Kyle Miller

Kyle Miller (born 11 December 1990) is a Canadian professional golfer born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is the first golfer with cerebral palsy to participate in a PGA Tour sanctioned event.

Early life and golf development

Kyle was born a month early and suffered a stroke during birth, causing his cerebral palsy.

From an early age, Miller's left hand was rigidly curled and walking required him to limp on his toes. At the age of 9, Miller and his mother approached the Shriners Hospital for Children to operate on Miller's hand, hoping to straighten it by transferring muscle from the bottom of his wrist to the top. He was very aware that this surgery could mean not waking up, and has stated: "The decision was ultimately mine, and it was with a deep breath I signed the waiver with my good hand." By the time Kyle began playing golf, he had accumulated 14 surgeries, including one to straighten his left leg.

Miller began playing golf while in elementary school. During high school, he would skip classes to go to the driving range. Miller learned much of his ability by shadowing local golfer and coach Marty Desmarais at a local golf club in Calgary.

Miller studied business during university, but dropped out and moved to Florida despite having limited funds in order to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional golfer.

While in Florida, Kyle met fellow Canadian golf instructor Sean Foley. Miller has attributed much of his success to Foley, stating "What Sean has given me is hope and belief", "Here's someone who has become one of the top teachers in the world, and he's telling me I could make it. So why would I doubt myself?" In 2017, Miller was given a spot in the Mackenzie Tour.

In regards to his approach, Miller has stated "I've been forced to understand what the body could do, how the body got better and how I'm going to be good. So I think it's an advantage, not a disadvantage".

Charitable efforts

Kyle is the spokesman for The Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta and remains a passionate advocate to those with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Much of his earnings and fundraising through golf are donated to charity.