Kyle Westmoreland recaps his experience at the U.S. Open. "Go Air Force. GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. ). Christopher Crawford, who has competed on several professional circuits, including the newly created Forme Tour, did it the hard way for the third time. 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. Kyle Westmoreland (born September 20, 1991) is an American professional golfer. 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. 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. He practiced with a purpose and capitalized on every opportunity he could. Typically, our Fully Equipped podcast focuses on golf equipment industry news, club reviews and gear education. 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. 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. Lessons learned in the military have given Westmoreland a blueprint for success that he is attempting to apply to golf. "For me and the Air Force golf program, this is it. 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. It can rightfully be call the peoples championship once more. Westmoreland attended Air Force Academy before putting his pro golf dreams on hold for five years to serve his country, earning the rank of captain. 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. Westmoreland, 30, finished in the 25th and final spot in the points standings. 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. 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. He and his sister were raised in Katy by their parents, Don and Kim Westmoreland. by Mastercard. U.S. Open: Full-field scores | Full coverage. The academy seemed hard, Westmoreland said. 7 interesting gear finds inside Tommy Fleetwood's golf bag | Bag Spy, Upgrade your bag with these Arnold Palmer head covers, How to prevent golf-club damage | Fully Equipped Mailbag, Don't risk buying counterfeit golf clubs | Fully Equipped podcast, FIRST LOOK: PXG launches its first golf ball the PXG Xtreme, New PXG golf clubs for 2023 (drivers, irons, fairway woods, hybrids) | ClubTest 2023, How a PXG fitting helped this 12-handicap pick up nearly 20 yards | 2023 ClubTest, FIRST LOOK: PXG's new 0211 drivers, fairway woods and hybrids, FIRST LOOK: PXG's 0317 ST Blade irons are geared for the elite ball-striker, How this golf-equipment company is helping to make the game more diverse and inclusive, PXG enters uncharted territory with latest equipment release. 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. For Westmoreland, that means taking advantage of his prodigious length. While stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, he had to juggle his duties as a captain with finding time to practice and play. 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. A top junior player in Katy, Texas, he had numerous offers to play college golf. Sometimes golf can make you want to snap a golf club over your knee, or hang up your sticks altogether. 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. [5], In 2022, Westmoreland played on the Korn Ferry Tour with a best finish of T-7th place at AdventHealth Championship.[6]. There were also three new members elected to the USGA executive committee. Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. If he had it his way, actually, Westmoreland says he wouldnt even have his name stitched onto his PXG staff bag. 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. His access to golf. After narrowly earning his tour card in September, Westmoreland said, "I don't drink, but I need a beer." SRP: $379.95 BOA; $329.95 lace HyperFlex Finely tuned Read more. And, you're probably right. The pro golf made quite the distinction, becoming the first Air Force veteran to qualify in the Majors. He . Entries arrived from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 70 foreign countries. Join Facebook to connect with Kyle Westmoreland and others you may know. Nico Echavarria has made only two cuts in 10 starts heading into the Puerto Rico Open. While he did have access to a golf course on the base, other duties always came first (obviously). Kyle Westmoreland, an Air Force Academy graduate whos currently navigating the world of professional golf, has a unique perspective on both golf and life. [1] Professional career [ edit] Westmoreland qualified after shooting a seven-under-par 135, tying him for fourth overall at the Dallas qualifier. (Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada) With the frame of a linebacker, standing at 6 feet 3 . 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. He had five years of service to finish first. He's the first Air Force Academy graduate to earn a @PGATOUR card. Viktor Hovland aces the 7th hole at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. 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. 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. 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 thats a story for another day. Go Air Force. 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. 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. Just remember, even if youre playing the worst round of your life, at least youre out playing golf. He lives in Katy, just a 25-minute drive from the Houston . Rules of Golf Review: How do I find my nearest point of relief? He played golf in the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014. He earned his PGA Tour card for the 202223 season via the 2022 Korn Ferry Tour Finals. 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. 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. Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! Westmoreland is one of the few pro golfers left with a 1-iron in his bag. RELATED: Meet the Air Force captain teeing it up on the PGA Tour. U.S. Open 2021: Meet Kyle Westmoreland, The First Air Force Veteran to Make Cut in a Major. 