SCGA Amateur Champ Nathan Celusta wins SCGA Player of the Year

October 26, 2015

It would be safe to say that in addition to winning the SCGA's Player of the Year Award, Nathan Celusa would also win a Most Improved Player of The Year Award as well if it existed. The Somis resident and father of two, having never won an SCGA event before, exploded on the SCGA Tournament scene this summer, winning the SCGA Amateur Championship and earning top 5 finishes in number of other events.

His year got off to a quick start when Celusta earned a T4 finish in the SCGA's first Championship of the year, the Foursomes Championship. Days later, he secured another solid finish at the SCGA Mid-Am. The remainder of the season was the same, with Celusta playing consistently all year long, eventually securing Player of the Year honors with 1060 total points over Corby Segal, who finished with 935. Celusta earned points for five qualifying events, all SCGA events, including 600 for his Amateur win. We caught up with Celusa as he accepted his Player of the Year Award:

What does it mean to win the SCGA’s Player of the Year Award?

It is the realization of a goal I set at the beginning of the year. This was my first full season playing SCGA events, and I am proud to have performed so consistently.

How would you recap your 2015 golf season?

The highlight of the season was winning the SCGA Amateur at Oakmont CC, but that win would not have been possible without a few near misses earlier in the year. I missed winning the Foursomes and the Four-Ball by a shot each, but I was able to take a few positive things away from each event, with a few lessons learned, and apply them to win our Association’s biggest event. It was fun to be in contention at each event.

What did winning the SCGA Amateur do for your golf game and confidence in your golf game?

It was a definite shot in the arm for my confidence. I have had the good fortune to work with three amazing golf coaches on my full swing - D.A. Russell, Marc Minier and Claude Harmon III, and that part of my game has always been strong. But at the SCGA Amateur, my putting was unbelievably solid. Since then, I have had a renewed confidence in my entire game, not just my ball striking.

Where does golf fit into your everyday life?

I play golf 3-4 Sunday mornings per month. There is a small group of guys at Saticoy CC who like to play really early, so we can get home by 10 a.m. to spend the majority of the day with our families. I will take a few hours to practice if there is a tournament coming up, but other than that, my focus now is on family and work.

What’s next for your golf career? What are your goals now?

I am going to play in a few Invitational events back East and see how my game travels and stacks up against the best players in amateur golf. My goal is be competitive in every event that I enter, stick to my strengths, continue to be positive, and enjoy the ride.



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corydishman

Handicap Index: 4.2
Wednesday, November 11, 2015

As a player that has to compete against Nathan, I have been able to see first hand just how good he is. I am very proud of his accomplishment and hope he continues to be a top amateur for many years. Way to go Nate!

9342053

Handicap Index: 4.5
Sunday, November 08, 2015

Great job Nathan. Fantastic golf.
Pat mcdonald