The Inward Nine with Chandler Withington

Have any of you ever been in a position where your job might be eliminated unless you can come up with a solution? Nearly 20 years ago today's guest could see the end of his job in sight, but rather than just roll over and accept his fate, he and a friend got creative. What these two produced wasn't an overnight success. Over a stretch of time they would grow, then shrink all while constantly adapting and testing ideas. In the end, what came from it all was a reimagined way of introducing junior golfers to playing the game golf. Today's we get to learn about how this approach called Operation 36 came to be with Co Founder Ryan Dailey. In our time together with Ryan we will discuss: The feedback loop. Whenever someone has an idea, there will be multiple rounds of trial and error, followed by feedback, followed by adjustments to the idea and then the loop begins all over again. Ryan will walk us through these stages, all the way to landing on the moon with their approach to Operation 36. Whenever a junior is introduced to the game of golf, of course we hope they fall in love with the game and play it for a lifetime. But there is a greater purpose to how Ryan and Operation 36 engage their students. Listen as Ryan shares the question he asks junior golfers to get them thinking and seeing the bigger picture. If you ever felt overwhelmed, the list of to dos is too long, too big.. it can't be done. Ryan shares his mindset and approach to when he felt this way. It's a little shift, but it can make a world of difference. Have you ever felt alone? If so, how did you feel? Did you feel comfortable or uncomfortable? Ryan will share about a year in his teenage life in a new place, one where he didn't know anyone. It was this year that would prepare Ryan for so much of life and reminds us that being alone isn't a death sentence, but rather an opportunity if we choose to see it that way. So often, whenever we ask my things are the way they are, we are told - That's just the way it is. Thankfully, Ryan didn't accept status quo. He was willing to take a conventional model and turn it upside down. Junior golfers who have come through Operation 36 have been benefiting ever since. To connect with Chandler: Follow on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Email: chandler@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'The Way It Is' by Bruce Hornsby Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

Have any of you ever had an interest or been encouraged by someone else to run for a position within your Section of the PGA? Or, perhaps it wasn't a volunteer position. Maybe it was a job that was a reach for you. Regardless, you had to put yourself out there and get people to vote for you. And how did that make you feel? Excited, anxious or all of the above? Today's guest has successfully run for Secretary of the Carolinas Section and this fall she is setting her sights on becoming the next Secretary of the PGA of America. Our guest today is Paige Cribb, who along with being a past President of the Carolinas Section has also served as the Director of Student Support at the Coastal Carolina University PGM Program. In our conversation with Paige, we will discuss: The lives of her students at Coastal Carolina. What are the hopes and dreams of the next generation? Paige will share a noticeable difference in the students of today from those of 10+ years ago so that we can better understand the obstacles these people are facing. Years ago, Paige received an invitation and encouragement to run for a seat on the Carolina's Section Board of Governors and is now running for a seat on the National Board. Listen as Paige talks about her hopes, mission and vision for the future of our Association. There are key people associated with every Section of the PGA. Listen to whom Paige feels can be the most impactful people in improving the lives of PGA Professionals and how we all can begin to work with these people to get to where we want to go. I was fired. I got divorced. I was convicted. All these outcomes can feel like the end of the road. Paige opens up with us about a pivotal moment in her life and career and how it helped shaped a new path for her and one she is thriving in. Accountability and taking ownership. It all sounds great on paper until the time comes when we must do it ourselves. Paige and I will talk about times of failure and the most crucial moment that comes directly after it. Per usual, the game of golf shapes us in ways we don't always recognize in the moment. But later in life when we turn around and look at how far we have come, we can see it more cleary. Today's conversation is one of those moments, as Paige reflects and also looks ahead with great anticipation. To connect: Follow on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Email: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Coming Home' by Keith Urban Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

