Mike Davis steps down from US Open setup chief

[Jeff Schley]

I don't recall seeing this posted, but I'm sure many of you saw this several days ago.  https://golfweek.com/2019/01/07/golf-usga-19th-hole-mike-davis-departs-role-as-u-s-open-course-setup-chief-but-critics-remain/

We shall see if this will substantially change the setup.  From the article: "The thankless task of running the players’ pity party at Pebble Beach in June will fall to John Bodenhamer, who has been in charge of USGA amateur championships since 2011."

[Thomas Dai]

I was wondering how long it would be before this was highlighted herein.

Atb

[John Emerson]

I think this guy wants to “do better”, but the USGA system wouldn’t let him.  Too much machismo in the USGA culture , and catering to to the babies ughhhmmm, I mean players.  He got the short end of the stick I feel like.  Maybe I’m way off but this is my take

[jeffwarne]

I actually heard the news Friday on the Hank Haney Show while in the car driving to Jay Peak .
While I'm not a huge fan of his show, and we strongly disagree on at least one USGA topic, Haney went on an epic rant re: Davis-and it was highly entertaining and mostly in line with my feelings about Davis' reign.


The bottom line is at seemingly every Open for the past 10 years, the "set up" guy was more in the conversation than the iconic courses or worthy champions. IMHO he set a very poor example for the world's green chairmen with his constant and often exaggerated references to championship green speeds of 14 and 15. I am familiar with lightning fast greens and I had never even heard of a 15 until he stated that as the target for Congressional  a few years back. Even if they actually hit that target speed-which thankfully they didn't-they'd have no interesting pins at all-(though that didn't stop them at Southampton mini golf this summer)


That's a problem and I'm glad to see it was rectified.(regardless of the PR and spin the USGA puts out about the change)

Anyone can make a mistake, and I'd give anyone a pass for one or two setup blunders, but when someone does the same thing over and over....and repeatedly says things that are simply detrimental to the game re setups, that tells me they simply believe they are infallible and have lost the plot.


edit:John,
How in the world could he get the "short end of the stick"
They have had great sites for years, and consistently the setup was the worst part of the events.(Shinny this year was simply a joke-and they were well aware of what was at stake-again)
In the real world he would simply be fired.
I'd say he got the benefit of the doubt-it's not like he's a volunteer-he's making close to 7 digits.


It's amazing to me that we call the players babies(of course some are) for pointing out goofy setups-(which are in place to compensate for equipment outdated courses) yet no one wants to point out how scared shiteless the USGA is of the 800 pound gorilla in the room(manufacturers) that have forever changed our game(and many courses) for the worse, creating the perceived need for setups that test everything but a players ability as a ball striker and complete player-and become nightmares for the rest of us to play  as a result of the trickle down effect.


IMHO it's not the players that are the babies, but rather the guys protecting their golden parachute jobs rather than rocking the boat and protecting the game.

[Thomas Dai]

It's amazing to me that we call the players babies(of course some are) for pointing out goofy setups-(which are in place to compensate for equipment outdated courses) yet no one wants to point out how scared shiteless the USGA is of the 800 pound gorilla in the room(manufacturers) that have forever changed our game(and many courses) for the worse, creating the perceived need for setups that test everything but a players ability as a ball striker and complete player-and become nightmares for the rest of us to play  as a result of the trickle down effect.
IMHO it's not the players that are the babies, but rather the guys protecting their golden parachute jobs rather than rocking the boat and protecting the game.

You’ve hit a fair few nails on the head here Jeff.
Atb

[A.G._Crockett]

It's amazing to me that we call the players babies(of course some are) for pointing out goofy setups-(which are in place to compensate for equipment outdated courses) yet no one wants to point out how scared shiteless the USGA is of the 800 pound gorilla in the room(manufacturers) that have forever changed our game(and many courses) for the worse, creating the perceived need for setups that test everything but a players ability as a ball striker and complete player-and become nightmares for the rest of us to play  as a result of the trickle down effect.
IMHO it's not the players that are the babies, but rather the guys protecting their golden parachute jobs rather than rocking the boat and protecting the game.

You’ve hit a fair few nails on the head here Jeff.
Atb

Agreed.
I'm tempted to say, "Well, it can't be worse with the next guy!", but this is the USGA we're talking about.  I have an ironclad belief that the USGA and NCAA can always be counted on to find ways to make things worse.

[jeffwarne]

Thanks Thomas, AG


AG-we have many opinions that are different but because I respect your views I always take a hard look at mine when we differ.


