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.
Do the conditions of your yard at home resemble the conditions on your golf course?
They do not; my yard is in really rough shape! It’s funny you asked that question as I was talking with Jack Cross (Assistant Superintendent on No. 2) the other day, sharing my situation, as he shared a similar concern. We decided to purchase some sod together. My portion will be laid in the fall.
If you were to spend 5-10 minutes visiting your favorite location on No. 6, where would it be?
My hiding spot, but I can’t give that location away! Seriously, my favorite spot to sit is on the 14th fairway and look out over the water.
Is the cell phone a blessing for enhanced communication or a curse for diminished productivity?
It is both! Being able to communicate with my staff at a moment’s notice is certainly a blessing. In general, people, including my crew, are on their phone’s way too much. There are many dangers on a golf course, especially when you are driving a work cart and not paying attention. In addition, you can get into a wormhole on your phone and suddenly thirty minutes have gone by, and you have been sitting in your cart the entire time.
If you could trade places for one year with any Superintendent on the planet, where would it be?
Firestone Country Club…home! For one-year. It would be neat to be at Firestone in a different capacity.
What is the best way for players to share their appreciation for your crews’ efforts?
To share their comments/thoughts either in person or through email. Optimally, I would like those comments/thoughts to be shared directly with my crew. My crew deserves to hear those comments from the players as they are the ones performing the various tasks. Positive comments make everyone’s day.
If you had an unlimited budget for No. 6, what would be your top three initiatives?
New maintenance building, new irrigation system, and a bunker re-do.
As a relatively young man, what are your career aspirations?
I have two potential paths. The first is to stay at Pinehurst. I came to Pinehurst to make a career at Pinehurst, however there is a part of me that would consider an eighteen-hole private golf course. At a private facility, the top priority is the golf course, there are no distractions. Not to mention that everything is a little bit smaller and there are fewer hoops to jump through.
What would you like your legacy to be at Pinehurst #6?
To continue to build a solid, dependable crew. I am proud of what we have accomplished to date. We have a lot of great guys with experience, who want to work and want to learn.
If you had a choice, would you rather have Ohio State beat Michigan or win a National Championship?
Beat Michigan!
Our heartfelt thanks to Eric Mabie for his contribution to Bad Golf Guy!
Thank you for following Bad Golf Guy. The back nine can only get better!
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