Carson Kittsley, Fox Chapel golf team peaking in postseason

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Carson Kittsley wanted to start his high school golf career with a bang. The Fox Chapel sophomore was left a little disappointed at the end of his freshman season.

He fell one step short of qualifying for the PIAA Class 3A tournament after losing in a playoff at the WPIAL qualifier.

“It was exciting,” Kittsley said. “There were a lot of emotions because I wanted to make states as a freshman, but I knew it was just one season and there would be more opportunities.”

Kittsley is knocking on the door once again this season. Kittsley, who finished first at sectional qualifiers, was one of six Fox Chapel golfers who qualified for the first round of the WPIAL Class 3A tournament by shooting a 4-under par 68 at Fox Run Golf Course.

Kittsley also topped the leaderboard in the first round of WPIALs at Southpointe Golf Course. He shot a 1-over par 73 to lead Baldwin’s Michael Qualich by a stroke.

David DiGregory and Matthew Begg also placed 10th and 16th to qualify for the final round of WPIALs and a chance to qualify for states.

Fox Chapel coach Joe Farrell said the course at Southpointe wasn’t easy.

“The pin placements were tucked away and hidden,” Farrell said. “You couldn’t be too aggressive. You had to lay up to a certain number. If you tried to use your driver all the time, you’d be in big trouble.”

Kittsley and Begg looked to have an edge going into the WPIAL finals, which were scheduled for Oct. 1 at Oakmont Country Club, where they are both members.

“There will be some advantages because I will know how to play certain holes and what shots to use,” Kittsley said. “I can come up with the right place of attack.”

Farrell is impressed with Kittsley’s improvements since last season. To get more rounds in, Kittsley played in a lot of youth tournaments over the summer.

“I feel like Carson losing the playoff gave him a drive, not that he didn’t have it already, to get to states,” Farrell said. “He has the drive to succeed and has come into his own.”

Davis Kittsley, Grady Johnson and Barron Bitar also qualified for the final round of the WPIAL playoffs.

“We actually thought the courses we played in qualifying were perfect for us because you can’t hit the driver all the time,” Farrell said. “Our kids manage courses well. They hit smart shots.”

Fox Chapel’s depth helped the Foxes have a strong dual-match season. The Foxes are 16-1 overall and 10-0 in Section 7-3A.

Fox Chapel’s only loss came to North Allegheny.

“We’re all friends,” Kittsley said. “That’s a huge contributor.”

Tags: Fox Chapel