This afternoon, the USGA announced that Mike Davis, Senior Director, Rules and Competitions, will be the organization’s new Executive Director. Davis has been with the USGA for just over twenty years, mostly with championship assignments. He has been the senior staff person for the US Open since 2006. Among the amateur golf associations around the country, this news has been well received.
Mike has roots in Pennsylvania. He is a native of Chambersburg and was a good enough player to win the 1982 Pennsylvania Junior Amateur Championship. He is a big fan of Oakmont as a US Open course. The deal is done for 2016 but expect this famed site to stay in the rotation with Mike as Executive Director.
I’ve known Mike during most of his USGA tenure. He was in charge of the Mid-Amateur for several years, and that’s where I first met him. My guess is Nathan Smith and Sean Knapp are pleased with this development. I usually try to schedule myself into a Rules of Golf workshop Mike teaches since he is so knowledgeable and entertaining. After a seminar in Palm Springs, California, he invited me to play golf with him. That was something I appreciated after 30 plus hours over four days mostly in a classroom.
I have officiated at enough US Opens over the years to have seen it under the leadership of P.J. Boatwright, Tom Meeks, and Mike Davis. The “Davis Opens” are the best combinations of organization and fun in my opinion. Mike reminds me of my dad’s advice–”take what you do seriously but don’t take yourself seriously.” Organizational culture has always fascinated me, and if the bureaucracy stays out of Mike’s way, the overall culture of the USGA will be more open, relaxed, and fun, retaining high standards for excellence.
Mike had one of the most exciting jobs in golf–running the US Open. His job will certainly change as Executive Director. I wish him well. As does the game of golf.
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