By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The last name Westmoreland has catapulted to the top of Millington Trojan Golf history.
The latest to make history in the black and gold from the household of Derek and Tiffany Westmoreland is daughter Ally. The MCHS senior made her return to State this past Thursday and Friday in Sevierville as part of the 2025 TSSAA Class A Girls’ Tournament.
Westmoreland earned her grand finale at the Sevierville Golf Club-Highlands Course.
“She’s worked very hard, especially the last couple of years,” Millington Head Golf Coach Bruce Marshall said. “She’s really upped her game and got a lot more work in, in order to get better. She wanted to go back to State. Last year, we were in ‘big school’ and when she missed by one stroke from going back, I think that set her to a different mindset to get prepared for this year.”
Ally reached State back in 2022 alongside her brothers Andrew and Matthew. Then after her freshman year, she had a slight sophomore slump. Last season Ally rallied back but finished one stroke away from qualifying for State.
“I was frustrated, but ready to try again this year,” Ally said.
In her senior campaign Ally was dominant, finishing as a medalist in every head-to-head competition. She continued her trend of lowering her averages since 2022. She shot around 40 per 9 holes including a score of 39 entering State.
Westmoreland embraced the game and her style of playing while accepting the responsibility of adding to the Westmoreland legacy.
Ally’s two appearances to State made the grand total for the three siblings 9 trips. Now Andrew and Matthew are members of the Union University Golf team following in their father’s footsteps.
While Ally does have ambition to play on the next level, she said the Westmoreland men did a good job of letting her walk her own course.
“I don’t think any pressure came from them,” she said. “It was more of me putting it on myself, just because I wanted to do well.”
Ally said the game has allowed her quality time with her dad and they just play to have bonding time. Meanwhile with her brothers so busy with college and playing, they haven’t bugged her at all about the game.
“I am proud to be their sister, but I wanted to make something for myself,” Ally said. “I am appreciative and thankful for the opportunity to add to the family’s legacy.”
The family’s game has sharpened Ally’s mental skills as well. She set her mind to return to State before graduating and she achieved that.
“I think it’s more mental than anything,” she said. “Obvisously you could practice more, but if you don’t have the mental game you’re just going to fall apart. Golf is probably 80 percent mental and 20 percent your abilities.”
Marshall said he will miss the Westmorelands and he hoped the last round in black and gold was special for Ally.
“I want to see her go out there Thursday and Friday after putting in all the work she needs to, go out there and just play,” he said. “Have fun and enjoy the experience of being back there at the State Tournament. Whatever happens, happens.”
On day one, Westmoreland shot a +11 on the first nine holes. Then she progressively got better shooting on day two in her final nine holes as a Lady Trojan only plus three.