Have any of you ever had someone ask you for career advice? If so, what advice did you give them? I got a note from a listener a few weeks ago, asking me for some advice. I didn't want to just give the person a quick answer without giving it serious thought. Anyone can tell you not to do drugs. Rather than typing out a long email reply, I asked the listener if he would mind if I dedicated an episode to answering his question and that is what I will attempt to do in our time together today. Look, I may never get called to give a commencement speech at Harvard, but it doesn't mean I haven't learned a few lessons that I can pass along to each of you. I don't have all the answers. No one does. So, let's figure this all out together. I will do my very best to share some of my discoveries and advice that I give not just to total strangers, but to my one children. To connect with Chandler: Follow on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Email: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Homegrown' by Zac Brown Band

Have any of you ever felt you had life all figured out? Have you ever felt all your master plans were falling into place and then suddenly had it all fall apart, leaving you feeling hopeless? You can't see it, but my hand is up in the air, the hand of our guest is as well and perhaps so is yours. The reality is life doesn't always go as we plan it, but that doesn't mean things won't turn out better than we ever imagined. It surely has for this week's guest. She is the wonderful, hospitable and very approachable Kristen Lacount, the General Manager at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. Ahead in our time with Kristen, we will discuss: What it was like to grow up as the 4 th generation within her family to work at The Country Club and how her upbringing shaped her own dreams and aspirations. On chasing those dreams, her path seemed so clear. She had it all figured out until her plan vanished seemingly overnight. Listen as Kristen shares the advice she received from her father, advice which would help her discover an entirely new path. Similar to a our recent guest Jason Prendergast, Kristen had an ah ha moment with a club member. One which allowed her to begin seeing the people at the club in a new way, a way which allowed her to understand how different and unique each person is, a perspective which has served her well ever since. We will talk about the relationship between a general manager and the golf professional. Kristen will share what she believes is the foundation to a healthy relationship between these two key figure heads at any club and what each of us can do to foster this key relationship at our own clubs. Employee morale. We know its important, but how much are clubs willing to invest in it. I got to see a unique behind the scenes part of the Country Club during a recent visit. Kristen will talk about how it all came to be and why it matters so much to their everyday operation. Finally, among the many things we talk about, we take a step off the property at Brookline to talk about how the Club is impacting their surrounding community. It is a shift in perspective, a reminder of just how fortunate so many of us truly are and how showing up for those who need help can make such a world of difference. To follow or connect with Chandler: Follow on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Email: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Some Of It' by Eric Church Interlude: Theme Song From 'Cheers' Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

Have any of you ever had someone ask you a question that you knew you should have an answer for, but when asked, you began to realize you hadn't ever given it much thought? Our guest today is known as one of the most successful hockey players to have ever pulled on a sweater – A Stanley Cup, 2 gold medals, a hart trophy as the league MVP, inducted into the hockey hall of fame and listed on the top 100 hockey players of all time list, yet his early days in the League weren't a highlight reel. Expectations were high for the #2 overall pick in the 1993 entry draft, but his performance wasn't meeting those expectations. Our guest today is Chris Pronger, one of the most feared and physical defensemen of his time, and he is here to help you understand how we turned a corner in his career and life and how you can do the same.. and it all starts with one simple question. Ahead in our conversation with Chris: We talk so often on this podcast about not playing safe. Chris will share about the unconventional path he took to the NHL. One where he was willing to bet on himself and his ability. Have you ever felt like you knew all there was to know, only to learn later you still had so much to learn? Once drafted and in the NHL, Chris was far from consistent. Listen to the two word response Chris would give to his veteran mentor, a response Chris would later learn was short sighted and indicative of why he was struggling. Rock Bottom. It is a place none of us wants to find ourselves. Chris will share about his experience with rock bottom and on the question he was asked that helped him begin to find a way out of it. Perspective. It can come quickly and when we least expect it. Chris will share about a time he found himself unconscious on the ice after taking a slap shot directly to the heart.. one that stopped beating for nearly 30 seconds. Ownership is something we must choose on a daily basis. Chris talks about a costly decision he made without consulting those around him, how we needed to own his mistake and how you can take ownership of your own actions and decisions. The road to the top of the mountain is never straight. It is full of expected turns, detours and setbacks.. but the show must always go on. To connect with Chandler: Follow or DM on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Email: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'The Show Must Go On' by Queen: Interlude: 'Under Pressure' by Queen Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

