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: [email protected]

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