In this month’s Superintendent Spotlight we feature Stephen Purdy who is Superintendent at Langdon Farms Golf Club.  

Describe your facility in 10 words or less:
Well conditioned course with a whole lot of play.

What is a little-known fact / fun fact about your facility?
The red barn on 8 was built in 1908.

What’s your favorite hole at your facility?
No. 6… a short par 3 that should be simple but can get ugly quick.

What hole on your golf course is hardest to maintain (and why)?
No. 3 gets a lot of shade especially in the winter and it’s a downhill par 3.

Outside of your own, what is your favorite golf course (and why)?
Pinehurst No.2 because it’s the birthplace of American golf and the all history that comes with it.

Have you had a hole-in-one? When and where?
Hole No. 8 at Santiam GC when I was 11, a pured 6 iron from 152.

Who is your favorite all-time professional golfer?
Phil

Which movie can you watch that never gets old?
Groundhog Day…that’s a little ironic.

What’s your favorite musical artist or band?
Chris LeDoux 

What’s your dream vacation?
Elk hunting in Montana and no one is within 100 miles of me.

What tool do you use the most on the job?
TDR and weather apps.

What’s the biggest change that has occurred while you’ve been in the industry?
Crew size and individual worth ethics.

What would you invent right now to make your professional life easier?
A tool that creates better parents to instill work ethic for the next generation coming up.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve witnessed or done as a golf industry professional?
Back in the day to beat the rain we rigged lights on the procores and punched all through the night to finish.

Who is your mentor in the golf industry?
Nolan Wenker

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to pursue this line of work?
If you’re not willing to get dirty or stay late then look elsewhere… maybe the government?