Where are all my equipment heads, sickos and junkies? This episode is for all of you who love the equipment side of the game and want to better understand how we arrived at the golf club designs that we play today. Today on The Inward Nine we are fortunate to have someone who has served on the frontlines of each evolution in golf club design over the last 40 years, from persimmon wood to metal drivers, steel to graphite shafts, perimeter weighted irons, titanium faced drivers, modern forged irons and working with the best Tour players in the world, this man has simply done it all and referring to him as an expert in his field might even be an understatement. Please buckle up and strap in as we get to spend significant time with one of the best in the golf equipment and clubfitting over the last 40 years, he is the very knowledgeable yet humble Larry Bobka. In our time together with the man everyone calls LB, we will discuss: How throwing clubs in frustration accidentally unlocked Larry's curiosity about club design. After all, if Larry broke it, he needed to understand how to fix it. More on curiosity. As Larry began to teach his students and wasn't seeing them getting the results he felt they should, it sent Larry down a road of seeking other solutions. Larry will share what he discovered and how it began to shape the earliest days of club fitting. When it comes to clubfitting, Larry will remind us of what our primary job is when it comes to helping players not only play their best, but also enjoy the game the most. Ego. We all have one. Listen to the wonderful advice Larry received right before he was set to interact with Tour players for the first time. Trial and error. It is a part of any development process. From working for Wilson to Titleist, Larry and his team were constantly evolving and looking for ways to improve. We get a behind the scenes look at how Titleist hit their stride in the mid 90s and how Larry played a starring role. More than anything you take from this conversation from a master craftsman, I hope you leave with a greater appreciation of the people who came well before us and helped shape the game we play today. To connect with Chandler: Follow and DM on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Email: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Check It Out' by John Mellencamp Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

As we make the turn on the 2026 season and year, how are you all feeling? Are you feeling energized and excited about the rest of the year? Or, are you feeling tired, overwhelmed and barely hanging on? On this episode, Chandler pauses on asking questions to guests to ask some questions to all of you. We will discuss: We will pause to take some personal inventory at the mid season point. Just as we count the items in our golf shop and reorder accordingly, we will look at the things we need to have on hand to live life on a daily basis. Have you ever recevied some feedback that was hard to hear? If so, how did you respond after? Did you seek to understand it more, or did you ignore the feedback even though you felt it may have been valid? Have you ever felt lost or without purpose or meaning? Chandler shares a few passages from the book 'The Meaning of Your Life' by Arthur Brooks. How do you deal with boredom or moments of quiet? Are you trying to fill every waking moment of your day with stimulation? Are you allowing time to just sit with your own thoughts and ideas? How is your current perspective and outlook? Are you living life with a sense of gratitude, or more a sense of negativity or pessimism. Chandler shares a passage from a book to help bring you back to a place of being grateful. To connect with Chandler: Follow or send a DM on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Send an email to podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Youve Got a Friend in Me' by Randy Newman Interlude: 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' by U2

Have you ever wanted to change certain things about your past or who you are? It's natural to want to go back and undo things we have done. Today on The Inward Nine we get to spend time with someone who has wrestled with all of this and what he discovered might surprise you. He is a longtime PGA member and now an author of an impactful book. Our guest today is Jason Prendergast. In our time together with Jason, we will discuss: There is an uncomfortable word, but one we all live with each day. That word is fear. Jason will help us understand how not to run from it, but rather to embrace it and to let it ride shotgun in our daily lives. Dreams. We all have them, yet we rarely let others in when talking about them. Jason will talk about how his own dreams changed and evolved over time and once he identified what they were, how he chased after them with reckless abandon. Many of us are searching for direction and meaning in our lives. Jason will talk about how looking for a very specific type of plant taught him lessons in awareness and gave him the ability to be patient and persistent when trying to see things clearly. A Family. It is a powerful thing to be a part of. Listen as Jason talks about the impact of his second family and the life lessons his second father taught him, lessons that forced Jason to slow down and to care for others. We talk so often on this podcast about making the turn and heading home. But what is home? Jason will talk about what the word means to him and how you can find a place where you belong. To connect with Chandler: Follow on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Email: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Dreams' by The Cranberries Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

