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 and their guests. Patriots’ Outpost, which had a helicopter land on its surface outside the viewing area, is open 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 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 take 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 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.”
