![#54: [Inside the Mind] Henry Stetina: Simplify Your Short-Game, Slow Down, and Play Better Golf](https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/5/1/f/0/51f09dd516e28aa4d959afa2a1bf1c87/Podcast_Coverart_2026_V2-20251222-u4tblazrmg.jpg)
December 19, 2024
#54: [Inside the Mind] Henry Stetina: Simplify Your Short-Game, Slow Down, and Play Better Golf
The Scratch Golfer's Mindset PodcastAbout this episode
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 . Tickets for the Mental Game of Golf Summit are live! Make Playing to Your Potential A Habit: Unlock the mental tools and proven strategies to make playing to your potential a habit at The Mental Game of Golf Summit. Learn more and secure your ticket here . P.S. If you're interested in learning more about how mindset coaching and hypnotherapy can help you get unstuck from the proverbial bunker of poor performance on the course and in your business, click here to schedule a coaching discovery call with me. 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." Subscribe to the More Pars Than Bogeys Newsletter. This newsletter helps double-digit golfers overcome the emotional and mental hazards of their minds so that they can shoot more pars than bogeys. Each week, I'll provide insights, principles, and strategies to help you deter distractions, find your focus, manage your emotions, and cultivate boundless confidence so that you can play to your potential. Subscribe now . Use Hypnosis to Shoot Lower Scores: Are you curious to learn how hypnosis can help you shoot lower scores? Snag my free hypnosis audio recording today to help you play your best round tomorrow. Download it here . Schedule a 1-1 mindset coaching discovery and strategy call with me - click here . For feedback, questions, or to take me out for a round of golf, shoot me an email or connect with me on social media: Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Twitter: @parsoverbogeys LinkedIn: Paul Salter Coaching 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