So, what if I told you that a director of golf at a top 100 golf course and one of the most exclusive and reputable clubs in the western part of the country struggled to pass the PAT once upon a time? What if I told you he didn't graduate college… would you believe me? You see, that's the beauty of reaching a destination. None of our journeys are exactly alike. They all take different twists and turns. Today on the Inward Nine we get to spend time with a person who hasn't gotten complacent. Rather, he is continually looking for ways to improve life, his work and those around him. Our guest today is Shaun McElroy, the director of golf at Estancia Club in Arizona. In our time together with Shaun, we will discuss: An 'ah-ha' moment he had during a health scare to one of his employees. It was a moment that pushed Shaun into action, leading him to advocate for a better way of life for his staff members. When it comes to a better way of life, have any of you ever tried to navigate another job opportunity while you are already holding a wonderful job? Shaun will walk us through how we handled this delicate process and how he feels you can do the same. Landing the job is one thing. Transitioning into the job is another. The first 90 days is a critical window into establishing yourself at a new club. Shaun will share some of the steps he took to not only understand the landscape of a new job, but also managing the expectations of his family and ensuring they also made a smooth transition. Worry. Fear. Anxiety. These words all have the chance to infiltrate our mind on a daily basis.. but not on this day. Today we are choosing a different path. To connect with Chandler: Send a DM on LinkedIn on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Or, send an email to podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'The Remedy' by Jason Mraz Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

Have you ever wondered how the head professionals at the greatest places in golf got the job? What does it take to land a coveted job like Shinnecock Hills and to host a major championship like the U.S. Open. In today's episode we get to learn about the journey of a young man who grew up caddying at Ballybunion in Ireland and now 25 years later is standing guard at one of the 5 founding clubs of the USGA and is the host professional to next week's U.S. Open. Our guest today is the very humble and approachable and easy to talk to Sean Quinlivan. In our time together with Sean we will discuss: Sometimes you interview for one role, don't land it and get offered another one entirely. Listen to how Sean took hold of the opportunity extended to him and if you have ever felt unprepared to do the job at times, you will enjoy listening to how Sean reacted to a similar feeling when asked to do something he had no experience doing. In any journey there will inevitably come a fork in the road, there will be a defining moment. Sean will discuss with us why he made the choice he did when he faced his own split in the road and how it eventually opened doors to where he is today. Moving from one country to another is one thing. The Fox Club, Piping Rock and now eventually Shinnecock Hills. It's not just moving from one position to another. As time goes along, many of us will have others moving with us. Sean shares with us how his wife and daughter not only navigated each move, but how they learned to adapt to each new environment. When it comes to being on the move, Sean will preach caution in how fast we look to do it. Some things can't be rushed. Sean walks us through the mindset he feels young professionals should embrace as they begin their own journeys. Picking up the phone to pursue an opportunity. It can feel so scary at times to ask or inquire about possibilities. When opportunity was knocking, Sean made the call and shares with us how you can do the same when you hear the same knocking at your own door. None of us wins alone. While yes, one person will win the U.S. Open at Shinnecock next week, it will be far from alone. Sean Quinlivan didn't get to where he is by himself and neither will you. The great news is you aren't alone. As we walk together on the Inward Nine, know that you are walking shoulder to shoulder with people like Sean and countless others. We are all here to help you get where you are going. To connect with Chandler: Follow along or send a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Or, send a direct email: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Bad' by U2 Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

