Staff

David Pursell, CEO

David Pursell currently serves as CEO of FarmLinks, LLC.  In 2001, Pursell initiated construction of his longtime vision, FarmLinks, a research and demonstration golf course intended to improve the entire golf industry through its ability to serve as a living laboratory and an ongoing focus group for industry leaders.  Pursell is heavily involved on the local, state and national levels in a variety of organizations.  And when he’s not involved with corporate duties, Pursell mostly enjoys golf, working with kids and exercising his artistic talents.  He is an accomplished artist and well known in the golf world for his pencil portraits of distinguished golfers.  David and his wife, Ellen, have six children: Peggy, Vaughan, Chrissy, Ramsey and twins, Parker and Martin.  The family lives in Fayetteville on property that is part of Pursell Farms, the 3,500-acre world-class education and recreation facility created to showcase the industry’s leading technologies and product performance.

Erle Fairly, President

Erle Fairly, who joined Pursell Technologies, Inc. (PTI) in 2003 as the PTI tour coordinator, now serves as the president of FarmLinks, with all golf, maintenance and farm operations reporting to him. Prior to joining FarmLinks, Erle was the director of JH Ranch, a Christian resort and retreat facility in Northern California that offers adventure-based, relationship-building programs. Erle graduated from Auburn University with a BS in business finance and lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife, Crissy, and their son, James Hunter.

Brent Fuhrman, Chief Operating Officer / Chief Financial Officer

Brent Fuhrman, former director of operations for the programs division of McGriff, Seibels and Williams in Birmingham, Alabama, brings a wealth of experience to his appointment as chief operating officer of FarmLinks. Born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama, Brent earned his BS in MIS at Auburn University and his MBA at the University of Maryland University College. Residing in the Birmingham area, Brent and his wife, Stephanie, have a daughter, Olivia, and two sons, John Crawford and Eric Hayes.

Mark Langner, Director of Agronomy and Applied Research

Mark Langner received his bachelor of science in agronomy from Mississippi State University, with a specialization in turfgrass management. Prior to joining senior management at FarmLinks, Mark served as head golf course superintendent at Limestone Springs in Oneonta, Alabama, The Country Club of Birmingham and Shoal Creek Country Club. He currently resides in Birmingham with his wife, Brown, and their two children, Molly Brown and Trigg.

John Trawick, Director of Golf Operations

As director of golf operations, John Trawick oversees the day-to-day golf operations as well as the development and implementation of new programs for FarmLinks’ championship, 18-hole facility. A class A PGA professional and graduate of Mississippi State University with a bachelor of business administration degree in marketing, John previously held positions with Pinehurst Resort and Country Club, Rock Creek Golf Club, Highland Park Golf Course and Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club. He lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife, Lauren, and their son, Anderson.

Casey Cleghorn, Experience Manager

A native of Sylacauga, Alabama, Casey Cleghorn attended Auburn University and received his bachelor of science in business administration with a major in marketing. He has worked for the Pursell family for more than 20 years, including 15 years of selling fertilizer with the former Pursell Industries Inc., a national lawn and garden company, where Casey covered the Gulf Coast area, Louisiana, Florida and Southeast Texas.  Casey currently serves as Experience manager at FarmLinks and lives near Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife, Andria.

Blake Garrett, Experience Manager

As Experience manager, Blake Garrett brings more than 11 years of experience in the golf course industry.  A native of Hartselle, Alabama, he attended Auburn University and received a bachelor of science degree in agronomy and soils/turfgrass management.  Most recently, Blake was the golf course superintendent of the Oconee Course, one of five golf courses at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia.  Blake has also worked for Mountain Brook Club in Birmingham, as assistant superintendent and Birmingham Country Club as assistant superintendent.   He is a member of the United States Golf Association and The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.