David Fay has decided to retire from the U.S. Golf Association after 21 years as the executive director, leaving behind a legacy that includes his successful push to stage the U.S. Open on golf courses where everyone can play.
Fay turned 60 two months ago and said Friday that the USGA was in a good place for him to leave. Mike Butz, the deputy executive director, will take over until the USGA can conduct a national search for Fay's replacement.
Never afraid to take chances, Fay was behind bringing the U.S. Open to Bethpage Black in New York in 2002. It was such a big success that it returned in 2009, along with going to another public course at Torrey Pines in 2008.
Fay also suggested staging the men's and women's U.S. Open a week apart on the same course, at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2014.
