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: [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  

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: [email protected].  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, [email protected] 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: [email protected] Music Credits:  Opening: 'Back on the Chain Gang' by The Pretenders Background: 'Sailing' by Christoper Cross (Instrumental) Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector