This doesn’t happen often, but a round of applause for the United States Golf Association. They made the right choice in selecting Mike Davis as its new executive director Wednesday.
The 46-year old Davis has received high marks serving as the senior director of rules and competition since 2006. He is the guy who sets up the courses for the U.S. Open and the USGA’s other big events.
Davis showed creativity with drivable par 4s and staggering the rough so that the Open wasn’t just a hack-it-out fest. He’s also behind the USGA awarding future U.S. Opens to new courses Chambers Bay in Seattle in 2015 and Erin Hills outside of Milwaukee in 2017. Those tournaments could be memorable or complete busts, but at least it shows Davis is more than willing to take risks.
Davis is one of the most likable people you’d ever want to meet. I would expect he will be accessible, open and forward-thinking.
Davis will have to be all those things. He comes in at a crucial time for golf. He will be faced with challenges such as trying to grow and better adapt the game in a difficult economic climate, and the ever-popular equipment issues which continue to transform the sport.
Good luck, Mike. You’ll need it.
What others were saying about Davis.
Steve Elling of CBSsportsline:
Rex Hoggard from the Golf Channel:
