#ThankASuper Spotlight Series: Eric Langford

At KemperSports, we know that the beauty and playability of golf courses and the overall golf experience wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of superintendents and their maintenance teams. In honor of International “Thank A Golf Course Superintendent Day,” we’re proud to once again present our #ThankASuper Spotlight Series—a celebration of the hardworking men and women who care for our courses and ensure our guests enjoy the opportunity to play the game they love.

Eric Langford
Superintendent
Old Macdonald at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Bandon, OR)

# of years worked at current course: Three years total and one as superintendent
Total years worked in the industry: 11 years

How did you get into the golf maintenance industry?
I got really into golf my sophomore summer at Iowa State, so I got a job at a local course in Ames. Simply fell in the love with the early mornings and getting to work outside with my hands. My father-in-law was an ex-superintendent and prompted me to check out the turf program at Iowa State. I dove in head first from there.

What’s your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is how rewarding it is to see our tangible product come to life. And being able to visually see and appreciate what the team and I have accomplished is really cool.

What’s the most misunderstood part of the job?
That we just mow grass. Greenkeeping is equal parts science and art. It can be as complicated as you want it to be, but working with a living product makes it anything but simple.

What advice would you give to your younger self or younger superintendents just starting out?
It’s important to maintain a good work ethic and control your attitude.

What are a few accomplishments you are most proud of at your course/in your career?
My team and I have been able to maintain authentic links-style surfaces consistent with the Dream Golf vision. And doing our best to work in harmony with nature, rather than forcing it to conform to a specific style.

What insight do you have about the future of the industry? Are there any innovative practices you’re helping lead to benefit the environment/your facility?
It is interesting to see the direction technology is pushing the industry. We have new tools that allow us to monitor conditions and our inputs more consistently. The new USGA GS3 ball and moisture meter are a perfect example. Having data helps us make informed decisions, and only do what is needed.

“Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion.” – W. Edwards Deming

What are some of the most helpful forward-thinking practices that have benefitted your facility?
I would say measuring how many grass clippings we get from our putting surfaces, and testing soil organic matter at specific depths (called OM246) are two important practices we benefit from. They help us make informed decisions on what needs to be done in both the short and long term to produce the playing conditions we are looking for.

What does the game of golf mean to you and how has that helped fuel the passion you have for your career?
The game of golf is special to me as it’s something my wife and I have enjoyed together throughout our relationship, and it’s why I originally became interested in a career in turf management. My commitment to honoring the Lord through my work, combined with my passion to provide enjoyable playing conditions for others is what motivates me to continually learn and grow.