The time in the Air Force served him well. Five years of service did nothing to blunt his game. Kyle Westmoreland recaps his experience at the U.S. Open. But as a Captain, Kyle had his priorities in place, which meant serving his country for the next five years. Rules of Golf Review: How do I find my nearest point of relief? Kyle Westmoreland is on Facebook. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (California). These are just a few examples, but experiment with a number of options at the top end of your set so youre ready for ever-changing golf course conditions. 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. His father introduced him to golf when he was seven and he has been on the greens since. I know who I am now and what my priorities are. And then we have a full swing, whichits not a full back swing. 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. 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. Sink Navy. 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 knows, however, that hitting fairways can be equally as important to his scores as hitting it deep. 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. Westmoreland did his best to keep his game sharp while serving. Westmorelands dream was deferred five years but hes made it to his first major before 30 and says hes better for it. Viktor Hovland aces the 7th hole at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. "Go Air Force. He said, Figure out what youre good at and get really good at it, Westmoreland said. Are they right? 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. Didnt quite work outIf youve got the ability, if youve got the game, the U.S. Open empowers you to pursue your dream., Kyle Westmoreland plays a shot from a bunker on the 13th hole during a practice round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines. Start the Golf Season off right with InsideGOLF ($100 value - just $20). I wanted to learn more about his. 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. The pro golf made quite the distinction, becoming the first Air Force veteran to qualify in the Majors. 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. He is a longtime disciple of kickboxing and Muay Thai and taught hand-to-hand combat at the Air Force Academy.. [2][3] He was medalist at local qualifying during the qualification process. Thats Bryson DeChambeau long-drive type numbers. 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. He played golf in the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014. 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. William Westmoreland served as the chief of staff of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Kyle Westmoreland was born in Lewisville, Texas, four hours north of Memorial Park, host of this week's Cadence Bank Houston Open. ", "It's frustrating in the moment when it's happening, but afterwards for me now, I don't really care as much. Whats the secret of longevity and good golf? Rules Review: I thought my ball was lost and put another in play, then found my first in the hole(!) He played golf in the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was named male athlete of the year in 2014. He. The next PGA Tour season starts in Napa, California, at the Fortinet Championship, Sept. 15-18. 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. Westmoreland has serious speed off the tee, saying he tops out at 206 mph of ball speed with his driver. Want to overhaul your bag for 2021? 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. The USGA announced on Thursday four additional exemption categories to the U.S. Open. Westmoreland qualified after shooting a seven-under-par 135, tying him for fourth overall at the Dallas qualifier. If he had it his way, actually, Westmoreland says he wouldnt even have his name stitched onto his PXG staff bag. Kyle Westmoreland (born September 20, 1991) is an American professional golfer. They dont play very oftenbut when they get out there they still hit it good somehow, Westmoreland said on Fully Equipped. 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. He chose to attend. HyperFlex Carbon The new HyperFlex Carbon offers tour-proven enhancements, delivering unquestioned innovation, comfort, stability and visual design. The USGA announced on Monday the local and final qualifying sites for the 123rd U.S. Open Championship. 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. Find a fitting location near you at GOLFs affiliate companyTrueSpecGolf. He and his sister were raised in Katy by their parents, Don and Kim Westmoreland. Kyle Westmoreland was born on September 20, 1991, and hails from Texas. Since its opening in March 1993, the golf course at Links Hope Island has regularly featured among the leading courses in Australia. 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. Even under pressure, I'm performing well. He made the cut in the 2021 U.S. Open, 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. [4], He has also had status on PGA Tour Canada. He's the first Air Force Academy graduate to earn a @PGATOUR card. "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. 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. 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. ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. 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. These are dollar and a dream stories, and this year 19 U.S. Open qualifiers advanced through both local and final qualifying. 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. 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. I've already won it. He had five years of service to finish first. Second is a cruise, we call it cruising speed. SAN DIEGO The steady stream of fighter jets roaring overhead mostly go unnoticed, background noise to the beautiful views and brilliant golf at Torrey Pines. It doesnt have enough spin or loft to leave the fairway. Entries arrived from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 70 foreign countries. He was 13th in driving distance on the Korn Ferry Tour at 319 yards. He earned his PGA Tour card for the 202223 season via the 2022 Korn Ferry Tour Finals. No wonder hes hit so many on-line putts on Torrey Pines tricky greens this week. 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. "It makes you feel right at home," he said. So we have a full swing that goes to about 195. He was also active in his squadron as a flight commander. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images). 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. 1:47 Kyle Westmoreland took a moment on the 18th hole to take in the surroundings. But can a league that embraced 54 holes, team golf and shotgun starts sustain? 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. That left Westmoreland to work on his short game at night in his room, or on the practice green. Its not the only option at the top end of his iron setup, though. He practiced with a purpose and capitalized on every opportunity he could. Kyle Westmoreland, a product of the U.S. Air Force Academy, is 2021s rising golf star. Remember, not all golf courses are the same, so your 14-club equipment setup doesnt always have to be the same either. Golf Channel, All Rights Reserved. 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. What a better poster guy than Kyle.. 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. SHARE ON. Weekdays were a little tougher. Westmoreland may be one of the longshots at Torrey Pines but military men have made their mark at the U.S. Open before. Every golfer dreams of getting their handicap down, and weve got news for you. Copyright 1996 - 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. ", 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. pic.twitter.com/eJz7j544iB, Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) September 5, 2022. A top junior player in Katy, Texas, he had numerous offers to play college golf. Andrew Tursky is the Senior Equipment Editor at GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com. Go Air Force. He lives in Katy, just a 25-minute drive from the Houston . Hurleys best advice to Westmoreland on what he needs to do to make the leap to the PGA Tour? 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. And its why the U.S. Open being a true open again is another welcome sign that life is returning to something resembling normal. 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. 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. That was pretty nifty, right? Then if were trying to long drive it for whatever reason, we can get it up to about 206.. Lessons learned in the military have given Westmoreland a blueprint for success that he is attempting to apply to golf. 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. 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