Golf Update: David Fay bids farewell to the USGA
The director of the United States Golf Association, David Fay, announced his retirement from the USGA. Fay, who has worked as the executive director since two decades, decided to quit two months after his sixtieth birthday. His 21 year long tenure in the
association consisted of many special moments including his efforts to bring the US Open to public courses and also to bring golf back to the Olympics.
Fay had a lot of control over he sport’s governing body. His participation will always be remembered by his knowledge of the rules of golf, his populist sensibilities and his amazing sense of humour. Joining the association in 1978, he has put a lot of effort
in bring the 116 year old USGA into the 21st century. An important factor that David pointed out was his age, seeing how he turned sixty not so long ago.
“When one is a cancer survivor, milestones like this take on extra importance, and sharpen perspective,“
said Fay. “We’ve got good people in place. Thankfully, the institution lives on. So long as the game is in good shape, people care about it, we’re going to be all right.”
David was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 1986. Despite his illness, he continued work until now. Fay started out his career in golf as a caddie and then joined the USGA. David was the organization’s sixth executive director and remained in his position
under twelve presidents.
David was the public face of the association since Frank Hannigan, who was the director till 1989. To most players, David is still remembered as the man who wore a bowtie and explained the rules during the U.S Open Broadcasts. David’s post will be taken
up temporarily by Mike Butz, who is the deputy director of the USGA since 1995. As Butz initiates his role as the executive director stating January 1st, the search for David’s successor begin.
David really became prominent when he put forward the idea of the United States Open being open to the public. Fay’s hard work was rewarded when the 1999 U.S Open was held at the resort-owned number 2 course at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.
David, who also worked as a joint secretary of the International Golf Federation in 1991, said that things are in good order. Knowing he is leaving talent and motivation behind, David is happy that the USGA will be in safe hands.
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