What I guess I find most amazing is in a struggling and shrinking golf world, we have MULTIPLE highly compensated leaders in our organizations making numerous public blunders with no obvious repercussions, while many in the golf world are losing their jobs despite doing a lot with a little in the inevitable race to the bottom of a shrinking industry-while the highly paid leaders consistently do things on a high profile stage which encourage an arms race that makes the rest of the golf world less sustainable every day.

[Tom_Doak]

What I guess I find most amazing is in a struggling and shrinking golf world, we have MULTIPLE highly compensated leaders in our organizations making numerous public blunders with no obvious repercussions, while many in the golf world are losing their jobs despite doing a lot with a little in the inevitable race to the bottom of a shrinking industry-while the highly paid leaders consistently do things on a high profile stage which encourage an arms race that makes the rest of the golf world less sustainable every day.

Just like every other business [and government!] in the 21st century.

[corey miller]

Great posts Jeff Warne!!!

[Anthony Butler]

What I guess I find most amazing is in a struggling and shrinking golf world, we have MULTIPLE highly compensated leaders in our organizations making numerous public blunders with no obvious repercussions, while many in the golf world are losing their jobs despite doing a lot with a little in the inevitable race to the bottom of a shrinking industry-while the highly paid leaders consistently do things on a high profile stage which encourage an arms race that makes the rest of the golf world less sustainable every day.

Just like every other business [and government!] in the 21st century.

Tom - I believe we discussed this briefly a few months ago...


While I was at IBM, I was wheeled into the USGA to make what I thought were some sensible suggestions about improving their Championship's digital presence and few other matters. Someone's panties got in a bunch and I was wheeled out...

At least the corresponding Augusta National committee would hear you out and ask a few questions before making up their minds... And Bill Gates was sitting on that committee.

Given the recent history of those two respective organizations, it does seem unusual that ANGC now appears to be the more open, inclusive and transparent entity..

[Jeff Taylor]

"while the highly paid leaders consistently do things on a high profile stage which encourage an arms race that makes the rest of the golf world less sustainable every day."

I did find this:
]https://www.golfdigest.com/story/what-people-in-golf-make

Sweeping statements aside, did executive compensation and course set up have an impact on sustainability back when golf was a growth sport? Did Mike Davis' job performance affect how many rounds you played last year? Why is the NBA doing so well these days? Those guys don't make much money do they?

I will never be able to dunk a basketball. My chance to hit it out of Fenway Park is long gone. Hell, hitting a drive more than 250 is a thing of the past for me. Why do I give a damn whether Mike Davis narrowed the fairways at Merion a few years back? Why do I care what the CEO of Callaway makes? I like to play golf on courses that are interesting and provide a challenge. I like to play golf with people that are important to me. Can I always both? No. Does the sport have to be on an upward trajectory? You tell me.

Consumer demand will dictate how this story turns out.

[jeffwarne]

Jeff I'm not really sure of your point but...
If the USGA Executive Director spouts on about greens at 15 (he did) creates other unsustainable conditions in high profile events, near dead bumpy/dead grass at a top 10 world golf course, describes Merion as "boutique" leading it to be shamed to an 18 million dollar redo......
then I'd say that one of your requirements is in jeopardy "I like to play golf on interesting courses that provide a challenge"


The reason I believe you should give a damn if MD narrowed the fairways at Merion(i really didn't didn't see a problem at Merion-just quoting your example),spoke about greens at 15 at Congressional, or killed the greens at Shinnecock is because such setups are contagious. Courses that can-do, followed by courses that probably shouldn't but do to keep up with the Jones-pretty soon it's unsustainable.


I'm really not worried about golf having an upward trajectory, but I do think the Executive Director of golf's Governing body shouldn't promote and glorify manmade unsustainable conditions to the detriment of the game.

[Thomas Dai]

The reason I believe you should give a damn if MD narrowed the fairways at Merion(i really didn't didn't see a problem at Merion-just quoting your example),spoke about greens at 15 at Congressional, or killed the greens at Shinnecock is because such setups are contagious. Courses that can do, followed by courses that probably shouldn't but do to keep up with the Jones-pretty soon it's unsustainable.
I'm really not worried about golf having an upward trajectory, but I do think the Executive Director of golf's Governing body shouldn't promote and glorify manmade unsustainable conditions to the detriment of the game.

A few more nails hit squarely on the head. Well said Jeff. Sums up nicely quite a bit about how golf has been allowed to evolve and how expectations develop.
Atb

[Terry Lavin]

The US Open is only one week in the PGA season. But it is “our” national championship and it’s a shame that defending par by taking too many risks in setup decisions has contributed to such a negative view of that championship. I’m here to tell you that the other championships run by the USGA do NOT suffer from the same failing. The culture of US Open setup has to more resemble the other USGA championships in order to get this event back on track.

[Jim Nugent]

Great posts Jeff Warne!!!

