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05/23/2019 12:00 AMNick Giglietti decided to try something new when he signed up for the East Haven golf team as a senior this year. Nick had a lot to learn, including the correct way to swing the club, but he’s come a long way on the links. Nick even finished with a score in the 40s for the Yellowjackets during a recent varsity round.
“At the beginning of the season, I was definitely learning,” says Nick. “I was trying to hit righty, and [sophomore teammate] Andrew Zito has a lefty club and told me to try hitting with that club. I did so much better, so I’ve been hitting lefty ever since.”
Head Coach Dave Augustine finds it fascinating that Nick improved as much as he did in such a short span. Augustine was pleased to see Nick become a true student of the game.
“When [Zito] suggested he try a lefty club, all of a sudden, he started hitting the ball, and it looked like a natural swing. Now, we knew what clubs he needed,” Coach Augustine says. “He worked really hard to learn how to play, how to hit the ball, the rules, and the etiquette. He’s certainly going to get better and better as he keeps playing.”
While Nick was new to golf, he suited up as a soccer player every fall since his freshman year at East Haven. In fact, Nick served as a captain for the Yellowjackets during his senior season. Nick’s run on the soccer pitch was much different than his experience on the golf course.
“I enjoyed being a captain. Guys looked up to me, and it’s something I look back on. That team was mine, and I worked as hard as I could to get us to where I thought we should be,” Nick says. “For golf, I was going to everybody else for advice, and it was a little weird at first, but now I’m a lot more comfortable.”
Despite his humble beginnings, Nick took on the sport of golf with a great attitude. Coach Augustine feels proud of Nick for working his way into the varsity lineup and making an impact for the Easties this spring.
“Believe me, nothing intimidates Nick Giglietti. When he does something, he jumps in with both feet first,” says Augustine. “That’s Nick. Nothing scares him, nothing intimidates him, and he’s a real true athlete. There’s no quit in this kid.”
As Nick continues to refine his swing, he says that putting is the strong suit of his game right now. It’s an area where many golfers struggle, but Nick says that he feels quite comfortable on the greens.
“I think it’s one of my strongest points,” says Nick. “I think just trying to hit the ball and get it in the hole, you have to aim at a certain direction and be in line with the hole to try and make it. So, I’ve worked on that a lot and have definitely improved that in my game. Putting is more natural right now. I’m still trying to work on my driver a lot, and irons.”
Nick appreciates all the support that he’s received from everyone who’s helped him become a solid golfer. Nick knows that he made the right choice when he became a part of the East Haven golf family.
“Coach Augustine has been a great help. He’s a great coach and he’s helped me a lot, along with a lot of the guys on the team,” Nick says. “Logan Hamilton, Jon Moscato, and Shane Hanson go with me to driving ranges, which has helped a lot. I have to thank them for that. I think they all helped tremendously.”