So, what happens when a young teenager is pulled aside by his coach and is told 'you could be anything'? When those words sunk and took root, they shaped the trajectory of the life of today's guest and into the person he is and is still becoming. Ahead on today's episode we get to spend time with the CEO of an architecture and construction company as well as the President of the United States Golf Association over the last two years. He is the very passionate, energetic and selfless Fred Perpall. In our time together with Fred we will discuss: The life we want and the work we do and why Fred feels those two worlds can coexist. Trajectory. It's not just the spin rate of a golf ball coming off the face of a club, but also what each of us needs to get to where we want to go. Listen to the moments in Fred's young life that shaped his trajectory to where he is today. Scars. We all have them, some more than others. Fred will share some of his own and how those scars have given him clarity on how he lives his life with intention on a daily basis. That person is a people person. We hear that comment quite often. Some of us feel we aren't as good with people as others. Fred will share the secret to being a people person and spoiler alert, it is something each of us is able to do. Road blocks. We all will face them, the question becomes what do we do when it feels we cannot find a way around them. Fred will talk about the mode he goes into whenever the path forward is uncertain. It takes 21 years to become 21 years old. Listen as Fred talks about why you can't always speed up the process or microwave your career to get to a destination faster. Some things just take time. To connect with Chandler: Follow or DM on LinkedIn or Instagram @theinwardninepodcast or @chandler.withington Or, send a direct email: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Carry On' by Fun Interlude: 'Give Me Just One Reason' by Pink Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

Our guest today has spent many years at golf house and while you might assume I am referring to the one in Far Hills, New Jersey, home of the USGA, the one I am actually referring to is the house our guest grew up in which was located on Golf Road of all places. The son of a Tour professional turned club professional and master professional, our guest was born into the game of golf and has lived in it ever since. From playing in USGA Championships as a junior amateur, to collegiate golf at the University of Florida, to president of the Florida State Golf Association to now presiding over the USGA as its President, this guest has seen many sides to the game and he is here to share his perspective with us on the Inward Nine. Our guest today is the very thoughtful, humble and loyal, Kevin Hammer. In our time together with Kevin we will discuss: The atmosphere of his childhood home and the life lessons his father taught him. There are lessons Kevin is now passing down to his own children. An ability to adapt is one we all need to navigate life on a daily basis. Listen as Kevin talks about the most impactful championship he feels the USGA hosts each year and how its competitors can help prepare us for the many obstacles in life. Development. It is something each of us strive to achieve in our professional and personal lives. Yet not until recently did the game of golf have a development program to identify and grow talent. Kevin will take us back to the start of the USGA Development program and help us understand what it means for those of us who are PGA Professionals. Loyalty. It's a fleeting thing these days. Kevin who has served at the same company for over 25 years and we get to hear him talk about the value of loyalty and why the grass isn't always greener whenever we are tempted to make a career move. As with all guests, Kevin will hand down some advice to the next generation of PGA Professionals like his father was, and he will also share some advice he hands down to his own daughters. To connect with Chandler: Send a direct email: podcast@archive22.com Or a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Music Credits: Opening: 'Time' by Hootie and the Blowfish Interlude: 'Running From An Angel' by Hootie and the Blowfish Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

This week we are in Philadelphia for the PGA Championship and it only feels appropriate to pull a conversation out of the vault with the person who has been guardian of the host club for the past 18 years. This man can do it all – he is the 2011 National Merchandiser of the Year, 2023 Golf Professional of the year and oh by the way, he is also a National Rules Official for the PGA of America. Our guest today on the Inward Nine is a dear friend, he is the Director of Golf at Aronimink Golf Club and host professional of this week's PGA Championship, he is the very humble and respectful Jeff Kiddie. In our time together with Jeff: We will talk about his big break. Some luck and timing.. we all need it to get to where we want to go. He will share how a disappointing no suddenly became a very surprising yes, a break which sent him on his way. Once the dominoes begin to fall as they say, Jeff was offered an opportunity to open a new golf club. For those of you will be tasked with starting something new, listen to how Jeff invested himself in the process and the decisions he made. Where are all of my people who struggle with taking tests? Yes, my hand is up and so is Jeff's by the way. Jeff shares how he was able to go from making a 56 on his first Rules of Golf exam to making a 92 years later and how you too can chip away and improve in test taking. There are many other tests in life and most are taken on a sheet of paper. Jeff shares his outlook on the term work life balance, how he has struggled with it at times and what has also given him the freedom to improve in this area over time. Jeff Kiddie is one of the best in the business and one we can all learn from. So, settle in and grab a seat as we get to talk shop with the man who is in this week's spotlight at the PGA Championship. To connect with Chandler" Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Email: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Head Over Heels' by Tears for Fears Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