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. and Westmorelands dream was deferred five years but hes made it to his first major before 30 and says hes better for it. Beat Army, Sink Navy. I wanted to learn more about his. His father introduced him to golf when he was seven and he has been on the greens since. To show his gratitude for his team, though, Westmoreland displays military badges from various Air Force members and military squadrons. His father introduced him to golf when he was seven and he has been on the greens since. Rarely does Westmoreland use the word I. As a military man, he values the team he has around him whether its his fellow Air Force members, lieutenants, sponsors, golf coaches, or wife. 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's been a rough rookie campaign so far for the 31-year-old with six missed cuts in eight starts. He knows, however, that hitting fairways can be equally as important to his scores as hitting it deep. HyperFlex Carbon The new HyperFlex Carbon offers tour-proven enhancements, delivering unquestioned innovation, comfort, stability and visual design. They dont play very oftenbut when they get out there they still hit it good somehow, Westmoreland said on Fully Equipped. 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. This helps with alignment, stroke path, and getting the ball rolling on your intended line. I've already won it. He chose to attend Air Force, not exactly known as a golf powerhouse, but a place where he would be pushed and get good coaching. 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. Kyle Westmoreland (born September 20, 1991) is an American professional golfer. It doesnt have enough spin or loft to leave the fairway. Players had until 5 p.m. So Ill play that, and Ill hit that interchangeably with a 2-iron. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (California). Kyle Westmoreland (born September 20, 1991) is an American professional golfer. 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. 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. One day it would be a 6-iron, a 7-iron the next, an 8-iron after that anything to play and stay sharp. Photo by Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports. And its why the U.S. Open being a true open again is another welcome sign that life is returning to something resembling normal. Kyle Westmoreland is on Facebook. Everything you need to know for the final round at Bay Hill. So we have a full swing that goes to about 195. Despite the trouble guarding so many of the greens at PGA Nationals Champion course, Kirk managed to hit 54 of 72 greens to rank T-7 for the week, while posting a strokes gained/approach mark of 7.643 strokes gained on the field to rank second. View the profiles of people named Kyle Westmoreland. 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. No wonder hes hit so many on-line putts on Torrey Pines tricky greens this week. 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. Golf Channel, All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. I wanted to challenge myself. He and his sister were raised in Katy by their parents, Don and Kim Westmoreland. After graduating in 2014 Westmoreland completed his five years of service time while mostly stationed in Charleston, S.C., where he practiced on a night driving range. 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. Westmoreland's journey to Torrey Pines is one of the more unique ones in the 156-player field. 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. But as a Captain, Kyle had his priorities in place, which meant serving his country for the next five years. However, theres no evidence of a familial connection between the late general and Kyle Westmorelands family. Latest on Kyle Westmoreland including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN Learn from Jon Rahms abbreviated action to maximise your power game. On his way to a deployment in Africa, Westmoreland spent a week in Roda, Spain, where he could only rent one club per day. 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. ClubTest 2022: The inside story behind PXG's newest drivers (plus reviews! 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. But it doesnt have to be a stressor, it can be a stress reliever. Discover what makes RSM the first choice advisor to middle market leaders, globally. Whats the secret of longevity and good golf? The USGA announced on Monday the local and final qualifying sites for the 123rd U.S. Open Championship. Weekdays were a little tougher. ", 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. We know what you're thinking after reading that headline: Any hole-in-one is spectacular. ET Friday to commit to the event. 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. pic.twitter.com/eJz7j544iB, Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) September 5, 2022. Im in a better mental headspace, he said. For regular citizen golfers, theres an important lesson that can be learned here. 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. 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. The wealthy Saudi-backed LIV Golf league embodied its "Golf, but louder" slogan in its first season. 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. The Official PGA TOUR Profile of Kyle Westmoreland. Critics say new PGA Tour events copy LIV. 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. He is now the first and only Air Force Academy graduate to earn a PGA TOUR card. 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. All rights reserved. Terms of Service Want to overhaul your bag for 2021? I go through a few days not hitting it well Im like, uh, whats going on. Even under pressure, I'm performing well. 