Viktor Hovland aces the 7th hole at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Kyle Westmoreland (born September 20, 1991) is an American professional golfer. The guy who misses the best is going to win. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. I wanted to learn more about his backstory and outlook, and also understand how a military man could possibly have enough time to ready his golf game to compete professionally. Beat Army, Sink Navy. Westmoreland, 30, finished in the 25th and final spot in the points standings. After narrowly earning his tour card in September, Westmoreland said, "I don't drink, but I need a beer." The PGA Tour announced the field for what's often known as golf's "fifth major," and Tiger Woods was not part of the group that will tee it up at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. He had three top-10s and made 14 cuts in 26 events during the season. 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More than a half-dozen years after his death, Arnold Palmers legacy remains ubiquitous at Bay Hill, https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/09/05/kyle-westmoreland-first-air-force-academy-graduate-pga-tour-card/, Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic islands, Central America, Top 50 Classic Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, Top 50 Modern Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, Korn Ferry Tour Championship winner Justin Suh, first Air Force grad to play in a U.S. Open, James Hahn is mad as hell about the changes coming to the PGA Tour and he isn't afraid to tell you why, Best golf balls for 2023 for every budget and playing style, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational: Three of the world's top 20 among the players to miss the cut, Best irons for 2023 for every handicap and playing style, Friday at Bay Hill: Jordan Spieth's putter wakes up, Jon Rahm takes a step back among notes from Day 2 at Arnold Palmer Invitational, Photos: 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational merchandise tent is fit for a king, Putters used by PGA Tour players ranked in the top 10 in strokes gained putting, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Westmoreland has made history this week, becoming the first player from the Air Force Academy to. I couldnt ask for anything more, the institution couldnt ask for anything more and I just want this to be a springboard for him moving forward, Air Force golf coach George Koury said. In the summer of 2019, he turned to golf full. Westmoreland may be one of the longshots at Torrey Pines but military men have made their mark at the U.S. Open before. One day it would be a 6-iron, a 7-iron the next, an 8-iron after that anything to play and stay sharp. SRP: $379.95 BOA; $329.95 lace HyperFlex Finely tuned Read more. The member firms of RSM International collaborate to provide services to global clients, but are separate and distinct legal entities that cannot obligate each other. Lessons learned in the military have given Westmoreland a blueprint for success that he is attempting to apply to golf. Westmoreland bounced back nicely, though, and was seven shots behind co-leaders Richard Bland and Russell Henley at 2 over in good position to become the first person from the Air Force Academy to make the cut at the U.S. Open. Kyle Westmoreland was born on September 20, 1991, and hails from Texas. He made the cut in the 2021 U.S. Open, becoming the first Air Force Academy graduate to do so. The USGA announced on Thursday four additional exemption categories to the U.S. Open. [4], He has also had status on PGA Tour Canada.[5]. Westmoreland has made history this week, becoming the first player from the Air Force Academy to qualify for the U.S. Open. Everything you need to know for the final round at Bay Hill. Between graduating from the Air Force Academy and turning professional, Westmoreland served in the military for half a decade while most of his current contemporaries in pro golf were honing their games. Kyle Westmoreland (born September 20, 1991) is an American professional golfer. Beat Army. As his service commitment drew to a close, Kyle set his sights on professional golf again and even shot a 7-under to qualify for the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. Even when you cant get to a golf course, you can still work on your putting nearly anywhere. Kyle Westmoreland, a 2014 USAFA graduate, became the first Academy graduate to compete in the U.S. Open, played at Torrey Pines Golf Course, June 17-20, at in San Diego, Calif. Westmoreland is also the first to ever play in one of the PGA's four major championships and became the first . The cacophony brings Kyle Westmoreland comfort. It makes you feel right at home, he said. In golf, as in life, perspective can greatly influence your attitude and overall performance. ClubTest Proving Ground: Do PXG's 0211 XCOR2 irons live up to the hype? He worked in South Carolina. That left Westmoreland to work on his short game at night in his room, or on the practice green. Weekdays were a little tougher. Michael Murphy is a hero to me in every sense of the word. Everyone wants to play in the U.S. Open, its, you know, its arguably the hardest, some say the