Introduction
The path to professional golf is often filled with twists and turns, but few journeys are as remarkable as that of Tom Whitney. From manning a United States Air Force nuclear missile silo to teeing off on the PGA Tour, Whitney’s story is one of determination, sacrifice, and a love for the game. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating journey of this PGA Tour rookie and US Air Force veteran, exploring the challenges he faced, the sacrifices he made, and the perspective he gained along the way.
From the Depths of Nuclear Bunkers to the PGA Tour
A Different Kind of Bunker
These days, Tom Whitney’s biggest concern on the golf course is navigating the sand-filled traps that golfers commonly refer to as “bunkers.” However, it wasn’t always this way for Whitney. Before embarking on his professional golf career, he spent four years as a nuclear missile operator in Cheyenne, Wyoming, as part of the United States Air Force. This role required him to spend grueling 24-hour shifts 100 feet underground, monitoring one of the world’s deadliest nuclear arsenals.
The Responsibilities of a Missile Operator
Whitney’s daily routine as a missile operator involved a range of tasks, from maintenance work to retargeting the missiles. Eight times a month, he and his crew partner would descend into the depths of the silo for their shifts. While performing their duties, they always carried with them the knowledge that they held ultimate responsibility for launching the missiles if the order ever came through.
Whitney explained, “Our main training part of the mission is that we are the ones who launch the missile if the President sends the order. There’s only one entity between us and the President if we are launching a nuclear missile.”
Balancing a Passion for Golf and Military Duty
Despite his dedication to golf, Whitney was determined to fulfill his commitment to the Air Force after graduating from the Air Force Academy with a degree in social science in 2010. Serving as a missile operator was not the assignment he had hoped for, and it was a bittersweet moment when he learned of his posting. Nonetheless, he believed that it ultimately shaped his post-Air Force career in golf.
Whitney revealed, “It didn’t take very long after I separated and left that job and started golf full-time to where I missed it. It’s not a sexy job while you’re doing it, and at times it cannot even be very enjoyable, but in hindsight, it turned out to be the best thing for my golf career.”
A Talented Golfer Emerges
A Golfing Prodigy
Before his military service, Whitney had already displayed immense talent on the golf course. He won the Air Force Championship four times and the Armed Force Championship three times, showcasing his prowess in the sport. Following in the footsteps of his late brother Bob, he attended the United States Air Force Academy and competed in the Mountain West Division I college golfing circuit.
Transitioning to a Full-Time Golf Career
After leaving the Air Force in 2014, Whitney faced the challenge of transitioning from military life to pursuing golf full-time. Initially, he found it difficult to adjust to the uncertainties and unknowns that came with professional golf. He described the contrast, saying, “I pretty much knew what I was going to be fed. I mean, all the hard decisions were made for me. I just kind of had to follow a checklist. Now, going from Korn Ferry Tour to here, there are so many unknowns that you just kind of learn along the way.”
Whitney’s perseverance paid off, and over the years, he worked his way up from the smaller professional tours to earn his PGA Tour membership. His top-30 finish on the Korn Ferry Tour points list in 2023 was a significant milestone that propelled him to the top level of professional golf.
A Different Perspective on Life
Gratitude for Opportunities
Whitney’s unique journey from the depths of nuclear bunkers to the fairways of the PGA Tour has given him a profound perspective on life. He recognizes the privilege of playing golf for a living and representing fantastic companies, contrasting it with the potential sacrifices he could have made serving in the armed forces.
He reflected, “Absolutely, I have a different perspective because I signed up to basically saying, ‘I’m willing to give my life for this country’ and never came anywhere close to that point.”
A Lesson in Appreciation
The challenges and sacrifices Whitney witnessed during his time in the military have shaped his outlook on the tough days he may face as a professional golfer. He understands the grand scheme of things and appreciates the opportunities he has to play golf, enjoy the outdoors, and represent his sponsors.
He says, “In the grand scheme of things, I get to play golf for a living, I get to represent some awesome companies, I get to do what I love, and pretty much have control over my schedule and what I do day-to-day. So, yeah, it’s definitely fixed my perspective on life.”
