BREAKING: Mike Davis Stepping Down As USGA CEO

Coming off of a successful U.S. Open, the golf world is riding a high right now. But that high might not be lasting too long because of some surprising news coming from the USGA.

It was reported today that Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA, will be stepping down from that role effective in 2021. According to Davis, he’s stepping down in order to start a career in designing and constructing courses. He will be joining up with Tom Fazio II to form their own company, independent of the USGA, Fazio & Davis Golf Design.

While Davis is sad to have to part from the USGA, he feels he’s leaving to pursue his dream. “I’ve absolutely loved the USGA, and I hate the idea of leaving,” said Davis. “But at the heart of this, I have always loved golf course design. I loved learning, seeing, playing, studying golf courses. I’m closer to 60 than I am 50, and there was almost a sense that if I don’t do this, I’m going to regret it.”

Mike Davis, Executive Director of the USGA, speaks to the media…

Mike Davis, Executive Director of the USGA, speaks to the media during a practice round prior to the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills on June 14, 2017 in Hartford, Wisconsin. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

Now that Davis will be out at the end of 2020, his reign as the CEO of the USGA will likely be one that is looked back on fondly. Under his watch, there were four new championships created across multiple pro tours. He also was a leader in ushering in the new Rules of Golf as well as the first-ever World Handicap System.

As for a replacement for Davis, that is yet to be sorted out. While there have been no rumors of who could be handed the new mantle, the USGA has set a timetable of finding a successor before next year’s U.S. Open. And hopefully, if they are able to name a successor sooner than later, Davis will be able to help bridge a smooth transition before his departure.

While losing Davis is a big hit to the USGA, you can’t fault a man for wanting to pursue a lifelong dream. And now that he’s stepping down, we thank Davis for his contributions to the game and hope the USGA can find a capable successor.