hardest major to get into, Westmoreland said. He played golf in the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014. Nine months later, the world is in a very different place and so the USGA accepted 9,069 entries to this years national championship, the eighth-highest total in U.S. Open history. by Mastercard. U.S. Open: Full-field scores | Full coverage. ET Friday to commit to the event. ", https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2021/06/15/u-s-open-captain-kyle-westmoreland/, Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic islands, Central America, Top 50 Classic Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, Top 50 Modern Courses in Great Britain & Ireland, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Are Brian Harman and Butch Harmon Related. But can a league that embraced 54 holes, team golf and shotgun starts sustain? Jed Morgan scores LIV Golfs golden ticket as big-name stars plan Aussie escape. Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. RELATED: Meet the Air Force captain teeing it up on the PGA Tour. 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Tardy was one of 46 players to get LPGA Tour cards for the 2023 season on Sunday after the conclusion of the eight-round marathon that is LPGA Q Series. Im in a better mental headspace, he said. His father introduced him to golf when he was seven and he has been on the greens since. A Captain in the Air Force, he turned to full-time professional golf upon his discharge in summer 2019, even Monday qualifying for the Utah Championship presented by Zions Bank while . Kyle Westmoreland is a 30-year-old Houston native who spent five-and-a-half years on active duty in the Air Force following graduation from the Air Force Academy. Since its opening in March 1993, the golf course at Links Hope Island has regularly featured among the leading courses in Australia. General Westmoreland passed away on July 18, 2005, after battling Alzheimers. After graduation in 2014, Westmoreland spent the next three years stationed in Charleston, S.C., and Biloxi, Miss., working in the Air Force's financial-management division. He was also active in his squadron as a flight commander. ", "It's frustrating in the moment when it's happening, but afterwards for me now, I don't really care as much. The pro golf made quite the distinction, becoming the first Air Force veteran to qualify in the Majors. Westmoreland qualified after shooting a seven-under-par 135, tying him for fourth overall at the Dallas qualifier. Westmoreland, who saw his score inch up in the wrong direction each day this week, posted scores of 69-70-71-72 and finished 6 under, 15 shots back of Korn Ferry Tour Championship winner Justin Suh. He knows the job cant be done alone, and he doesnt take credit as an individual. To perform the drill, simply setup a ruler (preferably a yardstick for its longer length), on a flat surface. What a better poster guy than Kyle.. I wanted to challenge myself. The wealthy Saudi-backed LIV Golf league embodied its "Golf, but louder" slogan in its first season. For regular citizen golfers, theres an important lesson that can be learned here. Rules of Golf Review: How do I find my nearest point of relief? Kyle Westmoreland had a status in PGA Tour Canada. If youre playing in windy conditions, consider keeping a driving iron or long iron on deck for a more penetrating flight. A new star in the golf scene shares his last name with a significant personality in modern U.S. history, and golf watchers wonder if there is a connection between them. Sometimes golf can make you want to snap a golf club over your knee, or hang up your sticks altogether. GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. Kyle Westmoreland, an Air Force Academy graduate who's currently navigating the world of professional golf, has a unique perspective on both golf and life. But it was good enough for Westmoreland, the first Air Force grad to play in a U.S. Open, to earn his place on Tour for the 2022-23 season. Both stages of qualifying were canceled last year due to the pandemic. [2][3] He was medalist at local qualifying during the qualification process. Players field: 43 of top 50 in OWGR, no Tiger, CL: Few devils in details of Tour's event restructure, Rahm falters with 76 in wind: 'It's f**king hard', Full list: '23 U.S. Open local, final qualifying sites. RSM US LLP is a limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms. The now 27-year-old turned pro after serving five-and-a-half years of active duty for the Air Force. Entries arrived from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 70 foreign countries. While at the Nellis base between poses in front of the Thunderbirds F-16 fighter jets Westmoreland was able to catch up with his buddies who are currently serving in the military and stationed in Las Vegas. