By mustang6560 on 6/9/11

Mike Davis succeeded David Fay as the Executive Director of the United States Golf Association back in March under one condition - he still wanted to oversee the course setup for the US Open every year.

Since 2006, Davis has been the man in charge of course setup for the US Open as the senior director of rules and competitions. He made a name for himself over the last five years for graduated rough, varied tee locations, wider landing areas, conversions of dreary par 5s into risk-reward holes and most extravagantly, turning a medium par 4 into a drivable cutie.

And this year's US Open at Congressional is no different.

"This is one where I want them saying, 'I never thought they'd do this,' and we see them get out their yardage book and ask their caddie, 'Can we carry that?' " Davis said. "I think it'll be a classic example of impromptu course management."

Davis wanted to put extra emphasis on pre-tournament preparation this year so he's been relatively quite about the course setup. Instead of being accused of trickery, Davis wants players and caddies out scouting the course, which he thinks will help open their imaginations.

"Mum" might be the word inside the ropes, but Davis did share some insights into Congressional with Golf Digest. Davis provides his prediction, warning and setup twist for all 18 holes. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that some of the players used this as a resource to prepare for the Open.



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photo by Keith Allison