The Inward Nine with Chandler Withington

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

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 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

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

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

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

As we wrap up the series on the interview process, Chandler shares a few final thoughts to prepare you for the road ahead.

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

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

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.