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below! "Go Air Force. And were Tour bound, baby, he said with the sun setting behind him and 24 others who made their dreams come true Sunday at Victoria National in Newburgh, Indiana. (Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada) With the frame of a linebacker, standing at 6 feet 3 . But it doesnt have to be a stressor, it can be a stress reliever. Nico Echavarria has made only two cuts in 10 starts heading into the Puerto Rico Open. GOLF.com and GOLF Magazine are published by EB GOLF MEDIA LLC, a division of 8AM GOLF, 5 interesting things I learned from Air Force Academy grad (and pro golfer) Kyle Westmoreland, What is Jim Nantzs career lowlight? Let him tell you about adult film, Its f hard: Jon Rahm comes back to Earth at brutal Bay Hill. Its not the only option at the top end of his iron setup, though. HyperFlex Carbon offers additional underfoot cushioning with an OrthoLite Impressions FitBed. He proved a worthy winner, but there always will be an asterisk of sorts for one reason and it has nothing to do with the lack of spectators. Every golfer dreams of getting their handicap down, and weve got news for you. He lives in Katy, just a 25-minute drive from the Houston . Just remember, even if youre playing the worst round of your life, at least youre out playing golf. Kyle Westmoreland hits out of a bunker on the 13th hole during a practice round of the U.S. Open Golf Championship, Monday, June 14, 2021, at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. The academy seemed hard, Westmoreland said. Photo credit: Harry How/Getty Images. He and his sister were raised in Katy by their parents, Don and Kim Westmoreland. "For me and the Air Force golf program, this is it. Now four months later, it looks like he'll be buying a few tonight at Torrey Pines. Westmoreland did his best to keep his game sharp while serving. After a tour of the base, and watching fighter jets lift off from the runway (with ear plugs in to block the incredibly loud noise), Westmoreland sat down with me for a guest spot on GOLFs Fully Equipped podcast. Are they right? A Captain in the Air Force, he turned to full-time professional golf upon his discharge in summer 2019, even Monday qualifying for the Utah Championship presented by Zions Bank while on terminal leave before discharge. It provides great inspiration to golfers around the world. THE MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED, DISTRIBUTED, TRANSMITTED, CACHED OR OTHERWISE USED, EXCEPT WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF DISCOVERY GOLF, INC. 2023 DISCOVERY GOLF, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Watch a former Air Force captain make his first PGA Tour hole-in-one in spectacular fashion. Since he began advancing in the golf scene with his intriguing military background, social media users are questioning a possible connection between him and General William Westmoreland. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (California). And, you know, kind of have a foundation built that I wouldnt have had had I not been in the military.. PGA Tour rookie Nico Echavarria shot a 7-under 65 and holds a two-shot lead entering the final round of the Puerto Rico Open. Kyle Westmoreland was born on September 20, 1991, and hails from Texas. Westmoreland qualified after shooting a seven-under-par 135 at the qualifier at the Dallas . By: Caroline John - Published: November 12, 2021 at 7:01 am, Kyle Westmoreland at Torrey Pines Golf Course on June 17, 2021 in San Diego, California. He's the first Air Force Academy graduate to earn a @PGATOUR card. William Westmoreland served as the chief of staff of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He and his wife, Katherine Stevens Van Deusen, are parents to three childrenKatherine Stevens, James Ripley II, and Margaret Childs. ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Kyle had a strong 2022 season on the Korn Ferry Tour, as he had three top-10 finishes and was 13th on Tour in driving distance. He was a senior in college at Air Force in 2014 and then served out his five-year commitment, reaching the rank of captain serving in the financial management division. Old rivalries die hard. Kyle Westmoreland, a product of the U.S. Air Force Academy, is 2021s rising golf star. He earned his PGA Tour card for the 202223 season via the 2022 Korn Ferry Tour Finals. And its why the U.S. Open being a true open again is another welcome sign that life is returning to something resembling normal. The broad-shouldered big hitter has shown he has the game to play with the worlds best players, climbing the leaderboard before a triple bogey on the par-4 14th hole knocked him down a few notches. Since then, Kyle has been working his way through Qualifying School and the Korn Ferry Tour to make his way to the PGA TOUR. He makes that decision based on which of the clubs hes likely to use most often at different courses and in different conditions. I know who I am now and what my priorities are. For men like Captain Westmoreland who have clawed their way into the field at one of the most prestigious championships in golf, this week is about dreams coming true, of a lifetime of hard work, of perseverance paying off. Go Air Force. Westmorelands dream was deferred five years but hes made it to his first major before 30 and says hes better for it. He carries a 3-iron, 4-iron and a 3-wood, and he will leave one of those out of his bag come competition time. But he never wavered on his goal of playing professional golf. If he had it his way, actually, Westmoreland says he wouldnt even have his name stitched onto his PXG staff