By signing up, you agree to the 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. Westmoreland has made history this week, becoming the first player from the Air Force Academy to qualify for the U.S. Open. Westmoreland, who saw his score inch up in the wrong direction each day this week, posted scores of 69-70-71-72 and finished 6 under, 15 shots back of Korn Ferry Tour Championship winner Justin Suh. For this interview, though, we dove into the backstory of Westmoreland, his experiences in the military, his transition into professional golf after serving active duty, what hes learned along the way, and, OK, maybe a little about golf equipment, too. Kyle Westmoreland was born in Lewisville, Texas, four hours north of Memorial Park, host of this week's Cadence Bank Houston Open. He worked hard, he continues to work hard and its awesome to see him have some fruits of that labor, Koury said. Air Force grad (and pro golfer) Kyle Westmoreland: 5 things I learned [5], In 2022, Westmoreland played on the Korn Ferry Tour with a best finish of T-7th place at AdventHealth Championship.[6]. 2023 The wealthy Saudi-backed LIV Golf league embodied its "Golf, but louder" slogan in its first season. Skoronski is productive: in three seasons as Northwestern's starting left tackle, he allowed just five sacks in 2,364 snaps. Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. Entries arrived from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 70 foreign countries. Visit rsmus.com/about for more information regarding RSM US LLP and RSM International. Kyle Westmoreland's journey to pro golf began at the Air Force Academy. 1:47 Kyle Westmoreland took a moment on the 18th hole to take in the surroundings. 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. Rules Review: What is casual water and how do I play around it? Golf can be confusing and frustrating, but you dont have to go at it alone. 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. He made the cut in the 2021 U.S. Open, becoming the first Air Force Academy graduate to do so. So we have a full swing that goes to about 195. "@Kyle_West_ played collegiality @AF_Golf and completed a five-year service commitment in the @USAirForce before pursuing professional golf. Westmoreland qualified after shooting a seven-under-par 135 at the qualifier at the Dallas . Which ball counts? Here are 5 things about life, golf and equipment I learned from my sit down with Westmoreland. 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. "It makes you feel right at home," he said. The pro golf made quite the distinction, becoming the first Air Force veteran to qualify in the Majors. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below! Some of them also happened to be his former golf teammates at the Air Force Academy. Kyle Westmoreland - Wikipedia The USGA announced on Thursday four additional exemption categories to the U.S. Open. He and his wife, Katherine Stevens Van Deusen, are parents to three childrenKatherine Stevens, James Ripley II, and Margaret Childs. But not too much. It's been a long road to the U.S. Open for Kyle Westmoreland. While golf is an individual sport, its important to keep a supportive team around you to help you meet your goals. 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 Official PGA TOUR Profile of Kyle Westmoreland. [1] Professional career [ edit] They dont play very oftenbut when they get out there they still hit it good somehow, Westmoreland said on Fully Equipped. https://www.usopen.com/watch/features/2021/06/15/backstories-with-baileykyle-westmoreland6258979517001.html. To perform the drill, simply setup a ruler (preferably a yardstick for its longer length), on a flat surface. 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. Join Facebook to connect with Kyle Westmoreland and others you may know. Paul Klee: Let it rip! Air Force graduate Kyle Westmoreland ready to PGA TOUR Stats, bio, video, photos, results, and career highlights Grandfather's struggle provides a master's class in perspective for Especially in desert golf, its playing firm, you hit that out there itll go forever. On his way to a deployment in Africa, Westmoreland spent a week in Roda, Spain, where he could only rent one club per day. Christopher Crawford, who has competed on several professional circuits, including the newly created Forme Tour, did it the hard way for the third time. 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. 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. The next PGA Tour season starts in Napa, California, at the Fortinet Championship, Sept. 15-18. Latest on Kyle Westmoreland including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN 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. 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. 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. US Open 2021: Meet Kyle Westmoreland, Air Force Vet Who Made Cut - Outsider 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. 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. Brett Quigley fired a 7-under-par 65 and leads the Champions Tour's Cologuard Classic by 1 shot over John Huston, Kirk Triplett and Brian Cooper. He knows the job cant be done alone, and he doesnt take credit as an individual. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 makes that decision based on which of the clubs hes likely to use most often at different courses and in different conditions. He was also active in his squadron as a flight commander. 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. 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. 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. (Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada) With the frame of a linebacker, standing at 6 feet 3 . Kyle Westmoreland | Team RSM Thats Bryson DeChambeau long-drive type numbers. 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. 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. Kyle Westmoreland was born on September 20, 1991, and hails from Texas. Its not the only option at the top end of his iron setup, though. 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. It doesnt have enough spin or loft to leave the fairway. PGA TOUR Stats, bio, video, photos, results, and career highlights "Meet the Air Force captain playing on the PGA Tour this week", "Kyle Westmoreland becomes first Air Force player to make cut at U.S. Open", "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", "U.S. Open 2021: This Air Force veteran won't win this week, but he embodies what the National Open is all about", "Kyle Westmoreland set for Korn Ferry Tour season with overhauled swing", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kyle_Westmoreland&oldid=1135445292, 2013 Jackrabbit Invitational, Gene Miranda Falcon Invite, Patriot All-America, This page was last edited on 24 January 2023, at 18:36. While he did have access to a golf course on the base, other duties always came first (obviously). Check it out: See? and RELATED: Video of 'Teegate' between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed emerges. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images). The now 27-year-old turned pro after serving five-and-a-half years of active duty for the Air Force. He practiced with a purpose and capitalized on every opportunity he could. Westmoreland did his best to keep his game sharp while serving. Sink Navy. 