Kyle Westmoreland was born in Lewisville, Texas, four hours north of Memorial Park, host of this week's Cadence Bank Houston Open. 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. Terms of Service "This is a game of misses. [4], He has also had status on PGA Tour Canada.[5]. This helps with alignment, stroke path, and getting the ball rolling on your intended line. It's been a rough rookie campaign so far for the 31-year-old with six missed cuts in eight starts. He had five years of service to finish first. 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. Players had until 5 p.m. Every golfer dreams of getting their handicap down, and weve got news for you. But as a Captain, Kyle had his priorities in place, which meant serving his country for the next five years. But he walked off the green in red figures after acing the par 3 with a one-hopper. He earned his PGA Tour card for the 202223 season via the 2022 Korn Ferry Tour Finals. And, you know, kind of have a foundation built that I wouldnt have had had I not been in the military.. Critics say new PGA Tour events copy LIV. 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. 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 . Westmoreland qualified after shooting a seven-under-par 135 at the qualifier at the Dallas . The guy who misses the best is going to win. 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 . They are friends and frequent competitors back home in Charleston at Daniel Island Club despite the inter-service rivalry. Everything you need to know for the final round at Bay Hill. 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. Sink Navy. Are they right? And, you're probably right. 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. A top junior player in Katy, Texas, he had numerous offers to play college golf. Others in the field include Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland, Brandt Snedeker and past winner Cameron Champ. However, the golfers family has no evident relation to the former chief of staff of the U.S. Army. He practiced with a purpose and capitalized on every opportunity he could. 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. He lives in Katy, just a 25-minute drive from the Houston . General Westmoreland passed away on July 18, 2005, after battling Alzheimers. At the U.S. Open, Kyle became the first Air Force Academy graduate to not only play in, but also make the cut at one of the sports Major Championships. That was pretty nifty, right? 5 great reasons to put Bonville at the top of your list in 2023, Course flyover: The Western Australian Golf Club. SRP: $379.95 BOA; $329.95 lace HyperFlex Finely tuned Read more. ", New Zealands Top 50 Golf Courses 2019/20, Kurt Kitayama has trophy in reach again, Corey Conners loves his numbers, and Davis Riley has found some form, Tiger Woods isnt entered in Players Championship, so Masters is probably next, Rory McIlroy contends overseas players have brilliant chance to become PGA Tour elite, while others strongly disagree, 10 players who surprisingly have work to do to lock up spots in next years designated events, These answers by Jon Rahm after taking Bay Hill lead speak volumes about why hes the world No.1, Fred Perpall elected first Black president of USGA, Michael Murphy, the author of Golf In The Kingdom, ticks every box for hero, This standout college golfer finally has an LPGA tour card after three straight years of near misses, 6 tips from scratch golfers that will instantly make you a smarter player, New study reveals the harsh truth about 5-irons, The clubs Chris Kirk used to win the 2023 Honda Classic, Looking at Arnold Palmers best golf courses, 7 things course architects think about that you probably dont, WPGA Tour of Australasia (WPGA Tour) and the PGA of Australia extended partnership, 6 mistakes to avoid when planning your next womens golf trip. They dont play very oftenbut when they get out there they still hit it good somehow, Westmoreland said on Fully Equipped. U.S. Open: Full-field scores | Full coverage. 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. He and his wife, Katherine Stevens Van Deusen, are parents to three childrenKatherine Stevens, James Ripley II, and Margaret Childs. Weekdays were a little tougher. But they play three times a year; enjoying golf has become a great pastime of theirs and it blows off steam. Allow Jeff Hall, the USGAs managing director of rules and Opens, to explain its importance: The openness of this championship is what truly sets it apart from all others, he said. 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. In golf, as in life, perspective can greatly influence your attitude and overall performance. Kyle Westmoreland's last start on the PGA TOUR came at the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open. Learn from Jon Rahms abbreviated action to maximise your power game. Copyright 1996 - It makes you feel right at home, he said. 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. U.S. Open: Kyle Westmoreland is first Air Force Academy grad to compete The U.S. Open is open again for the likes of Captain Kyle Westmoreland Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports Adam Schupak. Thats Bryson DeChambeau long-drive type numbers. After narrowly earning his tour card in September, Westmoreland said, "I don't drink, but I need a beer." On his way to a deployment in Africa, Westmoreland spent a week in Roda, Spain, where he could only rent one club per day. Which ball counts? Westmoreland may be one of the longshots at Torrey Pines but military men have made their mark at the U.S. Open before. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (California). Privacy Policy. In the summer of 2019, he turned to golf full time, and earned the 25th and final PGA Tour card available at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship in September. Volition America donates a portion of its profits to the Folds of Honor, a foundation that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen soldiers, and Westmoreland wears the Puma x Volition America apparel proudly. Want to overhaul your bag for 2021? What a better poster guy than Kyle.. Then if were trying to long drive it for whatever reason, we can get it up to about 206.. Kurt Kitayama took advantage of Jon Rahm's struggles on Friday, shooting a 4-under 68 to grab a two-shot lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Even when you cant get to a golf course, you can still work on your putting nearly anywhere. PGA Tour rookie Carson Young, seeking his first win, posted a 5-under 67 on Friday and built a 4-shot lead going into the weekend at the Puerto Rico Open. 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. His access to golf. Even under pressure, I'm performing well. Qualifying is a cherished part of what makes the Open the Open. But when you see the one Kyle Westmoreland made on Wednesday during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open you'll also agree this was particularly pleasing to the eye. Nico Echavarria has made only two cuts in 10 starts heading into the Puerto Rico Open. View the profiles of people named Kyle Westmoreland. The cacophony brings Kyle Westmoreland comfort. Go Air Force. written by Matthew Wilson June 20, 2021 3:29 pm. It doesnt have enough spin or loft to leave the fairway. Westmoreland is one of the few pro golfers left with a 1-iron in his bag. It gives me hope. 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. Both stages of qualifying were canceled last year due to the pandemic. Rules of Golf Review: How do I find my nearest point of relief? Westmoreland worked all day in finance, got in a workout after, then headed to the driving range at Patriots Point Links, where he would hit under the lights until it closed at 10 p.m. He worked hard, he continues to work hard and its awesome to see him have some fruits of that labor, Koury said. Im in a better mental headspace, he said. Christopher Crawford, who has competed on several professional circuits, including the newly created Forme Tour, did it the hard way for the third time. If youre playing in windy conditions, consider keeping a driving iron or long iron on deck for a more penetrating flight. The 156-player field includes 88 fully exempt golfers, which is too many, in my humble opinion, and in conflict with its reputation of being the most democratic championship. In doing so, the Air Force veteran noticed the Patriots' Outpost, a viewing area exclusive to military. 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. 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. Place a golf ball on one end, and putt along the ruler so the golf ball stays on the surface without rolling off the side. To perform the drill, simply setup a ruler (preferably a yardstick for its longer length), on a flat surface. Visit rsmus.com/about for more information regarding RSM US LLP and RSM International. Lessons learned in the military have given Westmoreland a blueprint for success that he is attempting to apply to golf. Westmorelands journey to Torrey Pines is one of the more unique ones in the 156-player field. 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. The Grant Thornton Invitational, the new mixed event that is replacing the QBE Shootout, will include 16 teams of players from the LPGA Tour and PGA Tour competing in a three-day tournament for a . He was also active in his squadron as a flight commander. Kyles inspirational story continues as he earned a coveted PGA TOUR card for the 2022-2023 season by finishing in the Top-25 of the Korn Ferry Tour Finals. Kyle Westmoreland (born September 20, 1991) is an American professional golfer . 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. Sometimes golf can make you want to snap a golf club over your knee, or hang up your sticks altogether. 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. 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. He chose to attend. pic.twitter.com/eJz7j544iB, Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) September 5, 2022. Whats the secret of longevity and good golf? Kyle Westmoreland's journey to pro golf began at the Air Force Academy. 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. 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. Westmoreland did his best to keep his game sharp while serving. So Ill play that, and Ill hit that interchangeably with a 2-iron. You might be the one who has to execute the shots, but surround yourself with positive people who understand your goals and want to help you achieve them. PGA TOUR Stats, bio, video, photos, results, and career highlights His father introduced him to golf when he was seven and he has been on the greens since. Its a very controlled cut and I play that about 185 to 188 mph. The all new HyperFlex Carbon shoe features a moulded carbon fibre power plate that delivers tour-level stability and performance. [4], He has also had status on PGA Tour Canada. [2][3] He was medalist at local qualifying during the qualification process. But perhaps an ace is exactly what this ace pilot needed to jumpstart his season. Westmoreland has made history this week, becoming the first player from the Air Force