bag. Christopher Crawford, who has competed on several professional circuits, including the newly created Forme Tour, did it the hard way for the third time. But it was good enough for Westmoreland, the first Air Force grad to play in a U.S. Open , to earn his place on Tour for the 2022-23 season. Many of the greens where he served were bumpy, so he would practice on a ruler instead. Also Read: Are Brian Harman and Butch Harmon Related? He is now the first and only Air Force Academy graduate to earn a PGA TOUR card. Five years of service did nothing to blunt his game. 5 great reasons to put Bonville at the top of your list in 2023, Course flyover: The Western Australian Golf Club. "@Kyle_West_ played collegiality @AF_Golf and completed a five-year service commitment in the @USAirForce before pursuing professional golf. Discover what makes RSM the first choice advisor to middle market leaders, globally. Rules Review: What is casual water and how do I play around it? Westmoreland, who saw his score inch up in the wrong direction each day this week, posted scores of 69-70-71-72 and finished 6 under, 15 shots back of Korn Ferry Tour Championship winner Justin Suh. For this interview, though, we dove into the backstory of Westmoreland, his experiences in the military, his transition into professional golf after serving active duty, what hes learned along the way, and, OK, maybe a little about golf equipment, too. Kyle Westmoreland, a 2014 USAFA graduate, will compete in the 121 st U.S. Open Championship, June 17-20, at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, Calif. Westmoreland is the first Academy graduate to compete in the U.S. Open and the first to ever play in one of the PGA's four major championships. It doesnt have enough spin or loft to leave the fairway. I knew I wouldnt being to play right away, but I hoped it would work out.. [2][3] He was medalist at local qualifying during the qualification process. Players had until 5 p.m. The time in the Air Force served him well. I have one where the ball speed goes to about 155 mph and flies about 250, and rolls out to 280. Find a fitting location near you at GOLFs affiliate companyTrueSpecGolf. Second is a cruise, we call it cruising speed. Kyle Westmoreland was born in Lewisville, Texas, four hours north of Memorial Park, host of this week's Cadence Bank Houston Open. HyperFlex Carbon The new HyperFlex Carbon offers tour-proven enhancements, delivering unquestioned innovation, comfort, stability and visual design. Early Thursday morning, that grandson 25-year-old Cameron Champ stood in wonder at Augusta National's first tee, watching his grandfather's hero serve as an honorary starter for the 85th. He played golf in the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014. When Air Force graduate Kyle Westmoreland last year became the first academy alum to compete in the U.S. Open, then-Falcons golf coach George Koury described it as the ultimate. Well, its actually the loft of a 2-iron, he says, but the 1 looks cleaner. Admittedly, having a 1-iron in the bag does look pretty cool. Hurleys best advice to Westmoreland on what he needs to do to make the leap to the PGA Tour? He has the pedigree, too: his grandfather Bob was a left tackle and . Remember, not all golf courses are the same, so your 14-club equipment setup doesnt always have to be the same either. Golf can be confusing and frustrating, but you dont have to go at it alone. Westmoreland made the cut at the 2021 U.S. Open with a tie for 68th place, becoming the first Air Force Academy graduate to do so. [4], He has also had status on PGA Tour Canada. I've already won it. Westmoreland is one of the few pro golfers left with a 1-iron in his bag. SAN DIEGO The steady stream of fighter jets roaring overhead mostly go unnoticed, background noise to the beautiful views and brilliant golf at Torrey Pines. He was 13th in driving distance on the Korn Ferry Tour at 319 yards. Westmoreland competed for the United States Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014 after finishing 4th at the Mountain West Conference championships. Check it out: See? For Westmorelands buddies in the military they go by Sticks, Thunder and Dog golf is an outlet for enjoyment away from their stressful day jobs. After an opening round 72 (+2) on the Blue Course, Westmoreland rallied to shoot 9-under 63 on the par 72 Gold Course, including a front-nine six-under 29. But perhaps an ace is exactly what this ace pilot needed to jumpstart his season. College career [ edit] Westmoreland competed for the United States Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014 after finishing 4th at the Mountain West Conference championships. Brett Quigley fired a 7-under-par 65 and leads the Champions Tour's Cologuard Classic by 1 shot over John Huston, Kirk Triplett and Brian Cooper. He had five years of service to finish first. "This is a game of misses. The golf community on social media cant help but wonder if he is related to General William Westmoreland, the late commander of the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War. I wanted to learn more about his. A top junior player in Katy, Texas, he had numerous offers to play college golf. 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