No wonder hes hit so many on-line putts on Torrey Pines tricky greens this week. The now 27-year-old turned pro after serving five-and-a-half years of active duty for the Air Force. https://www.usopen.com/watch/features/2021/06/15/backstories-with-baileykyle-westmoreland6258979517001.html. Just ask Kyle Westmoreland, the first Air Force Academy graduate to earn his PGA Tour card. Westmoreland did his best to keep his game sharp while serving. Entries arrived from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 70 foreign countries. Kyle Westmoreland's last start on the PGA TOUR came at the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open. 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. The Official PGA TOUR Profile of Kyle Westmoreland. Kyle Westmoreland, a product of the U.S. Air Force Academy, is 2021s rising golf star. Defending tournament champ Max Homa has committed to play. Sometimes golf can make you want to snap a golf club over your knee, or hang up your sticks altogether. 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. And its why the U.S. Open being a true open again is another welcome sign that life is returning to something resembling normal. 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. 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. Photo credit: Harry How/Getty Images. 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. What a better poster guy than Kyle.. It makes you feel right at home, he said. But perhaps an ace is exactly what this ace pilot needed to jumpstart his season. His access to 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. pic.twitter.com/eJz7j544iB, Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) September 5, 2022. ", 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. 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. Discover what makes RSM the first choice advisor to middle market leaders, globally. Kyle Westmoreland (born September 20, 1991) is an American professional golfer. SAN DIEGO Bryson DeChambeau dominated the 120th U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club. To show his gratitude for his team, though, Westmoreland displays military badges from various Air Force members and military squadrons. He. 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. 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. 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. 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. The 2020 edition was the U.S. Closed. 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. Beat Army. In doing so, the Air Force veteran noticed the Patriots' Outpost, a viewing area exclusive to military. Westmoreland's journey to Torrey Pines is one of the more unique ones in the 156-player field. Especially in desert golf, its playing firm, you hit that out there itll go forever. 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. I play with kind of three different driver swings, Westmoreland said. I have one where the ball speed goes to about 155 mph and flies about 250, and rolls out to 280. The wealthy Saudi-backed LIV Golf league embodied its "Golf, but louder" slogan in its first season. HyperFlex Carbon The new HyperFlex Carbon offers tour-proven enhancements, delivering unquestioned innovation, comfort, stability and visual design. But thats a story for another day. Just remember, even if youre playing the worst round of your life, at least youre out playing golf. 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. 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. 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. He's the first Air Force Academy graduate to earn a @PGATOUR card. Check it out: See? 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. I knew I wouldnt being to play right away, but I hoped it would work out.. To perform the drill, simply setup a ruler (preferably a yardstick for its longer length), on a flat surface. Now four months later, it looks like he'll be buying a few tonight at Torrey Pines. ). Westmoreland qualified after shooting a seven-under-par 135, tying him for fourth overall at the Dallas qualifier. One day it would be a 6-iron, a 7-iron the next, an 8-iron after that anything to play and stay sharp. 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. 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 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, 30, finished in the 25th and final spot in the points standings. Players had until 5 p.m. Every architect wants their holes to be challenging, entertaining and pretty, but these are the things that happen on the surface, and only after other critical elements have been put in place. Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! Westmoreland may be one of the longshots at Torrey Pines but military men have made their mark at the U.S. Open before. While stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, he had to juggle his duties as a captain with finding time to practice and play. Terms of Service written by Matthew Wilson June 20, 2021 3:29 pm. 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. Kyle Westmoreland, an Air Force Academy graduate whos currently navigating the world of professional golf, has a unique perspective on both golf and life. Kyle Westmoreland recaps his experience at the U.S. Open. This helps with alignment, stroke path, and getting the ball rolling on your intended line. He said, Figure out what youre good at and get really good at it, Westmoreland said. 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. 5 great reasons to put Bonville at the top of your list in 2023, Course flyover: The Western Australian Golf Club. 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. Westmoreland has bench-pressed upwards of 375 pounds and squatted in excess of 500. Torrential storms forced the qualifier to extend to Tuesday and during one of the rain delays Westmoreland heard from none other than PGA Tour winner Billy Hurley, a graduate of the Naval Academy. But not too much. The USGA announced on Thursday four additional exemption categories to the U.S. Open. I wanted to challenge myself. 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. He is now the first and only Air Force Academy graduate to earn a PGA TOUR card. Learn from Jon Rahms abbreviated action to maximise your power game. He chose to attend. