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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. While golf is an individual sport, its important to keep a supportive team around you to help you meet your goals. Air Force Captain Kyle Westmoreland looking to take flight at 2020 pic.twitter.com/eJz7j544iB, Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) September 5, 2022. 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 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. written by Matthew Wilson June 20, 2021 3:29 pm. 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. Photo by Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports. He knows the job cant be done alone, and he doesnt take credit as an individual. This is the big highlight," Koury told The Denver Gazette. By signing up, you agree to the Entries arrived from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 70 foreign countries. Many of the greens where he served were bumpy, so he would practice on a ruler instead. Kyle Westmoreland first Air Force Academy graduate earn PGA Tour card It doesnt have enough spin or loft to leave the fairway. Especially in desert golf, its playing firm, you hit that out there itll go forever. Skoronski is productive: in three seasons as Northwestern's starting left tackle, he allowed just five sacks in 2,364 snaps. It basically goes the same distance, but Im pretty much never gonna miss the face with the driver. "It makes you feel right at home," he said. Photo credit: Harry How/Getty Images. 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. 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. ). Kyle Westmoreland comes full circle at Cadence Bank Houston Open In doing so, the Air Force veteran noticed the Patriots' Outpost, a viewing area exclusive to military. Viktor Hovland aces the 7th hole at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Westmorelands journey to Torrey Pines is one of the more unique ones in the 156-player field. PGA TOUR Stats, bio, video, photos, results, and career highlights Weekends allowed time to really grind. Which ball counts? But it doesnt have to be a stressor, it can be a stress reliever. Are Brian Harman and Butch Harmon Related. It can rightfully be call the peoples championship once more. Paul Klee: Let it rip! Air Force graduate Kyle Westmoreland ready to He and his wife, Katherine Stevens Van Deusen, are parents to three childrenKatherine Stevens, James Ripley II, and Margaret Childs. Its not the only option at the top end of his iron setup, though. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (California). William Westmoreland - HISTORY This helps with alignment, stroke path, and getting the ball rolling on your intended line. If youre playing in windy conditions, consider keeping a driving iron or long iron on deck for a more penetrating flight. No wonder hes hit so many on-line putts on Torrey Pines tricky greens this week. 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." 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. U.S. Open: Full-field scores | Full coverage. ", 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. "This is a game of misses. The all new HyperFlex Carbon shoe features a moulded carbon fibre power plate that delivers tour-level stability and performance. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Westmoreland has bench-pressed upwards of 375 pounds and squatted in excess of 500. The cacophony brings Kyle Westmoreland comfort. There were also three new members elected to the USGA executive committee. Rules Review: What is casual water and how do I play around it? RELATED: Video of 'Teegate' between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed emerges. Qualifying is a cherished part of what makes the Open the Open. Kyle Westmoreland becomes first Air Force Academy graduate to earn a It provides great inspiration to golfers around the world. 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. The broad-shouldered big hitter has shown he has the game to play with the worlds best players, climbing the leaderboard before a triple bogey on the par-4 14th hole knocked him down a few notches. He said, Figure out what youre good at and get really good at it, Westmoreland said. The Official PGA TOUR Profile of Kyle Westmoreland. He lives in Katy, just a 25-minute drive from the Houston . 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. But perhaps an ace is exactly what this ace pilot needed to jumpstart his season. Lee Trevino, a former Marine, won the title in 1968, and the Army veteran nicknamed Sarge, Orville Moody, claimed the title a year later. General Westmoreland passed away on July 18, 2005, after battling Alzheimers. But not too much. He and his sister were raised in Katy by their parents, Don and Kim Westmoreland. However, theres no evidence of a familial connection between the late general and Kyle Westmorelands family. And then we have a full swing, whichits not a full back swing. Andrew Tursky is the Senior Equipment Editor at GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com. Kyle Westmoreland's last start on the PGA TOUR came at the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open. US Open 2021: Meet Kyle Westmoreland, Air Force Vet Who Made Cut - Outsider Rules Review: I thought my ball was lost and put another in play, then found my first in the hole(!) Thats Bryson DeChambeau long-drive type numbers. 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. 2023 Australian Golf Digest. Im in a better mental headspace, he said. 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. I have one where the ball speed goes to about 155 mph and flies about 250, and rolls out to 280. He earned his PGA Tour card for the 202223 season via the 2022 Korn Ferry Tour Finals. 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. 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. 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. Westmoreland has made history this week, becoming the first player from the Air Force Academy to qualify . [2][3] He was medalist at local qualifying during the qualification process. 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. 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. [1] Professional career [ edit] 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, 30, finished in the 25th and final spot in the points standings. He has the pedigree, too: his grandfather Bob was a left tackle and . GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. 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. Kyle Westmoreland, an Air Force Academy graduate whos currently navigating the world of professional golf, has a unique perspective on both golf and life. Westmoreland has serious speed off the tee, saying he tops out at 206 mph of ball speed with his driver. His go-to putting drill was to putt on a ruler. Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! Discover what makes RSM the first choice advisor to middle market leaders, globally. 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. The next PGA Tour season starts in Napa, California, at the Fortinet Championship, Sept. 15-18. Beat Army, Sink Navy. Westmoreland thriving at U.S. Open after Air Force service - News Tribune 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. Every golfer dreams of getting their handicap down, and weve got news for you. Join Facebook to connect with Kyle Westmoreland and others you may know. Weekdays were a little tougher. He worked hard, he continues to work hard and its awesome to see him have some fruits of that labor, Koury said. 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. U.S. Open: Kyle Westmoreland is first Air Force Academy grad - Golfweek Defending tournament champ Max Homa has committed to play. He . He worked in South Carolina. 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. All rights reserved. William Westmoreland served as the chief of staff of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. The USGA announced on Monday the local and final qualifying sites for the 123rd U.S. Open Championship. 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. 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. He. 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. "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. 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. U.S. Open 2021: This Air Force veteran won't win this week, but he SHARE ON. For Westmoreland, that means taking advantage of his prodigious length. Others in the field include Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland, Brandt Snedeker and past winner Cameron Champ. He earned $122,575 in on-course winnings during the 2022 campaign. Westmoreland thriving at U.S. Open after Air Force service And, you know, kind of have a foundation built that I wouldnt have had had I not been in the military.. 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_West_ played collegiality @AF_Golf and completed a five-year service commitment in the @USAirForce before pursuing professional golf. 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. 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. Kyle Westmoreland, a product of the U.S. Air Force Academy, is 2021s rising golf star. Kyle Westmoreland - Wikipedia and Then if were trying to long drive it for whatever reason, we can get it up to about 206.. And, you're probably right. But they play three times a year; enjoying golf has become a great pastime of theirs and it blows off steam. 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. If he had it his way, actually, Westmoreland says he wouldnt even have his name stitched onto his PXG staff bag. The now 27-year-old turned pro after serving five-and-a-half years of active duty for the Air Force. Facebook gives people the. But as a Captain, Kyle had his priorities in place, which meant serving his country for the next five years. "For me and the Air Force golf program, this is it. 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 been a long road to the U.S. Open for Kyle Westmoreland. Kyle Westmoreland had a status in PGA Tour Canada. One day it would be a 6-iron, a 7-iron the next, an 8-iron after that anything to play and stay sharp. I've already won it. 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. Latest on Kyle Westmoreland including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN 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. 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. 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. 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. Its a championship for many that starts with a dream. 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. 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 . 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.