Index
Jerry Lemons, ASGCA
Fair. Playable. Sustainable. Affordable. Just a few qualities that describe the design work of Jerry Lemons. With nearly 30 years in the design world, he’s worked on over 100 courses, with golfers around the world cursing the narrow fairways of his product and yet begging to come back for more fun the next weekend. Though Lemons’ tenure in the design world has become quite notable, his start in the golf industry is a lesser-known tale.
Lemons fell in love with the game of golf as a kid in southern Illinois and did whatever he could to be around it, earning his first job as a mower on a course near his hometown. He went on to study horticulture at Murray State, and during his tenure, the university began construction on a new course. To no one’s surprise, Lemons found a way to be involved. In 1982, fresh off the graduation stage and eager to put his knowledge to work, Lemons became the first superintendent at the Jack Kidwell/Mike Hurdzan designed course. By 1982, Lemons was a Class A member of the Golf Course Superintendents of America and honored with the distinction of CGCS in 1985.
Always having a creative, entrepreneurial mindset - and a constant tinkerer, the now President and Owner of Golf Links, Inc. decided it wasn’t enough to just maintain a course, he had an itch to develop and shape many courses, entering the world of design in 1985. It was then he found his passion for artistic expression on the links.
As an innovator and problem solver, Lemons has developed and holds several patents on “tools” in the golf industry including the bunker drainage system known as The Better Billy Bunker Method. This endeavor, growing at a rapid pace, has revolutionized the industry and minimized bunker maintenance at over 1500 courses worldwide.
Lemons was invited to sport the tartan plaid in 2008 when inducted into the prestigious American Society of Golf Course Architects, an honor held only by the most notable designers. And he currently serves on the Foundation Board of Governors. His love for the game and design remains constant as he enjoys making contributions to growing the game with his colleagues. His most recent project is one he’s excited to share with golfers of all handicaps, a par three course named “The Sinkhole,” an amenity of The Club at Olde Stone in Bowling Green, Ky.
When not living the “life of Riley” as his wife of 31 years, Elizabeth, refers to his work, Lemons enjoys competitive golf, flying as an instrument rated pilot and spending time with his family. He and Elizabeth live in Nashville and have two children, Adam and Abby and three grandsons who will one day be the perfect foursome. And not to be forgotten is the Lemons family lab, Mac, named in honor of Lemons’ design icon, Dr. Alister Mackenzie.
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