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below! Hurleys best advice to Westmoreland on what he needs to do to make the leap to the PGA Tour? and 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. So we have a full swing that goes to about 195. This is the big highlight," Koury told The Denver Gazette. Its a championship for many that starts with a dream. If he had it his way, actually, Westmoreland says he wouldnt even have his name stitched onto his PXG staff bag. PGA TOUR Stats, bio, video, photos, results, and career highlights I wanted to learn more about his. Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. 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. He was also active in his squadron as a flight commander. 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.. [5], In 2022, Westmoreland played on the Korn Ferry Tour with a best finish of T-7th place at AdventHealth Championship.[6]. The academy seemed hard, Westmoreland said. Seek assistance from golf instructors, professional equipment fitters and fitness specialists who can help you improve and want to see you succeed. The cacophony brings Kyle Westmoreland comfort. The 29-year-old touring pro put his professional aspirations on hold for five years while serving his country and advanced through local qualifying at Columbia Country Club in Blythewood, South Carolinawhere he was medalist by two strokes (69)and final qualifying at Dallas Athletic Club to earn his first U.S. Open start. Westmoreland actually said he used to be a lot faster than Bryson, but hes since put those days behind him, prioritizing accuracy rather than distance. Its not the only option at the top end of his iron setup, though. Both stages of qualifying were canceled last year due to the pandemic. In golf, as in life, perspective can greatly influence your attitude and overall performance. Find a fitting location near you at GOLFs affiliate companyTrueSpecGolf. Im in a better mental headspace, he said. 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). 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. He and his wife, Katherine Stevens Van Deusen, are parents to three childrenKatherine Stevens, James Ripley II, and Margaret Childs. For regular citizen golfers, theres an important lesson that can be learned here. His father introduced him to golf when he was seven and he has been on the greens since. 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. 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. His go-to putting drill was to putt on a ruler. That was pretty nifty, right? William Westmoreland served as the chief of staff of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Weekends allowed time to really grind. It gives me hope. Kyle Westmoreland was born on September 20, 1991, and hails from Texas. Golf Channel, All Rights Reserved. A top junior player in Katy, Texas, he had numerous offers to play college golf. 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. There were also three new members elected to the USGA executive committee. The cacophony brings Kyle Westmoreland comfort. But it doesnt have to be a stressor, it can be a stress reliever. Michael Murphy is a hero to me in every sense of the word. [4], He has also had status on PGA Tour Canada.[5]. "This is a game of misses. 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. 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. Westmorelands dream was deferred five years but hes made it to his first major before 30 and says hes better for it. Every golfer dreams of getting their handicap down, and weve got news for you. 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. Beat Army, Sink Navy. 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. He knows the job cant be done alone, and he doesnt take credit as an individual. Many of the greens where he served were bumpy, so he would practice on a ruler instead. Thats why he has three different shots, and he rarely if ever hits it at 100 percent of his power. He played golf in the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014. 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. And then we have a full swing, whichits not a full back swing. 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. He played golf in the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014. 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. 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. 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. HyperFlex Carbon offers additional underfoot cushioning with an OrthoLite Impressions FitBed. 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. He had three top-10s and made 14 cuts in 26 events during the season. ClubTest 2022: The inside story behind PXG's newest drivers (plus reviews! He lives in Katy, just a 25-minute drive from the Houston . Visit rsmus.com/about for more information regarding RSM US LLP and RSM International. 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. Westmoreland has serious speed off the tee, saying he tops out at 206 mph of ball speed with his driver. 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. I can't wait to play another tournament., Jon Rahm is a big believer in karma. Christopher Crawford, who has competed on several professional circuits, including the newly created Forme Tour, did it the hard way for the third time. And, you know, kind of have a foundation built that I wouldnt have had had I not been in the military.. It can rightfully be call the peoples championship once more. 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational: How to watch, TV schedule, streaming, tee times, Meet the new GOLF Top 100 Teachers of America, 7 interesting gear finds inside Tommy Fleetwoods golf bag | Bag Spy, Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, Westmoreland with his some friends from the Air Force. In the summer of 2019, he turned to golf full. Lessons learned in the military have given Westmoreland a blueprint for success that he is attempting to apply to golf. Privacy Policy. I go through a few days not hitting it well Im like, uh, whats going on. 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. Westmorelands journey to Torrey Pines is one of the more unique ones in the 156-player field. Second is a cruise, we call it cruising speed. 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. 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.