The Inward Nine with Chandler Withington

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

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

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

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 2nd 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

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 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 100th 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

What happens to the lives of golf professionals when catastrophe strikes? How do these people pick up the pieces when they feel everything has been lost and begin to move forward? In this episode, we will revisit the tragic clubhouse fire at Oakland Hills Country Club on February 17, 2022 with the Director of Golf, Steve Brady. Steve and other staff members watched helplessly as one of golf's most historic buildings burned completely to the ground. Steve takes us through the emotional aftermath of the fire and how the club regrouped to begin the rebuilding process.. a process which would last 4 years leading up to their soon to open new clubhouse, scheduled for Easter Sunday. Music Credits: Opening: 'Everytime You Go Away' by Paul Young Interlude: 'Everglow' (Instrumental) by Coldplay Closing: 'Show Goes On' by Bruce Hornsby

What happens to Steve Brady when he is competing in a golf tournament three hours from home and doesn't have a ride home? What happened is he caught a ride home with some other golf professionals and unknowlingly interviewed for his eventual job as the Director of Instruction and Director of Golf at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he has remained for nearly 30 years. In our conversation with Steve Brady we will discuss: The life lessons that were passed down from his parents, who were married for an incredible 73 years. These are lessons, morals and values that prepared Steve for all of the challenges we face in the golf industry. The long lasting partnership like Steve has enjoyed with his own wife. He talks about expectations and communication about the road ahead, something all of us need to do in our own relationships. Steve is an accomplished player and has competed around the world and in major championships. Yet, you aren't likely to hear him talk about any of his accomplishments. Steve talks about an important word which he has kept in the forefront of his mind, and it's a word we could all benefit from. When it comes to teaching, Steve shares the approach he has taken for decades that lets his players know he won't be wasting their time or his. What happens when things don't go as planned. Story from a Ryder Cup which tests our ability to adjust and adapt on the fly. How to know when it's time to retire. Steve unpacks how he is handling this process and how a question from his son helped him realize there are other things he wants to do now, while he still can. To connect more with Chandler Withington: Email: podcast@archive22.com DM on LinkedIn or Instagram @theinwardninepodcast.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Like a Rock' by Bob Seger Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

How does a boy who grew up playing public municipal courses in rural Idaho end up at one of the fastest growing golf results in the world and ascend to become the role of General Manager? Today on The Inward Nine we get to learn the story of Jeff Simonds. Over the last 23 years, Jeff has worked his way up the ladder from seasonal assistant golf professional to GM. Jeff is a wealth of knowlwedge as a Master Professional and Bill Stausbaugh award recipient. In our conversation with Jeff we will discuss: The project Jeff took on upon tearing his ACL. While he graduated with a 'degree', listen to what he learned the most in the process. We will discuss the topic of PGA Member complimentary golf. Jeff shares the range of approaches he has seen during his time at Bandon as well as his advice for you can best approach this in the future. Jeff will remind us that we cannot do it all. There will be some parts of our life and career we cannot maintain, but Jeff shares a wonderful reminder of why some labels do not define who we are. We all know about Bandon Dunes the golf resort. But there is also Bandon Dunes and the effect it is having on its surrounding community. Jeff will share about this and remind us all, the places we work have so much potential to impact the lives of those around us, so much more than what happens between the 1st tee and 18th hole. And have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and not recognized the person you have become? Listen to Jeff share about a similar moment and the steps he began taking and that you can take to restore perhaps the biggest asset we need on a daily basis – our body. To follow or connect more with Jeff Simonds, he can be found on LinkedIn and Instagram @jeffsimonds To follow or connect more with Chandler, you can find him on LinkedIn or Instagram @chandler.withington or send a direct email, podcast@archive22.com. To follow this podcast on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Human' by The Killers Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

The Inward Nine will be hosting it's first ever meet and greet event at the PGA Show! The event will be held on Wednesday, January 21st, from 3 - 4 PM in room W311AB. The event is titled 'Taking Inventory of Your Life'. Podcast host Chandler Withington will be joined by the first ever guest of The Inward Nine and the 2024 PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year, Tony Pancake. Chandler and Tony will lead the audience through the process of taking inventory of their lives - are our shelves stocked with the supplies we need? Or there slow moving items that are stealing from our bottom line? Are we running low on our best selling items as it relates to how we live our life? On this episode, Chandler shares details about the event and also has some advice for the PGM students who will be attending the PGA Show. To register for this free event, please click here to be taken to the registration page. To send any questions or comments before the event to Chandler: Send him a direct email: podcast@archive22.com Or, send him a DM on either Instagram @chandlerwithington or LinkedIn We hope to see so many of you at the event in Florida!

How much is your reputation worth to you? How confident are you about what others are saying about you? How much money would you be willing to spend to protect your reputation each year? On this episode we will ponder these questions and more as we give thought and consideration to the times when life tempts us to comprimise our intergrity and values. If your reputation has ever come under fire or is in need of saving, please listen through to the end. Your reputation can be restored with intentional effort and with lots of patience. To contact Chandler: Send a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram @chandlerwithington Or, send a direct email: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Making Money' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Money' (Instrumental) by Pink Floyd

Have you ever experienced the painful loss of a loved one in your life? If so, have you ever wondered how you can properly grieve, move forward and find the silver lining from the loss? Today we are learning the story of the Ten Memorial Invitational and how its mission was formed through the painful loss of a parent. Through discovering their why, they have been able to create an event for junior golfers which is not just focused on competition, but rather on mentorship and developing tomorrow's leaders. In our time together, we will discuss: The lightbulb moments that led to the creation of this tournament, how its mission was formed and how its foundation was cemented. The unique approach the Ten Memorial takes during its golf tournament to introduce its players to a range of leaders and how the direct words they use to unlock the leadership potential in each person. The mindset that Chuck, Ashley and the entire organization take in reaching people right where they are. How creating an intentional mission can drive every decision that gets made. To learn more about the Ten Memorial Invitational, please visit: www.thetenmemorial.com To connect more with Chandler: Email: podcast@archive22.com Send him a DM on LinkedIn or on Instagram @chandlerwithington Music Credits: Opening: 'Somewhere Only We Know' by Keane Interlude: 'For What It's Worth' by Buffalo Springfield 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

How does someone who grew up in Western Pennsylvania hitting crab apples with an old set of clubs someday become the PGA of America's Merchandiser of the Year for Private Facilities? Today, we learn about the journey of James Ondo, the Director of Golf at Apawamis Club in Rye, New York. In our time together with James we will discuss: What happens when you reach the top of the mountain and discover 'you are the plan'. The impact one well written letter can have and how it changed everything for James. How James navigated a once in a lifetime opportunity phone call, one that tested his sense of loyalty. The biggest adjustments an assistant golf professional faces when becoming a head professional. How to tap into the heritage of your club to enhance the environent of your golf shop. James perspective on how his priorities have changed over the years and why some of his "yes's" have become "no's". To connect more with Chandler: Send him a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram @chandlerwithington. Or, send him a direct email: podcast@archive22.com. Music Credits: Opening: 'Amazing' by Aerosmith Interludes: 'Old Friends' and 'Men That Drive Me Places' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector