In mid-October of 2025, my new boss, Eric Mabie, assumed the role of Superintendent at Pinehurst No. 6, which is one of Pinehurst’s ten, soon to be, eleven properties.
In nine short months, Eric and his crew have improved the playing conditions at Pinehurst No. 6, and his leadership has positively impacted the culture.
Recently I had the good fortune of visiting Eric, discussing his journey and his responsibilities at No. 6.
Background: Eric received his degree in Turfgrass Management from Ohio State University. Eric’s robust resume includes ten years at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, two years as an Assistant Superintendent at Brookside Country Club (a Donald Ross gem) in Canton, Ohio, three years as an Assistant Superintendent at The Country Club in Pepper Pike, Ohio and the past five and a half years as Assistant Superintendent at Pinehurst No. 4, Pinehurst No. 8 and Pinehurst No. 2. Eric contributed to the success of the 2024 U.S. Open Championship at Pinehurst No. 2.
Is there any chance you are the son of Brian Mabie, the legendary Director of Golf Course Maintenance at Firestone Country Club?
It never fails! When someone hears my name, this is always their very first question. Yes, I am! It’s one of the reasons I decided to move to Pinehurst.
What are the most important lessons you learned from your dad?
When it comes to golf and golf course maintenance…absolutely everything. He was and still is my most significant mentor. I started working for my dad when I was sixteen years old at Firestone Country Club and he always allowed me to do a little bit more than most of his staff. My love for this business flows through my dad. Even to this day when I have an issue, he’s one of my first calls.
How did your time as an Assistant Superintendent at Pinehurst No. 4, No. 8 and No. 2 prepare you for your new role?
It was a difficult transition from Ohio to North Carolina as golf courses in the south are maintained a bit differently than golf courses in the north.
There are two individuals who really helped me along the way. The first is Logan Murphy, my Superintendent at No. 8 and No 4. Logan taught me the art of managing/leading people. The second is John Jefferies, my Superintendent at No. 2. John is the calmest and coolest man I have ever been around in high pressure situations. They both taught me how to deal with people and situations in a calm manner.
When you were offered the position at No. 6, did you have any reservations?
Absolutely! My goal was always to be a Superintendent, however, the thought of leaving one of the best golf courses in the world (Pinehurst No. 2) was disconcerting, not to mention moving away from the main shop (Pinehurst No. 1 – No. 5) made me nervous as you may feel like a bit of an outsider. All things considered, those were minor reservations after I thought about the opportunity for a couple weeks. It just made too much sense to move to No. 6. I was chomping at the bit to move up in the organization as I’ve been in this business for a long time. I was ready.
How similar are the maintenance strategies/philosophies between the ten, soon to be, eleven Pinehurst golf courses? Are there differences?
We strive for consistency but not necessarily in all areas. A good example would be underground trash cans. We have underground trash cans on some of the courses however the goal is to have them installed across the board. We have certain standards such as our tee markers, mowing frequency and the way we rake bunkers. There are also intentional differences as our courses cater to different clientele. As an example, No. 6 caters to our membership base while No. 2 caters to our resort guests. No. 2’s greens are faster than No. 6’s greens.
How collaborative/supportive are the relationships with your numerous colleagues at Pinehurst?
I believe we work well together and have good relationships. The main goals are to share information, to share resources and to lend each other a hand. There are occasions when I am short staffed. I will make a phone call or two and help is on the way. I will reciprocate with my colleagues. I lean on John Jefferies, who was my boss for 3 ½ years, and Kevin Robinson (Golf Course Maintenance Manager…overseeing all ten, soon to be, eleven courses) due to the length of our relationships. We have a Staff Meeting every other Thursday.
Next up, Eric Mabie (Part II)
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