Henry Stetina

Please indicate past awards won/recognitions:
PGA Section Teacher of the Year, GRAA Growth of the Game Teaching Professional, Golf Digest Best in State, Other (Indicate specific awards in 3-a below)

Other awards won (if provided):
PGA Section Youth Player Development, PGA Section Player Development, GOLF Magazine Teachers to Watch

Total number of individual lessons given per year:
Male: 500
Female: 20
Junior: 50

Total number of individual clinics given per year:
50

Please indicate any Growth of the Game initiatives your facility/academy has launched over the past year (please give specifics on such programs):
Over the past year, the New Mexico State University PGA Golf Management Program and the Mesilla Valley Golf Academy (MVGA) (my secondary employment) and have launched several initiatives aimed at making golf more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable in our community. Each program aligns with the PGA of America’s mission to grow participation and strengthen engagement among new and returning players.

1. MVGA Path to Par Program:
We implemented a measurable, on-course development model similar to Operation 36. Over 60 juniors participate annually, progressing from short yardages toward par-level benchmarks. This system promotes accountability, retention, and player confidence.

2. Out-of-School Golf Camps:
We hosted six seasonal camps throughout school breaks, introducing over 100 juniors to golf through full-day, activity-based learning. These camps provide structured golf immersion during times when kids are out of school and looking for engaging activities.

3. Bill Harmon Junior Golf Schools:
Partnering with the Harmon Recovery Foundation, we hosted two junior golf schools featuring Bill Harmon. His focus on simplicity in teaching and perspective on life lessons inspired players, coaches, and families while elevating the visibility of our academy.

4. Facility and Technology Enhancements:
We renovated the NMSU Swing Lab with two TrackMan 4 simulators, Sportsbox AI, and performance software, giving students and juniors access to cutting-edge learning environments. This upgrade has transformed both player development and coach education within our community.

Please share any programming you have made to keep your customers & students engaged:
Keeping players, families, and students engaged year-round is a cornerstone of everything we do at the Mesilla Valley Golf Academy (MVGA) and the New Mexico State University PGA Golf Management Program. Our approach blends structured development, personal connection, and consistent communication to ensure every participant feels part of a community — not just a program.

1. Year-Round Program Calendar:
We operate across all four seasons with PGA Jr. League, MVGA Weekly Classes, Path to Par, Out-of-School Camps, and Family Golf events, ensuring continuous engagement for children aged 5–17. Each program builds upon the last, creating a natural progression that keeps players motivated and connected.

2. Themed Events and Experiences:
To keep golf fun and fresh, we organize creative events such as Aggie Days (partnering with NMSU athletes), Halloween Costume Parties, and Local Heroes Days featuring police officers and first responders. These experiences help families associate golf with joy and a sense of belonging, rather than competition or pressure.

3. Mentorship Between PGA Students and Juniors:
One of our most impactful engagement tools is pairing NMSU PGA Golf Management students with youth players. This builds meaningful relationships: juniors gain mentors they look up to, and college students develop coaching experience and leadership skills.

4. Family Connection:
We added PGA Family Golf to provide fun, team-style competition for parents and kids. These events have created stronger bonds among families and have led many parents to enroll their children in MVGA classes or PGA Jr. League.