In this episode of The Golf Sit Down, Ryan and Seth sit down with Ben Polland, PGA, Director of Golf at Shooting Star (WY) and reigning 2024 PGA Professional Champion. Ben shares his incredible journey from late-blooming high school golfer to competing on the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR events, and representing the PGA of America internationally. We dig into: • Why competing often is the fastest way to grow• The mental game shift that changed Ben’s career• How to pick a great coach (and when to move on)• Why junior golfers MUST play more tournaments• What Ben learned playing with Scottie Scheffler• How to practice with purpose — even while working full-time If you're a junior golfer, parent, coach, or competitive golf nerd, this episode is packed with insights you can use TODAY. 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more elite-level conversations!Hosts: Ryan Dailey, PGA & Seth Thompson, PGAExecutive Producer: A.J. ReimannFind The Golf Sit Down: https://linktr.ee/TheGolfSitDown ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 – Intro: Welcome Ben Pollin, PGA00:09 – Ben’s background & growing up in Minnesota02:00 – Choosing golf over baseball03:00 – Why Ben chose Campbell University04:10 – Early struggles & learning modern instruction06:00 – Internships at Sebonack & Deepdale07:30 – First major success & qualifying for nationals09:40 – Turning pro & chasing the tour dream11:00 – Competing to get better14:00 – Playing with Scottie Scheffler17:00 – Learning from elite players19:00 – When self-belief finally clicked21:00 – Pressure on tour vs. freedom now23:00 – Managing a team while competing24:30 – The importance of good coaching27:20 – How to know if coaching is working30:20 – Grip changes & experimentation32:38 – Junior golf challenges & building programs33:49 – How tournaments shape young players35:49 – The Catherine Andino story37:30 – How many tournaments juniors should play38:52 – Mental freedom & pressure39:50 – Why nerves are GOOD41:38 – Big takeaways for parents & juniors42:47 – Growth & comfort don’t coexist43:26 – Closing thoughts & gratitude #GolfPodcast #PGA #BenPollin #GolfTips #JuniorGolf #GolfImprovement #PGAProfessional #GolfMindset #GolfTraining #CompetitionGolf #KornFerryTour #GolfParents #GolfJourney