Nick Turowski of Penn-Trafford High School had a triumphant victory at the WPIAL Class 3A boys golf championship on Monday, October 2, 2023. Turowski’s relaxed and aggressive approach to the game paid off as he secured a five-shot victory over his competitors.
Turowski’s plan for the day was simple: to have fun and not take himself too seriously. Despite some initial struggles with ball striking, he was pleased with his putting, which kept him in the game. His birdie on the final hole was a sign of his success, as he pumped his fist in celebration and thanked the crowd for their support. This marked Turowski’s second WPIAL title, with his first win coming in 2021 in an 18-hole event.
The WPIAL has switched to a 36-hole event over two days in recent years and Turowski navigated the challenge with ease. After shooting an even-par 72 at Latrobe Country Club in the first round, he took a one-shot lead into the final round. He continued his strong play at Valley Brook Country Club, shooting a 2-under 70 for a total score of 2-under 142.
While Upper St. Clair’s Connor McKenzie made a valiant effort to catch Turowski, he ultimately fell short, finishing the tournament with a 3-over 147. Turowski’s consecutive birdies on holes 7 and 8 helped him maintain his comfortable lead and ultimately secure the win.
Turowski expressed that this victory felt more significant to him than his previous one, as the 36-hole event showcased the best player in the WPIAL. As a member of Hannastown Golf Club in Greensburg, Turowski’s success was also a big day for the club, as Frazier senior Nixen Erdely won the Class 2A championship.
With the WPIAL championship behind him, Turowski now sets his sights on the PIAA championship at Penn State’s Blue Course. He will be joined by McKenzie, Butler senior Hunter Swidzinski, Fox Chapel junior Davis Kittsley, and Fox Chapel senior David Fuhrer, who placed third, fourth, and fifth respectively at the WPIAL tournament.
The final PIAA berth was decided through a playoff, with Plum junior Wes Lorish emerging victorious. Lorish was ecstatic about his win and acknowledged the need for aggressive play in playoffs. He secured his spot with a birdie on the first playoff hole, edging out Fox Chapel freshman Carson Kittsley and South Fayette sophomore Sam Bishop.
Lorish, who also qualified for the state tournament last year, is looking forward to the challenge and hopes to improve on his 10th place finish in 2022. With these talented golfers representing the WPIAL at the PIAA championship, there is sure to be some exciting competition.