A golf-course architect and a Texas A&M alumnus, Miller was heavily involved in golf in the Houston area in the 1960s and 1970s, both as an architect and in a managerial capacity. He designed and built Quail Valley, Columbia Lakes and the third nine at Panorama, before he became one of the original owners and builder of Texas National.
The innovative Miller, who also planted the seed for the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, had been to the Masters Tournament and was smitten by the beauty of Augusta National Golf Course. When he first laid eyes on the Willis Property, he informed his partners, "This land is as close to Augusta National as we will find in Texas."Jack was excited by the piney woods, the rises and dips in the terrain, the magnificent dogwood and a natural stream (Indian Camp Creek) that traversed the land - all characteristics of Augusta National.
The name came easily: Texas National Golf Course, which would be something special in the world of golf. Jack built a sporty course, one that is fun to play, and the first nine and the clubhouse were opened simultaneously in November of 1977. However, three of the four owners (Miller, Buck Nichols and Ernest Coker Jr.) sold their interests to Russell Wiggins in the same year.
