Lauren Hartlage is an emerging talent in the world of golf. Her excitement peaked on December 13, 2021, when she announced a significant milestone in her career, her LPGA rookie card: “Two weeks and eight rounds later, I am thrilled to announce that I have earned my card as an LPGA rookie for the 2022 season!” Following this she continued to build on that success.
Currently, she is playing in the 2024 KPMG Women’s Championship 2024, with the final round in play. Before this, she had two top 10 finishes on the LPGA Tour, the 2023 LOTTE Championship and the 2022 Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, amassing $292,834 in earnings. But who is the supportive presence by her side? Let’s delve into the story of her boyfriend,
Who is her golfer boyfriend, Nicholas Tenuta?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nicholas Tenuta hails from Mount Prospect, Illinois, where his love for golf began at a very young age. Growing up near the Mount Prospect Golf Club, Tenuta started playing golf at the age of four. His parents and grandparents frequently took him to the local golf course, nurturing his early passion for the game.
His family remains a significant part of his life, with his mother, Lisa Tenuta, maintaining a private account on social media, and his father, who keeps his life private as well. Tenuta has two brothers, Evan and Ralph, with whom he shares a close bond. With the support of family, he went on to play golf at the school level.
Transitioning to their relationship, Tenuta and Hartlage began dating on April 24, 2019, per the golfer’s anniversary post on his Instagram handle. “4 years later… Still trying to find pictures of us not in golf clothes. Happy anniversary about 2,000 miles apart, can’t wait to see you next,” the 25-year-old expressed in 2023.
View this post on Instagram
The couple often shares their love for golf on social media, and they enjoy attending baseball games together, showcasing their shared interests beyond the golf course.
Nick’s high school and college achievements
Tenuta’s high school career at Prospect High School in Mount Prospect, Illinois, marked the beginning of his serious commitment to golf. Initially, he did not take the sport seriously, but after his sophomore season, he began dedicating more time and effort to improving his game.
Nick used to stay late after practice and also participated in extra tournaments. His hard work paid off and he finished his high school career with a four-year scoring average of 78.9, with a season-low 73.9 average during his senior year. Notably, he became the conference champion in 2016 and secured third place at the 3A Illinois State Finals, the best finish in the school’s history. Furthermore, he set an 18-hole record in his high school golf records.
After high school, Tenuta attended Regis University, a private Division II school in Denver, Colorado. During his time there from 2017 to 2019, he showcased his talent with a career-best scoring average of 72.46 over 41 rounds. His consistent performance continued into the 2018-2019 season, achieving a scoring average of 71.5 over 10 rounds. These consistent records highlighted his dedication and skill set.
Subsequently, the 25-year-old transferred to the University of Louisville in 2019. He played under coaches Ryan Blagg and Matt Wernecke and excelled in his game. In three and half years of his play there, he experienced a higher level of competition. In the 2021 season, he played in seven events and posted a 73.33 stroke average, which was fifth-best on the team.
His achievements include a personal-best 10-under-par at the Maui Jim Intercollegiate and a 19th-place finish at the Aggie Invitational. His academic excellence was also recognized, making him a part of the All-Atlantic Coast Conference Academic Team in 2021 and 2022. On July 21, 2022, he and his golf-mate Jiri Zuska were named 2021-22 Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholars for the NCAA Division. His success in his collegiate career paved the way for a new achievement.
His transition to professional golf
In July 2022, Tenuta turned professional after receiving his Latin America Tour Card, marking the beginning of his professional journey. This card secured his status as a member of the PGA, enabling him to earn points towards the PGA Tour. His immediate plans included participating in West Florida golf events and aiming for Canadian Tour events in March 2023.
His professional career came up with some challenges. In 2023, the new PGA member, participated in the PGA Tour Canada Qualifying Tournament, tying for well-deserved 12th place. However, the subsequent tournaments, including the Royal Beach Victoria Open and the Quebec Open, saw him facing a series of cuts, reflecting the competitive nature of the tour. Despite these setbacks, Tenuta continues to persevere. He demonstrates determination in his pursuit of professional success.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
His improvement in golf led him to a sponsor deal. In September 2022 he became a Coeo-sponsored athlete and brand ambassador. Moving on to the Illinois native interests other than golf.
Hobbies and Personal Interests
Beyond the golf course, Tenuta enjoys a variety of hobbies that help him unwind. He often plays field hockey with his close friends, joking about “tree trouble” on his Instagram post. Additionally, he enjoys going on treks to escape the rigors of golf and spending quality time in nature, though he remains dedicated to his golfing career. His hobbies, while not extensively publicized, offer a glimpse into his balanced lifestyle.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lauren Hartlage and Nicholas Tenuta’s relationship is built on mutual support and shared experiences. As Hartlage continues to make her mark on the LPGA Tour, Tenuta’s journey in professional golf shows the challenges and triumphs of competitive sports. Together, they represent a dynamic duo in the golfing world, inspiring each other both on and off the course.
Share your thoughts on the golf couple’s journey so far in the comment section below.