Academy to qualify . He's the first Air Force Academy graduate to earn a @PGATOUR card. Lee Trevino, a former Marine, won the title in 1968, and the Army veteran nicknamed Sarge, Orville Moody, claimed the title a year later. Its often forgotten that design contribution extended all the way to Australia, where Arnold Palmer in his playing days won an Australian Open and Wills Masters title. Andrew Tursky is the Senior Equipment Editor at GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com. Its immaterial that Ken Venturi (1964) andOrville Moody (1969) are the only players to win the U.S. Open after qualifying through both local and final play. "@Kyle_West_ played collegiality @AF_Golf and completed a five-year service commitment in the @USAirForce before pursuing professional golf. While he did have access to a golf course on the base, other duties always came first (obviously). The cacophony brings Kyle Westmoreland comfort. The Official PGA TOUR Profile of Kyle Westmoreland. Westmoreland has made history this week, becoming the first player from the Air Force Academy to. He had three top-10s and made 14 cuts in 26 events during the season. I go through a few days not hitting it well Im like, uh, whats going on. 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. 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. 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. PGA TOUR Stats, bio, video, photos, results, and career highlights If he had it his way, actually, Westmoreland says he wouldnt even have his name stitched onto his PXG staff bag. 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. Westmoreland, 30, finished in the 25th and final spot in the points standings. Westmoreland has serious speed off the tee, saying he tops out at 206 mph of ball speed with his driver. He and his sister were raised in Katy by their parents, Don and Kim Westmoreland. 2023 But thats a story for another day. In the summer of 2019, he turned to golf full. Photo by Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports. Kyle Jacobs, Husband of Kellie Pickler, Celebrated Major Career Win Day Before Apparent Suicide Kyle Jacobs was found dead in the home he shares with wife Kellie Pickler on Friday, the. Now four months later, it looks like he'll be buying a few tonight at Torrey Pines. 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. However, theres no evidence of a familial connection between the late general and Kyle Westmorelands family. They live in a high-stress world and a lot of people say golf can be stressful, but I think they handle it well and use golf as an outlet so golfs not stressful for them.. So we have a full swing that goes to about 195. Who here at one point in their golf career early on practiced as a teenager waiting for mom and dad to pick you up, hit that 5-foot putt as darkness is coming down, the dwindling daylight, stating quietly, not so everybody could hear but just so you could hear, This is for the U.S. Open. Guilty. The USGA announced on Monday the local and final qualifying sites for the 123rd U.S. Open Championship. ClubTest Proving Ground: Do PXG's 0211 XCOR2 irons live up to the hype? Here are 5 things about life, golf and equipment I learned from my sit down with Westmoreland. He worked in South Carolina. [5], In 2022, Westmoreland played on the Korn Ferry Tour with a best finish of T-7th place at AdventHealth Championship.[6]. He knows the job cant be done alone, and he doesnt take credit as an individual. Just ask Kyle Westmoreland, the first Air Force Academy graduate to earn his PGA Tour card. Seek assistance from golf instructors, professional equipment fitters and fitness specialists who can help you improve and want to see you succeed. These are just a few examples, but experiment with a number of options at the top end of your set so youre ready for ever-changing golf course conditions. Are Brian Harman and Butch Harmon Related. "Go Air Force. He was blessed with speed, and hes worked with Alan Terrell, who coached Dustin Johnson at Coastal Carolina, and Jeff Smith, who has a large stable of Tour pros, on reigning in his swing just a bit. While stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, he had to juggle his duties as a captain with finding time to practice and play. William Westmoreland was born in 1914 near Spartanburg, South Carolina, into a family whose ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Just remember, even if youre playing the worst round of your life, at least youre out playing golf. List of battleships of the United States Navy, Pages containing cite templates with deprecated parameters, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, "Meet the Air Force captain playing on the PGA Tour this week", https://www.golfdigest.com/story/meet-air-force-captain-kyle-westmoreland-who-has-the-pga-tour-in-his-sights, "Kyle Westmoreland becomes first Air Force player to make cut at U.S. Open", https://www.golfchannel.com/news/kyle-westmoreland-becomes-first-air-force-player-make-cut-us-open, "2021 U.S. Open prize money, purse: Payouts, winnings for each golfer from huge $12.5 million pool", https://www.cbssports.com/golf/news/2021-u-s-open-prize-money-purse-payouts-winnings-for-each-golfer-from-huge-12-5-million-pool/, "The U.S. Open is open again for the likes of Captain Kyle Westmoreland", https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2021/06/15/u-s-open-captain-kyle-westmoreland/, "U.S. Open 2021: This Air Force veteran won't win this week, but he embodies what the National Open is all about", https://www.golfdigest.com/story/us-open-2021-kyle-westmoreland, https://www.wagr.com/playerprofile/kyle-westmoreland-6912, 2013 Jackrabbit Invitational, Gene Miranda Falcon Invite, Patriot All-America. No wonder hes hit so many on-line putts on Torrey Pines tricky greens this week. Beat Army. 