The Inward Nine with Chandler Withington

Chandler Withington
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The Inward Nine is a podcast for those looking to discover the best version of themselves. On The Inward Nine we will learn from a range of people in the game of golf as we share our journeys, experiences, successes and failures, lessons learned and advice for the next generation. But we are not here just to talk about success in the workplace. We are here to talk about who we are as people and how we succeed at the game of life. Chandler Withington is a PGA Member of nearly 20 years and has worked in the game of golf for over 30 years. Chandler is the retired head golf professional from Hazeltine National Golf Club (2012 - 2021). Prior to Hazeltine, Chandler was an assistant golf professional at Merion Golf Club (PA) and Seminole Golf Club (FL). Over the last three years, Chandler has become a licensed artist for the United States Golf Association and PGA of America. Chandler's personal mission statement is to have a positive impact on the lives of those around him.

  1. Ep. 54 Steve Brady / Oakland Hills

    5D AGO

    Ep. 54 Steve Brady / Oakland Hills

    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

    1h 33m
  2. Ep. 53 James Leitz / Top 50 Teacher

    FEB 13

    Ep. 53 James Leitz / Top 50 Teacher

    Do any of you have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge? Have you ever been curious to understand why things happen the way they do?  Well, say hello to James Leitz, whom many refer to as the 'Godfather of Golf Coaching Technology'. Since the late 1970's, James has been relentless in his pursuit to understand the 'why' behing the results of golf shots.  In our time togther on this episode we discuss:  James' journey from the backwoods of Louisiana to a life in the game of golf.  A challenge a student of his issued to him which immediately changed the way he observed and measured results. James will share a key word he feels blocks the improvement process and leads most students right back to where they began. When it comes to learning a new skill, listen to James share about the skill he learned in school that allowed him to understand the importance of block practice and how new habits are formed. James Leitz hasn't just been a teacher for all of these years.  He has also been a head golf professional. Listen closely as James draws two numbers on a board, the numbers 98 and 2 and why James feels those numbers are the keys to have a long and successful career as a golf professional and is the reason why he has never had to worry about getting fired or replaced. Grab a note pad while listening to this episode as it is full of wisdom and knowledge from a 50+ year long career in golf. James Leitz is an absolute legend of the game.  To follow along or connect more with Chandler Withington:  Follow the podcast on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast Send Chandler a direct email: podcast@archive22.com.  Music Credits:  Opening: 'In Case You Missed It' by Jordan Davis Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

    1h 17m
  3. Ep. 52 Jeff Simonds / Bandon Dunes

    FEB 6

    Ep. 52 Jeff Simonds / Bandon Dunes

    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

    1h 23m
  4. Ep. 51 Ben Polland / Shooting Star

    JAN 30

    Ep. 51 Ben Polland / Shooting Star

    Have you ever wanted to know how the best players among PGA Professionals are able to maintain their competitive playing ability while also exceeding the expectations of their job titles?  On this episode of the The Inward Nine we get to spend time with Ben Polland, the Director of Golf at Shooting Star in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. In addition to being a leader at Shooting Star, Ben is also the 2024 Club Professional Champion and has played in 4 PGA Championships.  Along with learning about how Ben's journey took him to Jackson Hole, we discuss:  What Ben feels it takes to compete at the highest level as a PGA golf professional.  How Ben learned to handle all the other moving parts of life so he could play his best golf. How Ben's expectations for playing have evolved over the years and how it has allowed him to arrive at his current mindset and mental state. When it comes to the best of the best players, Ben will share what intangible he feels those players possess that allows them to separate themselves. The wonderful advice Ben received from his mentor, the legendary Darrell Kestner from Deepdale on Long Island. The question Ben's father asked him just before his passing. It's a question we all need to ask ourselves before making any big decision. We get to hear about what life looks like as a golf professional in Jackson Hole Wyoming and of course, we get Ben's wonderful advice for the next generation. To connect or follow along:  You can follow Ben Polland on Instagram @bnpllnd You can follow The Inward Nine on Instagram @theinwardninepodcast You can follow Chandler Withington on Instagram @chandler.withington You can email Chandler: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits:  Opening: 'If You Leave' (Instrumental) by Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark Opening: 'Part of It' by Jordan Davis Interlude: 'Old Friends' (Instrumental) by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

    1h 16m

  5. JAN 12

    *Announcement* The Inward Nine Event at The PGA Show "Taking Inventory of Your Life"

    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!

