David Fay retired as executive director of the United States Golf Association in late December, ending a 21-year tenure with the golf institution.
Throughout his time as executive director, Fay was a proponent of bringing the US Open to courses that are open to the public. His hard work paid off when the Open was played at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina in 1999. His work toward that goal will live on after his retirement, with the 2015 Open scheduled to be held at Chambers Bay and the 2017 games to be at Erin Hills.
Fay’s career in golf had humble beginnings, working as a caddie. In 1978 he entered the USGA as a tournament relations manager. There he began his climb to become an irreplaceable figure in the golf world, being appointed to executive director in 1989. Fay is one of only eight individuals to have made Golf Inc.’s “Most Powerful People in Golf” in every year it was published.
“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.”
In an interview with the New York Times, Fay pointed to the milestone of his 60th birthday as a factor in his decision to retire and expressed optimism about the future of the USGA.
“We’ve got good people in place,” he said. “Thankfully, the institution lives on. So long as the game is in good shape, people care about it, we’re going to be alright.” Deputy executive director of the USGA Mike Butz, will serve as the interim director while the search for Fay’s successor is ongoing.