By:
Josh Rizzo
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 11:01 AM
Fox Chapel’s Carson Kittsley wears his gold medal after winning the PIAA Class 3A golf championship Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 at Penn State.
Christopher Horner | TribLive
Fox Chapel’s Carson Kittsley monitors the flag after sinking his birdie putt on number 11 during the WPIAL Class 3A boys golf championship Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at Butler Country Club.
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Fox Chapel junior Carson Kittsley felt more comfortable on the golf course this season. Results didn’t necessarily come easier, but Kittsley felt better equipped to put himself in the best position to win.
Kittsley’s precision proved to be necessary during the second and final round of the PIAA Class 3A championships at the Penn State Blue Course on Oct. 21.
Kittsley fired off a 6-under par 66 in the second round to become the third WPIAL golfer to win back-to-back state championships. Knoch’s Jeff Dickson won in 1991-92 and Latrobe’s Arnold Palmer won in 1946-47.
Kittsley finished with a two-round score of 136, coming in one stroke ahead of Latrobe’s Jack Sacriponte.
Being in any conversation with Palmer, the beloved seven-time major championship winner, was an honor for Kittsley.
“It’s unbelievable,” Kittsley said. “I’m not sure I would have believed it if you would have told me I’d be in any conversation with him as a little kid.”
Fox Chapel’s Baron Bitar tied for 41st. In the Class 2A championships, Alex Avi was Shady Side Academy’s top finisher. Avi shot a 7-over par 151 and finished in a tie for 15th. Brawley Niels tied for 67th.
On the girls side, Fox Chapel’s Clara Koteski placed 23rd. Shady Side Academy’s Alyssa Zhang earned all-state honors by placing third, shooting a 5-under par 139
Kittsley entered the second round of states two strokes behind Daniel Boone’s Chase Yenser. Yenser shot a 72 in the final round and finished fourth.
Sacriponte put pressure on Kittsley, matching his 66 in the second round.
Sacriponte eagled the 18th to briefly move into a tie for the lead, but Kittsley two-putted for birdie on the final hole to seal the crown.
“There was a mix of emotions,” Kittsley said. “I was nervous and excited. I just took a deep breath and knocked it in.”
Fox Chapel coach Joseph Farrell said that Kittsley, who also won the WPIAL Class 3A crown, continuously works to improve. Playing in amateur events with the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association has helped him take major steps forward.
“Carson is continuously working,” Farrell said. “He makes things look easy. But if anyone thinks it comes easy to him, I’m out here and I know it’s not. He is always working to get better.”
Kittsley is in position to try to pursue more history. If he can return to State College next season, he will have an opportunity to become the second golfer in Pennsylvania history to win three state championships.
Reading’s John Markel won consecutively from 1939-1941.
Kittsley said he is comfortable with being in difficult environments.
“I’ve worked hard on my game and it’s paid off,” Kittsley said. “I left a couple of shots out there, but I’ve made a lot less mistakes.”
Tags: Fox Chapel, Shady Side Academy