    21 min

  6. 12/20/2025

    Ep. 50 Ben Clymer / Abbey Street Partners

    Have you ever felt overwhelming by the lack of money in your bank accounts? Do words such as debt fill you with anxiety? Do you feel defeated in not having a plan or even knowing where to start?  If so, I am glad you found this episode as we spend time with my friend and financial advisor, Ben Clymer.  In our discussion with Ben, we will cover:  His journey from playing in the NHL to becoming a financial advisior.  Moments when Ben had to adapt and pivot to be successful.  The realization Ben had once he moved on from a coach who made him miserable while playing for him.  The lesson Ben learned while setting a course record at one of America's most notable new courses.  What Ben feels everyone needs to start doing today to discover financial prosperity.  A quote Ben heard from a notable celebrity and how the little things we do on a daily basis add up to big wins over the course of a year.  The question Ben feels everyone needs to ask themselves to create multiple lines of revenue.  Ben's advice to our audience as it relates not only to finances, but discovering the best version of ourselves.  To connect more with Chandler:  Send him a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram @chandlerwithington Send him a direct email: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits:  Opening: 'Money For Nothing' by Dire Straits.  Interlude: 'Old Friends' Instrumental by Ben Rector Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

    1h 20m

  7. 12/10/2025

    Ep. 49 How Much Is Your Reputation Worth To You?

    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

    28 min

  8. 11/26/2025

    Ep. 48 Burch Wilkes / Penn State PGM

    What is a Professional Golf Management Program? Where are these programs located? Who are the people who have been overseeing these programs? Why should aspiring golf professionals attend a university with a PGM program?  Today we get to spend time with Burch Wilkes, who for nearly 30 years has been the caretaker of the PGM program at Penn State University. In our time together, Burch and I will discuss: The evolution of the program and its curriculum, a program that has produced more than 700 alumni who have been working in the game of golf. What four years in the PGM program looks like and how prepared graduates are to enter the workforce upon graduation. What Birch feels are the biggest challenges facing todays students. We will unpack the tool Birch feels today's golf students and professionals need to embrace and learn to use in order to be most freed up and visible. We will discuss expectations and how to manage the expectations of both the students and the people who employ them upon graduation. We get to learn about the unique approach to learning that Birch and his team take to teaching the students about golf course architecture and golf history.  Birch will share what he feels will ultimately lead to success, both in school and upon graduation. And finally, we will talk what Birch focuses on most with potential students who are interested in attending the PGM program at Penn State. To learn more about the Penn State PGM program, Click here. To connect with Chandler, send him a DM on either LinkedIn or Instagram @chandlerwithington Or, send him a direct email: podcast@archive22.com.  Music Credits:  Opening: 'Thanksgiving Song' by Ben Rector Interlude: 'I Guess I Just Feel Like' by John Mayer (Instrumental) Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

    1 hr
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5
out of 5
89 Ratings

About

The Inward Nine is a podcast for those looking to discover the best version of themselves. On The Inward Nine we will learn from a range of people in the game of golf as we share our journeys, experiences, successes and failures, lessons learned and advice for the next generation. But we are not here just to talk about success in the workplace. We are here to talk about who we are as people and how we succeed at the game of life. Chandler Withington is a PGA Member of nearly 20 years and has worked in the game of golf for over 30 years. Chandler is the retired head golf professional from Hazeltine National Golf Club (2012 - 2021). Prior to Hazeltine, Chandler was an assistant golf professional at Merion Golf Club (PA) and Seminole Golf Club (FL). Over the last three years, Chandler has become a licensed artist for the United States Golf Association and PGA of America. Chandler's personal mission statement is to have a positive impact on the lives of those around him.

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