Westmoreland has made history this week, becoming the first player from the Air Force Academy to. [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. He and his wife, Katherine Stevens Van Deusen, are parents to three childrenKatherine Stevens, James Ripley II, and Margaret Childs. He made the cut in the 2021 U.S. Open, becoming the first Air Force Academy graduate to do so. He said, Figure out what youre good at and get really good at it, Westmoreland said. In golf, as in life, perspective can greatly influence your attitude and overall performance. This helps with alignment, stroke path, and getting the ball rolling on your intended line. On his way to a deployment in Africa, Westmoreland spent a week in Roda, Spain, where he could only rent one club per day. Lessons learned in the military have given Westmoreland a blueprint for success that he is attempting to apply to golf. by Mastercard. Are they right? Golf Channel, All Rights Reserved. Kyle Westmoreland was born on September 20, 1991, and hails from Texas. written by Matthew Wilson June 20, 2021 3:29 pm. Entries arrived from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 70 foreign countries. It can rightfully be call the peoples championship once more. Rules of Golf Review: How do I find my nearest point of relief? I wanted to learn more about his. Remember, not all golf courses are the same, so your 14-club equipment setup doesnt always have to be the same either. Westmoreland has made history this week, becoming the first player from the Air Force Academy to qualify . 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. 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. Privacy Policy. Westmoreland has made history this week, becoming the first player from the Air Force Academy to qualify for the U.S. Open. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (California). 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 . 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. 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. Sometimes golf can make you want to snap a golf club over your knee, or hang up your sticks altogether. HyperFlex Carbon offers additional underfoot cushioning with an OrthoLite Impressions FitBed. Are Brian Harman and Butch Harmon Related. Kyle Westmoreland (born September 20, 1991) is an American professional golfer. While golf is an individual sport, its important to keep a supportive team around you to help you meet your goals. 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. But not too much. Others in the field include Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland, Brandt Snedeker and past winner Cameron Champ. Which ball counts? He knows the job cant be done alone, and he doesnt take credit as an individual. 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. Both stages of qualifying were canceled last year due to the pandemic. He worked hard, he continues to work hard and its awesome to see him have some fruits of that labor, Koury said. "This is a game of misses. HyperFlex Carbon The new HyperFlex Carbon offers tour-proven enhancements, delivering unquestioned innovation, comfort, stability and visual design. The Official PGA TOUR Profile of Kyle Westmoreland. For Westmoreland, that means taking advantage of his prodigious length. 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. Viktor Hovland aces the 7th hole at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. 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. and If he had it his way, actually, Westmoreland says he wouldnt even have his name stitched onto his PXG staff bag. The all new HyperFlex Carbon shoe features a moulded carbon fibre power plate that delivers tour-level stability and performance. It gives me hope. 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. Westmoreland qualified after shooting a seven-under-par 135 at the qualifier at the Dallas . ", 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. Kyle Westmoreland's journey to pro golf began at the Air Force Academy. 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. Lee Trevino, a former Marine, won the title in 1968, and the Army veteran nicknamed Sarge, Orville Moody, claimed the title a year later. He had three top-10s and made 14 cuts in 26 events during the season. But thats a story for another day. 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. "Go Air Force. Even under pressure, I'm performing well. Critics say new PGA Tour events copy LIV. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images). The 2020 edition was the U.S. Closed. Westmoreland did his best to keep his game sharp while serving. 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. 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. Beat Army, Sink Navy. 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. 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. Westmoreland's journey to Torrey Pines is one of the more unique ones in the 156-player field. Just ask Kyle Westmoreland, the first Air Force Academy graduate to earn his PGA Tour card. 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He had five years of service to finish first. 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. 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. He practiced with a purpose and capitalized on every opportunity he could. 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. Especially in desert golf, its playing firm, you hit that out there itll go forever. 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. I go through a few days not hitting it well Im like, uh, whats going on. 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. 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. Rules Review: I thought my ball was lost and put another in play, then found my first in the hole(!) I play with kind of three different driver swings, Westmoreland said. 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. Michael Murphy is a hero to me in every sense of the word. 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. He is now the first and only Air Force Academy graduate to earn a PGA TOUR card. "It makes you feel right at home," he said. General Westmoreland passed away on July 18, 2005, after battling Alzheimers. [1], 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 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. I know who I am now and what my priorities are. He earned $122,575 in on-course winnings during the 2022 campaign. ", "It's frustrating in the moment when it's happening, but afterwards for me now, I don't really care as much. But as a Captain, Kyle had his priorities in place, which meant serving his country for the next five years. 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. Seek assistance from golf instructors, professional equipment fitters and fitness specialists who can help you improve and want to see you succeed. He makes that decision based on which of the clubs hes likely to use most often at different courses and in different conditions. His father introduced him to golf when he was seven and he has been on the greens since. ET Friday to commit to the event. PGA TOUR Stats, bio, video, photos, results, and career highlights 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. 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. 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. 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. Start the Golf Season off right with InsideGOLF ($100 value - just $20). Likewise, Captain Kyle Westmoreland booked his debut becoming the first Air Force Academy graduate to compete in the U.S. Open and the first to play in one of golfs four major championships. 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 time in the Air Force served him well. 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. I've already won it. Photo credit: Harry How/Getty Images. Kyle Westmoreland had a status in PGA Tour Canada. Nico Echavarria has made only two cuts in 10 starts heading into the Puerto Rico Open. 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. Then if were trying to long drive it for whatever reason, we can get it up to about 206.. He played golf in the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014. 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. Latest on Kyle Westmoreland including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN Kyle Westmoreland (born September 20, 1991) is an American professional golfer. U.S. Open: Full-field scores | Full coverage. [1] Professional career [ edit] The cacophony brings Kyle Westmoreland comfort. Everything you need to know for the final round at Bay Hill. 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. 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 is survived by his wife and kids. 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. Also Read: Are Brian Harman and Butch Harmon Related? After narrowly earning his tour card in September, Westmoreland said, "I don't drink, but I need a beer." Some of them also happened to be his former golf teammates at the Air Force Academy. 2023 Australian Golf Digest. ClubTest 2022: The inside story behind PXG's newest drivers (plus reviews! 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. He chose to attend. Sink Navy. Andrew Tursky is the Senior Equipment Editor at GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com. Its a very controlled cut and I play that about 185 to 188 mph. And, you're probably right. It provides great inspiration to golfers around the world. There were also three new members elected to the USGA executive committee. All rights reserved. The cacophony brings Kyle Westmoreland comfort. 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. Terms of Service 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. Westmorelands dream was deferred five years but hes made it to his first major before 30 and says hes better for it. Instant access to the latest news, videos and photos from around the world of golf. [2][3] He was medalist at local qualifying during the qualification process. 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. Beat Army. So we have a full swing that goes to about 195. In doing so, the Air Force veteran noticed the Patriots' Outpost, a viewing area exclusive to military. Kyle Westmoreland (born September 20, 1991) is an American professional golfer . Weekends allowed time to really grind. 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, 30, finished in the 25th and final spot in the points standings. The now 27-year-old turned pro after serving five-and-a-half years of active duty for the Air Force. But they play three times a year; enjoying golf has become a great pastime of theirs and it blows off steam. It doesnt have enough spin or loft to leave the fairway. That was pretty nifty, right? 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. 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. 5 great reasons to put Bonville at the top of your list in 2023, Course flyover: The Western Australian Golf Club. He knows, however, that hitting fairways can be equally as important to his scores as hitting it deep. He was 13th in driving distance on the Korn Ferry Tour at 319 yards. One day it would be a 6-iron, a 7-iron the next, an 8-iron after that anything to play and stay sharp. Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! 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. Kyle Westmoreland, a product of the U.S. Air Force Academy, is 2021s rising golf star. I knew I wouldnt being to play right away, but I hoped it would work out.. Since its opening in March 1993, the golf course at Links Hope Island has regularly featured among the leading courses in Australia. By signing up, you agree to the He has the pedigree, too: his grandfather Bob was a left tackle and . The pro golf made quite the distinction, becoming the first Air Force veteran to qualify in the Majors. 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. 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. 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. I wanted to challenge myself. It basically goes the same distance, but Im pretty much never gonna miss the face with the driver. Second is a cruise, we call it cruising speed. For regular citizen golfers, theres an important lesson that can be learned here. 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. Westmoreland may be one of the longshots at Torrey Pines but military men have made their mark at the U.S. Open before. ClubTest Proving Ground: Do PXG's 0211 XCOR2 irons live up to the hype? 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. Want to overhaul your bag for 2021? This is the big highlight," Koury told The Denver Gazette. Typically, our Fully Equipped podcast focuses on golf equipment industry news, club reviews and gear education. Discover what makes RSM the first choice advisor to middle market leaders, globally. 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. 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. With a rigorous schedule, Kyle carved time out whenever he could to try and keep his golf skills sharp. "For me and the Air Force golf program, this is it. Skoronski is productive: in three seasons as Northwestern's starting left tackle, he allowed just five sacks in 2,364 snaps. [4], He has also had status on PGA Tour Canada. It makes you feel right at home, he said. However, theres no evidence of a familial connection between the late general and Kyle Westmorelands family. [4], He has also had status on PGA Tour Canada.[5]. The guy who misses the best is going to win. He played golf in the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014. That left Westmoreland to work on his short game at night in his room, or on the practice green. 2023 Kyle Westmoreland's last start on the PGA TOUR came at the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open. If youre playing in windy conditions, consider keeping a driving iron or long iron on deck for a more penetrating flight. 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. Kyle Westmoreland was born on September 20, 1991, and hails from Texas. 1:47 Kyle Westmoreland took a moment on the 18th hole to take in the surroundings. "It felt like such a fairy tale story. Old rivalries die hard. Kyle Westmoreland, an Air Force Academy graduate whos currently navigating the world of professional golf, has a unique perspective on both golf and life. 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. "It makes you feel right at home," he said. 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. 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..