Georgia Southern University alumnus Mike Davis was named recently executive director of the United States Golf Association. Davis becomes the seventh executive director in the 116-year history of the USGA, after serving as senior director of rules and competitions since 2005.
     The United States Golf Association is the national governing body of golf for the U.S. and Mexico. The
USGA conducts 13 national championships every year, including the U.S. Open.
      The group also writes the Rules of Golf, conducts equipment testing, funds research for better turf and a better environment and maintains a handicap system.
    "I am humbled and extremely grateful to the United States Golf Association for the trust and confidence it has placed in me as the executive director," said Davis, who assumes his new responsibilities effective immediately.
     "I am passionate about the USGA and its mission.
      The work of the association is done by thousands of volunteers and hundreds of staff, whose collective efforts truly help better the game that so many of us love."
      Davis, 46, graduated from Georgia Southern in 1987 with a business degree (BBA). A native of Chambersburg, Pa., Davis is married to Cece and they have one son named Grant.
      They reside in Pittstown, N.J.
      Davis joined the USGA in April 1990 as assistant manager of championship relations. He was promoted to manager of in December 1990 and served in that capacity until his promotion to director of championship relations in October 1995. In 1997, he was promoted to U.S. Open Championship director, responsible for managing the day-to-day organizational activities for the U.S. Open. He assumed responsibilities as senior director of rules and competitions in 2005.
      "Mike Davis is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced administrators in the golf industry today and will be an ideal steward of thegame as the USGA's new executive director," said USGA President Jim Hyler.
      The executive director is the senior staff member of the USGA, responsible for managing all aspects of the association's day-to-day operations.