AGCSA: What type of degree do you have and where did you obtain your degree?
McLemore: B.S. in Agronomy and Soils / Turfgrass Management from Auburn University

AGCSA: As a Golf Course Superintendent, 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?
McLemore: 70% on the job. However, college provides the background to make it easier to understand the "the why's and how's"

AGCSA: What subject or class in turf school would you say has the most influence in your job as a Head Superintendent and why?
McLemore: Besides the obvious Turfgrass Management classes, I had a special problems class where I worked with Dr. Jim Baird while he was doing his master's thesis on the biology of Virgina Buttonweed. He became a great resource and helped me with the little questions I always had. After he recieved his doctorate, he went to Michigan State and is now with the USGA Green Section in the Northeast region.

Another class was Forages. Although not really a turf class, Dr. Coleman Ward was the teacher and he took me under his wing when he found out I was in Turf.

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?
McLemore: Attitude is everything. Show that you are eager and want to learn. Ask for and take on additional responsibilities. 

Special Effort: Chemical and Fertilizer applications, Irrigation repair, and other things they don't teach in school. 

Also, a lot of kids today did not grow up on a farm or did not have to work on a car to keep it running when they were younger. They are not mechanicaly inclined enough to do basic troubleshooting.

AGCSA: How many years have you been in Golf Course Maintenance, including any work as a crew member?
McLemore: 22 years

AGCSA: What is your work experience and time you spent there? Who did you work for?
McLemore: I have been here for 17 years. I also spent two summers as an intern here before I came when I graduated. I also worked for three summers at a small municiple course in Moulton where I grew up.

We have a traditional board of directors and general manager. I worked  with the general manager on personnel and budget issues and the golf chairman on all golf course issues.

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?
McLemore: Time management. Surround yourself with good people.

AGCSA: What do you enjoy the most and least about being a Head Superintendent?
McLemore: Most: Working with a great staff. Tim Kocks and Bobby Knight are both great superintendents. Chirs Derrick, our landscape superintendent does a great job with his many duties, and Danny Rohling, our equipment manager, keeps our equipment in tip top shape.

Least: Dealing with things that you cannot control, like 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?
McLemore: Treat them like you would like to be treated. Try to anticipate questions and concerns.

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?
McLemore: Colossians 3:22-25 

AGCSA: If you could change one thing about your job that would make it perfect in your eyes, what would it be?
McLemore: The easy answer would be a bigger budget to hire enough people to get all of those little things done that bug me.

AGCSA: List your family and How do they cope with your job?
McLemore: Wife Amy; Franny 12, Shelton 9, and L.J. 4 and Shugar 2 year old black lab 

Amy and I dated 10 years before we married so she understands the demands of my job. She is very good about bringing the kids by the golf course occasionaly to visit. Amy is my best friend and I will share with her my concerns and problems with work.

AGCSA: What kind of things (hobbies) do you like to do when you get away from work?
McLemore: Spending time with the family, going to Auburn football games, hunting, youth and church activities, and working around the yard