Honorary starters at the 2025 Masters, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson

Founded in 2019, FlagBag creates golf bags and accessories from pin flags. That’s Jack Nicklaus, third from right, at the 2025 Masters with his wife, Barbara, holding Nicklaus’s custom bag at golf's biggest stage. / Photo by Michael Madrid, Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

A Gael’s Craft Shines on Golf’s Biggest Stage

Priceless memorabilia takes on a new life as golf equipment designed by Gael alumnus Josh Smith ’98 for golf legend Jack Nicklaus.

by Bryan Navarro ’10, Director of Digital Media – Alumni Engagement & Events | April 12, 2025

When The Masters teed off last week week, a piece of Saint Mary’s pride was right there on the tee box: a priceless piece of golf equipment designed by Gael alumnus Josh Smith ’98 for golf legend Jack Nicklaus.

Josh Smith (center) with Buster Posey (right) — **Josh Smith**, center, brought on MLB legend Buster Posey, right, as co-owner of FlagBag in late 2024. / *Photo by Beau Walchek*

FlagBag specializes in giving new life to retired golf flags, upcycling them into stylish, custom bags and accessories. Smith designed a special commission for Nicklaus, featuring flags from five of The Golden Bear’s most cherished victories.

A former Saint Mary’s golf team student-athlete, Smith has kept the game of golf at the heart of his life—from the fairways to the art studio. He now serves as superintendent at Orinda Country Club, is an accomplished oil painter of golf landscapes, and leads FlagBag alongside co-owner and Bay Area sports legend Buster Posey.

Reflecting on his Saint Mary’s experience, Smith shared how his academic and athletic journeys still shape his mindset today. “Psychology (classes) really helped me on the golf course,” he said. “I’m fascinated by better ways to use our thoughts to shape our beliefs and set us up for a healthy and positive experience in life.”

“Psychology (classes) really helped me on the golf course,” he said. “I’m fascinated by better ways to use our thoughts to shape our beliefs and set us up for a healthy and positive experience in life.”

Smith and his wife, Sarah Walsh ’01, remain closely connected to Saint Mary’s, often bringing their daughters to campus events and sports camps, staying involved with the Gael community.

Josh Smith sits on a schoolyard stairs reading: Reuse, Recycle — **Josh Smith** played on the Saint Mary's golf team from 1995–98. / *Photo courtesy Josh Smith*

Please share stories about alumni doing outstanding and fascinating work by contacting Bryan Navarro in the Office of Alumni Engagement.