Even before the state championships, Fox Chapel Area sophomore Carson Kittsley had already established himself as one of the most talented young golfers in Pennsylvania. His consistency, mental focus, and calm demeanor that belies his age all meshed at the right time and the right place – the PIAA Class 3A individual championships – to earn him the gold medal. At the finish, Carson led by two strokes, capped by consecutive 4-under-par 68s.
Carson’s victory wasn’t just exciting; it also enters him in the school’s record books as the first Foxes male golfer to win the individual title since 1976. That year, senior Frank Fuhrer became the first in school history to become the champion, and he did it by two strokes as well. Frank went on to become one of the most prolific golfers from the area. Carson is now well on his way to joining that exclusive club.
Upon winning the gold medal at the two-day championship, Carson recalls his feelings. “I was pretty shocked and kind of surprised myself,” he says. “I don’t look at the scoreboard when I play to see where I am, or where everyone else is. I really didn’t know where I stood; I was just excited when I found out I won.”
As if the day wasn’t special enough already, Carson also broke the school’s all-time scoring record with a 35.3 average for the season. Another Fuhrer, David, who now plays for George Mason University, set the previous record. Carson had actually had the lead on David from start to finish this season, but it wasn’t official until after Carson concluded his 2024 run at states.
Record-Breaking Season
Carson had already notched notable accomplishments before he got to states. He was the Foxes match medalist at every regular season competition that he played, which helped the Foxes become Section 7 team champions. His next step was advancing to the WPIAL 3A individual playoffs held at Oakmont, his home course. However, he placed fourth after inclement weather and course conditions threw him off his typical game. However, knowing he still was going to the state championship, Carson got to work again.
“I just worked on my range balls and putting,” he says of his pre-states preparation.
Once Carson got to Penn State, he was uncharacteristically nervous. He managed, as usual, to conceal his feelings and only those people who know him best could detect a very, very slight indication of his emotions.
“I really wanted to win it, but I knew as a sophomore it would be a tough challenge,” says Carson.
Strength on the Back Nine
“After I got off to a slow start on day two, I kind of figured I was out of the running and had nothing to lose. I just decided to stick to my game plan and have fun playing. I knew I still had two more years to go out there and win it,” Carson says.
But Carson’s luck shifted, beginning on the 10th hole, when he started making consecutive birdies and gained more confidence.
“Once Carson started making birdies, his momentum changed, and it became Carson’s game to lose,” says second-year head coach Joe Farrell. “Carson is Carson. He’s a special kid who knows how to play golf and has the perfect temperament for golf. Watching him was a lot of fun, and when you can put your name next to Frank Fuhrer’s state champion plaque, you know it’s a special day.”
Looking Ahead
With the excitement of this year’s high school golf season behind him, Carson is now setting his sights on a new challenge. In December, he will compete in the prestigious Orlando Hurricane Jr. Golf Champions Tour.
“It’s very tough competition,” Carson says of the level of talent he will face.
Given all that he has accomplished so far in his young career, there’s little doubt that when it comes to Carson and golf, nothing is impossible.