David B. Fay, who started his career in golf as a caddie and became an active champion of bringing the U.S. Open to public golf courses, has retired after 21 years as executive director of the United States Golf Association (USGA).
“David’s passion for the game can be matched only by his passion for the people and the mission of the United States Golf Association,” said Jim Hyler, president of the USGA. “He has been a steadfast advocate for the game and our national championships and the USGA is thankful for his service.”
Mike Butz, USGA deputy executive director since 1995, has been named interim acting executive director while the Association undertakes a national search for a new executive director. Butz assumed the interim role on 1 January.
Fay, 60, began his career with the USGA in 1978, serving first as tournament relations manager and becoming director of program management in 1981. He became assistant executive director in 1987 and was appointed as the sixth executive director of the USGA in 1989.
Widely recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on the Rules of Golf, Fay has provided expert commentary and analysis of Rules situations during the network broadcasts of the USGA’s national championships since 1995.
As the USGA’s executive director, Fay has also served since 1991 as joint secretary of the International Golf Federation (IGF). The IGF is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the official international body for the sport of golf. Fay also served as chairman of the World Golf Foundation in 2008.
Fay has been a longtime advocate of making the game of golf more accessible and expanding the number and diversity of its players and fans.
During his tenure, the USGA expanded significantly its philanthropic activities, providing through its “For the Good of the Game” grants program more than $65 million since 1997 to more than 1,000 programs aimed at making golf more affordable and accessible.
Together, these programs have served more than 2.2 million participants, including economically-disadvantaged juniors, girls, minority youths and individuals with disabilities.
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