Air Force captain looks to take flight at Open
Kyle Westmoreland took a moment on the 18th hole to take in the surroundings. In doing so, the Air Force veteran noticed the Patriots’ Outpost, a viewing area exclusive to military personnel and their guests, overlooking the final hole.
It was then that Tim Woods, tournament chairman of the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open, came up and shook Westmoreland’s hand. Westmoreland, who served more than five years as an Air Force captain, expressed his interest in the Patriots’ Outpost.
“We walked right past it (the outpost),” Woods said, “and (Kyle) said, ‘That is awesome; I want to get up there.’ So I will get Captain Westmoreland up in the Patriots’ Outpost.”
The area provides food and beverage — in addition to superb views — to active duty, emergency services and veteran personnel. Patriots’ Outpost, which had a helicopter land on its surface outside the viewing area, is open from Wednesday through Sunday.
But as much as Westmoreland wants to experience the Patriots’ Outpost, he’s thrilled with his vantage point for the tournament.
Westmoreland, who attended the Air Force Academy, played in the Coors Light Pro-Am on Monday at TPC Scottsdale and received a sponsor’s exemption to participate in the Phoenix Open, the latest step for the decorated NCAA golfer trying to make his way as a professional.
“This is an event that everyone wants to be a part of,” Westmoreland said. “It’s one of the marquee events on tour. I didn’t expect it but I’ve played golf in Arizona and I love the community and the atmosphere.”
At Air Force, Westmoreland earned all-region honors and a fourth-place finish in the 2014 Mountain West Conference Championship his senior year, the highest finish for an Air Force player since 1985.
Earning a spot on the Korn Ferry Tour, Westmoreland has continued his pursuit of getting on the PGA Tour and earned an exemption to play on the PGA Tour’s A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier.
Now, Westmoreland hopes to flight at the Phoenix Open.
“I love the style of golf and it’s a real honor to be a part of a tournament with such great military support,” Westmoreland said. “I’m excited to get to prove my take talent and abilities to this crowd. It’s all I could ever ask for.”
Westmoreland said he still has a passion for serving but that he and his wife, Erin, settled on him pursuing a dream of playing golf at the highest level. The veteran, who left active duty in September, said going oversees helped him gain perspective.
“Golf is great,” Westmoreland said, “... but there are more important things.”
That the tournament has such an emphasis on military support is something personal for Woods, who has been in the Arizona National Guard for 20 years.
“One of the most difficult things that fall under my purview is to figure out whom to offer exemptions,” Woods said. “I think we’ve done it very well this year and I’m very excited about all of them . ... Being an active, 20-year national guardsman myself, it was all just perfect. (Kyle) can hit the snot out of the ball, too.”
Woods is a newly promoted lieutenant colonel and Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot in Command who also completed two combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom between 2005 and 2010.
Woods said he was blown away the first time he talked to Westmoreland on the phone. Westmoreland, who had written a letter expressing interest in playing, refused to call Woods by first name when the chairman phoned him with the good news.
“When we made the decision and I called him,” Woods said, “I introduced myself over the phone and he’s just a very humble, respectful and courteous guy. At the end, me being in the military myself, I said, ‘How about I call you Kyle and you’ll call me Tim?’
“He said, ‘Nah, I’ll call you sir.’ It just speaks to his professionalism and his respect for others.”
Perfect weather forecast for Open week
❚ Golf action kicked off Monday at TPC Scottsdale with the Coors Light ProAm under clear skies and a high temperature of 70 degrees. Most extended forecasts suggest similar conditions will welcome patrons through Sunday’s conclusion.
“There might not be a better (weather) week on the planet, and I mean that sincerely, than this week as it’s shaping up here at TPC Scottsdale. It’ll draw the crowds,” Woods said.
❚ Golf Channel analyst Curt Byram led his group to a victory in the Coors Light Pro-Am. The party was a combined 19 under to a total net score of 52.
Byram, 61, has worked in broadcasting since 2001 and resides in Scottsdale. He has five professional wins, one of which came on the PGA Tour in 1989. Playing with Byram were Clayton Boot, Jerramy Hainline, Jeremy Keck and Tim Schantz. pros
10 a.m. — R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day Activities: Motivational Speeches by PGA Tour pros; trick-shot show; Junior Golf Clinic Presented by PING on the TPC Scottsdale Champions course practice range. 11 a.m. — San Tan Ford Special Olympics Putting Challenge: at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course putting green, featuring Special Olympics athletes, celebrities/sports stars as well as community business leaders from the community. Open to all ticket holders. 8:30 a.m. — Annexus Pro-Am, TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course 3:30 p.m. — Phoenix Suns Charities Shot at Glory, TPC Scottsdale 16th hole
3:30 p.m. — Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens 7:30 a.m. — Waste Management Phoenix Open 1st round
3:30 p.m. — Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens
Green Out: All fans are encouraged to wear green in support of the event's eco-sensitive efforts.
9 a.m. — Waste Management Phoenix Open 3rd round
3:30 p.m. — Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens 9 a.m. — Waste Management Phoenix Open final round