#54: [Inside the Mind] Henry Stetina: Simplify Your Short-Game, Slow Down, and Play Better Golf

Meet Henry Stetina - the Director of Player Development for the New Mexico State University PGA Golf Management Program and the Director of Instruction for Red Hawk Golf Club in Las Cruces, NM. 

Henry joins me for a detailed conversation on the golf swing, feel-based training, and mastering the short game.

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• how to manage expectations for better performance
• techniques for improving your short-game
• strategies to overcome the yips
• the value of strategic and intentional practice
• the role of commitment in reaching scratch level

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

More About Henry 

Henry Stetina, PGA is the Director of Player Development for the New Mexico State University PGA Golf Management Program and the Director of Instruction for Red Hawk Golf Club in Las Cruces, NM. Henry embodies the Modern Coach philosophy by working full-time for the university and coaching a 200-player PGA Jr. League part-time, usually 10 hours per week. Henry's wife is also a PGA of America Professional and they have two daughters, MacKenzie (10) and Leila (8).

Connect with Henry on Instagram.

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Key Points:

• Simplifying the short game involves managing expectations and focusing on technique.
• Many golfers have unrealistic expectations based on professional highlights.
• The yips can stem from both physical flaws and mental fears.
• Proper grip and setup are crucial for successful putting.
• Club-focused instruction aligns with how the brain learns motor skills.
• Slow motion practice can help identify and correct swing issues.
• Strategic pauses in the swing can prevent manipulation of the club.
• Becoming a scratch golfer requires significant time and dedication.
• Coaching should prioritize understanding the person behind the golfer.

Key Quotes:

• "I believe that the improvement you make and the goals you achieve in golf will reflect the time and effort you commit to the game."
• "Focus on what you want to do as opposed to what you fear might happen."
• "The difference between a scratch golfer and others is the amount of time they spend playing and practicing the game."
• "Most players have too high of expectations, thinking they should make all their putts within 10 feet or hit it close with a wedge every time. Tempering expectations reduces stress and allows you to play more freely."
• "Slow-motion swings can help you identify whether you're executing correctly. In golf, where precision matters, slowing down can make all the difference in building a repeatable and effective swing."

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Time Stamps:

• 00:00: Introduction to Henry Stetina
• 01:58: Simplifying the Short Game
• 06:04: Setting Realistic Expectations in Golf
• 09:57: Understanding the Yips
• 14:01: Fundamentals of Putting
• 20:02: The Importance of Club-Focused Instruction
• 26:01: The Role of Slow Motion in Practice
• 29:46: Strategic Pauses in the Swing
• 33:59: Personal Journey and Competitive Aspirations
• 37:54: Advice for Aspiring Scratch Golfers