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. All rights reserved. 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. He was 13th in driving distance on the Korn Ferry Tour at 319 yards. He and his sister were raised in Katy by their parents, Don and Kim Westmoreland. GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. 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. He . and One day it would be a 6-iron, a 7-iron the next, an 8-iron after that anything to play and stay sharp. Ahead of the 2021 Shriners Childrens Open at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, Westmorelands team invited me to join him for a Volition America x Puma photo shoot on the nearby Nellis Air Force Base. Golf can be confusing and frustrating, but you dont have to go at it alone. ", "It's frustrating in the moment when it's happening, but afterwards for me now, I don't really care as much. 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. It can rightfully be call the peoples championship once more. He knows, however, that hitting fairways can be equally as important to his scores as hitting it deep. This is the big highlight," Koury told The Denver Gazette. 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. 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. ", 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. Five years of service did nothing to blunt his game. Instant access to the latest news, videos and photos from around the world of golf. 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. He is survived by his wife and kids. Photo credit: Harry How/Getty Images. 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. Defending tournament champ Max Homa has committed to play. I wanted to learn more about his. HyperFlex Carbon The new HyperFlex Carbon offers tour-proven enhancements, delivering unquestioned innovation, comfort, stability and visual design. "It makes you feel right at home," he said. The native Texan posted five victories collegiately at the Air Force Academy, and has made five starts on the Korn Ferry Tour and two on the PGA Tour. ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. ). Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. by Mastercard. He makes that decision based on which of the clubs hes likely to use most often at different courses and in different conditions. 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. Remember, not all golf courses are the same, so your 14-club equipment setup doesnt always have to be the same either. Some of them also happened to be his former golf teammates at the Air Force Academy. Jed Morgan scores LIV Golfs golden ticket as big-name stars plan Aussie escape. Finished T-9 2022 Nationwide Childrens Hospital Open 7th 2022 Wichita Open, Finished T-7 2022 Advent Health Championship, Finished T-15 2022 Chitimacha Louisiana Open, Finished T-25 2022 The Panama Championship, Finished T-3 2021 ATP Paragon Casino Championship 2nd 2021 ST Atlanta 2nd 2021 SST Las Vegas 1ST 2021 U.S. Open Local Qualifier 4th 2021 U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier, United States Air Force Academy Male Athlete of the Year (2014). Join Facebook to connect with Kyle Westmoreland and others you may know. He. By signing up, you agree to the Just like in the military, you have a goal you want to work towards and you figure out how youre going to do it, how youre going to perfect it and then you go for it, he said. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images). It provides great inspiration to golfers around the world. Since its opening in March 1993, the golf course at Links Hope Island has regularly featured among the leading courses in Australia. I have one where the ball speed goes to about 155 mph and flies about 250, and rolls out to 280. But he never wavered on his goal of playing professional golf. [1], Westmoreland made the cut at the 2021 U.S. Open and finished in a tie for 68th place, becoming the first Air Force Academy graduate to do so. Latest on Kyle Westmoreland including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN The PGA Tour rookie and former Air Force captain arrived at the 201-yard 16th hole (his seventh of the day) at Torrey Pines South at one over. 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. Westmoreland has bench-pressed upwards of 375 pounds and squatted in excess of 500. These are dollar and a dream stories, and this year 19 U.S. Open qualifiers advanced through both local and final qualifying. I know who I am now and what my priorities are. USE OF AND/OR REGISTRATION ON ANY PORTION OF THIS SITE CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF OURVISITOR AGREEMENT(UPDATED 1/6/23),PRIVACY AND COOKIES NOTICE(UPDATED 1/4/23) ANDCALIFORNIA PRIVACY NOTICE. RELATED: Video of 'Teegate' between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed emerges. "It felt like such a fairy tale story. During his five years in the Air Force, he won four college tournaments, earned All-Honors and even was named the Air Force Academys Male Athlete of the Year. Didnt quite work outIf youve got the ability, if youve got the game, the U.S. Open empowers you to pursue your dream., Kyle Westmoreland plays a shot from a bunker on the 13th hole during a practice round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines. 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.