Charlie Nikitas (left), seen here in earlier action this season, claimed all-state honors. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
Charlie Nikitas was a junior at the Class 3A state golf meet this time, wiser, more comfortable, familiar with the surroundings and the hazards and the vibe. It certainly showed last weekend at The Den at Fox Creek Golf Course in Bloomington. The evidence was right there on his scorecard, smaller numbers producing a significant result at a significant tournament.
The Glenbrook South Titan finished in a tie for 67th (85-78) at state last fall.
Nikitas placed sixth (76-77), an all-state place, in windy, chilly conditions this fall. Champion Justin Hemings, a senior at Edwardsville High School, shot a 74-71 at the par-72 venue on Oct. 16-17.
“I sort of learned how things go there, what to expect,” Nikitas, the lone Glenbrook South state qualifier, said of what he took from his experience at the 2014 state meet. “I used that knowledge. I handled the pressure better this time.”
Only two other Titans in program history had finished higher at a state meet than Nikitas did. Mark Holton topped the 1992 field at the Class AA meet, and Quinn Prchal took fourth at the 3A meet in 2011.
Nikitas was tied for ninth place after the first round on Oct. 16. He birdied the par-five ninth hole, giving him a one-over 37 at the turn. He birdied the par-three 17th, halting a string of four bogeys. In the second round he went par-par-par-par-par on his final five holes. Steely, steady.
“Charlie was consistent,” Titans golf coach Steve Gale said. “He was unflappable.”
Nikitas’ ball striking was striking, having hit, he figured, at least 15 greens in regulation on each day. Nearly every Nikitas drive rested on a fairway. His putter, though, bit him here, stung him there. His putt total was 37 on Friday, 38 on Saturday.
“Overall,” he summed, “a pretty solid weekend.”
His parents, Danny and Margaret, walked all 36 holes last weekend, following their favorite golfer around the Arnold Palmer Signature layout. Both, like all spectators, were not allowed to offer advice. Nikitas instead received nods and fist bumps from his father.
Nikitas’ plan early this week was to take a few days off from golf and make up the school work he missed because of his postseason success. He’ll get the itch, no doubt, to whack tee shots again later this month. Birds like to fly; Nikitas likes to shoot for birdies.
“I’ll be out there on a course, as long as it’s not snowing,” he said.
If it is, there’s always the Nikitas garage. The car abode doubles as a hitting area, home to a net, a big mat and a simulator. Nikitas often works on his putting in the basement at home.
“I’ll work on all aspects of my game this winter,” Nikitas said, adding he’ll likely play in an Arizona tournament in December.