The United States Golf Association (USGA) has named Mike Davis as the organization’s new executive director. Davis becomes the seventh executive director in the 116-year history of the Association, after serving as senior director of Rules and Competitions since 2005.
Davis succeeds David Fay, who retired on Dec. 31, 2010, after holding the position for 21 years, concluding a 32-year tenure with the USGA.
“I am humbled and extremely grateful to the United States Golf Association for the trust and confidence it has placed in me as the executive director,” said Davis, who assumes his new responsibilities effective immediately. “I am passionate about the USGA and its mission. The work of the Association is done by thousands of volunteers and hundreds of staff, whose collective efforts truly help better the game that so many of us love.”
Davis, 46, joined the USGA in April 1990 as assistant manager of Championship Relations. He was promoted to manager of Championship Relations in December 1990 and served in that capacity until his promotion to director of Championship Relations in October 1995. In 1997, he was promoted to U.S. Open Championship Director, responsible for managing the day-to-day organizational activities for the U.S. Open. He assumed responsibilities as senior director of Rules and Competitions in 2005.
As senior director of Rules and Competitions, Davis was charged with conducting the 13 individual national championships and four team championships conducted by the USGA, as well as overseeing the Rules of Golf Department. He was also the staff member responsible for the golf course setup and Rules conduct of the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, and U.S. Amateur Championships. During that time, Davis also supervised the Walker Cup Match when it was contested in the United States.
In addition to his championship duties, he has taught Rules of Golf workshops and has officiated annually at non-USGA tournaments, including the Masters, the British Open, The Players Championship and the Presidents Cup.
“Mike Davis is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced administrators in the golf industry today and will be an ideal steward of the game as the USGA’s new executive director,” said USGA President Jim Hyler.
“In two decades of organizing and managing all our national championships, Mike has demonstrated creativity and impartiality that will serve him and the organization well in his new position. This was a comprehensive and thoughtful search process and Mike’s candidacy stood out. He has long been a respected member of the USGA staff and our Executive Committee stands united in its support of Mike as our executive director.”
The Executive Director is the senior staff member of the USGA, responsible for managing all aspects of the Association’s day-to-day operations. In this role, the Executive Director oversees the core functions, essential programs, and human and financial resources of the Association to further its stated mission. The Executive Director reports to the President/CEO of the USGA.
Working together with the President and Executive Committee, the Executive Director provides overall strategic guidance for the Association. With the President, the Executive Director is the lead spokesperson for the Association with internal stakeholders and external constituencies. The Executive Director represents the Association’s interests within the golf community, with courses and clubs, state and regional golf associations, the media and with national and international golf organizations.
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