

The Inward Nine with Chandler Withington
Chandler Withington
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 12, 2025 • 60min
Ep. 46 The PGA Of America Golf Professional of the Year: Scott Paris of Plainfield Country Club
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: podcast@archive22.com 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

Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 26min
Ep. 45 The 2025 Merchandiser of the Year: James Ondo 'You Are the Plan'
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

Oct 24, 2025 • 60min
Ep. 44 The 2025 Teacher of the Year: Jason Baile from Jupiter Hills Club
How did a young man who grew up drawing basketball plays while in church or coaching one on one football plays for his brothers in their front yard while growing up become the PGA of America's Teacher of the Year? Today, we get to learn about the journey of Jason Baile, the Director of Instruction at Jupiter Hills Club in Florida. In our time together with Jason we will discuss: How Jason has evolved over time as a teacher The approach Jason takes with students to ensure they stay on track The four types of lessons Jason gives, as not all lessons are the same What three letter word Jason feels can block a students growth Why Jason feels it is not always what you communicate, but when you say it How Jason has been the culture and environment of his team How his team allows him to maximize his time What it means to be calm in the chaos What advice Jason has for those who want to start a career in coaching To connect more with Chandler: Send him a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram @chandlerwithington Send Chandler a direct email, podcast@archive22.com To shop Chandler's hand drawn artwork, please visit his website: www.archive22.com. Music Credits: Opening: 'Get What You Give' by New Radicals Closing: 'Almost Home by Ben Rector

Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
Ep. 43 The 2025 Bill Strausbaugh Award Winner: Jason Epstein of Congressional Country Club
Have you ever wondered how the most successful people in the golf industry got to where they are today? On The Inward Nine, we tell the stories of people who have made an impact on the game of golf through their service and careers. Today, we get to spend time with the 2025 PGA of America Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient, Jason Epstein, the Director of Golf at Congressional Country Club in Potamac, Maryland. In our time together with Jason we will discuss: How a young man who grew up in Miami, Florida went from one side of the country to the other and back again in landing at Congressional in 2016. What to do when you don't feel you have all the answers as a leader. How Jason feels trust is built. Jason shares a quote on trust which is guaranteed to stick with you. The benefits in building a team in which you aren't the smartest person in the room. The approach Jason takes in learning how to motivate the members of his team. About the difference between a offensive and defensive mindset and which one of them Jason chooses on a daily basis and why. The 3 things Jason asked for from the people he reports to. It's a short list, but its all he needs to be successful. To connect with Chandler: Send a DM on LinkedIn or his Instagram @chandlerwithington Send an email: podcast@archive22.com Music Credits: Opening: 'Back on the Chain Gang' by The Pretenders Background: 'Sailing' by Christoper Cross (Instrumental) Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

Oct 9, 2025 • 11min
A Final Few Thoughts on the Interview Process
As we wrap up the series on the interview process, Chandler shares a few final thoughts to prepare you for the road ahead.

Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 9min
Ep. 42 Landing the Job Series - Part 5: Pulling It All Together With Interview Coach Tim Dougherty
Are you someone who has been struggling with the interview process? Do you feel overwhelmed at times by the entire process and unsure of how to improve? Today, we get to spend time with someone who has been helping hundreds of people prepare for interviews, including myself. He is the person who prepared me to land my dream job 13 years ago. In our time with Tm Dougherty, we will discuss: The importance of our body language and tone of voice throughout the interview. How to captivate our audience in the first 3 minutes of an interview. How to effectively communicate your passions and what drives you. The 2 most important questions you MUST ask in an interview. How to demonstrate your ability to receive feedback during an interview. How to listen to yourself and pivot if you feel the job opportunity isn't a fit. The one word Tim feels you must allow to come across to land the job. Chandler also shares his perspective on the recent Ryder Cup and what we can learn from it (5:08). To connect with Chandler: Send him a direct email: podcast@archive22.com. Or, send him a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram @chandlerwithington Music Credits: Opening: 'Alive and Kicking' by Simple Minds Interlude: 'Streets of Philadelphia' Instrumental by Bruce Springsteen Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 8min
Ep. 41 Landing the Job Series - Part 4: J.C. Deacon. The Head Men's Golf Coach At The University of Florida On How Gratitude Is The Interview Cheat Code
Are you someone who has been struggling with the interview process? Do you feel overwhelmed at times by the entire process and unsure of how to improve? Today we get to spend time with someone who has broken through the interview process and landed his dream job 11 years ago. We are joined by the Head Men's Golf Coach at the University of Florida, J.C. Deacon In our time with J.C. we will discuss: How J.C. was able to get an interview as the only assistant golf coach in the group of head coaches who were being interviewed. The interview advice J.C. received which allowed him to feel calm and confident heading into the interviews. The item J.C. carried with him into the office of the Athletic Director which allowed them to build a connection over. The topic J.C. never once discussed throughout the interview process and in doing so, allowed the Athletic Director to realize J.C. was the person for the job. The first 90 days on the job and where J.C.'s focus was. And J.C. will share his advice for all of you who have a quote 'dream job' you think about quite often. To connect more with Chandler: Send him an email: podcast@archive22.com Send him a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram @chandlerwithington Music Credits: Opening: 'St. Elmo's Fire' by John Parr Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector

Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
Ep. 40 Landing the Job Series - Part 3: Tom Wallace of KK&W on How to Be Seen As the Future Ambassdor of a Club
Are you someone who has been struggling with the interview process for a managerial postion? Do you feel overwhelmed at times by the entire process and unsure of how to improve? Today we get to spend time with someone who has been a part of these processes for the last 10+ years. We are joined by Tom Wallace of the search firm, Koplin, Kuebler and Wallace. Tom's experience and insight, not just with KK&W, but also as the former General Manager at Oakmont Country Club is a valuable asset to anyone who is looking to prepare for an interview process. In our time with Tom, we discuss: Why Tom feels some candidates are a better fit for some jobs than others and how you can position yourself to find your best fit. What quality Tom feels young employees are most often looking for in the people they work for. What are the controllables you need to pay attention to as you enter the board room for the interview. What is something you likely aren't doing, but must start doing in an interview to learn if the job will be a fit for you. What ability, more than teaching or playing, search committees are placing a greater emphasis on over the last 10+ years. What business Tom feels golf professionals are really in these days. What is the one thing Tom feels is hard for most people to do, but is also the thing that will lead to most of your personal and professional growth. To learn more about KK&W, please visit their website, www.kkandw.com. To contact Tom Wallace directly, send him an email, tom@kkandw.com. To contact Chandler directly, send him an email, podcast@archive22.com. Music Credits: Opening: 'Burning Down the House' by Talking Heads (Instrumental) Opening: 'Burning Down the House' by Paramore. Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector.

Aug 22, 2025 • 34min
Ep. 39 Landing the Job Series - Part 2: Building a Fan Club, Recommendation Letters and Your Portfolio
Now that we have our resumes updated and our cover letters are well written, what is next? On this episode we will discuss the importance of building a fan club (support group) to be in our corner throughout the job search process. A fan club will not only write letters of recommendation or make endorsement calls on our behalf, but they will also be looking and listening out for job opportunities which might be a fit for us. We will discuss: How big or small your fan club should be. The first steps to take in asking them for help. How to be proactive in having letters already written and ready to send for when an interview process starts. The do's and dont's of building a portfolio. The impact of doing proper research on the job you are pursuing. To connect with Chandler: Send him a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram @chandlerwithington Send him an email: podcast@archive22.com Music credits: Opening: 'Fame' by David Bowie

Aug 15, 2025 • 53min
Ep. 38 Landing the Job Series - Part 1, Your Resume and Cover Letter
If opportunity knocked at your door tomorrow, would you be ready? If you only had a short window of time to submit your resume, could you do it, or would you be panicking? Having your resume up to date and ready to go is important. It's not just important merely for the checkpoint of submitting your resume, but more so because your resume is a gateway to landing an interview for the job. If your resume doesn't get you the interview, you won't land the job. On this episode, Chandler shares his perspective on organizing your resume and cover letter. Within this episode you will learn: Some of the do's and don'ts with your resume. How to make it easy for the potential employer to find what they are looking for. How to highlight your strengths to match what the job requires. How to connect the dots through the format you use on your cover letter. To review a Chandler's resume and cover letter as you listen to this episode, click here. To connect with Chandler: Email him directly: podcast@archive22.com Send him a DM on Instagram @chandlerwithington on on his LinkedIn profile Music Credits: Opening: 'Don't Dream It's Over' by Crowded House