Have you ever had things not go as you had planned or hoped? Have you ever been a part of a situation you weren't proud of, or one you just wished would go away as soon as possible? If so, then you are in the right place today. Our guest today has chosen to face challenges and criticism head on and he can help you do the same when your time comes, which if you live life long enough, will inevitably come. We are returning to talk to the younger brother of a recently guest on The Inward Nine, he is the younger brother of Cary Cozby and the Director of one of the largest professional golf events in the world at the Waste Management Open. He is the multi talented Chance Cozby. In our conversation with Chance: He will share about a choice he made in getting out college, and not just a choice, but a chance if you will in taking a different path from his brothers and family. Once he went down this path, he will share how doors opened to new opportunities, one which put him the crosshairs of a range of personalities and perspectives. Chance will share about how he grew into the role he is currently in and why he isn't threatened by new ideas, but rather he embraces them. There is a limit to what anyone or any team can do. Chance will share how he advises those around him to not try to do too much, but rather to do fewer things really well. All of us are so much more than what we do in our jobs. There are other interests each of us have. Listen to what happens on New Years Eve five years ago when Chance's teenage son turns on the camera and how it allowed Chance to tap into and share his creative side with others. If you have listened to this podcast before, you know the last thing I will ever encourage any of you to do is to play it safe. Chances must be taken.. and maybe there is no better person to encourage us to take some risks on our life from a man who has embodied his own name in Chance Cozby. To follow Chance Cozby on Instagram or TikTok @3piecesofpecan To follow The Inward Nine on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast To contact Chandler directly: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Chances' by Five For Fighting Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

What happens when a young man is driving south to a food and beverage job interview in Boca Raton, Florida but his car breaks down well north of Boca in Ponte Vedra? What happens next is the start of long and impactful career in the game of golf for someone who would eventually bridge a relationship between Mastercard and the PGA Tour, just one example of the deals our guest has left behind in the now 30+ year wake of his career. Our guest today has worn many hats, from Chief Golf Officer, Chief Marketing Officer and Player Agent. Our guest today on the Inward Nine is the multi talented and very connected Barry Hyde. Ahead in our conversation with Barry: He will share about how his car breaking down opened the door to a new pathway, with one opportunity leading to the next.. with one very timely cold call leading to his eventual promotion. There is a small three letter word each of us needs to continue to hear to keep moving forward in life. Barry will talk about the approach he has taken to get to that word time and time again. Getting buy in from decision makers isn't always easy and Barry has surely faced his fair share of opposition. We get a front row seat to listen to how Barry has been able to change some minds and in the process installed some indelible marks on the U.S. Open and other USGA Championships. Oh, that person is a 'people person'. We hear that statement about certain individuals, but what makes these people so good at connecting with others? Barry will talk about one of the greatest sports agents of all time and what he feels that person did so well. Barry's job is to represent others and their interests. But as good as Barry is at his job, he feels there is someone else who can do it better than him. He will share who that person is along with his advice for the next generation. Music Credits: Opening: 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' by the Rolling Stones Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

