Kittleson rising after Amateur

Pardon Drew Kittleson if he’s having a little trouble getting back into the school groove. Considering how life has changed for the Florida State sophomore and Scottsdale product, who can blame him?

A month ago, Kittleson was one of 100 19-year-old kids with a lot of golf talent. Then he finished as the runner-up in the U.S. Amateur Championship at Pinehurst No. 2 in late August.

Kittleson’s life never will be the same.

“You could say that,’’ said Kittleson, who despite losing 5 and 4 in the 36-hole finale to Danny Lee, gained a whole lot of respect for a match well-fought.

In the process, Kittleson all but punched his ticket to the next Masters and U.S. Open. The Open is an automatic bid, and the Masters is all but, considering each year the runner-up in the U.S. Amateur traditionally gets an invitation.

“That’s a total dream come true,’’ said Kittleson, who won a pair of state championships when he attended Phoenix Pinnacle High School.

That the U.S. Open will be held at world-renowned Beth Page Black in New York next year also has Kittleson’s head spinning.

“I guess it’s going to be a big, big year,’’ he said.

Kittleson easily played well enough to win most U.S. Amateur finales. But Lee, who is the No. 1 ranked amateur in the world, was literally a buzz saw as he birdied 13 of the last 27 holes after Kittleson had him down 2-up early.

“I shot (5 under) 30 on the front nine of Pinehurst No. 2, and that wasn’t good enough,’’ Kittleson said in disbelief. “I think he missed one putt under 15 feet for the entire 32 holes we played. I’ve never seen anything like it.’’

Kittleson entered the U.S. Amateur ranked No. 367 in the world. But that has changed quickly, as his stellar finish has vaulted him to No. 111. If he keeps playing like he did against Lee, it will only get better.

Asked if he was surprised at his sudden encounter with fame, Kittleson laughed.

“Last year was a tough year. I was sick with pneumonia for a month, and then my body grew and had to make some swing changes,’’ said Kittleson, 6-foot-3, who picked up 2 inches on his lanky frame during his freshman year.

“But I was beginning to show signs this summer that things were starting to pay off. And going into the Amateur I knew I was playing well.’’

So well that Kittleson didn’t panic when Lee had a 5-up advantage after the first 18 holes of their match. Kittleson came back with a vengeance, at one point winning four of six holes on the front nine of their second 18.

“I’m proud of myself,’’ Kittleson said. “Obviously, (Lee) made a name for himself by winning, but I think people are going to remember me, too.’’

That’s a safe assumption, especially when Kittleson shows up at a couple of majors next year. Meanwhile, he’s got another year of school, which isn’t all bad for a kid who last year helped his team win the ACC championship.

Besides, he has no immediate plans for the PGA Tour, he said, despite what has happened lately.

“Everybody I talk to about going early (turning pro), says just plan on four years and enjoy every one of them,’’ Kittleson said. “So that’s what I’m doing.

“Plus, I’m already ahead on my credits, and last year I was named Academic All-American, so I’ve got that going for me, too.’’

About the only thing that’s bugging Kittleson these days is that the Seminoles are ranked No. 11 in the country and the dreaded Florida Gators are No. 8.

“That’s a big thing down here,’’ Kittleson said. “I really had no idea of the hatred before I got here. My dad (Curt) went to Arizona State, so being around ASU-UA, I get the rivalry thing. But this (Florida-FSU) is ASU-UA on steroids, it really is. So hopefully we’ll get (the college rankings) turned around quickly.’’

Chances are with the bigger and better Drew Kittleson leading the Seminoles’ way, it will come sooner than later.