PGA Tour player Rickie Fowler is thrilled for his Air Force pilot junior golf buddy, Tom Whitney. After completing his military duty in 2014, Whitney made his first PGA Tour start in 2017. In 2023, he had an impressive performance and earned his first PGA Tour card, finishing 21st on the Korn Ferry Tour points list with 924 points.

Rickie Fowler felt “really cool” to see his friend Tom Whitney do well in professional golf. Even though they didn’t hang out much together. The fact that they both started in junior golf and now have success in the pros shows that they have a strong friendship and shared experiences.

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Rickie Fowler’s Insight on Air Force Pilot Turned PGA Tour Golfer

During the American Express interview, when asked about Tom Whitney, and the question regarding the military and how it defines a person, “Have you always known him to be kind of straightforward, very confident, or not very confident, but a confident guy,” the 35-year-old Fowler responded by expressing that he believes Whitney has always been confident and added, “He’s a great guy.”

However, the American professional golfer hasn’t had the chance to “spend much time” with Tom Whitney in the past “few years.” Despite this, he is eagerly anticipating and “looking forward” to the opportunity to reconnect with Whitney and reminisce about their shared experiences during their “junior golf days.”

Furthermore, the colorful golfer on the PGA Tour has kept track of Tom Whitney’s journey over the “years.” Initially, he observed Whitney’s time with the “Air Force.” Later on, the 5 ft 9 in. Fowler noticed how Whitney worked hard and persevered through various “mini-tour stuff and out on the Korn Ferry Tour.”

In the second round of The American Express tournament 2024, both friends, Tom Whitney, and the Western Junior winner are now set to compete at the Pete Dye Stadium Course, La Quinta Country Club, and Nicklaus Tournament Course in La Quinta, California.

The tournament spans from January 18 to 21, 2024. Tom Whitney, using Titleist equipment, qualified as one of the top 30 players from the prior season’s Korn Ferry Tour, and Rickie Fowler, representing the U.S. Ryder Cup Team. The camaraderie between these two friends adds an extra layer of excitement to their participation in the tournament’s second round.

From Air Force to PGA Tour: Tom Whitney’s Remarkable Journey

Tom Whitney won $10,000 in his first pro golf game, confirming he made the right choice. Looking back, he admits without skills from the Air Force Academy, he wouldn’t have tried pro golf.

He gave up a secure job in the Air Force for the uncertainties of golf, even though his game didn’t change much. This shows the risks he took for his passion. He said, “I had that itch and I don’t think I would have been able to live with myself if I didn’t pursue pro golf at some point.”

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If he had remained in the Air Force, he would have been completing his 13th year of service, eligible to retire after a minimum of 20 years of service. The decision highlights the significant career change Whitney has made in pursuit of his passion.

Despite not hanging out much lately, Fowler is excited to see Whitney do well in golf. The PGA tournament makes their friendship even more special. Whitney’s journey, from overseeing missiles to playing golf professionally, shows how he followed his passion with courage and determination.

What do you think about this decision to take a risk? Share your views in the comment box below.

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