Patricia Ornelas Henry is a Ladies Professional Golf Association Teaching & Club Professional Class A certified instructor. She has played and enjoyed the game of golf for more than 50 years and has worked as a professional golf instructor since 1998. Patricia has dedicated herself to bringing greater enjoyment to numerous students with her innovative teaching methods. She exudes a passion for teaching and a love for the game of golf that translates into real improvement in her students' games.
An Individualized Approach
Rather than adopting a "cookie-cutter" approach to teaching, Patricia believes that each student's individual goals, preferred style of learning, and existing physical limitations should dictate the optimum learning path. Unfortunately, many methodology teachers do not take these personal factors into account, impeding a student's ability to make changes easily and quickly. With a customized approach, Patricia works with your body and normal tendencies — and not against you — resulting in a swing that does not place unnecessary strain on your body or produce unpleasant or painful positions. Working within your own capabilities will ensure that your swing is more natural and easier to repeat.
Patricia addresses the total golfer in her teaching, ensuring that every aspect of your individual game — physical, technical, mental, and emotional — is attended to. Her goal is to improve your swing and scores and also to increase your confidence level and enjoyment of the game.
Education & Golfing Experience
A native Texan, Patricia was raised in Austin, Texas, and is a product of Austin's junior golf programs. Patricia graduated from Florida International University after attending Texas A&M University. She has competed extensively as a junior golfer and also on a collegiate level. In professional competition, Patricia won the 1999 United States Golf Teachers Cup Ladies Division and was the 1999 World Golf Teachers Cup Ladies Champion. She also competed on Houston's Gateway Developmental Tour and in several State Open Championships. Patricia now competes in the LPGA T&CP's National and Central Section Championships.
Patricia has served as an instructor in numerous local endeavors, including the Austin Junior Golf Academy, the First Tee of Greater Austin, the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program, the Executive Women's Golf Association Clinics, the LPGA Crayola Kids Golf Clinic, and Ronald McDonald House Junior Golf Clinic.
Family Life
Patricia credits her love of golf to her father, Pablo Ornelas Jr., who was often compared to the legendary Harvey Penick in his teaching and who passed on his knowledge and love for the game to his daughter. Her mother, Ofilia Ornelas, taught her by example how to be patient and understanding, tolerant yet assertive. Both parents instilled in their daughter the value of perseverance. All of these qualities are found in an exceptional instructor. That's why Patricia loves teaching the game of golf to anyone who wants to learn, regardless of their skill level.
Patricia is located at Jimmy Clay-Roy Kizer Municipal Golf Courses in Austin, TX. For more information about instruction or club-fitting availability, please contact us to learn more about Patricia Ornelas Henry.
The Facility — Jimmy Clay-Roy Kizer Golf Complex
O. Henry Golf is conveniently located in South Austin at the Jimmy Clay-Roy Kizer Golf Complex, featuring two challenging and scenic 18-hole courses with all the amenities you'll need to work on every aspect of your golf game. This municipal facility, nestled next to the beautiful McKinney Falls State Park, provides an oversized driving range, a four-hole short course with its own practice putting green and practice bunker area, a short range for hitting your own practice balls, and two separate putting greens. These practice areas are the perfect location to hone your skills and improve your level of confidence.
When you're ready to hit the links for an on-course lesson or to enjoy your next round of golf, you can choose between two of Austin's finest public layouts — Jimmy Clay Golf Course or Roy Kizer Golf Course. The Clay course is a more traditional tree-lined layout that underwent extensive renovations in 2007, including the redesign of several holes, the replanting of all putting surfaces, and major bunker work. The Kizer course features a links-style layout covering close to 200 acres in a nature-friendly design that incorporates lakes and wetlands. Both courses are home to a variety of waterfowl, deer, red-tailed hawks, and occasionally wild turkeys. A pro shop stocked with select golf merchandise and a convenient snack area, operated by Players, are also available.
