(See below for class-specific details)

Path to Par is the engine that powers MVGA junior development. It is our evaluation, placement, and progression framework across Junior Classes, PGA Jr. League, Camps, and monthly Path to Par Tournaments.

What P2P measures: on-course scoring ability, decision-making, and readiness (not age alone).
Why it works: golfers earn progress by meeting clear scoring benchmarks in a structured environment.

Click here to learn more about the Path to Par (P2P) model and how it benefits your junior.

Quick Overview

• Junior Classes (Intro + Levels 1-5)
  
  

• PGA Jr. League (Minors, Majors, All-Stars, 17U, future JV/Varsity)

  
  

  Click here to register for PGA Jr. League.
  
  

• Camps (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Elite + formats)
  
  

• Monthly Path to Par Tournaments (evaluation day)
  
  

How P2P aligns with the American Development Model (ADM)

MVGA is built to support “as many as possible, for as long as possible, with the best experience possible” by keeping players in the right environment for their stage, and by making progress feel clear and earned.

We intentionally align with ADM’s 5 principles:

1. Universal access and opportunity for all
   
   

2. Developmentally appropriate activities that build foundational motor skills
   
   

3. Encourage multi-sport and multi-activity participation
   
   

4. Fun, engaging, progressively challenging environments
   
   

5. Quality coaching at every level
   
   

ADM also describes a long-term pathway that progresses from early learning stages into performance and lifelong play (Active Start, FUNdamentals, Learn to Play, Play to Improve, Play to Compete, Play to Win, Play Golf for Life). MVGA’s classes, leagues, and camps are designed to match these stages while still using P2P scoring to place each player appropriately.

Click here to learn more about the American Development Model (ADM) and how it benefits your junior.

MVGA COaches

Our MVGA coaches set the standard for professionalism, safety, and care. All adult coaches are PGA of America Members, Students, or Associates who are committed to lifelong learning and high coaching standards. Every coach has passed a background check and completed required youth safety, sexual abuse prevention, and CPR training. Most importantly, our coaches care deeply about creating a positive, welcoming environment where players and families can feel confident, supported, and safe on and off the golf course.

Our coaching staff works under the guidance and tutelage of award-winning instructor Henry Stetina. Henry is the 2026 PGA National Youth Player Development of the Year Award winner and a three-time Sun Country Section Youth Player Development of the Year, along with being a four-time Sun Country Teacher and Coach of the Year. He has been recognized by Golf Digest as the #1 Teacher in New Mexico since 2020 and has been named among the Top 100 Teachers in the Country under 40 years old since 2021.

MVGA Junior Classes

What Junior Classes are

MVGA Junior Classes are our primary instructional pathway for junior golfers. Classes provide:

• A consistent weekly learning environment
  
  

• Skill development that starts with scoring and the short game, then expands outward
  
  

• P2P evaluations that confirm readiness and guide movement between levels
  
  

• A clear bridge into PGA Jr. League, camps, and tournaments
  
  

How placement works:
Players are placed by a mix of age-appropriate grouping and P2P readiness. This protects confidence, keeps instruction fun, and ensures kids are challenged without being overwhelmed, which is a core ADM goal.

Class pathway structure (Levels 1-5 with Core and Advanced checkpoints)

MVGA Junior Classes are organized into Levels 1-5. Within each level, P2P includes Core and Advanced stages, creating 10 total checkpoints across the full pathway.

Advancement rule:

• Intro graduation benchmark: 45 strokes (bogey golf) from 25 yards (Intro to Level 1)
  
  

• Level 1-5 graduation benchmark: 36 strokes for 9 holes at the assigned distance or tees
  
  

Intro to Golf - First Swing Program

Best for: brand new golfers, or juniors who need a true on-ramp.
Purpose: create safety, comfort, and basic movement patterns so players enjoy the game quickly.