So, what happens when a young and introverted man finds himself at a bar in Bandon, Oregon and tries to strike up a conversation with the people next to him? These weren't the people he thought they were. In fact, they were much different. But the young mans curiosity pays off and he suddenly finds himself studying the shaping of the dunes and bunkers for the 2 nd course at Bandon Dunes, a course designed and being built by an architect he had never heard of. This chance meeting would change everything for our guest on todays episode. He is not only the superintendent at Orinda Country Club. He is a savant and one of the most talented artists in golf. He is also the founder of one of the most unique golf bags you well ever see, a company known as Flag Bag. Our guest today on the Inward Nine is Josh Smith. Ahead in our conversation with Josh: He will share about the person he ran into at the bar in Bandon, Oregon and how it opened the door to his eventual career in course construction, architecture and as a superintendent. He will talk about how being unemployed led him to find a hobby to pass the time.. a hobby which got noticed by the right person at the right time and it changed everything. When it comes to everything changing, we often talk about taking chances. There are moments we recognize we have to take advantage of. Listen as Josh tells us about a time he is stuck in traffic and uses a bagel receipt and a bit of courage to meet the person he has spent his life beside ever since. Creativity and ideas. How do they come to us and what do we do about them? Josh shares about the origins of his company Flag Bag and how the idea of making a golf bag out of course flags came to him. And finally, Josh and I talk about the relationship between a superintendent and a golf professional and what Josh feels it takes for these two people to have a thriving partnership. To learn more about Flag Bag, please visit the company website or follow on Instagram @flagbagolf Follow The Inward Nine on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast.com. You can connect more with Chandler by sending an email: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Thunder Road' by Bruce Springsteen Interlude: 'Hungry Heart' by Bruce Springsteen Interlude: 'Secret Garden' by Bruce Springsteen Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Glory of Love' by Peter Cetera

Have you ever wondered how the most successful entrepreneurs took an idea and made it into reality? On the episode, we learn the story of two college roommates who when studying together abroad in Italty were both gifted needlepoint belts by their girlfriends. What neither of them could have imagined in the moment was they really had been gifted a business idea. When they began having friends ask their girlfriends to make more belts, it got them asking the question - what would it look like to start a company around needlepoint belts? Thus was born the company Smathers and Branson. Ahead on this episode, company founders Peter Smathers and Austin Branson will share: About the idea development phases. From idea, to sample to production, to launch and taking the product to market and their eventual growth over 22 years. About the value of knowing when to develop an idea and also when to pivot from that same idea. How to communicate your vision to others to help it become a reality. Peter and Austin share about their path to finding a manufacturer. Even once they found a possible partner, they still had cross a pivotal bridge to make the product reach the marketplace. They will share what that bridge is. About the ability they feel has helped them succeed and it's not one that can be developed in a classroom or read in a book. Business partnerships are tricky and delicate and they often fail. Peter and Austin share about the warnings they received before going into business together and why they feel they have lasted together as long as they have. To learn more about Smathers and Branson and to search their entire catalog of products, please visit their website: Click here. You can follow Smathers and Branson on Instagram @smathersandbranson. To connect more with Chandler: Send him a DM on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast or on LinkedIn. Or, send him an email: podcast@archive22.com To shop Chandler's full line of hand drawn artwork, please visit the Archive 22 website.

