.

Miller has received an overwhelming amount of family support throughout his career. In high school, his parents transported him to tournaments all over the world, including in Japan and Scotland, leading to his inevitable recruitment to Stanford. His parents have been extremely supportive in his decision to follow golf.

“At the end of my junior year, I had to figure out which internship or job I was going to pursue for the summer,” Miller said. “In the end, I realized that I didn’t want to give up on golf just yet. So, I spent all summer going to tournaments and getting the best help possible to improve my game for senior year.”

Miller has had a fantastic fall season thus far in 2006. He has won two tournaments — a tie for first at the Gopher Invitational and an individual win at the Prestige — and has compiled a 72.7 stroke average.

“So far it’s been a great year,” Miller said. “Up to this point we’ve been really successful. If we can end it with a win, it’ll be one of the best falls we could have asked for. It’s nice to be a senior golfer on a team that is competitive and that can do really big things this year.”

Though Miller has big plans, he keeps things in perspective and stays humble.

“To deal with the pressure, I just remember that at the end of the day, whether I make this putt or not, my life isn’t going to change that much,” Miller said. “I’m going to hang out with my roommate or talk to friends. At the match, sometimes it feels like do or die, but life goes on after I walk off of the course.”