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: [email protected]

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

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: [email protected].

Music Credits:

Opening: 'In Case You Missed It' by Jordan Davis

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, [email protected].

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

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: [email protected]

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

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: [email protected]
• Or, send him a DM on either Instagram @chandlerwithington or LinkedIn

We hope to see so many of you at the event in Florida!

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: [email protected]

Music Credits:

Opening: 'Money For Nothing' by Dire Straits.

Interlude: 'Old Friends' Instrumental by Ben Rector

Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

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: [email protected]

Music Credits:

Opening: 'Making Money' by Ben Rector

Closing: 'Money' (Instrumental) by Pink Floyd

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: [email protected].

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

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: [email protected]

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 did things change for a ski instructor who decided to suddenly turn into the driveway at one of golf's most prestigous clubs? What actions did he take from that sudden turn which would redirect the trajectory of his life?

Today we learn about the journey of the 2025 PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year, Scott Paris, the Director of Golf at Plainfield Country Club in New Jersey.

In our time together with Scott we will discuss:

A moment born of basic kindness and a moment which opened the door for Scott to pursue the opportunity at Plainfield.

The skills that Scott learned while being a ski instructor that prepared him for a successful career in golf.

The one thing that Scott feels has led to a rewarding and fulfilling longterm career at one facility…something that is becoming increasingly rare.

How Scott took on different roles at Plainfield and how he changed his approach to running meetings and most importantly, getting buy in from everyone involved.

How when emotions got high and what tool he was able to use to actually strengthen relationships and leave with a higher level of respect from both sides.

The approach Scott uses when people come to him with a problem.

The method Scott uses at the conclusion of each season for team building and comoraderie.

And finally, Scott will share the way he measures other people and also his advice for the. Next generation.

To connect with Chandler:

• Send him an email: [email protected]
• Send him a DM on LinkedIn and Instagram @chandlerwithington

Music Credits:

Opening: 'Right Now' by Van Halen

Interlude: 'Old Friends' by Ben Rector

Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector