AGCSA: What type of degree do you have and where did you obtain your degree?
Langner: Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University, Major was agronomy specializing in Turfgrass Management

AGCSA: As a Director of Agronomy and Applied Research, what percent of your job comes from experience that you obtained from working on a golf course and what percent comes from what you learned in college?
Langner: I think college teaches you how to learn and gives you basic principles that you can then build your own conclusions on. You could never replace the experiences you get from being on the course everyday. Everyday is different and we learn something new, sometimes we re-learn.  

AGCSA: What subject or class in turf school would you say has the most influence in your job as a Head Superintendent?
Langner: Definitely the Turfgrass and Golf Operation courses were influential, but courses like Arboriculture, Plant ID, and landscape architecture have proven to come in handy. The relationships I developed with Dr. Krans and Dr. Goatley had an enormous effect on me.

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?
Langner: I think they better learn quick if they have "Passion" for what they are doing, if they don't you can't grow into it. Find another major!

AGCSA: How many years have you been in Golf Course Maintenance, including any work as a crew member?
Langner: 17 years, not including the two years I pushed a mower around the neighborhood cutting yards.

AGCSA: What is your work experience and time you spent their? Who did you work for?
Langner: Shoal Creek - Jim Simmons,5 seasons
               Sycamore Hills in Fort Wayne, Indiana - Dave Bolyard,1year
               The Country Club of Birmingham, Lee McLemore, 4years

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?
Langner: Let me say this, you quickly gain an appreciation for the Superintendent you use to work for. Time Management, especially if you have a family. Professionalism, you have to return those calls immediately, you have to do what you say cause someone is going to quote you. Work hard, leave work at work, enjoy your family, and build relationships.

AGCSA: What do you enjoy the most about being a Head Superintendent?
Langner: The challenges we face everyday, it is never the same thing.

AGCSA: What do you dislike the most about being a Head Superintendent?
Langner: I don't get to get dirty like I used to.

AGCSA: As most people know, Head Superintendents have to wear many hats. Can you list a few of those hats that maybe many turf students or Assistant's may overlook or not think about as they move up in the field?
Langner: Human Resource Manager, Economist, budget and forecast, Writer and Public Speaker, Politician, Salesman, Agronomist, Club Manager, Clubhouse Maintenance, Development Maintenance, Landscape Maintenance, Plumbers, Electricians, Everything!!!!!!

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?
Langner: Communicate Daily, give them clear objectives that they can meet everyday, get them to take ownership in the course by teaching them the game and teaching them why they are doing things, let them know if they meet them or not, let them know you care about who they are and what issues they have, be consistent in you managing techniques and disciplinary techniques, Find times to have fun with them (Hitting range balls etc.)

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?
Langner: Always be available, be truthful, integrity will take you a long way and trust is very important, do what you say you are going to do, find out what nuances he/she has and make sure you accommodate.

AGCSA: Many Head Superintendents play golf on a regular basis and some don't play much at all, if ever. How beneficial do you think it is for a Superintendent to play golf on a regular basis?
Langner: At least twice a month during the high traffic times, you should putt weekly on greens and walk several holes daily to see it from their perspective. Life is not the same from the Path.

AGCSA: Once you become a Head Superintendent, what percent of your job becomes "public relations"?
Langner: 100%

AGCSA: If you could change one thing about your job that would make it perfect in your eyes, what would it be?
Langner: That Bentgrass didn't mind hot weather

AGCSA: What is your favorite golf related movie? (the battle lines will be drawn between Caddyshack and Tin Cup!)
Langner: I like Bagger-Vance

AGCSA: List your family and How do they cope with your job?
Langner: Wife - Brown Langner
               Daughter - Molly Brown Langner(10)
               Son - Trigg Langner (7)
I would not have the success I enjoy today if it were not for my loving, supportive family. They are a wonderful blessing to me. A bad day is quickly erased with love and joy when you get home.

AGCSA: What things do you do when you get away from work?
Langner: Baseball and soccer with my son, soccer and dance with my daughter, special events with the family. We like sports and all of us go to sporting events together.

We would like to thank Mark for taking time out of his busy schedule to take part in this interview and Mary Beth VanLandingham (Manager of Corporate Communications for Pursell Technologies) and Melanie Bonds (Executive Secretary for the AGCSA) for providing materials and information for the Farm Links course highlight.