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. Rules Review: I thought my ball was lost and put another in play, then found my first in the hole(!) Michael Murphy is a hero to me in every sense of the word. Rules of Golf Review: How do I find my nearest point of relief? Privacy Policy. That left Westmoreland to work on his short game at night in his room, or on the practice green. Lee Trevino, a former Marine, won the title in 1968, and the Army veteran nicknamed Sarge, Orville Moody, claimed the title a year later. Viktor Hovland aces the 7th hole at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. But he never wavered on his goal of playing professional golf. All rights reserved. RELATED: Meet the Air Force captain teeing it up on the PGA Tour. Qualifying is a cherished part of what makes the Open the Open. 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. I know who I am now and what my priorities are. "It felt like such a fairy tale story. He chose to attend. General Westmoreland passed away on July 18, 2005, after battling Alzheimers. written by Matthew Wilson June 20, 2021 3:29 pm. 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. 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. Northwestern's Peter Skoronski could be a sure thing a Bears OL View the profiles of people named Kyle Westmoreland. [4], He has also had status on PGA Tour Canada. 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. What a better poster guy than Kyle.. Nico Echavarria has made only two cuts in 10 starts heading into the Puerto Rico Open. 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. Kyle Westmoreland first Air Force Academy graduate earn PGA Tour card 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. The academy seemed hard, Westmoreland said. 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. Old rivalries die hard. 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 played golf in the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014. While stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, he had to juggle his duties as a captain with finding time to practice and play. Now four months later, it looks like he'll be buying a few tonight at Torrey Pines. Beat Army. 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. Kyle Westmoreland was born on September 20, 1991, and hails from Texas. 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. So Ill play that, and Ill hit that interchangeably with a 2-iron. I can't wait to play another tournament., Jon Rahm is a big believer in karma. 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. 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 . He and his sister were raised in Katy by their parents, Don and Kim Westmoreland. 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. It's also believed to be the first hole-in-one of Westmoreland's life, so nice spot to do it with the cameras rolling. We know what you're thinking after reading that headline: Any hole-in-one is spectacular. They are friends and frequent competitors back home in Charleston at Daniel Island Club despite the inter-service rivalry. Kyle Westmoreland, an Air Force Academy graduate whos currently navigating the world of professional golf, has a unique perspective on both golf and life. Every golfer dreams of getting their handicap down, and weve got news for you. 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. I wanted to challenge myself. He knows, however, that hitting fairways can be equally as important to his scores as hitting it deep. 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. Westmoreland has made history this week, becoming the first player from the Air Force Academy to. He's the first Air Force Academy graduate to earn a @PGATOUR card. 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. 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. Terms of Service Player's Take: Kyle Westmoreland - PGATour If youre playing in windy conditions, consider keeping a driving iron or long iron on deck for a more penetrating flight. Westmoreland thriving at U.S. Open after Air Force service - Yahoo! News A top junior player in Katy, Texas, he had numerous offers to play college golf. Go Air Force. Instant access to the latest news, videos and photos from around the world of golf. Kyle Westmoreland is on Facebook. Kyle Westmoreland comes full circle at Cadence Bank Houston Open 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 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. Five years of service did nothing to blunt his game. 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. Whats the secret of longevity and good golf? The Official PGA TOUR Profile of Kyle Westmoreland. 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. Since its opening in March 1993, the golf course at Links Hope Island has regularly featured among the leading courses in Australia. He had three top-10s and made 14 cuts in 26 events during the season. 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. Start the Golf Season off right with InsideGOLF ($100 value - just $20). Kyle Westmoreland (born September 20, 1991) is an American professional golfer. 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 was 13th in driving distance on the Korn Ferry Tour at 319 yards. 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 thats a story for another day. For regular citizen golfers, theres an important lesson that can be learned here. 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. 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. Meet the Air Force captain playing on the PGA Tour this week 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. He played golf in the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014. Find a fitting location near you at GOLFs affiliate companyTrueSpecGolf. I've already won it. Jed Morgan scores LIV Golfs golden ticket as big-name stars plan Aussie escape. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (California). Are Brian Harman and Butch Harmon Related. pic.twitter.com/eJz7j544iB, Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) September 5, 2022. Are they right? 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. Westmoreland has bench-pressed upwards of 375 pounds and squatted in excess of 500. His access to golf. His go-to putting drill was to putt on a ruler. But as a Captain, Kyle had his priorities in place, which meant serving his country for the next five years. Its a very controlled cut and I play that about 185 to 188 mph. SRP: $379.95 BOA; $329.95 lace HyperFlex Finely tuned Read more. Facebook gives people the. 2023 Australian Golf Digest. 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 . 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. Kyle Westmoreland had a status in PGA Tour Canada. His father introduced him to golf when he was seven and he has been on the greens since. However, theres no evidence of a familial connection between the late general and Kyle Westmorelands family. Golf Channel, All Rights Reserved. He said, Figure out what youre good at and get really good at it, Westmoreland said. 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. Air Force Academy Athletics Defending tournament champ Max Homa has committed to play. ", 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.