Looking to win ‘something big,’ Fox Chapel’s Carson Kittsley claims PIAA golf title

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, October 26, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Something was missing from Carson Kittsley’s wish list in 2024. The Fox Chapel sophomore had yet to pick up a victory in a major golf tournament.

Kittsley emphatically crossed the goal off his list Oct. 22 at the Penn State White Course. Kittsley, who was playing in the PIAA Class 3A tournament for the first time, closed the second round by shooting 5-under par on the back nine to win the state championship.

Kittsley is the second PIAA champion in school history and the first since Frank Fuhrer III won in 1976.

When Kittsley went to State College, he intended to be in the mix for a title.

“I wanted to go in and win it,” Kittsley said. “I haven’t won anything big this summer. I wanted to win something big before the year ended.”

Kittsley shot an 8-under par 136 to win the tournament. He produced consecutive rounds of 68 to finish two strokes ahead of the pack. Daniel Boone’s Chase Yensey, Cedar Crest’s Dylan Ramsey and Fleetwood’s Cameron Peffel tied for second place.

Kittsley, who missed out on the PIAA tournament last year after losing in a playoff at WPIALs, was comfortable playing in State College.

“I was trying to talk with some of my competitors and had some fun chats,” Kittsley said. “I tried to stay loose. I wanted to have fun and not get too far ahead of myself.”

Kittsley tied for fourth place at WPIALs this year. When Kittsley set goals in his mind for states, he believed he could be on top of the medal stand.

Kittsley said his previous best tournament win was at the Penn State Blue Course during a Hurricane Junior Golf Tour event.

Kittsley was 1-over par at the turn during the second round. He knew he would have to make some changes to be in the running for first.

“I don’t think the back nine was set up easier,” Kittsley said. “I made good adjustments and trusted myself more.”

While Kittsley had played at Penn State before, learning the White Course was a new challenge. Kittsley found that he felt it was easier than the Blue Course. The White Course’s setup is more forgiving.

‘This was a little bit easier because it was shorter in general,” Kittsley said. “What made me feel I could shoot a good score was how good the greens were. I was putting on the greens with a lot of confidence. While I felt I wasn’t hitting the ball the best, this course being wide open gave me confidence.”

Kittsley was thrilled with the win and is ready for some time off.

“I’m excited about seeing some people (who reached out) and getting congratulated,” Kittsley said. “It was a good feeling. I want to keep working in the winter to get better and better.”

Tags: Fox Chapel