What we focus on

• Safety, basic rules, and respect for others
  
  

• Athletic movement, balance, posture, and simple coordination games
  
  

• Grip and setup basics
  
  

• Simple swing motion, basic contact
  
  

• Short game introduction: putting and chipping with simple targets
  
  

• Fun challenges to build confidence
  
  

P2P connection

• Players work toward 45 strokes from 25 yards in a structured P2P evaluation to graduate into Level 1.
  
  

Typical outcomes

• Better contact and confidence
  
  

• Comfort on the practice areas
  
  

• Clear next step into Level 1 with a measurable goal
  
  

Level 1 - Foundation (Core and Advanced)

Best for: early learners building a foundation for scoring.
Purpose: build fundamentals and early scoring success in a group environment.

What we focus on

• Short game habits: putting fundamentals, chipping technique, simple bunker intro when appropriate
  
  

• Basic full swing patterns: contact, balance, finish
  
  

• Introduction to scoring concepts (what matters most to score)
  
  

• On-course basics: pace, etiquette, simple routines
  
  

• P2P distance progressions typically begin here (starting from the appropriate yardage for the player)
  
  

Core vs Advanced

• Core: build repeatable contact and simple short-game scoring tools
  
  

• Advanced: stronger scoring habits, improved consistency, more independence on course
  
  

How you know a player is ready to move up

• Reaches the 36-stroke benchmark at the assigned distance, with improving decision-making and pace.
  
  

Level 2 - Development (Core and Advanced)

Best for: juniors ready to connect practice to scoring.
Purpose: build consistency and introduce practical course strategy.

What we focus on

• Better contact and start lines, with simple ball-flight awareness
  
  

• Wedge development, distance control, and up-and-down skills
  
  

• Basic course strategy: safe targets, club selection, avoiding big numbers
  
  

• Practice skills: how to train with a purpose (not just hit balls)
  
  

• More frequent on-course applications and “play-based” coaching
  
  

Core vs Advanced

• Core: improve reliability and short-game foundations
  
  

• Advanced: stronger scoring skills, better strategy, more independence
  
  

League connection

• Many players in this range are candidates for Minors or Majors depending on readiness.
  
  

Level 3 - Performance (Core and Advanced)

Best for: players moving from “learning” into “performing.”
Purpose: develop scoring, competition readiness, and mental game basics.

What we focus on

• Scoring tools: wedges, putting performance, recovery shots
  
  

• Increased accountability: routines, pre-shot process, post-shot responses
  
  

• Competitive habits: match play concepts, pressure skills, decision-making
  
  

• Fitness and movement basics that support development (age-appropriate)
  
  

Core vs Advanced

• Core: learn how to score and compete with structure
  
  

• Advanced: more consistent scoring, stronger independence, higher expectations
  
  

League connection

• Many players in this range are candidates for All-Stars.
  
  

Level 4 - Advanced (Core and Advanced)

Best for: tournament-focused juniors and high school preparation.
Purpose: sharpen performance skills and prepare for competitive environments.

What we focus on

• Advanced strategy: risk management, shot selection, and course planning
  
  

• Performance routines: warmup plans, between-shot routines, post-round reflection
  
  

• Training structure: measurable practice goals and evaluation habits
  
  

• Competition exposure: preparation for events such as Sun Country Junior Tour and NBIII-style environments (as appropriate to the player)
  
  

Core vs Advanced

• Core: stable performance habits and tournament routines
  
  

• Advanced: stronger scoring consistency, higher-level preparation, leadership in groups
  
  

Level 5 - Elite (Core and Advanced)

Best for: dedicated, high-performing juniors pursuing next-level competition.
Purpose: high-performance development with a blend of group training and individualized coaching focus.

What we focus on

• Advanced performance planning (practice structure + tournament scheduling support)
  
  

• Player-specific skill priorities (scoring strengths and weaknesses)
  
  

• Competitive maturity: decision-making under pressure, adaptability, self-management
  
  

• Long-term pathways: college recruitment readiness, PGA PGM interest, and high-level competition support
  
  

Core vs Advanced

• Core: establish elite training standards and consistent scoring
  
  

Advanced: refine performance under tournament conditions, improve conversion and consistency