Eric was raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania where he learned at any early age the values of hard work and integrity. Growing up, he took up an interest in golf and became a skilled player, eventually playing for his high school golf team. Eric also worked for a landscape company while in school as he enjoyed working in an outdoor environment. As his interest grew in both golf and landscape maintenance, Eric decided he wanted to pursue a career in the golf industry, leading him to the nationally renown Penn State University Turfgrass Program. While at college, Eric honed his educational skills to augment his strong drive to advance in the industry as a leader and sought-after professional.

 

After graduating with a degree in Turfgrass Science, Eric began his professional career at the esteemed Merion Golf Club. During his time at Merion, Eric was also introduced into a well-known and respected network of professionals that have all been guided by both Paul B. Latshaw and his father Paul R. Latshaw, both the most decorated golf course superintendents of the last 40 years. Eric’s superb work and agronomic skills were quickly noticed and Paul R. Latshaw hired him at Riviera Country Club to assist in the aggressive conditioning of the course for the 1998 US Senior Open. The outstanding success of the preparations of Riviera for the US Senior Open led Eric to yet another nationally recognized club, Congressional Country Club. Here, Eric continued to advance his craft and was even appointed the Interim Golf Course Superintendent as the club searched for a new superintendent.

 

Eric’s constant dedication to the profession for most of his early life rewarded him with an excellent opportunity at the world’s most recognizable golf course, Pebble Beach Golf Links. He was given the Golf Course Superintendent position there in December 1999, a mere 6 months before the US Open came calling in June of 2000. Eric would become the youngest superintendent (age 27) to host a US Open, though he had much experience in preparing a course for a national championship already. The 2000 US Open was a tremendous tournament and Pebble Beach received many accolades for its excellent conditioning by Eric and his staff. Eric remained at Pebble Beach for several years, hosting other PGA Tour events along the way.

 

In 2001, Winged Foot Golf Club hired Eric as their new Superintendent to oversee a complete overhaul of their infrastructure and course conditioning in anticipation of hosting several USGA championships. During his time at Winged Foot, Eric accomplished many renovations and additions to both 18-hole courses, culminating with hosting the 2004 US Amateur and the 2006 US Open. Eric became the youngest superintendent to host two US Opens and both were considered among the most memorable tournaments in decades not only for the golf but also for their impeccable conditions.

 

At this point in his career, Eric was provided a unique opportunity to add to his portfolio of experience a new golf course construction project. Remington Ranch obtained his services as their Director of Agronomy. Eric managed the construction of the 1st private course, Wicked Pony, and oversaw utility and road construction for the residential areas of the property. This experience at Remington Ranch has enabled Eric to have experience in all aspects of managing a golf facility.

 

Eric felt a need to return to golf maintenance and an opportunity arose for him at Belfair Plantation in the Hilton Head area. Hired to direct the 36-hole operation, Eric implemented an aggressive cultural program which has drastically improved the health of all turfgrass while raising the level of course conditioning. He also worked with the Fazio Golf Course Design Group in developing a master plan for the facility.

 

After five years of service to Belfair, Eric was presented with an opportunity he could not pass--directing maintenance at the well-known Eagle Point Golf Club in North Carolina. Here, Eric again worked with membership desires to deliver a championship course and develop a master plan for the future of the course and the 2017 Wells Fargo Championship.

 

In 2015, Macro-Sorb Technologies and SMS Additive Solutions hired Eric to be the National Sales Manager.  This unique opportunity allowed Eric to build and grow a company from the ground floor into a nationally recognized foliar fertility and surfactant company with in a short 3-year period.  Eric feels it’s important to share is professional knowledge with distributors and superintendents that gave so much to him and his career.

 

Even with all of Eric’s hard work and commitment to the industry, when Eric is not working he spends his time with his two wonderful children, Joe and Kendall and their activities. Eric continues to be an avid outdoorsman and golfer while also discovering an interest in international travel. Eric’s strong work ethic and “don’t take ‘no’ for an answer” leadership has provided many top clubs with superior conditioning and the most enjoyable golf experience possible. He is the consummate professional and is considered one of the very best assets in the golf industry.