Despite a rainy and challenging day on the legendary Oakmont Country Club course, Fox Chapel Area sophomore Carson Kittsley secured his spot in the PIAA individual championships. The mucky conditions made navigating the already difficult course even harder, but Carson’s resolve and calm demeanor helped him achieve the milestone early in his young career.
Carson has also achieved other benchmarks this season, including setting an impressive season average of 35.2, which places him on the cusp of setting a new school record for boys golf. The previous record was set last year by David Fuhrer, who now golfs for George Mason University.
Tough Conditions
Qualifying for his first trip to the state individual championships didn’t come easy.
Although Carson has played Oakmont many times, they weren’t after a week’s worth of continuous rain that caused a change in strategy for many of the golfers. Carson found himself in a tough spot with a poor lie in a bunker on his opening hole. However, the section gold medalist quickly put the rough start behind him.
“I got a hold of my emotions by just letting go of what had just happened,” Carson says. “It’s Oakmont, and I knew that there was going to be a bad hole somewhere in the mix. I think it was almost a good thing because I knew that it could only get better from there.”
And it did.
“Carson got off to a rough start but played even par from there on in,” recalls coach Joe Farrell. “But I give him a whole lot of credit, because he did a great job of hanging in there, playing on a golf course that he’s familiar with, but not in those conditions. Oakmont is usually firm and fast, but that day, it was very, very soft.”
Onward and Upward
Qualifying for the state tournament is a significant milestone for Carson, especially after missing the earlier cut last season.
“I am happy that I advanced to states, but I wasn’t satisfied with my overall performance,” states Carson. “I know what to work on.”
In preparation for the PIAA tournament held on Penn State’s White Course, Carson is focused on improving his ball striking, boosting his putting confidence. Although he has not played the course yet, he is excited to have that opportunity.
“I’ve heard that course is pretty gettable, so I’m looking forward to seeing how I can perform there,” Carson says. “It feels great to have this chance.”
Coach Farrell says Carson’s character on the course belies his age.
“Carson is a calm golfer, and he’ll be ready for the challenges at states.”
When that time comes, he will have the support of his teammates, who traveled to the WPIAL tournament to back him.
Right now, Carson is focused on his personal goals and the journey that has just begun in his golf career.
The entire team, which amassed an unblemished section record of 10-0, has also moved forward. As section 7 champions, they will compete October 8 at the WPIAL Class 3A championships at Champion Lakes Golf Course.