Like students, professors have lives. Contrary to the mindset that professors’ existences consist solely of papers and lesson plans, Robert Miller, professor of finance, throws a wrench into this idea with his own extra-curricular activity.

The President of the Kishwaukee Country Club is a passionate golfer. A competitor in the Sept. 22 Pro-Presidential Championship at the Ivanhoe Country Club in Mundelein, Miller walked away with a substantial bronze first-place trophy for finishing seven under par in the Illinois Professional Golf Association-hosted event.

“I thought anybody could [play golf],” Miller said. “One day I went and found not everybody can do that. It challenged me. Next day I bought a new set of golf clubs, joined a league and took off from there.”

Out of the 41 clubs entered in the tournament, Miller’s camp at Kishwaukee were pleasantly surprised at the results. At the 72-par course, Miller finished with a net 65. The second-place winners finished at five under par. The recognition left Miller humble.

“Because I’m a high-handicapped golfer, to win something like that is just unbelievable,” Miller said. “Even the pro, who is an excellent golfer, was shocked that we won it too. We played in six-somes, with three professionals and three presidents.”

David Paeglow, the professional who golfed alongside Miller, qualified the event as memorable.

“It was an interesting day because he was putting me in sand traps, lawn grass, 250 yards away from the hole,” Paeglow said. “Bob’s a great guy to play golf with. He has fun with it regardless about the score.”

Daniel Wunsch, interim associate dean at NIU and fellow golfer, was entertained by Miller’s results.

“It’s a surprise to a lot of us,” Wunsch said. “The president of our club has his up and down days. He has a 25 handicap. [He and the pro] played alternate shots, some that the pro had never seen before. They whipped everybody.”

As in any hobby, Miller views golfing as relaxation. But as in any competitive sport, Miller has other feelings.

“It’s frustrating at times,” Miller said. “If you shoot a 90, of the 90 shots you took, you probably shot three really good ones. It’s those three shots that keep you coming back. You kind of forget about the bad 87.”

Another perk of golf for Miller is the opportunity to spend quality time with his wife, Carolyn Miller, instructor of management in business and communications at NIU.

“I’m just thrilled for him,” Carolyn said. “Bob and I just spent a long weekend at Galena [playing golf]. That’s how we enjoy golf, with a relaxed atmosphere.”

After his accomplishment, Miller could be content and leave his golf career on this high note.

“I’m trying to get my handicap down,” Miller said. “The season is winding down here, but if the sun is out and it’s in the high 40s, you’ll see some screwballs out there playing golf. I’ve played in sleet. I’d been putting on a green when it was sleeting and the ball picked up the sleet and became an iceball.”

In retrospect of his achievement, the option of leaving NIU in favor of nine-irons and putting greens remains.

“I have to laugh,” Miller said. “I certainly will play more when I leave NIU in a couple of years.