AGCSA: What type of degree do you have and where did you obtain your degree?
Balko: BS degree in Agronomy / Soils from Auburn University 1994

AGCSA: As a Golf Course Superintendent, what percentage of your job comes from experience that you obtained from working on a golf course and what percentage comes from what you learned in college?
Balko: I would say about 75% is day to day golf course experience.  The knowledge you learn from school helps you get started.

AGCSA: What subject or class in turf school would you say has the most influence in your job as a Head Superintendent and why?
Balko:  Believe it or not, I would have to say a human resources class.  Dealing with crewmembers from day to day is very challenging.

AGCSA: What advice would you give to a turf student who is about to embark on his first summer internship and is there any certain job at the golf course that he should make a special effort in learning?
Balko:   You will learn something new everyday, take good notes.  I still go back a look at my notes from time to time.  The intern should try and get involved with every aspect of golf maintenance.

AGCSA: How many years have you been in Golf Course Maintenance, including any work as a crew member?
Balko: 3 years crew member, 3 years Asst., and 8 years Superintendent

AGCSA: What is your work experience and time you spent their? Who did you work for?
Balko:  I worked at Valley Hill while attending night school ( basics ), then I was an Assistant. at Hillwood CC in Nashville for three years and took my first Superintendent job at Altadena Valley G & CC.  I then moved to Moore's Mill GC, Heatherwood CC and am now at Pine Tree CC.


AGCSA: What person in your professional life has mentored you or been the most beneficial to you in helping you deal with the rigors of being a Head Superintendent and how did they help?
Balko: There are many, Mark Littlejohn ( HCC ), Jerry Wooden ( Regal Chem. ), Gary Bush ( Floratine, Ballentrae ) and Cory Blair ( Sup. @ Rarity Bay in Tenn.)

AGCSA: What is the greatest thing that being a Superintendent has taught you about yourself?
Balko:  Being able to adjust priorities to get better results.

AGCSA: What would you say is the hardest thing to overcome your first year as a Head Superintendent, after being an Assistant before? What advice would you give a first time Head Superintendent?
Balko:  I had a very hard time working with a budget and then making the next years budget.  Also being the # 1 guy takes some time getting used too, not having a super. to back your decisions up.  advice =  Go slow and take great notes about everything, even pictures can help.

AGCSA: What do you enjoy the most and least about being a Head Superintendent?
Balko:   most =  Being able to see things around the course that I can make better.  least =  The stress of dealing with crew members and the weather.

AGCSA: What would you say is the most important trait to have when dealing with your maintenance crew on a day to day and long-term basis?
Balko:  Communication is definitely the key and following up to make sure the job is done right.

AGCSA: Every Superintendent has to answer to his boss/bosses (GM, owner, board etc...). What advice could you give someone in dealing with their higher-ups?
Balko:  To make sure you are both talking about the same thing and communicating any problems or concerns with them first before a problem can arise.

AGCSA: If you could change one thing about your job that would make it perfect in your eyes, what would it be?
Balko:  Being able to control the weather ( lol ),

AGCSA: List your family and How do they cope with your job?
Balko:  Wife = Rebecca, daughters = Charlene Hunter ( 8) and Tatum Auburn ( 6 ).  My wife just wants the best for me and a daily phone call gets us through until I get home.

AGCSA: What kind of things (hobbies) do you like to do when you get away from work?
Balko:  AUBURN Football, spending time with my wife and beautiful girls and traveling.

AGCSA: Lastly, what is your favorite golf related movie? (the battle lines will be drawn between Caddyshack, Bagger Vance, Happy Gilmore and Tin Cup!)
Balko:  I love Tin Cup, when he sinks it on the 13th stroke and of course Renee Russo.