Former Free State High golfer Charlie Santaularia was a little surprised when Kansas University golfer Kevin Ward called and asked him if he wanted to play with him in this week’s Kansas Golf Assn. Fourball Championship at Alvamar.
After all, Santaularia had just returned from his freshman year at the University of Texas and he was hoping for a little time to relax.
Didn’t happen. It probably was a good thing, too.
Not only did the duo advanced into the match-play round Wednesday with a two-round score of 140, but Santaularia got a jump on playing with his new Jayhawk teammate.
The red-shirt freshman is transferring to KU and will begin playing for the Jayhawks in the fall.
“It feels good coming back home,” said Santaularia, who was a three-time Class 6A state runner-up. “I know everyone and all the guys are just a good bunch to be around. I’m excited. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
There were no negative circumstances surrounding Santaularia’s homecoming.
“I didn’t play very well in the fall and kind of lost some confidence,” said Santaularia, who said he enjoyed living in Austin. “It didn’t really improve in the spring and I felt that it wasn’t the right situation for me.”
Now in his first tournament with his new teammate, Santaularia said he’s instantly enjoyed the rewards of coming back to Lawrence.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “We could play a little bit better, but if we can put together a couple of good rounds we can win some matches.”
