Defending PIAA champ Carson Kittsley of Fox Chapel makes statement at section tournament

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Fox Chapel junior Carson Kittsley, the defending PIAA Class 3A boys golf champion, made an emphatic statement at the Section 7-3A WPIAL qualifier Sept. 17 at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course.

Kittsley shot a 6-under par 66 to win medalist honors and become a WPIAL qualifier for the third consecutive year. He made an eagle and four birdies during a bogey-free round. The target score to quality was an 82.

“The look on Carson’s face is the same if he is shooting 6-over or 2-under,” Foxes coach Joe Farrell said. “He’s always played with confidence, but I have seen it grow more since he won the state championship. He also played well in tournaments over the summer.”

Kittsley will lead a large contingent of Fox Chapel golfers in the next round. The Foxes qualified five of their six golfers for WPIALs.

Senior Grady Johnston (73), sophomores Reid Gamblin (75) and Baron Bitar (76) and senior David DiGregory (77) will also be moving on to the next round. Fox Chapel, which is undefeated in section play as a team, has a deep lineup.

“These guys all have plenty of experience,” Farrell said. “I know they are putting the time in during the summer and fall. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of these guys play during the break in winter out of state.”

Farrell was also proud of the effort of Anderson Dockey, who shot an 83 and missed qualifying by one stroke. He said there were one or two bad holes that hurt Dockey.

“He did a good job of grinding things out,” Farrell said. “I told him that if you play enough golf in your life that the good and bad breaks will even out. Anderson is an important part of our team.”

Farrell expects Kittsley and others will have an opportunity to pile up more accolades.

He believes Fox Chapel has the right approach to play well in the postseason.

“They are worried about beating the course,” Farrell said. “They aren’t worried about beating the other players in the threesome or foursome they are in. They are worried about figuring out how to play each course.”

SSA qualifies 5 golfers

Alex Avi came up one stroke short of earning medalist honors during the Section 7-2A tournament at Uniontown Country Club. Avi shot a 69 to place second, finishing a shot behind Elizabeth Forward’s Aaron Didjunas.

John DiBartolomeo (76), Jay Mohn (77), Brawley Niels (77) and Dusyanth Paramesh (82) also qualified for the Bulldogs.

Tags: Fox Chapel