The scene is Las Vegas, Nevada. A young assistant professional from Oklahoma is heading back to his hotel room around 9 PM when most other golf professionals are just heading out to the town. The assistant pro suddenly crosses paths with a head professional from the most prestigious clubs in Oklahoma and makes an impression. He didn't realize it in the moment, but his career path has just changed forever. In a matter of seconds, he had just displayed the character and integrity which would prepare him to eventually succeed the head professional he had just, that pro was Dave Bryan the head pro at Southern Hills. Our guest on this episode of The Inward Nine is the 2016 PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year, the current Director of Golf at SHCC and a friend to so many of us, he is Cary Cozby. Ahead in this episode: Cary will unpack the legacy of his father Jerry, the 1985 PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year. More than his outstanding father, Cary will talk on the impact of his mother and the qualities he feels they possessed as a team which prepared him for his own success. Never before on this podcast have we discussed the grieving process. If we all live long enough, it is inevitable we will have to support our own parents through a loss, while grieving our own. Cary shares his perspective and what he calls a gift in the midst of one of the saddest times any of us will ever experience. One would assume that receiving the offer to be the golf professional at Southern Hills is a slam dunk, no brainer, but that wasn't the case for Cary and his family, who had planted deep roots in another midwestern city. Cary shares with us the phone call which gave him all the perspective he needed to make his eventual decision. Luck. Timing. Words we talk about often here. Cary shares a story about being back in Las Vegas later in his life. This time, he and his son are stranded while trying to make it to Los Angeles for Game 1 of the 2017 World Series. What happens next is the result of how sports can bond together perfect strangers, creating a lifetime memory for one young Dodger fan. If you aren't familiar with the Golden Rule, Cary will remind us of its importance and why he makes intentional time and effort for others who are trying to find their way. We talk quite often on this podcast about the cliché – you are always interviewing. Cary's moment with the pro from Southern Hills in Las Vegas proves this to be true, but Cary adds another element to this mindset, and its one every great leader needs to possess. Of the many things Tiger did great, Cary hones in something most might overlook with it comes to one of the greatest players of all time, and it is what keeps Cary motivated still today. To connect with Chandler: Email: podcast@archive22.com Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Music Credits: Opening: 'Moonlight Graham' from the Field of Dreams Soundtrack Reading: 'If' by Rudyard Kipling Opening: 'Caution' by the Killers Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home by Ben Rector

What happens when a young film student working in New York City on the set of Saturday Night Live returns home to Vermont for a wedding and is suddenly offered an assistant golf professional position at her home course? The result is a compete career shift and a journey our guest has been on ever since. Today on The Inward Nine we welcome a Golf Digest and LPGA Top 50 Teacher and the 2017 Middle Atlantic Teacher of the Year. Our guest today is the director of instruction at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland, she is the wonderful Trillium Rose. In this episode: Trillium will share about how a cold call to one of golf's most respected golf professionals and the resulting conversation gave her the direction she needed to understand the road ahead of her. As Trillium began to grow as a teacher while working at the Jim McLean Academy in Florida, she helps us understand how Jim pushed, prodded and prepared all of his teachers to be ready to go out and teach on their own. Trillium Rose has a curious mind. So much so that even after nearly a decade of teaching, she went back to graduate school to learn even more than she already knew. She will share with us what she learned, and also how she adapted her teaching style in the following days and years. We most often refer to people like Trillium as a teacher, but she feels there is a word other than teacher which is more appropriate as to how we get the most from our students. In our conversation, I gave Trillium an imaginary magic wand and told her she instantly change the way we all teach the game. Her answer might surprise you, but it also seems to be where teaching is heading. To connect with Trillium: Instagram: @trillium_rose Website: www.trilliumrose.com To connect with Chandler: Email: podcast@archive22.com Instagram: @theinwardninepodcast Music Credits: Opening: 'Shattered' by O.A.R. Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

What happens when a PGA Tour card holder fails to get through Q school and runs into a PGA head golf professional while Christmas shopping? Ahead on this episode is the story of Mike Harmon, the longtime head professional at Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, South Carolina. In our conversation with Mike we discuss: How the culture at Secession was not only created, but also on role as the guardian and protector of its culture ever since. Mike had to sell countless memberships over his 30 year career. When it comes to selling, Mike will share the key word he feels is at the foundation of the process. Mike will soon be taking his 100 th overseas golf trip. There are many reasons Mike has continued to jump over the pond and he will share why these trips can impact your business in countless way. Along with being called The Old Pro, Mike could easily be referred to as Mr. Style. Mike will talk about why he feels style matters and also about how when he was recruiting, he sought our style in others. Mike might be one of the best writers amongst all the golf professionals I've known. Mike will educate us on not only why you should pay attention to your writing, but the side benefit to it we all could use. When it comes to handing down advice, Mike shares about a defining moment in his life that began opening doors soon thereafter.. and not the ones he saw coming either. To connect with Chandler: Send him an email: podcast@archive22.com Or, a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Music Credits: Opening: 'Raise Em Up' by Keith Urban Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector