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.
Who is your first call when you have a problem you can’t quite sort out.
I mentioned my dad earlier however it depends on the jam; fortunately, we have multiple resources. When I have spraying concerns, I will reach out to our chemical salesman, Torrey Boman from Site One. When it comes to staffing, I will contact Kevin Robinson (Golf Course Manager…overseeing all ten, soon to be, eleven courses). With general questions, I will connect with the other Superintendents. We are all in constant communication with each other. This is one of the benefits of working for Pinehurst.
You manage labor/people, time, materials, equipment, all rolled up to a budget. You are a biologist, chemist, plant pathologist, entomologist and a turf manager. What am I missing other than a plumber and a mechanic?
A psychologist!
Once your crew is out on the course with their first assignment (mowing greens, mowing fairways, changing pin positions, etc.) and you have a few moments to breathe, what are your priorities?
My top priority is to check the greens mowers on the practice putting/chipping surfaces before the mowers move onto the course. I then ride the entire golf course, checking for stolen pins/flags, running irrigation heads, making sure everything is in order. It is my favorite time of the day. It is incredibly peaceful.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
What I enjoy most about my profession is the instant gratification we receive from improving conditions. Something you can physically see in a brief period of time. I also really enjoy working with my crew. It can be one of the more challenging parts of my job, but it is also extremely gratifying.
What dynamics of your business causes you to lose sleep at night?
Planning! Planning is what happens in the middle of the night. I am usually awake around 2:30-3:00 am and that’s when my mind starts spinning. With a smaller crew at No. 6, we need to be creative, especially when we are hosting special events.
What weather conditions make you crazy?
Rain! I would much rather have a drought than a rainy season. We can make it rain; we can’t make it dry it out!
I believe we are all a work in progress. In the event you agree, what are you working on professionally/personally?
Oh yes, I am working on a big one right now which is not having “my way” being the only way. This has been challenging as my experience suggests that certain things need to be done a certain way because they have been successful in the past, however there is more than one way to skin a cat. Everyone has ideas and everyone likes their voice to be heard. If someone has an idea to do something differently/better, we will give it a go and if it is better, we will implement the methodology. If it’s not, we will figure out why it’s not and sort out another solution.
How important are Pinehurst’s retired part-time employees to the success of the organization?
They are a vital part of our organization and represent approximately 30-40% of our workforce. Our retired employees are responsible, reliable and always on time. We would not be able to get it all done without our retired staff. We have retired crew members who mow first thing in the morning which frees up other crew members to take care of other priorities. They do a really nice job for our organization.
If you were to share one piece of advice with a new or existing employee, what would it be? Follow-up question: What can an employee do to make your life easier?
First off, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Be five minutes early to work every day. It can be challenging when you are sitting in your office with a plan not knowing if everyone is going to show up. Also, when equipment breaks or goes down, don’t just put it away and act as if nothing has happened; be the bigger person and own up to it. Things happen and they always will. Whatever equipment situations/problems/mistakes my crew has experienced, I have made those same mistakes many times over!
I also recognize that how I react to the news of a problem/mistake can determine the willingness of my crew to share information in the future.
As an employee with golf privileges, what can you do to free up additional/earlier employee tee times throughout our properties?
Pinehurst’s employees have access to six of our ten courses for a $5- fee, however access is limited due to the popularity of the game and popularity of Pinehurst. To answer your question, which is a tough one, I don’t think I can.
A follow up question. Do you run the risk of losing retired employees because they are unable to secure reasonable tee times.
Yes, I have had it happen. A percentage of our retired employees work a few hours a week to receive those golfing benefits and if you are unable to get on the course, what is the point? So, yes.
Next up, Eric Mabie (Part III)
Thank you for following Bad Golf Guy. The back nine can only get better!
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