Carroll County High School senior Dustin Battaglia will tee off at the semi-state golf tournament for the third year in a row, a milestone that reflects both his growth as a golfer and the dedication that has shaped his high school career.
Dustin didn’t always picture himself spending so much time on the course. In fact, he admits he didn’t even like golf at first.
“My dad put me into it, and I didn’t really like it,” he said. “But he wanted me to go out with him, so I did. I started to like it a little more. I started playing all the time and got pretty good.”
That persistence has paid off. Over the past few years, Dustin has sharpened his game through lessons, year-round practice, and countless rounds in the summer. Last winter, he traveled to Louisville to work with a coach and train indoors with simulators, since cold weather makes it tough to golf outside. He also spent time in Madison and other facilities to keep swinging.
“I got stronger, and it helps when you hit the ball farther,” he said. “The lessons really made a difference.”
Dustin placed eighth in the regional tournament and has another shot at competing against the best golfers in Kentucky. He’ll play Wednesday, Oct. 1 at Pendleton Hills Golf Course in Butler, Ky. If he makes the cut, he’ll advance to the state championship in Bowling Green.
“The last two years I haven’t made it to the next round, but this year I think I’m playing better,” Dustin said. “I’m going up there Sunday to practice and then playing Monday and Tuesday after school. If I stay calm and keep my short game sharp, I think I have a chance.”
Mental toughness has been just as important as physical skill, such as when he battled through a lightning delay during the regional competition. “I was playing badly and the break actually helped me,” he said. “I got to go to the clubhouse, eat, calm down, and reset. I started playing pretty well after that.”
Looking ahead, Dustin is considering continuing his golf career at the college level, with an interest in studying electrical fields.
For now, though, the senior’s focus is on Pendleton Hills and earning his first trip to Bowling Green. “It feels good winning and going to state again,” he said.
(Photos by Amber Wilson.) 