I'll join the Jeff Warne club as well.  Not just on this post, but nearly everything he writes on golf and golf architecture. 

[Terry Lavin]

Great posts Jeff Warne!!!

I'll join the Jeff Warne club as well.  Not just on this post, but nearly everything he writes on golf and golf architecture.

I’ll add to this worthy echo chamber!

[Ira Fishman]

On balance, I agree with the criticisms of Mike Davis regarding US Open set ups. However, there are some counterbalancing facts. He promoted bringing the tournament to public courses (yes, Chambers Bay and Erin Hills were too new). He pioneered going to the not-Metro Pinehurst plus the back to back Men and Women Opens there. I do not know for sure but the return of USGA Championships to classic courses such as Chicago Golf probably was his doing. Actually, the return to Merion was his doing. And making the drivable Par 4 for Majors is on his plus ledger.


Ira

[jeffwarne]

On balance, I agree with the criticisms of Mike Davis regarding US Open set ups. However, there are some counterbalancing facts. He promoted bringing the tournament to public courses (yes, Chambers Bay and Erin Hills were too new). He pioneered going to the not-Metro Pinehurst plus the back to back Men and Women Opens there. I do not know for sure but the return of USGA Championships to classic courses such as Chicago Golf probably was his doing. Actually, the return to Merion was his doing. And making the drivable Par 4 for Majors is on his plus ledger.


Ira

Ira,
Fair comments and no doubt Mike Davis did many good things.
I'll also add he had a lot to do with introducing more short grass and creativity around the greens.
I also liked the double Open thing at Pinehurst, and enjoyed the setup more than most of the others.
I would disagree about Erin being too new (i played there in 2008 with the USGA in an event prior to the Mid Am at Milwaukee) It was perfect then(sadly many changes were made after but I don't think the USGA insisted on them.)


There were minimal issues there, they just did not get the wind they expected-certainly not their fault. They erred on the correct side, allowed the use of driver and had a worthy champion. I like that course for the modern players as it doesn't require a goofy setup-just its usual wind. The problem was they were criticized and erred predictably on the other side at the Shinny debacle.
At Chambers they absolutely butchered the setup with the greens resembling plinko but that's hardly because it was new-Shinny is 125+ years old and they did it there too-as well as Pebble in '10.
Kudos for going public-just let the players play a little.


I'm thrilled they went back to Merion but less thrilled that Merion was dubbed a "boutique" Open(by him). That said, the equipment debacle happened on his watch and now most courses are "boutique" for the elite bombers.


The driveable par 4 thing has jumped the shark(is using a ladies tee really all that creative?)-and frankly more par 4's than ever are driveable for the elite, and not because of creative setup.

[Ira Fishman]

I agree 100% on the failure to have the guts to address the equipment problems.


Ira

[Jeff Schley]

What really shocked me was when MD was proposing to use uneven slopes for teeing areas at Chambers Bay.  That was crazy IMO and I don't think it was actually done, thankfully he was talked out of it.

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/us-open-chambers-bay-uneven-lies-tee-shots

[Pete_Pittock]

John is a great person. Worked with him at a number of events when he was head of the PNGA (Washington state) in the 80s. He'll do fine. Less agenda?

[Kalen Braley]

Jeff S,

That's one of the things I wish they would have done, and not on an obvious slope but a subtle gentle one.  Those are the little things they should do to keep the pros on thier toes.


Jeff W,

I will continue your praise,  right on the money with your comments on this topic!

[Bruce Katona]

Let's see what the new guy has to offer; MD has some +'s (and a few more -'s).  I'd prefer to see the blue blazers in Far Hills begin to get the US Open set-up correct again and hoping for it.


Then again; several months ago right after the '18 Championship I proffered for this years US Open host club to call the lads in Augusta and ask if they could send up their course set-up guy and Championship Committee Chairman for the Spring of '19 (ANGC would be closed for the season anyway & this years event over) to run the USGA event since the green jackets do have running a top notch event down to a science; where the blazers in Far Hills have been hitting it as consistently as I did using a balata ball and a blade 2 iron.

[Kalen Braley]

Bruce,

I think that's a bit of apples and oranges.  When you hold an event at the same venue year after year, have the luxury of the back 9 at ANGC, especially on Saturday and Sunday, and near endless resources at your disposal, you almost have to be an idiot to mess that up.

US Open is different venues, (even if some are on the regular rotation), in different climates, with different club dynamics, and different goals for the tourney.

[corey miller]

If Chambers Bay is built (or the ground settles ?) with uneven slopes on the tees and Mike Davis want to use that area that is fine.


But to propose it as if this change needs to be made (is that what he did ?) is a little too far down the road for me.