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. The cacophony brings Kyle Westmoreland comfort. Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. Westmoreland received a sponsors invite to play in the Shriners Open, and he also recently made history at the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, becoming the first ever Air Force Academy graduate to qualify for the event. Find a fitting location near you at GOLFs affiliate companyTrueSpecGolf. He and his wife, Katherine Stevens Van Deusen, are parents to three childrenKatherine Stevens, James Ripley II, and Margaret Childs. It basically goes the same distance, but Im pretty much never gonna miss the face with the driver. 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. I know who I am now and what my priorities are. Kyle Westmoreland (born September 20, 1991) is an American professional golfer . In doing so, the Air Force veteran noticed the Patriots' Outpost, a viewing area exclusive to military. Rules Review: I thought my ball was lost and put another in play, then found my first in the hole(!) If youre playing a short and tight course, for example, maybe you want to put a hybrid or high-lofted fairway wood in the bag to hit off the tee. Then if were trying to long drive it for whatever reason, we can get it up to about 206.. Westmoreland has serious speed off the tee, saying he tops out at 206 mph of ball speed with his driver. He played golf in the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014. Kyle Westmoreland was born in Lewisville, Texas, four hours north of Memorial Park, host of this week's Cadence Bank Houston Open. There's been a batch of unforgettable at Torrey Pines particularly on its par-5 closing hole so let's take a trip down memory lane. 2023 Australian Golf Digest. This is the big highlight," Koury told The Denver Gazette. I play with kind of three different driver swings, Westmoreland said. "@Kyle_West_ played collegiality @AF_Golf and completed a five-year service commitment in the @USAirForce before pursuing professional golf. He. The cacophony brings Kyle Westmoreland comfort. 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. 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. 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 . Kyle Westmoreland, a product of the U.S. Air Force Academy, is 2021s rising golf star. The next PGA Tour season starts in Napa, California, at the Fortinet Championship, Sept. 15-18. But he walked off the green in red figures after acing the par 3 with a one-hopper. Kyle Westmoreland's journey to pro golf began at the Air Force Academy. Our results with players at this years Hot List testing show that some players cant carry a 5-iron farther than they fly a 7-iron. "It felt like such a fairy tale story. He worked hard, he continues to work hard and its awesome to see him have some fruits of that labor, Koury said. Its a championship for many that starts with a dream. Remember, not all golf courses are the same, so your 14-club equipment setup doesnt always have to be the same either. 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. 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. Visit rsmus.com/about for more information regarding RSM US LLP and RSM International. And then we have a full swing, whichits not a full back swing. Michael Murphy is a hero to me in every sense of the word. SHARE ON. Since its opening in March 1993, the golf course at Links Hope Island has regularly featured among the leading courses in Australia. He was also active in his squadron as a flight commander. Instant access to the latest news, videos and photos from around the world of golf. 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. If youre playing in windy conditions, consider keeping a driving iron or long iron on deck for a more penetrating flight. Seek assistance from golf instructors, professional equipment fitters and fitness specialists who can help you improve and want to see you succeed. Each member firm is responsible only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of any other party. Here are 5 things about life, golf and equipment I learned from my sit down with Westmoreland. By signing up, you agree to the That was pretty nifty, right? He makes that decision based on which of the clubs hes likely to use most often at different courses and in different conditions. This year there were 108 local qualifying sites between April 26-May 17 that led to 11 final qualifiers, including an international site in Japan. To perform the drill, simply setup a ruler (preferably a yardstick for its longer length), on a flat surface. With a rigorous schedule, Kyle carved time out whenever he could to try and keep his golf skills sharp. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images). 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. [4], He has also had status on PGA Tour Canada.[5]. Thats Bryson DeChambeau long-drive type numbers. 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. Second is a cruise, we call it cruising speed. It gives me hope. Check it out: See? Weekends allowed time to really grind. "It makes you feel right at home," he said. 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. Especially in desert golf, its playing firm, you hit that out there itll go forever. 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. 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. 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. Rules Review: What is casual water and how do I play around it? Since then, Kyle has been working his way through Qualifying School and the Korn Ferry Tour to make his way to the PGA TOUR.