David Fay honored with ASGCA Donald Ross Award

David Fay, former executive director of the United States Golf Association (USGA), has been named the recipient of the 2025 Donald Ross Award by the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). The honor recognizes Fay’s pivotal role in bringing the U.S. Open to public golf courses, reshaping the championship’s accessibility and influence. Fay joins the legendary list of recipients which includes Herb Graffis, founder of Golfdom Magazine.

During his 21-year tenure as USGA executive director, Fay advocated for the national championship to be held at public venues, a significant shift from the tradition of private club exclusivity. Under his leadership, courses such as Bethpage Black, Torrey Pines South, Chambers Bay, Pinehurst No. 2, Pebble Beach and Erin Hills hosted the U.S. Open.

This move reflected a broader trend: Nearly 75 percent of U.S. golf courses are public, according to the National Golf Foundation. By showcasing public venues, Fay demonstrated that championship golf could be both elite in competition and accessible in location.

Fay’s efforts were supported by prominent ASGCA members and architects, including Rees Jones, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Bruce Charlton, Mike Hurdzan, Bill Coore and Dana Fry. The 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage Black, won by Tiger Woods, was dubbed the “People’s Open” and set a precedent for future major events at public courses.

Fay will receive the Donald Ross Award at the ASGCA Annual Meeting in Cape Cod, Mass., on Oct. 27. His influence continues to shape public golf, with Bethpage Black set to host the 2025 Ryder Cup. The recognition underscores the importance of accessibility in the game’s future, according to the ASGCA.

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