February 13, 2025
#62 Justin Klemballa: Stop Aiming Small, Focus on Your Full Swing Less, and How to Thrive Playing Under Pressure
The Scratch Golfer's Mindset PodcastAbout this episode
Title: #62: [Inside the Mind] Justin Klemballa: Stop Aiming Small, Focus on Your Full Swing Less, and How to Thrive Playing Under Pressure Today, I'm joined by Justin Klemballa, the Director of Instruction at Paradise Valley Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, and one of Golf Digest's best young teachers in America. In today's episode, you'll learn: Why "aim small, miss small" may not always serve you in golf (this part of the conversation fascinated me!) The role of presence and adaptability in your pre-shot routine. How to reframe failure to build confidence and momentum. Why focusing too much on your full swing may be holding you back. The secret to improving your golf game by mastering your short game. Practical ways to lower your scores by adjusting your expectations. How to build a mindset that thrives under pressure using self-belief. Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here . More About Justin Justin Klemballa is entering his 10th season as Director of Instruction at Paradise Valley Country Club in Scottsdale, AZ. He's the 2023 PGA Southwest Section Teacher of the Year and is ranked by Golf Digest as Best in State at number 11 in Arizona. Golf Digest also ranks him as one of the Best Young Teachers in America. Follow Justin on Instagram . Learn from Justin on YouTube . Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Focus on What You Can Control: Let go of past mistakes and future outcomes—your job is to hit the current shot as well as you can. Presence Over Perfection: Your pre-shot routine should anchor you in the moment without rigid repetition that leads to overthinking. Expand Your Target, Reduce Your Stress: Instead of aiming for tiny, high-pressure targets, widen your focus to reduce anxiety and stay fluid. Short Game is Key: Invest more time in improving your shots within 100 yards—it's the quickest way to lower your score. Fairway Bunker Practice: Practicing in fairway bunkers improves your contact and ball striking on grass significantly. Daily Confidence Deposits: Revisit your best shots and great rounds to build belief in your abilities, especially after mistakes. Let Play Be Your Teacher: Approach practice with curiosity and experimentation rather than fear of mistakes. Key Quotes: "Your goal is to make the current shot as great as you possibly can." "Consistency is not achievable—progress is." "Your pre-shot routine should help you flow, not control." "Hitting a bad shot doesn't mean you're broken." "Lay your head on the pillow and replay your great holes." "The ball isn't your bullseye—the ground in front of it is." "You're practicing something every time you play—make sure it's helpful self-talk." Time Stamps: 00:00 The Power of Presence in Golf 02:57 Developing a Pre-Shot Routine 06:02 The Myth of Consistency in Golf 09:00 Understanding Pressure Points for Golfers 11:51 The Importance of Short Game 15:04 Rethinking Target Selection 17:57 The Role of Play in Learning 20:54 Embracing Imperfection in Golf 26:44 Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool 31:17 Shifting Mindsets in Golf Instruction 36:05 The Importance of Ground Contact in Golf 41:34 Building Confidence Through Positive Reinforcement